Page 88 of More Than a Helping Hand

“My love, you are not a bother. And I have earbuds in, so I can work and talk at the same time.”

I run back inside and snag a blanket off the couch. And with it draped over my arm, I pour myself a cup of coffee. “Another of your many talents.”

His laugh lights my insides on fire. “I have many more to be discovered.”

I snuggle into a lounge chair with the blanket tucked in around me. “I’m looking forward to that.”

The line goes quiet for a moment. Then Anderson whispers, “Me too.”

In the background, Parker starts whistling.

“Is my brother trying to let you know that he’s within earshot?”

“I think so. And I should be kind to him. He knows where I live.”

I sip my coffee, enjoying the jolt and the warmth. “I love you.”

“Love you too.”

The back door opens, and my alone time is over. “People are waking up, so I’m going to hang up. But I’ll see you soon.”

“Yep.”

Paisley sits in one of the other chairs, and Mom joins us on the porch a second later.

“Are we sure someone is watching the tree? More accurately, the gifts.” I take another sip of coffee.

Paisley nods as she drinks hers. “Chris is camped out in the living room with a cup of coffee. Were you on the phone with Anderson? He’s coming, right?”

“Yes. He and Parker are doing some stuff in the barn, and then they’ll head this way.”

Mom grins. “I’m so happy he’s joining us.”

Paisley bobs her head. “Me too.”

“Me three. I’m excited and nervous. Thanksgiving was such a whirlwind. Awesome, but chaotic. If you’d told me that at Christmas, I’d openly admit that I was in love, I’d have laughed in your face.”

Mom leans forward, resting her arms on her knees. “He’s a good one. I see how he watches you and springs into action if you need something without anyone asking him to. And seeing the way he is with Bailey makes my grandma heart so happy. I think the third time is a charm.”

“He’s a charmer. That’s for sure.” I study Mom’s expression for any hint that my present from Anderson will involve a diamond.

As much as he’s been around my family, I know he’d talk to my dad. But if he has, Mom must not know.

* * *

Anderson hasthe sleeves of his flannel folded, which only highlights his forearms. Bailey settles a Santa hat on his head, then sits on his lap. Mom is checking tags, and everyone else is finding places to sit.

Soon, this room will have colorful paper strewn everywhere.

I’m perched on the arm of the couch next to Anderson, almost as excited as my daughter about presents. But the best gifts of all are sitting in this room.

Mom hands out a round of presents, and opening officially begins. When Mom hands Bailey a present from Anderson, I hold my breath.

As she tears away the paper, he whispers, “I have another present for you, Munchkin, but I’ll give it to you later.”

Delight sparkles in her eyes at the thought of more presents.

She opens the big box and lifts out a conch shell, one that Anderson bought when we were at the coast. “A cool shell!”

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