Page 52 of Bear Creek Christmas
“Who is that? What’s happening?”
“Not sure. Aiden must have hired somebody new, but I’ve never seen it this busy in here before. Look over there.”
A sign hung above the register instructing patrons to pick up a ticket, fill out an order form, and turn it in at the counter. Neither Knox nor Levi could evenseethe counter from their spot near the door. Since he took up less room, Levi volunteered to squeeze his way to the front and find out what was happening. Multiple “pardon me’s” later, he reached the glass-fronted counter and came face to face with...
“Mrs. Kramer! What are you doing here?”
Blanche Kramer, wearing a white smock, hairnet, and plastic gloves, smiled pleasantly.
“Hello, Levi. It’s good to see you. Pick up a ticket and order form, dear. Just fill that out and put it right there in the tray. When it’s ready, I’ll call out your number. Forgive me, but there’s no time to visit!”
With Aiden presumably working in the back, Toby manned the busy cash register. Moving faster than Levi thought possible, Blanche filled colorful lime green and brown boxes with one hand while clutching forms in the other. Dazed, Levi ordered for both of them on one slip, dropped it off, and returned to his lover’s side.
Knox looked just as confused after Levi explained. They waited their turn amid a constant flow of customers in and out of the shop. Fifteen minutes later, Blanche called out their number, and they handed Toby the ticket. He reached for the order and gave them a mock-scathing look while he rang it up.
“This is allyourfault, you know. The whole world knows about this place now, and we can’t keep up! Aiden is working sixteen-hour days, even with my help after school. Blanche suggested this system when she started, and it’s helping, but we could use another person out front. If you know of anyone, send them in. Thanks for stopping byDelicious, and you two have a nice weekend.”
Blanche called out the next number, and Knox hurried them through the crowd and out the door, growling the whole way. He caught a whiff of Levi’s amusement before the man began laughing. The infectious sound got Knox started, and they practically giggled all the way to the truck. Levi finally spoke.
“So it’s all our fault?Dee Deestarted this whole thing, not me! I shudder to think what people would be saying if the show had been a dud.”
Knox pulled him close and kissed his cheek, rosy from the cold air.
“I feel sorry for Aiden, but at least he’s making good money. But Blanche Kramer? I sure didn’t see that one coming.”
Knox needed to make a delivery and see to some other jobs until they all met again for the second public performance of the day. Likewise, Levi intended to run errands this afternoon before they regrouped. When they arrived at the apartment complex, Knox kissed his mate thoroughly and made an announcement.
“I’m staying tonight, even if all we do is sleep. I need you.”
Levi kissed him, hands feeling up the big bear’s muscular chest.
“Thank you. I wanted to ask but wasn’t sure if you could. I’ll see you in a few hours, and Knox? I want you naked in my bed as soon as we can manage it tonight.”
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December 10, schoolChristmas concert
The crowd was so large that they set up chairs in the vestibule and hurriedly made additional copies of the program. Between word of mouth and all the media hoopla, those who missed the Fall concert made an extra effort to attend this one. Knox sat near the front where he could watch his mate in action. Levi’s love of Christmas music made this a special treat, and he’d been humming and upbeat since Thanksgiving, despite the rigorous work schedule.
A hush fell over the crowd as Levi entered, dapper in his holiday best—topped with a red and green plaid vest. He picked up a microphone to address the audience.
“Thank you for coming tonight. The program includes a mix of traditional hymns, popular songs, and a few numbers just for fun. My students have been working hard to bring you a bit of holiday joy, and we invite you to sing along with us as marked in the program.”
With that, he turned to a chorale group called the BC Singers, who started off withHave a Beary Merry Christmas.Knox could smell the crowd’s pleasure, and he swelled with pride, knowing his mate was responsible. Song after song elicited applause, laughter, and quiet reverence. For the finale, all the various choirs and small groups filled the platform to singWe Wish You a Merry Christmas.After the last note, the audience stood to their feet and filled the auditorium with applause, cheers, and whistles.
As he did the last time, Knox joined his mate in the crowded foyer to shake hands and visit with people. Teary-eyed, Blanche Kramer surprised Levi with a hug, thanked him for a wonderful evening, and made her way to the exit. The Shaws filed past, all smiles, and even Ezra declared the concert to be “pretty good”. One of the last was Levi’s boss, Matt Langtree, full of praise.
“Fantastic, Levi! Best holiday concert we’ve had for years. Knox, be sure to keep this man happy—we don’t want anyone trying to steal him away.”
Knox slipped an arm around his mate and grinned.
“I’m working on it, Matt. He can’t resist me.”
Levi elbowed Knox in the ribs.
“Who says I want to?”
Once the building cleared out, Knox led a worn-out Levi to the truck and took him to the cabin. He was determined to show him a good time this weekend, but tonight his mate needed some TLC and forty winks. The poor guy must be running on fumes, but he couldn’t completely relax until school let out for the holiday break in two weeks. Halfway there, Levi failed to stifle a huge yawn and then apologized.
