Page 47 of Wedding Bells in Silverwood

“They won’t tell me. Probably some last-minute Christmas shopping.” Holly shrugged and giggled. “But it’s fine. I’m resolved to let the surprises come as they may.”

Mr. Mason elbowed her. “More time for us to bond. Speaking of which, I could use your assistance.”

Holly glanced over at Nick, who was elbows-deep in meal prep with Eddie.

“Absolutely.” Holly hooked her arm through Mr. Mason’s. “Lead the way.”

He escorted her to a room on the ground floor she’d never been in. Judging by the bed, dresser, and desk, she deduced it was his bedroom. It was quite tidy, and Holly wondered if Rachel kept after him or if Mr. Mason was secretly a neat freak. Holly spotted bottles of his medication on his nightstand.

“What’s up?” Holly asked.

“It’s a little embarrassing,” Mr. Mason began, closing the door, “but I can’t get my fingers to work as they used to. I’ve been trying to wrap these presents, but my arthritis is getting in the way.”

“No problem. I’d be happy to help.” Holly sat at the small desk and rolled out some of the wrapping paper lying on the surface. “Now that we’re alone, can you tell me how you’re really doing?”

“I told you. I’m fine.” He gestured to the first gift. “This one’s for Avery.”

Holly glanced up at him as she wrapped the paper around a jewelry box. She could tell he was attempting to change the subject. “She’ll love it.”

Mr. Mason fiddled with one of his shirt buttons.

“You know,” Holly began as she finished taping the paper, “my father was also a stubborn man.”

“Is that right?” Mr. Mason cleared his throat and handed her another box. “This is for Nicky. Don’t tell.”

“Yeah, he was.” Holly refused to allow him to take the conversation on a detour. “And when he got sick, he hid it from us.”

“Holly, dear. Really. I’m fine. I think I just got a little winded, caught up in the excitement of Christmas.”

“I was really worried about you.” She stood and squeezed his shoulder. “You’re family to me. You’re important.”

Mr. Mason rested a hand on top of Holly’s. His gaze was soft as he nodded. “You’re important to me, too. I promise I won’t hide it from you if I’m not feeling well enough.”

“Okay, you better not.” Holly pulled him in for a hug.

There was a knock at the door, and one second later, Nick appeared in the doorway with a suspicious face. “I hate to interrupt whatever mischief you two troublemakers are up to, but Holly, your mom’s here.”

Mr. Mason clapped his hands once and smiled. “Goody. Now the party can begin.”

“I’ll help you with the rest after dinner,” Holly whispered to Mr. Mason.

“You’re a star, Holly. Thank you.”

Nick stepped aside and let his father out of the room, hanging back until Holly approached him.

“What was that about?” Nick tugged Holly closer.

“Oh, you know. The usual Christmas hijinks.”

Nick shook his head. “Maybe I don’t want to know.”

Holly patted his bicep. “You’re a wise man.” She made her way to the kitchen, where she could hear her mother talking to Mr. Mason.

“It’s so nice you caught up with Emily,” Mr. Mason said. “Did you know that she and I went to school together?”

“What a small world.” Vivian turned to see Holly approaching. “Hi, honey.”

Holly stopped between her mother and Mr. Mason. “How was your outing with Rachel?”

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