Page 24 of Levi

“I want to buy the dollhouse,” he announced with a grin.

Vanna frowned slightly, making Levi chuckle. “I couldn’t figure out why you wanted me to tell her I didn’t have lay-away when I do. I was hoping it wasn’t because you didn’t want her to have it.”

He laughed again. “No, no, quite the opposite actually. I knew you were confused, but I finally figured out what to get her for Christmas.”

“The furniture is included, so it makes a wonderful gift,” Vanna remarked.

“Yes, it does.” Levi nodded in agreement. “I’ll go get my truck and be right back.”

“Okay, I’ll get the furniture out, wrap it in tissue, and put it in a bag for you.” Vanna smiled at him.

“Thank you, I appreciate that.” Levi couldn’t help but think that Vanna was a beautifulwoman, but she couldn’t hold a candle to Kinley, in his opinion.

Levi made his way out of the store, heading toward his truck parked down the street.

Once inside his truck, he checked for any oncoming traffic before pulling onto the street. He turned right and then into another street. Levi pulled into an alley that ran behind the diner and through the parking lot, eventually ending up back on the street where Vanna’s store was located. He parked on the street in the nearest spot. He didn’t want Kinley or Addison to see him walking by with the dollhouse. He shook his head at the cost, but seeing how much Kinley wanted it made it all worth it.

Luckily, there was a parking spot just a few doors down from her shop. Levi quickly entered the store once again. Vanna greeted him with a smile.

“That was quick,” she remarked with a laugh. “I just have a few more pieces to wrap.”

“Yes, ma’am. I just circled the block,” Levi replied with a grin. “I was parked near the pharmacy, where Kinley works, so I had to move my truck. Didn’t want her to see me carrying this.”

Vanna chuckled as she handed Levi a box filled with all the dollhouse’s furniture. “Can you carry everything, or do you need some help?”

Levi carefully positioned the bag inside the house, making sure not to damage its contents. As he surveyed the item, he wondered how he could wrap it without causing any harm.

“If you have a large box, that would be helpful,” he asked politely.

“I’m sorry, I don’t have room to keep them here,” Vanna apologized. “As soon as a new dollhouse comes in, I either put it together or leave it in its original packaging.”

“That’s alright,” Levi said with a shrug. “If I can’t find one, I’ll stop by the Post Office and buy one, so I can wrap it for Christmas morning.” He handed her his credit card and she rang it up.

“I know she is going to be thrilled,” Vanna remarked with a smile.

“Yes ma’am, I sure hope so.” Levi smiled back gratefully. “Have a happy Thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas and thank you.”

“You too, and you’re welcome.” Vanna said before walking toward the door. “Let me get that and the truck door for you.”

Levi quickly checked outside to make sure Kinley or Addison weren’t nearby. Once he was certain the coast was clear, he nodded for Vanna to open the door, then made his way back to his truck. After Vanna opened the door for him, he carefully placed the dollhouse on the backseat. He couldn’t wait to see Kinley’s face when she opened her gift on Christmas morning.

****

It was a hectic day at the pharmacy on the day before Thanksgiving. Kinley was kept constantly busy with last minute shoppers, as many items were selling out quickly. Despite being a pharmacy, they also sold a variety of other products such as candles, jewelry, windchimes, holiday decorations, perfume, and lotions.

“I’m so glad we’re closing early today,” Kinleyremarked to Addison as she filled a prescription.

“Are you and Levi spending time together before tomorrow?” Addison asked.

“I want to ask him to spend tonight with me,” Kinley replied.

Addison set down the bottle of pills and looked at her. “Wait, you haven’t asked him yet? Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I’m expecting you both for dinner.”

“I’m afraid he’ll say no. He mentioned not having much of a Thanksgiving and Christmas growing up.”

“You need to ask him,” Addison insisted. “Call him. Now while we’re not busy.”

“Okay, I’ll just send him a quick text in case he’s busy,” Kinley conceded.

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