Page 37 of A Christmas Duet

He set the tree on the porch, balancing it against the railing. “I was able to find an old tree stand in the garage.”

“Great.” Hailey had been wondering how they were going to set the tree up once it was inside the house. “I have popcorn to string. How are you with cutting paper angels?”

“Best in my first-grade class,” he boasted.

“Let’s warm up first,” she suggested, eager now to rest a bit and chase away the chill. He might not need a breather after the long walk back carrying a heavy tree in the snow, but she did.

“Good idea.”

Hailey brewed cocoa while Jay lit a fire. They sat next to each other on the sofa, her shoulder touching his as she stared into the flickering flames. His arm came aroundher and she leaned her head against him. Tranquility filled her. Rarely had she experienced a time like this. It felt as if her anxieties had vanished and all was right with the world. Well, with her world, anyway. It was an amazing feeling and she treasuredit.

Jay set the empty mug aside. “I’ll get the tree.”

“What can I do to help?” she asked, unsure if there was anything she coulddo.

“Just tell me where you’d like it placed.” His gaze went around the room.

Glancing around, it seemed like the perfect spot was in front of the window, overlooking the yard and driveway. She hesitated, dismissing the most obvious site. “How about there,” she said, pointing to the wall in the dining room.

He nodded approvingly.

“While you’re getting the tree in the stand, I’ll pop the popcorn.”

“Don’t salt it,” he advised. “Otherwise, you’ll be tempted to eat it. Little in life smells or tastes better than buttery, salted popcorn.”

She agreed with a smile. Jay headed outside and she went into the kitchen.

Soon the tree was set in place and watered. While Jay dealt with that, Hailey accumulated what they’d need to create their own decorations. She felt as giddy as she hadas a preteen, working with her sister embellishing their own special tree.

Sitting across from each other at the table, they went to work, Christmas music blaring from the Bluetooth speaker she’d added at the last minute while packing. Occasionally, one or the other would break into song. Jay had a deep, melodious voice. His talent was obvious.

Because she hadn’t packed thread—and really, why would she?—Hailey was forced to improvise with dental floss to string the popcorn. It wasn’t nearly as easy as she remembered. Nevertheless, she labored away until she had a reasonable length. She made several popcorn strings while Jay went to work, proving he hadn’t been teasing about his first-grade paper angel and snowflake skills.

An hour later they had the tree looking as festive as they could with their less-than-optimal supplies.

Standing back when they’d finished, Jay placed his arm around her shoulders as they surveyed their work.

“It looks good,” he commented.

Hailey couldn’t keep from giggling. “I guess that’s what it means when people say beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”

Jay chuckled, too, then sighed and said, “I suppose I should get back to the store.”

Hailey hated to see him leave. “Does your mom need your help?”

He shrugged indecisively. “She said I should take the afternoon off, even though she’s short-staffed.”

The temptation was to urge him to stay so she could play him the song she’d started that morning and get his feedback. Sharing her music with Jay had been freeing and exciting. She craved his encouragement and he never disappointed.

“I could probably stay a bit longer.”

“Wonderful. I had an idea for another song this morning and—” She was interrupted by the sound of a car door closing in the distance.

“Are you expecting anyone?” Jay asked, frowning.

“Heavens, no. The only people who know I’m here are Katherine and…” Hailey gasped as she realized what she’d done, and placed her hand over her mouth.No, please no,she silently prayed.

“And?” Jay prompted, waiting for her to continue.

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