Page 33 of My Greatest Joy

“I’m going to put Dasher in the office while we walk around,” he tells me, leaving me on my own in the packed shop. The sounds of laughter and chatter fill the space as carols play overhead. A fifteen-foot brightly lit Christmas tree is the focus in the center of the room, and behind it is a large brick fireplace that I’d expect to see at a ski resort. A few people stand close to it, warming their hands.

I study the beautiful painting of the snowy Christmas tree farm that’s hanging behind the counter. It looks so realistic as if I could transport myself into the scene. My attention travels to the older woman ringing up customers, and I immediately know she’s Levi’s mother. They have the same kind eyes and smile. As soon as she spots me, she waves and makes a beeline toward us.

“You must be Fallon Joy!” She greets me like I’m an old friend of the family and wraps me in a hug. I awkwardly hug her back, not used to people being so friendly. I typically stay in my bubble.

“Yes, I am. You must be Mrs. White.”

“Call me Eloise. It’s lovely to meet you. I’ve heard so much about you.”

“Nothing good, I’m sure.”

She chuckles. “All great things,” she reassures me, but her tone holds a hint of amusement.

“Mom.” Levi returns. “I see you found Fallon.”

“You didn’t tell me she was gorgeous, Levi.”

My cheeks heat at how sweet she’s being.

“Must’ve slipped my mind,” he deadpans.

“Has my son been treating you well?”

“Yes, he has. Oh, I wanted to thank you for the coffee. It was greatly appreciated and so delicious.”

“Anytime. I keep a stockpile in the house if you need more. You should come visit sometime.”

“Thank you. You’re too nice. Why couldn’t I have been scammed into walking into your house instead?” I muse with a chuckle.

Levi rolls his eyes. “Why? So you could mace my poor old parents instead?”

“Levi Christmas White.Who are you calling old?” she hisses with a popped brow.

I bark out a laugh. “Please tell me your middle name isnotChristmas…”

He pins me with a glare. “It’s not.”

“No? Must’ve forgotten in myoldage. Should’ve been, though. I missed out on a perfect opportunity.” Eloise shrugs.

“I wouldn’t have survived middle school,” Levi mutters.

The line at the counter backs up, and Mrs. White notices. “Better get back to it. If you’d like anything from the shop, it’s a gift from the family. Please help yourself.”

“Thanks,” I say. “You spoil me.”

She pats me on the shoulder, then excuses herself.

“She’s very sweet,” I tell Levi. She reminds me of my mother, but I keep that to myself.

“Don’t let her fool you. She has a bossy side,” he taunts.

“I find that hard to believe.”

“C’mon, let’s go show you around.” Levi grabs my hand, leading me around the shop before we stop for hot cocoa.

“Whipped cream?” he asks.

I nod, and he hands me a mug. “Wow.” I take a sip.

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