Chapter Four

With Kinley by his side, Levi strolled toward the pharmacy after their lunch date. Their relationship had grown closer ever since that first night he stayed over and they shared an amazing experience.

As they passed by the antique shop called Timeless Treasures, Kinley paused in front of the window display and gazed at it with admiration. It was designed to look like a cozy room inside a grand house, complete with stockings hung by the fireplace and presents nestled under a sparkling tree.

“Isn’t it beautiful?” she said wistfully.

“It looks nice.” Levi agreed.

“Would it be alright if we went inside? I want to see if they have any bassinets for Addison’s dollhouse.”

“Of course.” Levi opened the door for her and motioned for her to enter first.

Once inside, she looked around. She used to stop in when it was owned by Minnie Dover. However, Minnie had retired and moved away to be closer to her family. The town of Clifton missed her, but everyone was happy for her. Minnie sold the store and included everything inside of it in the sale.

“Hello there! Welcome to Timeless Treasures. May I help you find something specific?” greeted a pretty woman with dark red hair, as she approached them .

“I’m Levi Thomas and this is Kinley Wilson.”

“I’m looking for a bassinet for my friend’s dollhouse,” Kinley said.

“I’m Savannah Collins, but everyone calls me Vanna. It’s lovely to meet both of you. Follow me, and we’ll see what I have.” She led them to another section of the store filled with various dollhouses, old and new, displayed on tables.

A bell chimed as another customer entered.

“Excuse me. Feel free to browse. I’m almost certain one of these will have a bassinet. I’ll be back shortly,” Vanna said before heading toward the front of the store.

“I love dollhouses,” Kinley remarked, turning to Levi.

“I’ve never been in this store, but it’s impressive.” He glanced around at the different houses.

Kinley made her way to a large Victorian-style dollhouse and ran her hand fondly over its roof.

“This one is my favorite. I sometimes come in just to look at it,” she admitted with a hint of longing.

“Why haven’t you bought it?” Levi asked, curious.

She flipped over the price tag to show him exactly why she hadn’t purchased it yet. He let out a low whistle upon seeing the steep price. It was indeed very expensive.

“That’s why. I know it’s worth every penny, but I don’t have that kind of money to spend on it,” Kinley sighed. “Every time I come in here, I secretly hope it’ll still be here.”

Levi shook his head. “I had no idea they were so costly. ”

“Well, newer ones are more affordable, but this is an antique in pristine condition, right down to the miniature furniture.” Kinley shrugged. “But enough about that; I came in for a bassinet.” She continued browsing through the various dollhouses while Levi stood next to the one she favored.

“Did you find one?” Vanna asked upon returning.

“Yes, I did.” Kinley grinned as she handed it to the shop owner. Levi walked behind her and peered over her shoulder at the chosen bassinet. He heard Kinley clear her throat nervously. “Um, do you offer layaway?”

Levi shook his head subtly at Vanna and when Kinley turned away to look at the dollhouse, Vanna frowned at him, but he shook his head again.

“Uh, I’m sorry, I don’t,” she informed Kinley apologetically.

“Oh well, that’s alright. Maybe someday I’ll save up enough for that dollhouse, but for now, I’ll just take the bassinet.” Kinley forced a smile, but Levi could hear the disappointment in her voice.

“Great. Would you like it wrapped?”

“No, thank you. I’m going to put it in with her other present.”

“Alright, well if that’s all for now, let me ring this up for you.”

Levi’s eyes followed Kinley as she glanced back at the beautiful dollhouse, then joined Vanna in the front of the store. His gaze lingered on the intricately crafted miniature home, admiring the delicate details of its architecture and furnishings, then he walked to the cash register.

After Kinley completed the sale, she thanked Vanna and made her way to the door. Levi held it open for her. He tipped his hat to Vanna before following Kinley outside.

Once they reached the pharmacy, Levi leaned in and pressed his lips to Kinley’s. Her kiss brought a smile to his face.

“I’ll see you later, darlin’. Have a good rest of the day,” he whispered.

“Thank you, you too.” Kinley smiled before heading inside.

