Chapter 42
SAVANNAH
Families mill about with their children, sipping on hot cider and cocoa while they select a Christmas tree for their homes. The nursery is situated on the edge of the city, meaning less yelling and less honking.
This morning, while we were lying in bed, I said that it would be fun to celebrate the holidays. That’s all Rory Bishop needed to go all out.
We’ve been standing in front of one tree for a while as Hunter, Rory, and Luke debate if it’s the one to buy.
Turning to Rory, I tug on his sleeve. “There’s no way we’re going to do everything needed to get ready for Christmas in one day.”
“Doesn’t mean we can’t try,” he returns.
I furrow my brows. “When I mentioned Christmas, I didn’t mean that I wanted to go all out.”
“Go big or go home, Savannah Foster,” Rory jests.
Luke steps back, assessing the evergreen. “I think we need a bigger tree.”
I sigh. “Couldn’t we just get a regular tree?”
“What’s exciting about a regular tree?” Rory questions. I can’t tell if he’s joking or not.
“I’m going to go grab some cider for all of us. I have a feeling we’re going to be here a while.” Hunter walks off in the direction of the drinks.
“Excuse me, sir?” an older woman taps Luke on his arm. “I need some help.”
“I don’t work here, but I can help you find someone who does.” Luke offers her his hand, and she takes it graciously.
“What a kind young man you are,” she compliments.
“Want to keep looking?” I ask Rory.
Rory taps his finger on his chin. “You go ahead. I need to talk to Hunter.” He hands me a clear container of metal binder clips that look like they came from his office.
“What am I supposed to do with these?” I question, holding up the pad.
“Put them on the trees you like,” he explains as he shoos me away.
“How do I do that?”
“Clip them on.” Rory throws his hands up and stalks off. “Hunter! Let’s get three trees.”. Or five!”
“Three?”
“I change my mind. Five.”
Meandering down the aisles, the glow from the strings of lights to help me assess each tree. I don’t scrutinize as closely as the guys did, but it’s enough of an effort. I feel like Hansel and Gretel, leaving binder clips on trees as if they’re breadcrumbs.
The lights above my head shut off, and I look around to make sure there isn’t a power outage or something. Thankfully, the lights further down the row are still on.
Huh… I’ll be sure to tell an employee they need to be replaced.
A cool breeze snakes up my spine, causing the hairs on the back of my neck to stand up, and I suddenly realize that I can’t hear children playing anymore. Unease propels me to the next row over. When I get there, the lights flicker back on.
They must have a bad fuse or something.
I clip two more trees, a regular one and a tall one, and move over another aisle. The Christmas lights for the entire row shut off, then I hear footsteps and the rustling of branches.
Little seeds of apprehension take root in my stomach. “Hello?”
Nothing.
Huh. Weird.
Turning the corner, a strange crunching sound comes from under my boot. I shift my foot and crouch down to get a closer look.
Binder clips…a lot of them.
“Savannah!”
My attention snaps in the direction of my name.
“Savannah, are you over here?” Rory yells.
Releasing a shaky exhale, my hands unclench. I hadn’t realized I’d made them into fists.
“I’m here!” I shout back.
“Where?” Hunter bellows.
“Here!” I move a few feet, hoping I’m going in the right direction.
“Stay where you are,” Luke instructs.
“Marco!” Rory calls.
A smile takes over my face. “Polo!”
We go back and forth a few times, then Rory appears at the end of the row. I run for him, and he wraps his arms around my waist, nipping at my neck. “Gotcha.”
Luke and Hunter appear as well. Hunter carries two travel mugs in his hands. “I got you hot cocoa, but it might be cold by now. It took us forever and a day to find you.”
Luke motions with his arm. “Why did you come all the way out here?”
“Sorry, I didn’t realize how far away I’d wandered. But hey! I found a ton of trees.”
“We’re getting them all,” Rory declares.
The guys begin to bicker. It seems they didn’t come any closer to picking a tree in my absence.
I crane my neck, looking for the binder clips so I can pick them up, but they’re not there anymore.
I must be seeing things. I need to get some sleep.