Page 20 of The Snuggle is Real
We strolled through the downtown streets, admiring lights and decor. And when we spotted the Festival Museum, I took Charlie inside.
Harvey, the museum director, flashed us a blinding smile. “Hello, there! How are you enjoying Christmas Falls?”
“It’s so cool,” Charlie said.
“We’re exploring until the parade gets started.”
Harvey grinned. “Well, you can get a nice preview of the parade by touring our exhibits. You can see how it’s evolved through the decades to what it is now.”
“That sounds fun, right, Charlie?”
We followed Harvey’s directions into the exhibit space, looking at old photographs of the town, reading about the history of the festival and checking out old float displays. When Charlie tired of that, we ventured into the large Arts and Crafts Fair taking place in the building.
Charlie found a few more items she wanted to add to her list for Santa. Becauseof courseshe did.
I spotted an old high school friend, Scott Jersey, selling the baby quilts he made. We weren’t close anymore because I wasn’t really close with anyone these days, but he flashed me a smile and wave, which I awkwardly returned.
That caught the attention of a nearby dark-haired guy selling homemade dog treats. His gaze burned into me until we’d rounded the corner to admire a table covered in extravagant holiday wreaths.
Charlie was most enamored with the hand-carved gnomes made by our resident artisan, Murphy Clark.
“They’re so cute,” she said.
This time, at least, I noted one small gnome that might not break the bank. I’d have to find time to come back on my own and see if Murphy had any inventory left.
It was getting late by the time we left, down a bag of cotton candy and a package of roasted chestnuts. Thankfully, we’d eaten at home before we headed out.
The parade would be starting shortly, but there was one more place I wanted to go first.
The Holiday Hope Foundation was right next door.
“Come on, Charlie, one more stop and then we can go get a good spot for the parade.”
“Okay.” She shivered a little, her thin coat not quite up to the job as the sun began to lower. I picked her up, giving her a ride and letting her cuddle against me as a windbreak.
I should have thought to bring blankets for the parade.
We went through the front doors, crossed a lobby, and stopped at a reception desk, which was currently empty. A bell sat on top of it.
“Wanna ring the bell?” I asked Charlie.
“Yeah!”
I leaned over enough for her to jam the metal button down. She did it three times before I stepped away, wincing.
Someone was going to think we were jerks.
A door opened down the hall, and the guy who’d delivered our holiday meal emerged.
“Hey, Ford!” Mason smiled wide. “And Charlie, right?”
“How do you know my name?” Charlie asked, sounding impressed.
“Your dad has a lot of friends in Christmas Falls. We’ve heard all about you.”
I bit down on the urge to correct him. I didn’t want Charlie to think I minded being called her dad. I’d love nothing more.
Mason continued. “So, what can I do for you today? I’ve got a brochure that outlines all our services.”
