Chapter Eleven
Oh, Christmas matchmaking isn t just a day, it s a frame of mind
Ivy
Maybe getting stranded in Iowa isn t so bad.
After fourteen hours of sleep, the best rest I ve experienced in a long time, I m dressed in my favorite cozy sweats and hoodie with a belly full of pancakes, sitting on a comfy couch watching Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire debate whether they ll capture a lady s heart through singing or dancing as an adorable Hamish snoozes next to me.
And if the movie Holiday Inn isn t entertaining enough, watching Beau chase Pinky Collar around the dining room table hunched over, always just one step behind Pinky, adds another layer of joy to this late winter morning.
How does she keep getting that gnome ornament? Did Hamish give it to her? Is he her gnome dealer? The teacups on top of the china cabinet rattle as Beau continues his hot pursuit of the dark blur streaking around the table.
I give Hamish a little rub behind his ears. I believe my client is innocent, your honor.
Your client should be helping me.
My client is exhausted. Another tally mark for why being stranded in Iowa isn t so bad. Hamish really is a sweet dog when he gets his energy out. And Pinky Collar seems to have a wonderful way of getting Hamish s energy out.
Well, good morning, you little precious head, Rob says as he steps into the dining room with a cup of coffee while Pinky screeches to a halt so she can try climbing his leg.
Are you giving Beau a workout this morning?
He chuckles and sets down his coffee so he can scoop her into his arms. The gnome falls from her mouth as she mauls his chin with kisses.
Aw, you re such a good girl, aren t you?
Yes, you are. Have you learned where to go tinkle yet?
It s outside, isn t it? But you know that, don t you?
Because you re so smart. Smarter than Beau.
You wouldn t believe how long it took us to train him where he was supposed to go tinkle.
Really, Dad? Beau says, attaching the mangled gnome to the star on top of the Christmas tree while I smother a laugh.
Rob hands Pinky off to Beau when his phone chimes from his back pocket. His grin disappears the moment he reads the text message. Oh great, he mutters.
What s the matter? Beau asks, trying to keep a squirming Pinky Collar from leaping out of his arms.
More church stuff. Rob shakes his head, twisting his head to talk to Cecilia in the kitchen. Baskets never got delivered. Nobody s even picked anything up to assemble the baskets.
Oh, you re kidding, Cecilia says back. That should have been taken care of weeks ago.
What baskets? says Beau.
The charity baskets the church always delivers around town a few weeks before Christmas. Rob takes a quick drink of his coffee. Just one more thing that s fallen through the cracks this year.
Anything I can do to help? asks Beau, setting a wiggly Pinky on the floor.
Nah, I can—
Yes, Cecilia says, rushing out from the kitchen. Yes. Beau should deliver the baskets. With Ivy. That would be a huge help. Wouldn t it, Rob? Sure, it would. Especially since you still need to pick up Nana later today.
Right. Nana. I m picking up Nana?
You don t mind taking care of the baskets, do you, Beau?
Cecilia says, elbowing Rob in the side. I m sure the stores still have their donations ready, so you d just need to swing by and pick everything up.
You can borrow the truck. Won t take long to put the baskets together and get them delivered now that the snow s slowing down.
Sure. I can handle the baskets. Unless you d rather I go pick up Nana? Why does Nana need—
Sounds like we ve got it all worked out, Cecilia says, giving her hands a loud clap. Rob will get Nana. Beau and Ivy will handle the baskets.
That s fine with me, I say, getting up from the couch. I m not completely sure what we re doing, but I d rather make myself useful than watch a movie I ve already seen dozens of times. Unless you need me to stay here and keep an eye on the dogs.
Nope. Nope-nope-nope. You go with Beau. I ll handle the dogs, Cecilia says, smiling like we ve already given her the best Christmas present she could imagine. I can always have Crystal pop over if I need any help.
Crystal? I ask. That name rings a weird bell.
Our next-door neighbor, Beau answers, frowning when he realizes Pinky Collar has the gnome ornament in her mouth again. She actually told me last night that she s more than happy to come over and dog-sit for a bit if we need her.
Exactly, his mom says, heading back into the kitchen. So you guys shoo-shoo-shoo. I ve got everything under control.
Crystal. Now I know why the name rings a bell.
She s the neighbor girl who called about Beau while he was in the hospital.
Poor girl asked me to deliver a heartfelt message about her eternal passion and undying love for Beau if he ever reached the point where he might be dying.
Thankfully that message never had to be delivered, but oh, yes. I remember Crystal.
Why are you smiling? Beau says, wrestling the gnome ornament away from Pinky Collar.
Can t a girl just smile? Crystal and Beau, sitting in a tree...
Not the way you re smiling.
K-I-S-S-I-N-G.
You re freaking me out. Stop that. He points at my face, then places the mangled ornament back on the tree.
I can t stop. Crystal sounded so sweet. I almost wanted Beau to start dying, just so I could relay her impassioned message of eternal love. Will I get a chance to meet her?
Who? Crystal? I don t know. Maybe. He gives me a suspicious look before shrugging it off. I m going to take a quick shower. After that, will you be ready to play Santa Claus?
I rub my hands together. More like I ll be ready to play matchmaker.
Sounds like I ve got a chance to redeem myself when it comes to setting Beau up, and this time I m getting it right.