Page 19 of Bah Humbug Mate

“Just trying to keep you in touch with your roots.”

“Thanks, Colby.”

“When’s the wedding?”

“Christmas Eve. We’re co-opting the annual Christmas Eve Ball.”

“Excellent idea. I’ll try to make it.”

“You don’t think you will?”

“I have business of my own in Seattle. I might not make it home in time.”

“Thanks for the lift, and if you need help in Seattle…”

“I won’t. It’s more of a personal issue.”

Dash strode into the tavern, his strength increasing and his exhaustion abating moment by moment. He was headed to the back stairs that led up to the apartments.

“Dash!” called Nicole from the back booth, waving him over. “Jeannie is going to be staying upstairs so we can get the dress fitted perfectly. Noel’s going to make such a gorgeous bride. But why the hell isn’t she wearing her ring?”

“Oh, shit. I forgot it. It’s upstairs in my apartment. Is Noel up there?”

“Noel? You mean the hardest working reindeer-shifter I know, present company included?”

Dash chuckled. “Yeah, that would be the one. She’s at the shop, isn’t she?”

Nicole smiled benignly. “Yes.”

“Let me go upstairs, take a shower, and then go put a ring on her finger.”

He made his way up the stairs and knocked on one of the two doors that wasn’t his or Noel’s. No answer. Well, it was a fifty/fifty shot. When he knocked on the remaining door, Jeannie came and opened the door.

“I was a jackass this morning, and I hope Noel convinced you I’m not always that bad.”

Jeannie smiled. “Everybody thinks it’s only the brides who get nervous and lash out. Trust me, I’ve seen more than my share of groomzillas.”

“Thank you. And thank you for doing this for Noel. She really had fallen in love with the dress.”

“I’m happy to see it going to someone who loves it.”

“Well, order anything you want from downstairs or anywhere around town. Mystic River is pretty safe, but you can have anything delivered, or any of the bouncers downstairs will be happy to escort you.”

“Thank you, Dash. I appreciate that. Is that Dash as in Dashiel Hammitt the novelist?”

Dash smiled. “No, that would be Dash as in Santa’s left wheel.”

Jeannie giggled. “Well, of course. At this time of the year, what else could it be?”

Dash hurried into the apartment and took a quick shower. He went to the antique chifforobe and opened the drawer where he was certain he had left the ring. It wasn’t there. In its place was an exquisite origami reindeer in flight, with a note:

Remember who you are.

Always,

Noel

P.S. My ring is gorgeous. I love it, and you, too.

---