Page 79 of We Three Kings

He motions to the back of the tractor. “Unless you’d like a chain saw sir.”

Too dangerous for our girl. Plus, I look forward to the physical effort. “No, this is fine.”

He steps back, holding up work gloves for me that have actually seen years of work. “When you’re ready for me, just let me know.”

We leave him waiting on the road and walk down the first row. She’s adorable scanning the evergreens so intently. “You said you want the most fragrant tree, and these balsams are the best choice.”

She grabs the tip of a branch and brings the limb to her nose. The way her eyes drift shut when she breathes in the pine scent makes me want to give her everything her gentle heart desires. Such a simple gesture that gives her—and me—pleasure. “Do you like it?”

“I love it.”

Despite the chill, my blood races hot in my veins from her breathlessness. “Then start picking.”

With my command, she returns to her search. Her head falls back to let her see the top of a sixteen-footer. The sun catches on her long hair peeking out from the hood of her oversized shiny coat, and she genuinely looks like an angel shimmering in the rays.

She circles around the expansive base, fluffing through the boughs to ensure no bare spots, I would assume. “What do you think?”

“This one is for the foyer. It’s majestic and everyone will feel Christmasy as soon as they walk in the house.”

The unbridled sincerity in her comment stirs something in me, and I decide to host a party just so she can experience people enjoying her tree. “Then let’s cut it down.”

Dropping to my knees, I explain the process, chopping as close to the ground as possible and using short quick strokes so the saw doesn’t get hung up. “Grab near the top and tug slightly in the direction it’s falling. That helps the blades go through easier and avoids ripping the bark. We want to make sure it re-sprouts.”

As obedient as expected, her red gloves wind between branches and curl around the trunk at her eye level. Her head bobs earnestly as she absorbs everything I’m explaining to her.

Reluctant to lose sight of her magnificent face, I force myself to drop to my stomach and get to work. The exertion feels good, way better than the monotony of the gym and after a few minutes the tree leans into her palm. “You got it up there? It’s coming down in a second.”

“Yes! I’m ready.”

Another chuckle rattles my chest from her solemnity. I’ve laughed more today with his girl than I have in the past year. No one is as serious about their duty as she is.

A crack from the final force snaps in the still air, and she catches the weight with both hands. I should hustle like a gentleman to take the burden from her. But the pure ecstasy in her expression from holding up her first real Christmas tree all by herself slows my steps. We both absorb the perfect moment. Her gorgeous chocolate eyes catch mine, and she grins at me like no one ever has. “Nice job.”

Seemingly impossible, yet her smile glows brighter from my praise. I help her lay the fir down and grab the newly exposed end. “I’ll haul this one to the wagon and then you can pick out another.”

She tries to help, grabbing onto the wood behind my hand. With our size difference and the bulk of the trunk, she can’t manage anything but sloping forward and bumping into my arm. “I’ve got it little one.”

Disappointment mars her joy but she minds me, releasing the base and standing straight again. I need her excitement back and point to a small scotch pine on the edge of a rebuilding field. Too small for most people, the miniature would be perfect for my idea. “What do you think about that one for my office?”

Her normal jubilant cadence returns, and she bubbles with enthusiasm. “It’s just the right size not to take up too much room but still be festive.”

And, gives reason for her to be in my space that much more. “That’s what I was thinking too. My hands will be full so you’ll have to drag it back.”

The possibility of a job for her petite stature eliminates her earlier frustration, and she practically floats beside me as we make our way to the modest tree.

Of course, I could have Joseph bring them both out for us. Hauling them ourselves gives us more time together without anyone else’s interference.

Once the tree’s on the ground, she launches herself on the trunk, almost as if ensuring I don’t reach for the end myself. My laughter makes her giggle too and she goes all in, keeping up with my long strides as best she can.

As soon as we’re in sight of the wagon, Joseph hops up and hustles toward us. “Need help, miss?”

“No, thank you. I’ve got it.”

His gaze jumps to me, ensuring I approve of her struggling. I dip my head, and he steps back with his palms up. Not sure if he’s acquiescing to me or to her, I focus on her using all of her tiny yet ferocious might to push the pine onto the floorboard.

Triumphant after she shoves the tree far enough it doesn’t dangle over the side, she spins around and grabs for the bigger one. We hoist it up together ignoring my foreman who seems shocked we’re doing all the work.

Who am I to stop her? The determination impresses the hell out of me. Despite how petite she is, Seraphina wants to be an independent woman who’s not afraid of challenges.

---