Page 58 of The Christmas Romance Wish

Alex chuckles. “I have to stop at the store to pick up a few items. They have a deli there with great sandwiches.”

Having seen much of Holidayle from above, I now know Wild Warriors HQ is on the outskirts. We’re getting closer to the central area with the lake, but stop a few streets shy of the main drag.

Wreaths with big red bows dot the columns in front of the country-style market with a wide plank covered front porch complete with rocking chairs for weary customers. But when we get inside, I realize it’s much larger, almost the size of a department store.

There’s a deli in front, but Alex gets a shopping carriage.

“I thought you said you needed to get a few items and grab lunch.”

“I do.”

He consults a list and then puts a bag of confectioners’ sugar, a jar of ginger spice, and a few other containers in the cart. Then we go deeper into the store.

“Just a couple more things,” he says.

I have to admit, seeing a man of Alex’s stature pushing a shopping cart and doing domestic things is attractive because it’s so out of place, especially given the fact that not more than an hour ago, we were in a helicopter.

He pauses in front of a holiday display. “Ah, just what I was looking for.”

Instead of looking at the décor and supplies, I’m studying him. I know much of his life story, at least during his time in the military, but there’s more to him. So much more. A hopefulspirit, a generous heart, and lips that could kiss the Grinch right out of me.

Alex turns his gaze to me. “What’s missing?”

“What do you mean?”

“We’re missing something back at the ranch.” He picks up a golden reindeer figurine in one hand and a pinecone-shaped mug in the other. “What about these?”

“You want more decorations?”

“I want it all.” But instead of browsing the display next to us, his eyes are on me.

Then, like a greedy raccoon, he fills the cart while I protest, but that only encourages him.

We reach the apparel section and Alex nods at the winter boots display. “Pick out a pair and whatever else you need.”

“I’m not going to argue with you about that, but I think we’re going to need another cart.”

“Definitely. I have to fill Santa’s sack for the church event on Christmas Eve.”

“Alex, are we on a shopping spree?”

“Christmas isn’t only about the stuff, but yeah. We’re going to decorate the heck out of the house and make some kids very happy tomorrow. Well, if you want to partake. You could be Mrs. Claus.”

And that’s how I end up in the dressing room trying on a beautiful white dress with a fitted bodice and a wide skirt that reaches the floor. There is lace, sequins, and tulle. Fur trim. It’s outrageous, a confection, and a delight. It’s what I imagine a young Mrs. Claus would’ve worn on her wedding day. I read a sign that says a local woman designs and sews them for the Mr. and Mrs. Kringle festival.

I peek my head out to show Alex, but he’s not there. From nearby, I hear the low rumble of his voice.

“We’ll be running another program this winter. Hit the website and enter your info. We’ll get you on the mailing list. Also, stop by HQ on Wednesday nights. We run a free seminar.”

The two confer, so I decide to get dressed and surprise him with the gown later. Plus, I have hat hair which kind of ruins the look.

I follow Alex’s voice and find him by the deli where his stomach grumbles.

“Hungry?” I ask.

His gaze gobbles me up as I twirl the dress in my arms. “I’ll wear this only if you put on the Santa suit.”

“We’ll see. But next time, I’ll have to remind you not to shop on an empty stomach.”

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