Levi turned and headed back to the antique store, his mind still on Kinley’s reaction to the dollhouse. Vanna gave him a curious look as he entered.

“I want to buy the dollhouse,” he announced with a grin.

Vanna frowned slightly, making Levi chuckle. “I couldn’t figure out why you wanted me to tell her I didn’t have lay-away when I do. I was hoping it wasn’t because you didn’t want her to have it.”

He laughed again. “No, no, quite the opposite actually. I knew you were confused, but I finally figured out what to get her for Christmas.”

“The furniture is included, so it makes a wonderful gift,” Vanna remarked.

“Yes, it does.” Levi nodded in agreement. “I’ll go get my truck and be right back.”

“Okay, I’ll get the furniture out, wrap it in tissue, and put it in a bag for you.” Vanna smiled at him.

“Thank you, I appreciate that.” Levi couldn’t help but think that Vanna was a beautiful woman, but she couldn’t hold a candle to Kinley, in his opinion.

Levi made his way out of the store, heading toward his truck parked down the street.

Once inside his truck, he checked for any oncoming traffic before pulling onto the street. He turned right and then into another street. Levi pulled into an alley that ran behind the diner and through the parking lot, eventually ending up back on the street where Vanna’s store was located. He parked on the street in the nearest spot. He didn’t want Kinley or Addison to see him walking by with the dollhouse. He shook his head at the cost, but seeing how much Kinley wanted it made it all worth it.

Luckily, there was a parking spot just a few doors down from her shop. Levi quickly entered the store once again. Vanna greeted him with a smile.

“That was quick,” she remarked with a laugh. “I just have a few more pieces to wrap.”

“Yes, ma’am. I just circled the block,” Levi replied with a grin. “I was parked near the pharmacy, where Kinley works, so I had to move my truck. Didn’t want her to see me carrying this.”

Vanna chuckled as she handed Levi a box filled with all the dollhouse’s furniture. “Can you carry everything, or do you need some help?”

Levi carefully positioned the bag inside the house, making sure not to damage its contents. As he surveyed the item, he wondered how he could wrap it without causing any harm.

“If you have a large box, that would be helpful,” he asked politely .

“I’m sorry, I don’t have room to keep them here,” Vanna apologized. “As soon as a new dollhouse comes in, I either put it together or leave it in its original packaging.”

“That’s alright,” Levi said with a shrug. “If I can’t find one, I’ll stop by the Post Office and buy one, so I can wrap it for Christmas morning.” He handed her his credit card and she rang it up.

“I know she is going to be thrilled,” Vanna remarked with a smile.

“Yes ma’am, I sure hope so.” Levi smiled back gratefully. “Have a happy Thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas and thank you.”

“You too, and you’re welcome.” Vanna said before walking toward the door. “Let me get that and the truck door for you.”

Levi quickly checked outside to make sure Kinley or Addison weren’t nearby. Once he was certain the coast was clear, he nodded for Vanna to open the door, then made his way back to his truck. After Vanna opened the door for him, he carefully placed the dollhouse on the backseat. He couldn’t wait to see Kinley’s face when she opened her gift on Christmas morning.

****

It was a hectic day at the pharmacy on the day before Thanksgiving. Kinley was kept constantly busy with last minute shoppers, as many items were selling out quickly. Despite being a pharmacy, they also sold a variety of other products such as candles, jewelry, windchimes, holiday decorations, perfume, and lotions.

“I’m so glad we’re closing early today,” Kinley remarked to Addison as she filled a prescription.

“Are you and Levi spending time together before tomorrow?” Addison asked.

“I want to ask him to spend tonight with me,” Kinley replied.

Addison set down the bottle of pills and looked at her. “Wait, you haven’t asked him yet? Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I’m expecting you both for dinner.”

“I’m afraid he’ll say no. He mentioned not having much of a Thanksgiving and Christmas growing up.”

“You need to ask him,” Addison insisted. “Call him. Now while we’re not busy.”

“Okay, I’ll just send him a quick text in case he’s busy,” Kinley conceded.

Addison raised an eyebrow. “I never took you for a wuss. But ever since you met Levi, you’ve been acting like one. You’ve never had a problem talking to men before.”

