Page 40 of We Three Kings

“Delivery from Mr. Wiseman. Where would you like it?”

I stumble over my feet and my words as I jump up and rush around the counter. The lobby is elegant and sleek. No plants, no knickknacks, no magazines. My boss is never going to go for this. “Um. I don’t think I can accept it. I’m really sorry. For your trouble and bringing it all the way here and…”

They stare at me like I’m an idiot. Because I sound like one.

My chest stings with the thought of hurting Balthazar’s feelings after he’s so sweet to send me something I love. But I know London will hate it.

“What in the hell?”

Speaking of. Her throaty voice bellows from her doorway like the boss that she is. We all watch as she marches toward us.

Tall and elegant she could be a model on a runway, and the men gawk at her unsurprisingly. Impressive with her confidence and grace, she holds us all captive and silent.

The man holding the base clears his throat. “Delivery from Mr. Wiseman to Seraphina Snow. He told us not to let you refuse us, ma’am.”

Fear wobbles in his voice. I’m not sure if he’s scared of Balthazar or her or both. I cringe, expecting her to explode. She’s always been kind to me, but I’ve seen her easily crush men who disrespect or underestimate her.

Her exacting gaze examines him, then the tree, and then swings to me. Despite my loss of any sensible explanation, I open my mouth, but she flips up her palm.

The wicked smirk returns before she throws back her head and laughs. Deep and husky, like she’s never seen anything as hilarious as this in her life. “Ms. Fine?”

She shakes her hand at me, stopping any more words. I obey, and she lifts her head, nodding to the guys. “Put it anywhere she wants.”

With her order, she glides away, still chuckling to herself.

No one moves until the door closes behind her. Then their attention reverts to me. I point to the corner to my left. “Right there please.”

“You got it Miss Snow.”

Too stunned to move, I watch as one man unpacks a stand and then the other two maneuver the trunk into the black basin before twisting the metal screws into the wood and locking the vessel in place.

One guy points to the other sack. “There are lights inside. We’ll be right back with the rest.”

All three men hustle back to the parking lot returning with six more bags, a broom, dustpan, and jugs of water. They work quickly and silently, sweeping up the fallen needles and wrapping an exquisite silver skirt embroidered with snowflakes in glistening metallic thread around the bottom.

I have never seen anything more wonderful. I stare at the decorations, and the guys stare at me.

A tip. They’re expecting a tip. Shoot!

I grab my purse. I only have ten dollars that is supposed to be for the bus this week, but I’ll have to figure out something later. It’s not enough but it’s all I’ve got.

“Oh no miss. It’s taken care of.”

Of course, it is. Balthazar is so generous. “Okay then, thank you very much. It’s just beautiful.”

With head nods andyou’re welcomes, they back out and are gone. I’m left alone with my tree.

The most perfect Christmas tree I’ve ever had in my entire life.

I have no idea how to thank Balthazar for his generosity. But somehow, I have to. I need him to know how much this means to me.

Balthazar

London:What the fuck? You’re ridiculous.

My friend’s chastisement cracks me up. I use her text as confirmation of delivery.

Me:Fuck you. Your scheme worked so stop bitching.

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