Page 40 of This Christmas
Benny catches my attention and gives me a nod of approval. I may not be on his best side, but I’m going to work my tail off to prove I’m the guy he remembers from years ago.
I help a young couple pick their first tree and guide the woman into the shack. “Eve, pre-cut fir,” I say loud enough for her to hear. If she’s shocked to see me, she doesn’t say anything. Five minutes later, I’m back in the shack dropping off some cash. I hand it to her, like I used to many years ago. Then I would’ve snuck a kiss. Now, I’m just thankful she hasn’t killed me yet.
Two hours later, Benny and I finally have a break, and I work on moving and straightening the remaining trees.
“Thanks for your help, Zane.”
“You’re welcome, Mr. Holcomb. I mentioned to Evangeline yesterday that I would come and help. It’s the least I could do since she helps my dad.”
“She’s good like that,” Benny says. “Definitely one of a kind.”
“Yes, she is.”
“Does your fiancée know you’re over?”
I stop and take my gloves off, wiping the sweat from my forehead with my sleeve. “She doesn’t care anymore.”
Mr. Holcomb’s eyes go wide.
“What did you say?” Evangeline asks.
I shrug. “She gave me an ultimatum and I called her out on it. Her response was to call things off. I think she expected me to beg her to change her mind, but I didn’t. No one has time for that sort of thing.”
“Wow. Okay.” Eve heads to the house, leaving me with her dad.
He’s quiet for a moment and then looks at me. “I never thought I’d have to say this to you, especially since I’ve known you for most of your life. But if you pursue my daughter and hurt her again, I will end you. I won’t even question whether I’m right in doing so. If she even considers giving you another chance, don’t mess it up.”
I haven’t been single for four hours and hadn’t even thought about pursuing anything with Evangeline.
No, I suppose that’s a lie. Ever since I saw her standing in this very spot with the trees, I saw her back in my life. However, I would never have done anything to hurt Caryn. I already know how my actions can hurt someone, and it’s not a good feeling seeing the pain I’ve caused.
“Sir, I can assure you if Evangeline and I ever get to that point again, I won’t mess it up. Right now, I’ll be content if she wants to be my friend. She doesn’t trust me and for good reason. I think I need to work on that part first.”
“I hope you’re a patient man, Zane. If I remember correctly, she took one of the stuffed animals you gave her and performed surgery on it.”
“Really?” I’m not sure if I should be hurt or not.
Mr. Holcomb shrugs. “You definitely deserved it.”
I nod and hang my head. “Yeah, I did.”
A car pulls into the parking lot. I put my gloves on and tell Benny I’ll take care of them. While I get thenetting ready, the family makes their way down the small incline.
“Welcome to Reindeer Ridge Farm. I’m Zane. Have a look around and let me know if you have any questions.” I squat so I’m eye level with the two kids. “If it’s okay with your parents, we have candy canes inside the shack there. Go ahead and help yourself.”
The kids ask their parents right away but are told to wait.
“Are we allowed to cut our own?”
I nod and pick up the chainsaw, telling them to follow me.
“Sure, am glad you’re back, Zane,” Mr. Holcomb says as I pass by him.
“Me too, sir.” Me too.”
FIFTEEN
EVANGELINE