Page 42 of The Bookworm Who Stole Christmas
I’m still so mad at Parker for lying to me and for leading me on, but if people can forgive me for this, can I forgive him? He was trying to help, wasn’t he? I mean, I hate Christmas, but this town loves it. He was just trying to show me all the good things about it, and in the process, I fell in love. Is that why I feel so betrayed?
He places a gentle kiss on my forehead, breathing me in. “Let’s finish up here, and I’ll explain everything, alright?”
I give a tilt of my head in agreement and get to work.
Hours later, I’m dripping with sweat. We’ve managed to clear up the fallen ornaments, and the tree is standing again. One of the local recovery garages managed to stand it back up with the help of a few hefty men. It took a few tries, but at least it’s not lying on the ground anymore. The lights have been placed around as best as they could; no one had a ladder big enough at this time of night, so they had to be thrown around haphazardly.
Kids played in the snow, screaming in delight that they didn’t have to go to bed early, so they’re one hour closer to Santa arriving. Parker’s dad continued with the Christmas music, the somber tone ofSilent Nightlong gone. Now, in its place, Leona Lewis’sOne More Sleepplays loudly.
I’ll admit, after the initial embarrassment wore off, I began enjoying myself. It was the most I’d ever spoken to people in the town before. One by one, individuals made their way to me, offering words of encouragement and telling me not to feel bad about what happened.“It could have happened to anyone,” was my favorite.
Watching the children running around was a highlight I didn’t expect to enjoy so much. Add in Parker messing around with them, making snow angels, and my anger with him slowly ebbed. The Christmas spirit was finally getting to me.
“How are you holding up?” Samantha asks, standing next to me and offering up a hot chocolate.
I take the drink as I reply, “Good. Better than I expected. Everyone has been so kind. I really thought I’d ruined Christmas.”
“That would never have happened in this town, hon. We love Christmas too much here.” She chuckles, sipping her drink. “The town might be ornery throughout the rest of the year, but you can bet your ass that come the holidays, any sin will be forgiven with a smile on their face.”
“I guess I’m not used to it,” I reply.
“No?”
I shrug. “I grew up in a bad environment, so I’m used to being the butt of everything going wrong.”
Samantha gives me a one-armed hug as she places a kiss on my head. “I’m sorry you went through that, but I can assure you that won’t happen here. We’ll probably tease you mercilessly for the next fifty years about it, but that’ll be it.” She nudges my shoulder with hers, her eyes twinkling.
“Yay for me,” I reply jokingly. I blow outa breath, nervous for my next words. “I, uh, heard you and Parker talking at the garage.”
She tilts her head slightly in response. “I’m sorry for the part I played in that, Maddie. Both his and Amelia’s intentions were good, the finale not so much.” She sighs, a sad look on her face. “I did try to warn Parker, to tell him to come clean. You have to forgive my son, Maddie. He only ever wants to do right by people, but sometimes evenIwant to smack him upside his head for his stupidity.” She rolls her eyes, and I chuckle.
“He’s a good man, Maddie. Not perfect, but he’s kind. He’ll treat you the way you’ve always needed to be treated. You just have to let him in.”
Looks like I need to go and find Parker and offer my own Christmas forgiveness.
Chapter Twenty-Six
PARKER
Slapping my hands together to remove the snow, I glance around at a job well done. Everything is back to its original place, and everyone is cheerful and happily playing. My smile is wide as my heart expands with glee. This town never ceases to amaze me with its kindness and generosity.
Seeing Maddie standing off to the side with my mom, I head over, laughing as kids run amok under my feet as I go, not a care in the world other than what their current mission is. I ruffle Thomas’s hair when he runs past me, grinning as Jake throws snow at him. A hearty laugh leaves me at their antics.
Just as I get to Maddie, Mom walks past, giving me the eye, and I know I’m in for an ass whooping the next time I see her.
I can cancel Christmas and see my mom again in… oh, ten years or so, right?
Knowing my mom, she’ll hunt me down first thing tomorrow and drag me out by my ear.
“You ready to go?” I ask Maddie gently.
She turns toward me, happiness shining from her eyes. “Yeah, I’m ready.”
I hold out my gloved hand, and she places hers in it. I get her settled into the car and head home, needing to do some serious apologizing.
Opening the door to my house, I help Maddie out of her coat, hanging it up on the peg in the entry hall. I watch as she takes in my home, a sense of pride filling me at my accomplishment. The house is nowhere near done, but it's livable. Plastic sheets hang on some of the doorways to rooms that still need renovating; it's easier to have them there than look at the constant mess of the place. I’m trying to do it all myself, and it’s a slow process.
“Your house looks amazing,” Maddie says, glancing around.
