Page 51 of If You Give a Grump a Christmas Tree Farm
I nod.
Scotty pats JJ on the shoulder. “Man, your father has deserved that for a lot of years, JJ. About time someone put him in his place.”
A couple of other people clap.
JJ digs his wallet out, returns to the table, and drops a twenty to cover the drinks we never got, then we head outside.
I stalk toward the truck, so upset I can’t even talk.
“Becca, stop,” JJ calls, jogging to catch up to me, but I don’t slow until I’m standing next to the truck door.
He takes my arm and turns me, concern on his face. “Are you pissed at me?”
“No. I’m angry, but mostly embarrassed and so humiliated. Everyone in there heard those awful words. Oh my God, JJ. I’ve never seen that side of your father. Of either of your parents.”
“That’s because I bet you never stood up to them before.” He unlocks the door and opens it for me.
I slide inside, and he leans over me to buckle my belt. Something about the gesture makes everything hit home. JJ defended me, he protected me, stepping between me and his father like he was a physical threat to me, and I know without a doubt JJ would do the same no matter where or who the threat came from. It makes me feel safe for the first time in a long time.
He slides behind the wheel and starts the truck, then turns and studies me. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Yes. Thank you, JJ. No one has ever done something like that for me before.”
“Stood up for you?”
“Yes,” I whisper, staring at my lap.
“Not even David?”
I shake my head and feel his eyes on me for a long moment. “Well, get used to it. You deserve better. No one talks to you like that, not even my ol’ man. Understand?”
I nod, and he puts a hand on my chin, gently turning me to face him.
“Hey? Did you hear what I said? Because it’s important you understand. You deserve better, Rebecca. Don’t ever doubt that.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Rebecca—
On Tuesday, JJ is out in the fields cutting trees. He’s already got about twenty set up in the cash and carry lot, but he wants another twenty so the place looks full on opening day.
I stay behind at the cabin, working on getting the shed ready. We have a delivery coming soon.
Early this morning, UPS delivered three big boxes of the little black dogs I ordered. I’ve been attaching the logo tags and setting them out on the shelves JJ built me.
I hear a vehicle coming up the gravel drive and step outside.
The owner of Silver Bells Ornaments rolls up. He’s bringing us four boxes of ornaments, and I meet him at his truck and shake his hand. “Hello, Miles. Thank you so much for doing this.”
“No problem. I think it will work out well for both of us. Where do you want them?”
I show him inside the shed, and he sets them on the plywood table.
Miles has curly brown hair, glasses and a warm smile. He nods toward the display of stuffed dogs.
“That’s a great idea. I bet they’ll be a big seller.”
“I’m hoping all the kids ask their parents for one,” I admit.
