Page 42 of If You Give a Grump a Christmas Tree Farm
“Amanda, Eric, this is JJ. JJ, this is my sister, Amanda, and my brother-in-law, Eric.”
“Nice to meet you.” I lean around Rebecca and shake both their hands.
“Likewise,” Eric returns.
“How’d you two meet?” Amanda starts with the questions, but luckily the choir troops out in their white robes and silence falls over the congregation.
“Which one is she?” I whisper, scanning the nervous faces.
“She’s in the second row, next to the redhead.”
I spot a small girl who can’t be more than seven. She has long brown curls, just like Rebecca, and rosy cheeks.
The children sing several songs accompanied by the organ, and boy, does it bring back memories.
The children exit and change out of their choir robes.
When the little girl returns, she is in a fancy red dress with a big tulle skirt and comes bouncing down the aisle to our little group.
“Did you see me, Aunt Becky?”
“Of course I did, Sophia.” Rebecca leans close like she’s telling a secret. “And you were the best one up there.”
The little girl’s face lights up.
“How about we all go to The Frosty Spoon and get some ice cream? My treat,” Rebecca offers.
“Oh yes! Please, can we?” Sophia begs.
“Of course we can.” Eric shrugs into his jacket.
“Are y’all okay with walking? Getting some fresh air?” I ask as I hold the door open for them to pass through.
“That sounds lovely.” Amanda loops her arm through Eric’s.
We walk up Noel Street, twinkling lights and garland streamed across every window and doorway.
“How’s working the farm? How’s it going with your biker gang brother-in-law?” Amanda asks.
I chuckle, but Rebecca noticeably swallows, clearly nervous at being caught talking about me in not the best of light.
“Um, JJ and I are getting along just fine.” She looks at her sister pointedly.
“Wait!You’rethe brother?” Amanda’s eyes widen.
“Amanda!” Rebecca snaps.
“I mean… no judgment.” She holds up both hands in surrender. “No judgment at all.” She waits half a heartbeat before continuing. “Except, hisbrother? Really, Rebecca? I thought this was a guy you were dating. Not your brother-in-law.”
Great, another person who doesn’t think she should be with me. Get in line.
“First off, he’s a nice guy. Second…” She taps her second finger as she makes her list. “I’ve met his club brothers, and they’re actually quite gentlemanly.”
I almost snort, and Rebecca shoots me daggers.
“Third, we’re not actuallytogethertogether. He agreed to come to keep you from hounding me about a boyfriend.”
“I see.” Amanda purses her lips. “I guess that’s good. I can’t imagine what your family would say if you started dating your brother’s widow, JJ.”
