Page 45 of Stuck in Christmas

“I know you didn’t, but?—”

“But nothing. I don’t want publicity for what we’re doing here,” he interrupted, his voice rising.

I took a breath, trying to remain calm. “Listen, I knowyoudon’t want the publicity, but theprogramneeds it. You had hundreds more families than you had donations for, and I thought if we turned a spotlight on what the town was doing?—”

“You’d get a great story out of it,” he finished bitterly.

“That’s not it at all,” I insisted, but he was already shaking his head, the anger palpable.

“I’ve heard enough.” He stormed off, leaving me standing there, frustration mingling with disappointment.

Joe and Bonnie exchanged glances, observing Eli’s retreat before turning their attention to me as I stepped into the crowd of reporters, ready to face the fallout of my well-intentioned surprise.

I knew Eli wouldn’t come back, and it was because of me that the crowd of reporters was here on Christmas Eve. I had to do something to help the program, so I took the podium and turned my attention to the reporters.

“Thank you for joining us today. As you can see, the town takes in hundreds of donations from around the area,” I began, gesturing toward the piles of toys waiting to be wrapped. “We sort through them by age and gender, and then dozens of volunteers wrap everything up so these children have presents to open on Christmas morning. Our restaurant partners have graciously donated holiday dinners for all the families.”

The flash of cameras and scribbling of pens filled the air. A reporter raised his hand, curiosity gleaming in his eyes. “Who came up with this idea?”

“He prefers to stay anonymous,” I replied, a small smile forming. “But I can tell you he starteddoing this as a child and has been building the program ever since.”

Another reporter jumped in. “What else can you tell us about this man?”

My heart fluttered at the thought. “He’s smart and very talented, but he can also be quite stubborn when he sets his mind on something.” Laughter rippled through the crowd, and I couldn’t help but chuckle. “He’d prefer the world see him as one way when underneath, he has the biggest heart. He puts the needs of others before his own, is kind to strangers, and always gives 100 percent to his family. He’s thoughtful, sweet, and funny?—”

I trailed off, lost in my thoughts. I could almost feel his warmth as I imagined him leaning in to kiss me. “And when he leans in to kiss you, you’d be a fool not to kiss him back,” I trailed off, an invisible hand clenching my heart.

An awkward silence fell over the crowd, and I felt a flush creep into my cheeks.

The first reporter broke the tension. “He sounds amazing and perfect.”

“He is,” I whispered, almost too quietly for anyone else to hear. A soft sigh escaped my lips as I said, “A perfect person for me.”

Then the second reporter asked, “Then what are you doing here with us?” Laughter erupted again, and I found myself grinning despite the heat rising in my face.

“Good point,” I said, my heart racing. I started to run off but turned back to the crowd. “Thank you for getting the word out, and Merry Christmas, everyone.”

I sprinted over to Joe and Bonnie, adrenalinesurging through me. “Where’s Eli?” I called out, scanning the area.

Bonnie smiled, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Strangest thing. Our Christmas tree didn’t get delivered this morning.”

“You are the best.” I planted a quick kiss on her cheek.

Twenty-Three

That’s how I found myself in my running car at the edge of town, staring across the invisible line to the open road ahead. My heart raced with urgency.

“Okay, car, angel, God, Satan, Santa, or whoever calls the shots here. This is so important. We have to find Eli right now.” I glanced at the dashboard of the car, willing it to cooperate. “Work with me, car.”

With a slight hesitance, I pressed the gas pedal. The vehicle responded, inching forward until I felt that sweet rush of freedom as I officially crossed out of the town limits of Christmas, Mississippi.

“Yes!” I threw a fist pump into the air for good measure.

I slammed on the gas and headed to the tree farm. As I drove, my mind focused solely on Eli. I needed to find him. It felt like the weight of the world rested on my shoulders. The vibrant trees of Dinkins' Tree Farm came into view, and as I parked and stepped out, determination fueled my every move. I scanned the area until I spotted Eli.

With a quickening heartbeat, I walked up behind Eli, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement.

“Hey,” I called out.

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