Page 25 of Whiskey Kisses For the Mountain Man
And we’re live.
“Merry morning, Christmas crumpets, it’s LettieBells here, and I am ecstatic to show you something magical today.” I step aside and present the tree. “Isn’t she beautiful? She stands at forty-nine feet tall and has an origin story of resilience. Montgomery Farms in Oregon kept her secret…until now. And she’s ready for a new home just in time for Christmas.”
Live comments flood the screen, but they’re too far to read. I pitch heading over to Montgomery Tree Farms’ socials and voting for where you want this stunner to end up. Doesn’t hurt to gain public opinion on the fate of this beloved pine. All's fair in love and Christmas.
I promise to return with a tour of the farm before I end the live and fill out the forms with our bid. Harold offers a cozy apple caramel cider while I walk the property. I pass countless trees, touching their soft branches and smelling the tips. Harold offers to snip several fresh branches for me to take home. Who needs a candle?
I work at their property cafe for an hour, emailing Eden Ridge’s new mayor on location, permits, cleanup, and delivery. No pressure.
Reluctantly, I pack up my stuff and prepare for one more live before scheduling my ride back home. I hook my phone on a selfie stick and walk around, explaining the history of the Montgomery family, the farm, and other events they hold on site every year.
“Fellow Christmas crumpets, we need a name for her! Send your ideas in the comments, and the top three, I’ll set up a poll and we’ll decide.” I lean in as if sharing a secret. “Between you and me, our tree will make it to her new home and light up the night just in time for Christmas.”
“Lettie,” A booming voice shakes the nearby branches.
My back stiffens, and a shiver of warmth blankets me at the familiar tenor of his rasp. I slowly look over my shoulder.Wow.Two days has felt like an eternity.
He stands tall in a dark hunter green flannel coat, dark gray long-sleeve underneath, and dark jeans with black boots. Holy heck, my core squeezes.
I face him, shocked that he’s here. “What are you doing here?”
That ever crinkle between his brows puckers deeper as those thumping boots approach.
“Zoe saw your live on her phone, and Ezra called, asking me questions about the current budget. You failed to mention we’d have to bid for the tree. I thought it was a done deal?”
“I reviewed the details with Zoe two days ago.”
I stand confidently. Whether she passed that information down is another thing. I may have her support on this venture more than her significant other.
His confusion is palpable, but he pivots. “The budget is set. We need to approve all purchases. Especially a twenty-foot tree.”
“Fifty,” I correct. “Well, Forty-nine, technically.”
That’s when I remember. I look down at my hand, holding up the phone, and see comments flying down the screen.
Who’s the hot mountain man?
Is that your boyfriend, Christmas Queen?
OMG, is she banging him?
I bet he can keep her really warm.
OMG, he’s her #ChristmasMountainKing
“What?” he asks, suddenly closer.
“What?” I panic before smiling widely and fake at my beloved viewers. “Thank you for your support, and don’t forget to vote. Merry Christmas and Holidays to all. See you all soon. Christmas Queen, signing off.” I end the live before Owen can read the comments.
I unhook the phone from the selfie stick and put it away in my bag.
“What’s wrong?” he asks.
“Wrong? Why would anything be wrong? Want to see her? She’s stunning!”
“Who?” His eyes glance at my bag.
“The Christmas pine for the tree ceremony.”
