Page 124 of Sin With Me
"Okay, but it's self-serve only."
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Wilder
The past three days at Willow Branch Mountain have been some of the best days I've had in years. Spending it with Delilah, getting hermostlyto myself, and learning new things about each other still has me in the best mood by the time I arrive at the shelter Sunday afternoon.
I hate that I'm missing another family dinner, but Delilah will be there, and if there's anyone I trust to handle my family's antics, it's her.
"Wilder!" Miss Tierney smiles wide, greeting me with a hug. "We've missed you 'round here."
"I'm glad to be back. Where do you need me tonight?"
It's the night before Christmas Eve, which means it's going to be packed. As sad as it is to think about so many people who aren't with their families this time of year, I'm glad I'm able to be here and help them have a holiday dinner.
"All hands on deck tonight, so you'll be servin' up front and then doin' dishes in the back. You might end up stayin' later than usual."
"No problem. I gave my wife a head's up I'd be late tonight."
"Wife? When did that happen?"
She looks thoroughly shocked and my mind goes back to when Delilah asked a million questions about Miss Tierney and if she was married or not.
"A couple weeks ago."
She arches a brow, folding her arms. "When you were in Vegas?"
"Yep." I beam. "And then we took a mini honeymoon."
"Oh..." She plasters a smile on her face. "Well, congrats!"
"Thank you."
"Everyone's wearin' Santa hats or reindeer headbands, so feel free to pick one from my office."
"Sure, will do."
Then she's off making sure everything else is ready to go before the doors open.
Once the line of people enter, we stay busy for a solid two hours. The cooks bring out pan refills and then take back the empty ones I'll clean later.
Once the line comes to an end, I walk around and offer to clear their plates from the table. I enjoy this part of the night because it means I get a few seconds to chat with them and ask how they're doing.
One of the little boys comes up to me and hands me something wrapped in a white grocery bag.
"What's this?" I ask him.
"I made it at school."
"It's for me?"
I feel bad that I don't have anything to give him in return.
He nods frantically, nearly jumping out of his shoes. "Yeah, open it!"
I unravel the tape and open the bag, then reach in to grab it.
"Oh my gosh, Sam." My jaw drops at the wooden photo frame decorated in red and green painted pasta noodles. Butthat's not what has my emotions in overdrive. Inside is a photo of us from my first weekend volunteering here.
