Page 11 of A Buckeye Falls Christmas
Mallory rolled her eyes. “Yes, okay, fine. She has Beckett’s hair. I wanted a little mini-me with boring brown hair, but I guess I’ll have a little red-headed princess.”
“Speaking for redheads everywhere, I’m offended.” Beckett appeared at the table, a sleeping Maybelle resting on his shoulder. “I’m going to take her out to the car and settle her in. You ladies take your time.”
“You’re the best, Beckett. Don’t listen to this person,” Alice teased, kicking Mallory under the table.
“Love you both!” Mallory singsonged as Beckett left with the baby and the box of cookies he’d taken without his wife noticing.
“Any chance you’re free for a little retail therapy this week? Not only do I need to do all my Christmas shopping, but I could stand for a new outfit.”
Mallory clapped. “Yes, dear Lord, yes!”
“When is good?”
Pulling her phone from her purse, Mallory scrolled through her calendar. “Tomorrow my parents are taking Maybelle to have a grandkids day, so I’m free all afternoon.”
“I’ll meet you at Frick and Frack at noon,” Alice said.
“It’s a date.”
Both women scooted out of the booth and hugged each other.
“It’s so good seeing you, Alice. I’ve missed you.”
“Missed you more,” Alice agreed. While she wasn’t short on friends, she didn’t have any friends like Mallory. Keeping their girl time on the schedule was important to Alice, and she looked forward to playing catch-up with all she missed.
On their way out, Max waved from the counter. “See you ladies on Christmas!”
“Looking forward to it,” Mallory said, as Alice quipped, “You couldn’t keep us away.”
Stepping out into the winter chill, Alice felt around for her scarf. “And I think I left everything in the car,” she groaned, her forgetful nature still in tack.
Before Mallory could reply, both of their cars pulled up to the curb. James lowered the window, tossing a hat and scarf at his wife. “Here we are. Can’t have you turning into a popsicle.”
“You guys are still too freaking cute,” Mallory said, pulling Alice in for one more hug. “See you tomorrow.”
Beckett lowered the driver’s side window and waved as Alice got into the car. James had already turned on the heated seats and was playing her favorite Christmas station. “Ready to go home and write for a bit? Addy gave me some ideas for the next show, and I’m eager to get working.”
Alice leaned across the car and kissed James, taking her time to savor the flavor of his cinnamon gum. “Take me home, husband.”
“Anything for you, wife.”