“It’s different with Levi. I know I’m falling for him, and it scares me. There are things in his past that he won’t talk about yet.”

“So what? Stop making excuses. Maybe spending tonight with you will make him believe in a good Thanksgiving,” Addison suggested.

“I’ll still send a message just in case he’s busy,” Kinley repeated.

“Pfft, whatever,” Addison scoffed playfully, making Kinley laugh.

Kinley took out her phone and sent Levi a text message:

Levi, will you stay with me tonight?

Hey baby, of course. What time should I come over ?

Great! We’re closing at noon today, so any time after that is good.

Okay, I’ll see you later then.

Smiling, Kinley put away her phone and glanced at Addison, who was now smirking at her.

“Shut up,” Kinley said, laughing along with her.

When it was finally time to close for the holiday, Kinley couldn’t wait to go home. However, she still had one more errand to run before she could relax. She hated to do it, but she needed to stop by Walton’s in Spring City to get another gift for Levi. She had already bought him some T-shirts and flannel shirts, but she noticed that the heels of his boots were worn down. So, one night while he was sleeping, she snuck a look at them to get his size.

As she drove to Spring City, Kinley hoped they would have the boots he needed in stock. She knew they would probably be expensive, but she had a feeling that Levi wouldn’t take the time to buy a new pair until his current ones completely fell apart. She even took a photo of his boots just to make sure she got the right ones.

Groaning at the sight of all the cars in the parking lot when she arrived at the department store, Kinley knew it was going to be horrible going through the store. Weren’t people supposed to be shopping the day after Thanksgiving? She thought by going today, she’d miss the crowd.

With a deep sigh, Kinley parked her car and made her way across the busy parking lot toward the entrance of the store. As she entered, she braced herself for the chaos and crowds that usually accompanied holiday shopping but was pleasantly surprised to find that it wasn’t as bad as she expected. There were still many people navigating their carts through the aisles, but there was no pushing or shoving.

Making her way to the shoe department, Kinley’s eyes scanned the shelves filled with various brands of boots. She knew exactly what she was looking for, Beckett Boots from Hartland, made by the Beckett brothers whom she knew personally. Spotting the section where they were located, she perused through the sizes, her heart sinking as she couldn’t find the desired boot: size thirteen, riding heel, distressed boot.

“Kinley?”

She turned to see Celine approaching her.

“Celine! How are you?” Kinley asked, embracing her good friend.

“I’m good. You?”

“Good but hoping to get out of here and head home. Did you try to beat the rush too?”

“Yeah, I wanted to get something for the girls at the coffee shop, and this is the first chance I’ve had. I just happened to see you when I was heading for the women’s department.”

“I’m glad you did.” Kinley smiled.

“Well, I’ll let you go. I want to get out of here.” Celine laughed.

“Oh, me too. Once I find what I’m looking for, I’m out of here.”

Celine glanced at the boxes of boots before turning back to Kinley.

“So, who are you buying boots for?” Celine raised an eyebrow .

Kinley smiled. “A man I’m falling for. Levi Thomas.”

Celine gasped. “I know Levi. He comes into the coffee shop occasionally. Lucky you.”

“I am lucky, aren’t I?” Kinley laughed.

Celine laughed too. “I’ll see you later. Happy Thanksgiving to you both.”

“Same to you.” Kinley hugged her again before watching Celine walk away.

“Ma’am, do you need some help?” an employee asked as Kinley browsed through the boots.

“Do you have any other sizes of these boots in stock?”

“We actually have some in the back. What size are you looking for?”

Kinley told him her desired size and description, then he disappeared through the double doors leading to the stockroom. She sat on a nearby bench, patiently waiting for his return. A few minutes later, he emerged with a box, hopefully containing exactly what she wanted. She hopped up from the bench eagerly.

The employee lifted the lid of the box and held it out for Kinley to inspect. She carefully removed one of the boots and examined it before placing it back into the box.

“These are perfect. Thank you so much,” she said gratefully.

“You’re welcome. Happy Thanksgiving,” he replied with a smile before walking off to assist another customer.

