Page 20 of Mistletoe Magic

Hunter

My phone ringingbrings me out of my sleep. I don’t even answer it, but notice Ava’s side of the bed is empty. What time is it? The sun is glowing. Once I find my phone, I have two missed calls from Brad. I listen to the voicemails as I get dressed.

“Fucker, where are you? It’s nine o’clock. We already have the decorations from Ava’s place.” Ugh. Why didn’t she wake me up?

“Okay, now I’m getting pissed off. It’s almost noon, and you’re still not here. Ava went out with the girls. Meet me in the lobby.”

“Son of a bitch!” I yell. I messed up big time. I can’t blame this on Ava for not waking me up. I’m a grown-ass adult. I get dressed in a t-shirt and a pair of shorts to head down to the lobby. My big brothers are standing there with their arms crossed.

“Where were you? Ava tried waking you up, but you pushed her away.”

“I did? I don’t remember. I didn’t even hear the alarm. I feel like an asshole.”

“You really let her down. She needed you.” Tony hits me in the back of my head. I rub it because it really hurts. “But she didn’t complain, instead told us you needed your rest when anyone made a comment about you.”

“I’ll make it up to her. I don’t know how, but I will. Okay. I need to get dressed and be over there early to help get the kids ready. What time is Chrissy going over there?” They tell me it starts at six and everyone is meeting there about four-thirty. It gives me time to go shopping. “Can I borrow a rental car? I need to go shopping.”

“I’m heading into Celebration to do some shopping. I want to get some gifts from here to mark this amazing holiday. Chrissy wants us to come here as much as we can,” Brad says.

“Especially since our younger brother will be living here.” Brad and Tony laugh. I don’t argue because I need to talk to my dad. We all get into Brad’s car, then head into Celebration.

Me: Thank you for letting me sleep, but I feel like shit for letting you down.

In minutes, Ava replies.

Goddess: I had a lot of help. I need you well rested for tomorrow.

Shit. I forgot tomorrow is the wedding. I sit in the backseat watching the scenery. What could I do for work out here?

“Do you think dad would okay me coming to live out here? Could we do a Wing Enterprises out here?” I ask my brothers.

“I bet you could. Would you want to do something like that out here or try your hands on something else? I didn’t see a woodworking place and mom always said you were good at making things.”

“Uncle Denny loved those Nutcrackers you’d always make Grammy and Grampy,” Tony reminds me.

I remember how my grandfather would allow me to work in his woodshop. Growing up, I had little money for presents. As soon as I received my allowance, I spent it.

“Not a bad idea. I saw a couple of empty shops.” Brad pulls up to an empty parking spot. We walk around until I find the custom jewelry store. I walk in and browse the merchandise.

“Hi, I’m Aria. Is there anything I can help you with today?”

“I’m looking to make a charm bracelet and also a necklace for a dress.” I describe the dress Ava brought to the hotel last night.

“We can do that. Follow me. I have bracelets already made and a lot of charms. I also do custom engagement rings as well.” Aria winks at me.

“Do you know Ava Richfield?” Aria nods her head. “The bracelet is for her. I’d like to have a Christmas tree, seashell, ice skate, heart, and a shot glass on it. As far as engagement rings go, I’d like a yellow heart-shaped diamond with the band in white diamonds. Price is not a problem.”

“Okay, now let me show you a few things as far as settings go. I don’t know her ring size, but you’re getting one hell of a lady.” Aria and I spend the next hour going over rings, and she has everything I want. I contact Jack, and he messages Lyssa. She bought a godmother ring from one of Aria’s employees, so she went to the records. She wrapped both for me.

“Thank you so much for your help.”

“You’re very welcome. Don’t forget to come back to buy the matching bands.” I thank her again as I walked out with my bag.

I find a booth that makes custom ornaments. I have them make one for everyone in the family. I tell Brandon, the owner of the ornament’s booth, that it’s our first time in Celebration, and he knows what to make. They turn out to be one of the most beautiful pieces of art I’ve ever seen or held.

I look around to see if there is a gift-wrapping booth, and I find one where my brothers are already in line. Their arms are full. What else should I be buying for Ava? I don’t know what she likes or what she needs. I think she’s going to be pissed with the gifts I already bought her.

“Well, did you buy her a ring?” Tony tries looking at my bags.

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