Page 35 of Bear Creek Christmas
Knox picked up Levi on Saturday morning for a trip into Wilkes Barre, claiming he needed help with some shopping. Their arrival at the home improvement store piqued Levi’s interest, wondering how he could be of any use at a place like this. Knox led him past the tools, lumber and paint until they reached the seasonal aisle, bursting with holiday decorations and eager shoppers. Knox finally explained.
“I need some stuff for the cabin and have no idea what to buy. I’ve never decorated it before.”
Jaw open, Levi gave him a withering look.
“What? No Christmas decorations? At all? Whyever not?”
Knox looked down, huffing in distress.
“It’s always been just me, so I never bothered. Pick out stuff you like. Anything you want.”
Levi caught on that this was important to Knox.
“But it’syourhome, and I might choose the wrong things. Are you sure?”
Knox reached for his hand.
“I know how much you love Christmas, and this will be your first one in Bear Creek. I’ll like whatever you pick. Please, Levi?”
The big bear looked kind of lost standing there, trying to do something special for him without actually saying so. Levi pecked him on the cheek, unwilling to disappoint the man.
“Are we talking about inside, outside or both?”
“Just the inside, I think. Nobody can see the outside from the road.”
“OK. Do you want a real or artificial tree?”
Knox wrinkled his nose.
“Real. There are plenty near the cabin I can cut down.”
“All right then, let’s get started. I’ve never decorated a whole house before. This should be fun!”
Levi began with a tree stand, skirt, and decorations, always asking for Knox’s opinion. They filled the cart with twinkle lights, garland, stockings, knick-knacks, and some holiday-themed hand towels for the kitchen and bath. Next came a beautiful wreath to hang on the front door, a small centerpiece for the kitchen table, and some scented candles that Levi claimed were must-have.
Just when he thought they were done, Levi realized there was one essential thing missing. It took some hunting, but he finally found the item and put several in the cart. Knox looked askance at the scraggly sprigs of plastic greenery.
“What are those for?”
“Mistletoe! We’ll hang them up around the cabin so you can steal kisses when I’m standing underneath.”
Levi held a sprig over his head, and Knox swooped in for a toe-curling lip lock. Knox growled, Levi blushed, and a nearby shopper chuckled in passing.
“Hey, it works! Good idea, mate.”
As they neared the register, Knox reached for his wallet. Levi put a hand on his arm to stop him.
“I know you did this for me, and I truly appreciate it, but I insist on paying for half.”
Knox growled and huffed, but Levi wouldn’t budge.
“I will not take advantage of your generosity, so we split the cost or put it all back.”
“But Iwantto do this. I want you to be happy.”
“Youmake me happy, and sharing this expense makes me happy too.”
Knox wasn’t sure what to do. Taking care of Levi was his responsibility, but this wasn’t about the money. His bear wanted to prove to their mate that he would never want for anything. Truthfully, Levi had been standing on his own for years without help. Knox needed to learn that having a mate meant give and take on both sides, starting now.
