Page 39 of Blame It On The Reindeer

She rubbed her lips together and lowered her head.

“We can talk about all of the things I’ve done wrong in life, but that’s not going to change anything for you, Brody. You can be as angry with me as you want. But I hope that deep down, you’ll know that I have never stopped loving you. Even during my worst times, you were what brought happiness to my life. And I know I can never ask for your forgiveness, but I hope that maybe we can figure out how to live around each other now that you’re back in Sugarplum Falls.”

Her face was filled with hope as she said the words, but all it did was further solidify the anger that had knotted in my stomach.

“Who said I was back? I came to handle a few things and be done. My life isn’t in Sugarplum Falls. It’s as far away fromyouas possible.”

I caught a glance at the tear that slid down her cheek before I shoved the shopping cart out of the way and left.

Twenty-Four

Jasmin

“Sorry to bother you so much,” I said as I followed Hadley around to the back of Sugarplum Gifts. “I know that nothing can replace the sign, but I feel like we can’t just leave that area empty. I need something Christmassy that doesn’t screamfaking it until I make it.”

“I’m sorry things are so stressful right now,” she replied with a soft smile. “I can only imagine the extra pressure you’re feeling with the sign breaking and the whole debacle with the reindeer. Poor Mr. Truman, may he rest in peace.”

“It definitely wasn’t how I imagined things going this year. I plan so early, too, just to avoid having all of this stuff happen—yet it still does. I give up.”

“You can’t give up. You’re the magic maker who brings everyone together for Frosty Fest. Without you, this town wouldn’t know what to do.”

“I’m sure they’d figure it out. Probably while in line for one of Sam’s magical lattes or drowning their sorrows with Aiden over a glass of Dirty Reindeer Balls.”

“How about this?” Hadley offered, moving a pile of stuff off to the side to show me a snow globe-style ornament with Santa and Mrs. Claus kissing inside. I tried to focus on it, but my mind was immediately distracted by the baseball glove and ball.

“Where did you get that?” I asked, pointing at it.

Her brows furrowed in confusion as she set the ornament back into its box and pulled the glove and ball over.

“Mr. Secton has been bringing stuff over as he clears out the last of everything in the pawn shop. With him closing it down, there are some collectibles, so we’ve been buying them from him for the store.”

I held the glove in my hand and rolled it over, noticing how old it was—yet it looked brand new. Then I picked up the ball, and my heart sank.

Written in permanent marker were the words:

Merry Christmas, Brody

Love, Dad

My tears began to prickle as I realized what I was actually holding.

“How long has he had this?” I demanded, leaning forward to make sure I didn’t miss her answer.

“I don’t know.” She shrugged, looking alarmed by my sudden interest in it. “He didn’t say. I missed most of the conversation since I’m not management, but I know he said there were some personal things he was holding onto, hoping someday their rightful owner would come in to claim them. Why? What’s up with the glove and ball?”

I shook my head, a surge of excitement running through me.

“Can I buy it, please?”

“I... um... I don’t even know what the price is. It hasn’t been entered into the system yet.”

“I really need to have this. Just tell me a price or write my name down on an IOU. Whatever you need, but I really, really, really need this, Hadley.”

“You’re scaring me. What’s with this new baseball obsession?”

“I can’t explain it right now, but please.” I lifted my hands in front of me and begged, blinking my eyes to make her take pity on me.

“Fine. Take it. I’ll let them know to settle with you later. But if I get fired for this....” She pointed her finger at me and spun it in a circle.

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