Total pages in book: 53
Estimated words: 50080 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 250(@200wpm)___ 200(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 50080 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 250(@200wpm)___ 200(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
“Hey, is your dad ready?”
Zane shakes his head quickly and then smirks. Was he lost in thought? Did he see me checking him out?
“Yeah. Dad, Eve’s here.”
I step back from the door, putting some space between us. As much as I want to look at him, I stare off into their yard. Back in the day, they used to decorate every inch of their house and the front yard. Then Mrs. Whitaker died, and the decorations weren’t as plentiful. Mr. Whitaker stopped completely when Zane left.
Speaking of Bernie, he comes to the door dressed in a suit, and looking very handsome. “Hello, there, Mr. Grand Marshal. It’s my honor to escort you to Deer Ridge’s annual tree lighting.” I hold my arm out for him, and he gladly takes it, but switches things up, so I’m the one holding his arm. He’s always been a gentleman.
Zane rushes ahead and grabs the passenger side door. Once his father is seated safely, I go around the front and find Zane standing there.
“What are you doing?”
“I was going to hold the door for you.”
“Thanks,” I say with a nod and reach for the handle myself. “We’ll see you there.” I slam the door before he can protest or tell me he wants to ride with us. My truck if far too small for the three of us, and being this close to Zane would undoubtedly do me in. I need to keep my senses aware and far, far away from the conflict he’s creating between my heart and mind.
By the time Mr. Whitaker and I make it to the town center, everyone has gathered. We do a drive by, giving him a full glimpse of what he means to the people here.
“Oh, my.”
“They’re all here for you.”
“Oh, don’t be silly. They want to see your beautifully decorated tree.”
“Putting strings of lights on a tree doesn’t make it beautiful,” I tell him as I park in our designated space. “The person charged with lighting it does.”
“Evangeline, you sure know how to make an old man feel special.”
“Pfft, you’re not old.” I get out and go to his side. “Now, come on old man. Let’s go light a tree.”
Mr. Whitaker laughs hard. Within seconds, he has tears falling from his eyes and he’s holding onto his side. “You’re a funny one.”
“Yep, I’m a laugh a minute.”
Zane rushes over to us, out of breath. I expect to see Caryn with him, but he’s alone. The nosy person in me wants to ask where she is, but the realist doesn’t want to be involved. It’s none of my business.
Our Mayor, Ms. Jordyn Obermen, steps to the podium. “Good evening, friends and family of Deer Ridge. I thank you all for coming out on this fine, calm night. Don’t forget we have the food trucks in the parking lot serving pizza, nachos, and of course, Reindeer Ridge’s finest hot cocoa.”
Applause rings out because who doesn’t love food.
“Each year, you’re asked to nominate the person who you believe exudes the spirit of which Deer Ridge stands for. This person must be active in our community. This person helps others before themselves. They’re kind, trustworthy, and have our lovely town’s best interest at heart. We thank you for taking the time to send in your nominations. Like with past years, each name went into the ballot, and you voted. It’s with distinct honor and pleasure, I give you this year’s Grand Marshal of the Deer Ridge annual tree lighting festival, Mr. Bernard Whitaker.”
I pat Mr. Whitaker on the back and hand him over to Zane. They walk to the podium together while I sneak behind them. I promised this tree would light and I’m not going to let him down.
“On the count of three, Bernie. Are you ready?” Mayor Obermen asks.
“As I’ll ever be.”
She holds her finger up and everyone starts counting. “One, two, three.”
Like magic, as soon as Bernie presses the button, the tree lights up. At the top is a yellow star. Everyone claps and then they move forward to congratulate him on the honor. His duties aren’t done, though. Next, he’ll have to make an appearance at the kids’ Christmas party with Santa.
For the next hour or so, I stay in the shadows, watching. Zane smiles, he laughs, and never leaves his dad’s side. Notably absent is Caryn. I’m not one to speculate; I’m sure she has a valid reason for missing the event.
Later, as people leave, I walk around and pick up trash that somehow didn’t make it into the garbage cans.
“It’s a nice night out.”
Zane’s voice startles me. I place my hand over my rapidly beating heart and take a couple deep inhales.
“It is. Where’s your dad?” I say as I look around.
“Out to dinner with your parents.”
“Good for them.”
“Care to join them?” He motions toward the parking lot.