AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“All right, we’ll meet you after the Parade of Lights?” Clark asked.
“When’s that end?”
“Sevenish,” Nick said. “We all work on my parents’ float, so it might be a little after.”
“I’ll probably eat before it ends, but I’ll meet you guys for a beer or two.”
“Awesome. See you later,” Nick said, walking around the car to the driver’s side.
Clark didn’t make a move to leave and Declan studied his friend. “What?”
“I’m just wondering something…”
“Spit it out.”
“Was today really about the money? Or about making Holly happy?”
Declan didn’t answer right away, mulling that over. “Twenty-eighty split.”
Clark slapped him on the back with a laugh. “I knew the two of you would work it out. You should ride over with Holly to the parade. We can always use another set of hands.”
“Thanks, but I’ll pass. I’ve got to get back to the store and feed my cat.”
“You keep a cat at the hardware store?”
“I meant at home,” Declan said in a rush, hoping Clark would believe him when he added, “Sorry, I guess even my brain is worn out.”
“Oh, I know all about those days. I’ll text you when we leave the parade.”
“Looking forward to it.”
When Clark rounded the corner out of the neighborhood, Declan took a picture of the house and sent it to Holly’s number.
What do you think? Acceptable?
A few moments passed before she shot back. Omg it’s gorgeous! I can’t wait to see it in person. Thank you! I can’t believe you finished.
I had a lot of help.
Well, as much as you hate Christmas, you turned out to be Santa Claus with all his little helpers! Let me know what your favorite dinner is for tomorrow night!
Declan grinned and settled onto the couch, waiting until the sun went down. As much as he wanted to get back to the store and clean up before meeting the guys, he was determined to make sure the lights came on without a hitch.
Holly sent him a kiss, heart eyes, and dancing girl emojis and Declan laughed aloud. Holly’s excitement was infectious and seeing how everything came together so well filled him with a sense of pride he hadn’t expected from a bunch of Christmas decorations.
Was he growing up? Was it finding out about his parents’ deception? Or was it being around Holly that had him opening his eyes to the world in a different way?
Declan couldn’t say for sure, but as of right now he didn’t hate the holidays quite so much.
CHAPTER 21
Holly checked the clock again, wishing she could close up shop early today. With the Parade of Lights kicking off in a few hours, Main Street was dead anyway, and she was ready to be home.
She pulled up the pictures Declan sent her, smiling at what a beautiful job he’d done. Sure, he’d admitted needing help, but the fact that he figured out how to get it done with all the hiccups? He absolutely deserved what she was paying him.
Are you still at my house?
His response was almost immediate and included a picture of his legs and feet propped up on her porch chair ottoman with a view of her front yard beyond. Yep. I want to see your face when you get here.
