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“Do you?” he asked. “I’ve only seen Thanksgiving decorations at your house.”
“Yeah. I do. You’ll see a few Christmas decorations gradually show up, but I’ll go full-out Christmas on the day after Thanksgiving.”
“I’m going to have to buy a bunch of Christmas decorations because I didn’t really have any in Texas.”
Charli put her hands into the pockets of her jacket as she leaned sideways against the boards. “Why not?”
“I’m not sure. I guess I never saw the sense in decorating just for me, especially since I was often deployed over the holidays.”
“Do you want a real tree or a fake one?”
“I hadn’t really thought about it, to be honest. I figured I had some time before I’d have to make any decisions about Christmas stuff.”
“We usually get a real tree, so if you want to come along to the tree farm, you’re more than welcome.”
“Does everyone go?”
“Not everyone, but a lot of us do. Misha and Jay, of course. Will and Janessa usually tag along, even though they’re not getting a tree. Depending on how cold it is, Gareth and Aria might bring Timothy.”
“Sounds like fun. I think Amelia would love that.”
“It’s not just cutting down trees at the farm,” Charli said. “They have sleigh rides, Santa, hot chocolate, and mini donuts. It’s an experience.”
Blake smiled. “And being with you and Layla will make it even more of an experience.”
Once upon a time, she would have stepped close and leaned into his embrace. And she’d have done it with the confidence that he wanted her close and that he’d wrap his arms around her in return.
It hadn’t been something they’d been able to do much in public, and even now, they still had to keep any moves of affection hidden. Well, they didn’t have to. It was her choice, and though Blake supported it, she was pretty sure that if given the opportunity, he’d love to share with the world that they were dating.
There was a part of her that wanted to throw caution to the wind and embrace their relationship publicly the way they hadn’t been able to the last time. And that part of her was definitely growing.
“When do you usually go get the trees?”
They waved at the girls as they skated by again, then Charli said, “If the weather is agreeable, the day after Thanksgiving.”
“You’re not a Black Friday shopper?”
“No.” She shuddered. “I get any deals that day online. No crowds fighting over stuff for me.”
“I’ve never done it either. Not worth the hassle and frustration.”
“Picking out a tree is much more fun.”
“And it will last until Christmas?”
Charli nodded. “As long as you take care of it, it will.”
“I’m going to need some detailed instructions or a video to tell me what to do.”
“We’ll make sure you know how to take care of it,” Charli assured him.
“I’d appreciate that.”
“Daddy, can I try to skate without this thing?” Amelia asked as she and Layla slowly stopped in front of them.
Blake leaned over the boards. “You might fall.”
“I always fall,” she said as she gripped the boards in front of Blake and gazed up at him. “I’ll be okay.”
