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The text was pleasant but perfunctory and not at all like him. Merry got back to the community center a little after five and went in search of Clark. The doors opened at five-thirty, and she didn’t want to wait three hours to talk to him about why he was avoiding her.
She found him over by the food court, talking to her brother Nick and his friends. She came up alongside him and touched his arm. “Hey.”
“Hey, there you are,” he said, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. “I missed you today.”
“Really? Because every time I tried to find you, your son would steer me in the opposite direction.”
“That’s because I didn’t want you to see my surprise before it was done.”
“What surprise?”
Pike chuckled. “Do you notice her change in tone? At first she was irritated. Now she’s all sweet and eager.”
“Shut it, Pike,” she said mildly, letting Clark lead her away.
“The place looks great, Merry,” he said, lacing his fingers with hers.
“Thanks, but Ryan did a lot and all the volunteers helped.”
“I know, but you also kept things organized. Ryan told me you threatened to kick out anyone who caused trouble. I’m sorry I missed it.”
“He was shocked. I don’t think he knew I had it in me.” Merry pointed to the Gallaghers’ tree. “Did you know that Declan had my sister decorate his tree for him? I mean, it was nice that he bought one, but Holly has enough to do. He must have paid her well, ’cause she can’t stand the guy.”
“Where’s Holly’s tree?”
“Oh, I don’t have my spreadsheet. I think it’s in the corner.”
“Should we take a turn before the crowds get to them?”
“Sure, but I want to see your surprise.”
“It’s in the trees. You won’t have to look far.”
Merry shook her head at his cryptic message, strolling down the first row. Holly’s tree was three down on the right and a mix of silver and gold ornaments and a gorgeous porcelain angel with a silver dress, gold wings, and halo.
“Silver and Gold Treasures by Holly Winters. She really outdid herself. Everyone did. Even the plumbing company’s tree is fun and festive.”
They found her parents’ tree on the next row. In lieu of a star, a green plaid bow was tied to the top. Matching plaid bulb ornaments and various red trucks carrying Christmas trees adorned the green branches. A photo ornament with the entire farm staff hung front and center with Merry Christmas from Winters Christmas Tree Farm written in gorgeous script on the red frame.
“Come look at this one,” Clark called from the end of the next row.
Merry stopped next to him, frowning. “Where is the ticket box?”
“Maybe it’s spoken for.”
She bent down and read the custom wood sign. “Merry and Bright by Pumpkin Pie Woodworking and Designs. Display only.”
The tree was wrapped with bright LED lights, with bulbs the size of a dime. The topper was a simple wood star with holes throughout, and streams of white light shining through.
There were several ornaments of a white dog in various poses and Merry reached out to touch one of the pup hiding behind a Christmas tree.
“Clark…is this your work?”
He slipped behind her, his arms circling her waist. “Yes.”
“They’re beautiful.” There was an ornament carved to look like a slice of pumpkin pie. Another of two interconnecting rocking chairs with his and hers engraved on the backs of them. Tears pooled in her eyes and she turned in his arms.
“You haven’t even seen the best ones.” He took her hand and led her around back. There was a couple dancing. A pair of ice skates. Santa’s sleigh. Her name. A dog with a—
