Page 30 of Chasing Dreams at Wagging Tails Dogs' Home

‘Thanks.’ Poppy smiled and tugged it down to cover her ears.

‘Here, do you want to come and take a look at the Christmas tree? Spencer will no doubt quiz you as to whether you’ve seen the bauble he decorated.’ Mack glanced around the crowd. ‘I think everyone who wants one has a drink already.’

‘Why not? Did he make it at school or something?’ Poppy walked over towards the large Christmas tree where she ran her fingers across the pine needles. It never failed to surprise her how soft they actually were.

‘Yes. A local pottery teacher and artist visited and worked with each class in turn to make and decorate them. You might know her actually, she volunteers at your place. Carrie?’ Mack cupped his hand around a brilliant blue bauble hanging on a branch near them. ‘Here’s the one Spencer made.’

‘Oh, it’s lovely.’ She smiled. It really was. All of the baubles were. ‘No, I don’t think I’ve met her yet. Although I may have done at Aunt Flora’s get-together the other day.’ She shook her head and laughed. ‘I’m rubbish with names.’

‘Beautiful, isn’t it?’ Mack looked up at the tree. ‘It always amazes me just how stunning it looks with lights on. Not that it doesn’t look beautiful without lights on, that is. And the baubles really add something, don’t they? This is the first year with anything but fairy lights on it, I believe.’

‘It is pretty.’

‘What’s your Christmas tree like at home?’ He took a sip of his drink.

‘We don’t have one at Wagging Tails.’ She frowned. They usually did. Aunt Flora must have decided against it this year for some reason. ‘Or do you mean at my old home?’ She scoffed. What was home? Did she even have one at the moment?

She shook her head. She knew how upset Aunt Flora would be if she were to voice that worry. She knew she’d always have a home with Aunt Flora. For as long as she needed, her aunt had already told her that. She might not have her own house at the moment, but she did have a home. ‘I didn’t have one back at the house. We didn’t really bother much with Christmas.’

‘You and your ex, I’m presuming?’

Shifting on her feet, Poppy nodded.

‘Sorry, I shouldn’t have asked.’

She cleared her throat. ‘No, it’s fine. The relationship has been over a while now. It’s just only been official really for a few months, and I guess I’m still trying to wrap my head around how different my life is now going to be.’

Mack nodded. ‘These things can certainly pull the rug from beneath your feet, can’t they?’

‘Oh yes.’ She took another sip of her hot chocolate. ‘How about you? I’m guessing you have a Christmas tree.’

‘Oh yes.’ Mack grinned, his eyes glistening with the reflection of the lights on the tree.

‘I guess you have to keep the magic alive for when your brothers visit?’

‘They live with me, but no, I don’t have a tree just for them. I believe we can all use a little magic in our lives, don’t you think? Life is too serious, so why not make the most of a special time like Christmas?’

Poppy looked at him over the top of her cup. ‘It’s funny you say that now. My aunt was just telling me how much I used to love Christmas. Not that I really remember. Sorry, I’m being so negative, aren’t I? It’s just Christmases for me haven’t been quite so magical recently, that’s all.’

‘That’s fair enough. As an adult life can have its tough moments.’ Mack smiled at her. ‘Maybe spending this Christmas down here with your aunt and at West Par might just change your mind?’

She shrugged. ‘Maybe.’ And maybe it already was. She looked around them. Everyone was still chatting, dancing or sipping hot chocolate. People were happy. Maybe she was beginning to feel a little more Christmassy already. Just maybe.

Mack grinned and looked up at the sky. ‘Look, it’s snowing. Now if that isn’t magical, I don’t know what is!’

Tilting her head back, Poppy looked up at the sky as snowflakes began to fall, illuminated by the lights from the tree and the surrounding lampposts. ‘It’s beautiful.’

From the other side of the square, Flora clapped her hands together.

‘Right, let’s get back to it and finish off our route.’ She grinned as everyone got into their positions again and the last photo of Percy with an excited toddler was taken.

‘Come on, come on. It’s time to go. We’ve got more money to get for the doggies.’ Spencer ran up to them, reaching for both Poppy and Mack’s hands. They joined the group as the sleigh set off, the bucket knocking against Mack’s knee as Spencer gripped hold of it.

As the tractor engine roared into action, the speakers blasted out cheerful Christmas tunes again and an excited hubbub filled the air.

‘Quick, this way!’ Spencer pulled them both towards a small cottage, relinquishing their hands before running up the stone steps to the front door.

An elderly couple opened the door and stuffed a note inside the bucket before giving Spencer a Christmas cracker. Poppy smiled as she watched.

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