Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 76364 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 382(@200wpm)___ 305(@250wpm)___ 255(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76364 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 382(@200wpm)___ 305(@250wpm)___ 255(@300wpm)
“Can we set up the tree when we get home?” Jordan asks.
“We’ll set it up tonight, and tomorrow we can decorate it after dinner.”
She nods happily at my answer.
Pierce jumps into his truck a few minutes later, and we take off toward home. I should remind him I still need to go to the store, but he’s already done so much getting us this tree that I don’t. We can go later, after he drops us off.
He must remember, though, because instead of going toward our house, he turns off Main Street and pulls into the grocery store parking lot. When he parks, he grabs my hand before I can exit. “I’d really love it if you would join us for Thanksgiving tomorrow. I don’t want to force you into it, though. If you change your mind, the invitation is open. We’ll be at the station all day. We hand out meals to those in need, and then we all eat in the afternoon.”
“Thank you,” I tell him. “But I think it’s best if Jordan and I eat at home.”
I don’t tell him my reasoning is because I’m starting to feel too much toward him and that’s not good. Spending more time with him won’t help the matter. I need space.
He sighs, clearly unhappy with my response, but nods, respecting it. He walks around with us while I buy a small turkey and sides to cook tomorrow, as well as some groceries for the next few days since we’ll be home.
When we return to the house, Jordan and I bring in the groceries while Pierce insists on handling the tree. I clear out an area in the living room and, thanks to the tree farm worker who put the tree stand on while we were there, Pierce sets the tree up easily. When he cuts the wrapping off, the branches fall, and Jordan and I both gasp at how beautiful it is. Tears prick my eyes, feeling like, for the first time since Trent died, Jordan and I have found a real home.
“I love it,” she breathes, running her fingers along the branches. “It smells like”—she inhales dramatically—“Christmas.”
“It does,” I agree. “The best smell ever.”
“Oh no,” she says, glancing my way with big eyes. “We forgot lights.”
Shoot, she’s right, and I doubt the grocery store carries any. “I think we have some from our tree last year,” I mention. Although, I doubt it will be enough to cover the entire tree.
“I’ve got you covered.” Pierce winks and takes off outside.
When he returns a few minutes later, he’s not only holding several boxes of lights in one hand, but the small tree Jordan loved is in the other.
“The baby tree!” Jordan shrieks. “Is it for me?”
“It is,” he says, setting the boxes down and walking into her room. “Where do you want it?”
Jordan points to an empty spot in the corner of her room, and Pierce sets it down.
“Thank you!” she cries, hugging him. “I love it so much.”
We spend the next couple of hours making the trees look perfect and putting the lights on Jordan’s tree. When Jordan complains she’s hungry, Pierce insists on ordering pizza. We end up eating in the living room while we watch our go-to pre-Christmas movie: Miracle on 34th Street. It’s been a tradition for years because the film begins on Thanksgiving with the Macy’s parade.
When the movie ends, and it’s time for Jordan to go to bed, she thanks Pierce and me again for the best day ever. As I put her to bed, I can’t help but wonder what I’ve gotten myself into. I had literally told Pierce we couldn’t join them for Thanksgiving because I wanted—no, needed—some space, yet I turned around and spent the entire afternoon and evening with him.
It’s more than that, though. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Hanging out with Pierce is as effortless as breathing. He’s sweet and funny, and not only does he treat me with respect, but he’s good to Jordan. He’s patient and kind. While most guys would probably prefer to spend the night watching sports or having a drink with friends, he seemed perfectly content with eating pizza and watching a Christmas movie.
I kiss my daughter good night and walk out to find Pierce has cleaned up.
“You didn’t have to do that, but thank you.”
“It’s no problem.” He glances at the door. “I should probably get going…”
“Or you can stay and hang out,” I blurt out, shocking the hell out of myself.
My words must also surprise Pierce because his eyes go wide. “You sure?”
“Yeah,” I breathe. “I’m sure.”
“Okay.” He nods. “Do you want to watch a movie or something?”
“Ever play Rummy?” I ask, taking myself by surprise again.
Growing up, my grandma taught me how to play, and when Trent and I started dating, we’d play. On nights when Jordan couldn’t sleep, we’d play for hours. I haven’t played since he passed away, and I have no idea what made me suggest Pierce and I play.