14. Elsie

CHAPTER 14

Elsie

“ O h wow!” The head of the adoption agency breathes as she looks at the area we have set up for the dogs at the market.

“You like it?” I ask the older woman—Kelley—as she looks at the play area we have sectioned off as well as a private area for families to meet and get better acquainted with the dogs.

“It’s amazing, Ellie! I’ve been trying to get in here to at least put in pamphlets for years but the coordinator told me it was too depressing.” Her brown eyes twinkle in the decorative lights.

“Yes, well, I may only be in charge this year, but I am going to do the most with the power I have.” Before Betty publicly executes me, that is. It’s vendor set-up day and to say I’ve made enemies over this would be an understatement. Betty’s friends are angry, and several have boycotted the marketplace due to my not giving them first spots. I instead gave it to the Santa workshop, the dog rescue we got Holly from and several other charitable vendors. There’s even a booth for a children’s hospital project where the people dress up like princess characters. I also added a giving tree and remembrance tree where you can make and add an ornament for loved ones who have passed. I wanted to have exciting and engaging, yet important things at the front of the marketplace to remind everyone what Christmas is about. It’s not the gifts, the shopping or the rush, it’s about love. It’s about finding joy in something and trying to spread that joy to another soul. And that’s who fills the first booths—vendors who spread joy.

I jump as a pair of strong arms wrap around my waist. I smile softly while looking up at Grant. He’s so beautiful, and I’m so lucky that I’ve been able to work with him to chip away at his walls. It’s going to take a lot of work on both our parts. He and I have years of guilt we’ve buried and it’s not going to go away just like that. But I know that with everything we’ve been through, we can get through this, too. I never thought I would get to have my time with Grant, to have him as mine. It’s… Well, without sounding cheesy, it’s nothing short of a Christmas miracle and I’m so thankful for it and for him.

“You did a great job, Sweetheart,” he murmurs while kissing my cheek. I blush and giggle lightly while turning in his arms to meet his gaze.

“I couldn’t have done it without you.” Looking up I smile softly at the mistletoe hanging over us and give him a small smile. “I mean, it’s the rule,” I say as he smirks.

“Yeah, we can’t break that rule. I told you, I take mistletoe very seriously,” he murmurs before pressing his lips to mine and holding me as I melt into his kiss.

I’ve been given the greatest gift. Not the marketplace, not even Grant as my boyfriend. But I’ve gotten to see Grant open himself up, I’ve seen him allow others in and I’ve watched his smile return and I’ll forever be grateful for everything that’s happened this season to get us to this moment, right here, together.