Page 26 of Levi

“I am lucky, aren’t I?” Kinley laughed.

Celine laughed too. “I’ll see you later. Happy Thanksgiving to you both.”

“Same to you.” Kinley hugged her again before watching Celine walk away.

“Ma’am, do you need some help?” an employee asked as Kinley browsed through the boots.

“Do you have any other sizes of these boots in stock?”

“We actually have some in the back. What size are you looking for?”

Kinley told him her desired size and description, then he disappeared through the double doors leading to the stockroom. She sat on a nearby bench, patiently waiting for his return. A few minutes later, he emerged with a box, hopefully containing exactly what she wanted. She hopped up from the bench eagerly.

The employee lifted the lid of the box and held it out for Kinley to inspect. She carefully removed one of the boots and examined it before placing it back into the box.

“These are perfect. Thank you so much,” she said gratefully.

“You’re welcome. Happy Thanksgiving,” he replied with a smile before walking off to assist another customer.

With the gift in hand, Kinley made her way to the front of the store where she stood in line to pay for her purchase. After completing her transaction, she eagerly drove home, excited towrap the boots and await Levi’s arrival.

****

After leaving the Post Office, Levi drove up to Cody and Addison’s house, parked his truck, and walked across the porch. He knocked on the door and smiled when Addison answered it.

“Hey, Levi. Come inside, it’s cold out there.”

“I have a request before I come in. Can you wrap two gifts for me?”

Addison grinned. “Of course.”

“Thanks, I’ll go grab them.” Levi sprinted back down the steps, opened the back door, and retrieved a large box before placing a smaller one on top. He returned to where Addison was waiting and she held the door open wider for him to enter the kitchen. Levi set the boxes on the table.

“That’s huge,” Addison exclaimed.

“Hey now, watch who you say that to,” Cody joked as he entered the room, causing them both to laugh.

“You’re terrible,” Addison playfully scolded him before turning to Levi. “Is this for Kinley?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“What is it?”

Levi hesitated and glanced at Cody who shook his head subtly.

“Kinley will tell you Christmas morning, I’m sure,” Levi said.

Addison looked at Cody with narrowed eyes.

“I won’t tell her, I promise,” she pleaded, looking at Levi again.

Levi let out a sigh; he was caught between arock and a hard place. He looked at Cody again, who shrugged this time.

“It’s a dollhouse with furniture,” he admitted.

Addison gasped. “The Victorian one from Timeless Treasures?”

“Yes, we were there earlier and she told me how much she loved it. So, after she returned to work, I went back to buy it.” Levi shrugged.

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