With the gift in hand, Kinley made her way to the front of the store where she stood in line to pay for her purchase. After completing her transaction, she eagerly drove home, excited to wrap the boots and await Levi’s arrival.

****

After leaving the Post Office, Levi drove up to Cody and Addison’s house, parked his truck, and walked across the porch. He knocked on the door and smiled when Addison answered it.

“Hey, Levi. Come inside, it’s cold out there.”

“I have a request before I come in. Can you wrap two gifts for me?”

Addison grinned. “Of course.”

“Thanks, I’ll go grab them.” Levi sprinted back down the steps, opened the back door, and retrieved a large box before placing a smaller one on top. He returned to where Addison was waiting and she held the door open wider for him to enter the kitchen. Levi set the boxes on the table.

“That’s huge,” Addison exclaimed.

“Hey now, watch who you say that to,” Cody joked as he entered the room, causing them both to laugh.

“You’re terrible,” Addison playfully scolded him before turning to Levi. “Is this for Kinley?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“What is it?”

Levi hesitated and glanced at Cody who shook his head subtly.

“Kinley will tell you Christmas morning, I’m sure,” Levi said.

Addison looked at Cody with narrowed eyes.

“I won’t tell her, I promise,” she pleaded, looking at Levi again.

Levi let out a sigh; he was caught between a rock and a hard place. He looked at Cody again, who shrugged this time.

“It’s a dollhouse with furniture,” he admitted.

Addison gasped. “The Victorian one from Timeless Treasures?”

“Yes, we were there earlier and she told me how much she loved it. So, after she returned to work, I went back to buy it.” Levi shrugged.

He was taken aback when Addison embraced him tightly.

“She’s going to be thrilled! Thank you so much for getting it for her; she has wanted it forever.”

“Yeah, that’s what she said. She even asked the owner of the shop if she had lay-away, and I had to shake my head at the woman. I knew then that’s what I’d get Kinley for Christmas.”

Addison wiped at her eyes. “I’m so glad you got it for her.”

“Are you crying?” Cody asked in surprise.

“I can’t help it. You don’t know how long she has wanted that dollhouse. She’d even go into the store just to look at it.”

Levi grinned. “That’s what she told me.”

“You’re a good man, Levi Thomas.” Addison smiled.

Levi resisted the urge to grin as he looked at Cody, then turned to Addison.

“Thank you. If I had known that buying a dollhouse would make me a good man, I would have done it years ago.” He and Cody chuckled as Addison playfully slapped his arm.

“You better be nice to me or there won’t be any Thanksgiving dinner for you.” She placed her hands on her hips and gave him a stern look.

Levi ran his hand over his mouth to hide his amusement and nodded.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“I’ll go get the wrapping paper and wrap these.”

“I’d appreciate it. I promised Kinley I’d be there soon.”

Addison nodded and left the kitchen. Levi turned back to Cody, who was looking at him with a knowing smirk.

“What?”

“You and Kinley, huh?”

“Yeah.”

“I think you two are a good match. She’s great,” Cody said.

“Yeah, she is.” Levi agreed.

Cody tilted his head. “But?”

“It’s nothing.”

“Bullshit. It’s something. What is it?”

“I’ll tell you another time.”

“Okay, but I’m holding you to that. Do you want some coffee while you wait?”

“That would be great, thanks.” Levi took off his hat and coat, hung them up, and sat down at the table while Cody made him a cup of coffee.

Once it was ready, Cody set the mug in front of him and made one for himself as Addison returned with the wrapping paper.

“I think I’m going to need your help with this,” she said to Cody.

“Sure thing, baby. What do you need?”

“If you can hold the box up for me, I’ll start from the bottom. I’m going to have to piece it together though, Levi. Is that okay?”

“Yeah, no problem. Thank you both.”

They worked together to wrap the boxes. Levi placed the smaller box inside the larger one with the dollhouse. When they were finished, he picked up the wrapped present and carried it out to his truck. Cody held open the door for him, and Levi placed it on the seat before turning back to Cody.

“I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Okay. Dinner is at three so come early and we can watch some football.”

“Sounds good.” Levi nodded at him, got into his truck, and drove to Kinley’s house.