Page 55 of Love, Lies and Sleigh Rides
“I’m sure it’s very frustrating, but you have to appreciate”—he waved toward the wagon—“certain ‘allegiances’ don’t work here, whether it’s a cute wagon or not.”
“Again, I was hired to revamp the festival,” she said calmly, but there was no mistaking her growing animosity.
“No, you were hired topromoteit. And the truck was acceptable, but not the wagon.”
His mother touched his arm again. “Maybe we shouldn’t make a fuss about this. Let’s use the wagon. It doesn’t obligate us to the Clevelles for anything beyond today.” Her earnest expression hid a weariness. She was worried about Pops; he was too.
He groaned and shook his head. Mom didn’t want to make a scene. She was right, as usual.
“If you’re sure. I don’t want to make this day any more stressful for you.” Beside him, Fallon was silent.Silently fuming still, most likely.
“I am sure.” Elaine gave him a decisive nod.
He looked away for a few seconds, thinking. Around them, people filed into the auction house, anticipating the festive trees and the chance to revel in small-town Christmas spirit.
“That still leaves you with riding the float alone. I don’t like it.”
Fallon lifted her nose slightly, looking directly at him. “I have an idea.”
Hadn’t she done enough?“I’m all ears.”
“You should take your dad’s place as Santa.”
Elaine’s face brightened. “You know, that’s not a bad idea, Kade honey.”
He gaped at her.
“You’re right. It’s not a bad idea. It’s a terrible idea.” Him, Santa Claus? The ambassador of goodwill and holiday cheer? He’d burst out laughing if there was a shred of good humor left in him.
“I think it’s a perfect solution,” said Fallon.
Of course she would. Fallon also thought using a wagon owned by the same person harassing Pops about relinquishing a portion of their fourth-generation farm would be a good idea too.
“Think about it,” Fallon said. “Haven’t you been worried about what people think of you? What great PR it would be to ride through town dressed as Santa Claus.”
Elaine glanced between them, confused. “Did I miss something? You’ve never cared what people thought of you before.”
That’s part of the problem. He’d done whatever he’d wanted when he was younger, regardless of the consequences and the toll his actions took on his family.
“It’s nothing.” He paused with a slow shake of his head. “Fine. I’ll do it.”
His mother squeezed his face between her hands, smiling with giddy abandon. “I’ll run home and get the suit.”
Fallon turned away to go back into the auction house. But she stopped mid-stride and faced him.
“You act as if this was malicious on my part,” she said. “There was an opportunity and I took it. I get things done.”
“But some things are more complex than just another task to check off your list.”
Fallon didn’t buy it. She shot him a clearly fake smile.
“Thanks for the tip,” she said before she disappeared back inside the building.
* * *
Kade walkedinto the auction house a few minutes later. Across the room, Fallon was deep in conversation with Agnes, wearing the same irritated look as when he confronted Fallon a few minutes ago.
But Kade hadn’t come to find her again. It was Jed he wanted to talk to.
