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The ten folding tables were covered with red vinyl tablecloths with green Christmas tree confetti scattered on them and the centerpiece was a pop-up paper tree.
“What do you think?”
Jace stroked his chin thoughtfully. “It will work.”
Merry laughed, ruffling his hair. “Let’s go find your dad.”
“Uh, no!” Jace yelled.
“Why not?”
“He’s…busy,” Jace stammered.
“Okay, is there something going on you want to tell me about?”
Jace shook his head vehemently.
“You’re being weird, kid, but I’m going to let it go for now. We’ll check out the booths and make sure everyone has what they need and then you can tell me all about what your dad is up to.”
After an hour of Jace shadowing her every move, she knew that Clark had told him to keep her away from him, but wasn’t sure why. She passed by Holly on a step stool, putting a Christmas star made from plastic tools on the top of one of the trees.
“Hey, is that yours?”
“No, this is Declan’s tree.”
“Why are you decorating it?” Merry asked.
“Because that was the deal. He buys. I decorate.”
Merry held her hands up. “Whatever, your deal, not mine. Have you seen Clark?”
“He was over—what?” Holly was looking beyond Merry, her brow furrowed. Merry turned and Jace smiled innocently.
Merry arched a brow. There were definitely games afoot.
“You know, actually,” Holly said, standing on her tiptoes to hang a wrench ornament, “I haven’t seen him. And please tell me you’re going home to shower and change, because you are smelling a little ripe, sis.”
Merry lowered her nose toward her armpit and scowled. “Fine. I’ll just find Ryan and tell him I’m running home really quick.”
“I can tell him for you,” Holly said brightly. “Honestly, it’s better if you don’t expose too many people to it.”
Merry’s gaze shifted between Holly and Jace, waving her fingers at them. “I don’t know what is happening here, but this better not be a prank.”
“Good Lord, will you trust me and go get pretty? Come on, Jace. We don’t have to stand here and suffer her slander.”
“What’s slander?” Jace asked, following behind Holly.
Merry shot Ryan a quick text and headed home. After six hours of sweat and grime she agreed with Holly’s assessment of her hygiene. It was strange Clark hadn’t come to find her when he arrived. Her birthday wasn’t until next week, so she didn’t think they’d be planning a birthday surprise today.
Maybe he was irritated with her for rushing off. Had she been overtly inconsiderate? She sent Clark a text to clear the air.
Hey, I’m sorry about this morning. I ran home to get cleaned up, but I’ll be back in a bit.
When she pulled into her driveway, he’d read the text but hadn’t replied.
By the time she got out of the shower and hadn’t heard from him, she was worried. Her phone beeped finally as she was tying her boots.
Don’t worry about it. The place is looking great. See you when you get here.
