Page 5 of Christmas Wish

Chapter Five

Holly

Holly wandered aimlessly around town a few days later. Occasionally, she consulted with the map she held in her hand, but the old women she came across with in town had been exceptionally kind and helpful to her. Apparently, they had been her grandmother’s friends.

“Mrs. Dalenger was the one true friend I had ever had. Her kindness was insurmountable. Boy, was she so brave and strong,” Mrs. Anthony said. Their words warmed her heart. She was proud to be related to such a wonderful woman.

Her tummy rumbled loudly, so Holly searched for a restaurant on the map. She found a small one close by with a beautiful, soothing ambiance. She settled down at a chair facing the open window and brought out her phone to reply to her mother's incessant texts while waiting for a waiter.

Just then, a figure blocked the light that streamed in from the window. When Holly raised her head, her heart nearly stopped at the sight of the dashing town sheriff. Charles looked quite dapper in his well-pressed white shirt and black jeans. He also wore a black hat and long boots that stopped just above his knees.

“Hello. Can I join you?” he asked, smiling.

She nodded, unable to speak. His presence always took her breath away. Charles sat down on the chair opposite hers and pulled off his hat. Holly hadn’t seen him since the day he helped her move in. He seemed to have filled out more.Did he work out every day? Why were his lips so pink, full, and succulent?She had the irresistible urge to nibble on his lower lip, but Charles shook her head to clear the image that formed so strongly there.

“So, how are you settling down?” Charles opened the conversation lightly.

Holly dropped her phone on the table before speaking. “It’s been eye-opening. I’ve been wondering why my mother kept me away from this town and my grandmother. Everything I’ve heard about her has been so wonderful. I wish I met her,” she replied.

He folded his hands across the table. “She desperately wanted that, too. Holly, you don’t have to worry about it now. The past should be in the past. You are here now. What you do now is all that matters,” Charles advised.

Holly loved how wise he sounded. He seemed mature, dependable, and reliable – fitting for his role as a town sheriff.

“Thank you, Charles,” she said. A server walked up to the table before she could say more, pen and pad at hand. They placed their orders and continued talking until the food was brought out. After their lunch, Charles walked her back to the bed and breakfast while pointing out the prominent buildings and areas of the town. Surprisingly, Holly found him hilarious and entertaining. He had such a gruff appearance that it was so hard to imagine him to be either.

At the front porch, Charles hung back and waited for her to open the door.

“Do you want to come in?” Holly asked, holding the door ajar. She saw hesitation in his face, as if he was contemplating if he should take her offer. After a minute, Charles shook his head. He fiddled inside his pocket, brought out a silver-plated card.

“If you ever need anything, here’s my number. You can call me anytime,” he said. She accepted it and admired its intricate and very tasteful design. The gesture felt like a secret invitation to his heart.

“I won’t forget,” Holly replied with a smile.

He waved goodbye and strutted off in assured strides that made him even sexier. Holly watched his back until he turned the corner.

Chapter Six

Charles

Mistletoe had become busier than usual. It was only Thanksgiving in a few days, but tourists already poured into town as the residents mixed their Christmas and Thanksgiving decorations.

During his daily patrolling rounds, Charles spent more time controlling the traffic that had suddenly sprung on them than he did actually protecting the town from thieves and hoodlums. His eyes darted to his phone again expectantly. It had been almost a week since he gave Holly his card. He spent the last few days waiting for her call. Surely, she must have some questions about something or need help with fixing stuff around her place. Why hadn’t she called him yet? Would it be insane if he went to the B&B?

Charles rounded a corner, his eyes fixating on a group of strange young boys wandering around the new toy shop. A few years ago, there had been a theft at the jewelry store downtown. As it turned out, a group of tourists had been behind the heist. They came into town, knowing that it would be incredibly difficult for the old sheriff to catch them. He didn’t want to let that happen again – not under his watch.

The town square buzzed with people going about their business, preparing for Thanksgiving. Charles drove slowly, carefully observing and searching for someone. He found her standing in front of the giant turkey wearing a Santa hat in the center of town. Holly's face glowed in happiness, nearly making him laugh out loud. Everyone had the same reaction the first time they saw it. It was one of the most viewed artifacts in Mistletoe.

Charles parked his car and joined her. When he got closer, Holly’s sweet smell filled his nostrils.Was it lavender?Her hair had been braided tightly, too; its gloss shone brightly. He wanted to run his fingers through it, but he held back.

“Amazing, isn’t it?” Charles whispered into her ears from behind, making Holly jump up, startled. He laughed throatily. Her reaction was so cute. Everything about her was really cute and beautiful.

“Yes, it is! Is it Santa’s turkey? Is it remotely related to Santa?” Holly uttered, settling beside him. She cocked her head to study the sides of the turkey.

Charles shrugged. “Mark loves to do this. To be honest, it’s actually very nice. Everyone who comes to Mistletoe loves it, so we just do it every year. The concept is just wonder, I think,” he said.

“I see it now,” she said, laughing.

People walked past them, but none of them mattered to him. He was focused on her laugh. "’Got any plans for Thanksgiving?" Charles asked.

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