Page 23 of The Snuggle is Real
Mrs. Lil, owner of Yuletide Yarns, stopped him with a hand on his arm. “How’s Dottie doing?”
“Oh, good. She didn’t want to brave the cold. Said she’d seen this parade a dozen times already.”
Mrs. Lil chuckled. “It is a cold one!”
Charlie held up a blanket. “Do you need some extra warmth?”
Mrs. Lil looked absolutely charmed. “Well, aren’t you a little angel come to rescue me? I’dloveanother blanket, dear.”
Charlie beamed at her as she handed it over.
“You got yourself a lovely little girl, Ford. Take good care of her.”
“I’ll sure try,” Ford said.
I stepped up next to him. “You’ll more than try. Charlie’s lucky to have you.”
He snorted. “Not really, but I’m all she’s got.”
He moved on before I could argue, and I frowned after him. Ford Donnelly had a real case of insecurity. I understood it when I thought only pride stopped him from asking for help. But was it something more?
Cal Evans called out, “Ho-ho-ho! Merry Christmas!” from the staging area. The parade would roll out any minute.
Charlie ran up to him. “Santa!”
“Well, hey there! What’s this? You have a present for Santa?”
Charlie thrust out a blanket. “In case you get cold.”
He took it with a bemused expression. “Santa’s got a pretty big coat. But my elf looks chilly.” He pointed to a woman dressed in all green. “Why don’t you pass this along to her?”
“Okay, but first, can I tell you what I want for Christmas?”
“If you make it quick. Santa has to go spread some Christmas magic.”
“Okay, but it’s a secret.”
Cal bent over and she whispered something in his ear. His eyes widened slightly then softened. He nodded along.
All he said was, “It’s what’s in your heart that matters. Santa has a way of knowing these things.”
“Really?”
“Really,” he said, brushing a white-gloved hand over her hair. “You just enjoy yourself tonight.”
Cal boarded a big sleigh—a much more impressive float than the sleigh I’d used to deliver Thanksgiving meals.
With a swell of music, the lights blazed on.
The crowd cheered as the parade marshal’s car rolled out to lead the parade. Santa’s sleigh was next. Reindeer floated ahead of it, looking as if they were flying through the night. The vehicle beneath the float blended into the dark street.
Behind it, a train laden with presents and Christmas canes rolled out. Then a sparkling white Frosty with blinking fairy lights.
Ford put down the box to heft up Charlie so she could see over the heads of the other people watching. Most of them had stood from their chairs for a better view, craning their necks to watch the spectacle.
It really was a sight.
Rebecca started past me with a few friends. I touched her arm. “Hey, thanks for the pie.”
