Just after dark, we ventured to the Christmas Festival at the Community Center. It was one of my favorite events of the year.
A huge Christmas tree stood in the middle of the gym, heavy with lights and decorations. Small twinkling lights had been hung from the ceiling, giving the space a warm glow. All along the walls, tables had been set up for vendors to sell their goods. I saw my friend Annabelle with her baskets from the herbal apothecary, Sage Advice, and I hurried over to say hello.
“Gina!” she shouted as she came around the table and embraced me. “I’m, like, so glad to see you!”
“It’s good to see you, too,” I said, even though we’d been together the day before Charlie phoned me about the puppies.
I pulled away and studied my friend. Perpetually stuck in the ’80s, her crimped hair fell around her shoulders while her eyes sparkled with blue eyeliner. She wore her red Billy Idol Christmas sweater, which featured the singer in a Santa hat and donning his typical sneer. If I remembered right, a friend had hand-knitted it for her.
“Merry Christmas!” she squealed.
“How are sales going?” I asked.
I was relieved I didn’t have any dogs to find homes for this year, so I never rented a table. There had been many events where I tried to get Banshee adopted, but she would require a special home. What that looked like, I wasn’t sure. Maybe an elderly couple who wanted a lap dog and were willing to stick to a rigid feeding schedule with a few treats thrown in during the day.
Anyway, it had been a few years since I could relax and enjoy the holiday.
“They’re great. We always do well at the Christmas Festival!”
Sage Advice sold herbal products Annabelle made. Tinctures, teas, capsules and beauty products were all in her wheelhouse. I walked over to her table and looked at the last of the gift baskets. A vanilla-and-lavender scented bath set and a mint-and-rosemary facial set were the only ones left.
“I love these bath products,” I said.
Just then, Trevor came up behind me. “They’re getting ready to start the carols,” he said.
“I’ll collect Jacob,” I replied. “I think he’s still outside with his friends.”
I hurried through the main doors to the parking lot to find him. Mainly groups of young people hung around. Anyone older than thirty had gone inside searching for warmth. The reindeer were being held in a brightly lit corral to my right, which I hadn’t noticed when we arrived.
As I walked over, Doug Miller came into view. He smiled and waved when our gazes met.
“You got the contract after all,” I said. A deer approached me and I stuck out my hand. He immediately began rubbing against it.
“I did, thanks to you and the deputy. I’m so happy to be here and be a part of this amazing event.”
“Are the deer going to bring in Santa after the carols?” I asked.
“Yes, they are. Just getting the harnesses on now. After they bring in Santa, they’ll be part of the petting zoo.”
“Wonderful,” I replied, stroking the friendly deer. “Merry Christmas, Doug. I’m sure I’ll see you later.”
Glancing around the parking lot again, I finally found Jacob. Our gazes met and I waved him over.
“The carols are about to start,” I said. “Will you be joining us inside?”
“Sure, Mom. Just let me get this girls’ phone number. She’s really cute.”
As he ran back to the group of young people, I returned to the gym and wondered if I’d ever get used to the idea of my son dating.
I found Trevor, Vic and my dad standing together with Trevor’s back to me. When I joined them, I found him holding a basket.
“This is for you,” he said shyly. “I really appreciate you including me with your family tonight. Annabelle told me you liked these bath products.”
“And what about me helping you solve the case of who stole Rudolph and who hit Charlie over the head?”
“Okay, you were pretty awesome there as well.”
I took the gift and smiled, then glanced over my shoulder at Annabelle. She grinned and gave me two thumbs up. “Thank you,” I said as a deep blush crawled over my neck and cheeks. “That was really nice of you.”
We turned as the choir began the Christmas carols and my brother leaned over. “You should date him,” he whispered in my ear. “For a cop, he’s not bad.”
I smiled and sang along to “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” standing in between Vic and Trevor. A moment later, Jacob squeezed in next to me. I laced my arm through his and laid my head on his shoulder.
Rudolph was safe.
Sasha and her babies were home.
Charlie would make a full recovery.
I was surrounded by my loved ones, and one kind of cute cop who’d bought me a present for Christmas. I wasn’t sure how I felt about that, but for now, I’d look forward to my lavender-and-vanilla bath later in the evening.
At the beginning of the week, it had seemed as if we were going to have one chaotic Christmas.
For once, I was thrilled I’d been wrong.
Also by Carly Winter
