The Christmas Plan - Samantha Chase Page 0,12
know your dad’s looking forward to having you here to help with the trees,” Josiah said to Gabe. “Seems like we’ve had a ton of people from miles around coming and buying trees like they never have before.”
“Oh…wow. That’s a good thing, right?”
“Absolutely! But I just want you to know I got everything set up for you over at your mom’s so the two of you should be all set.”
“Um…what did you set up?” Gabe asked.
Josiah took a small step back and gave them a sheepish grin. “Oops. I think it was supposed to be a surprise. I’m really sorry. Just…pretend I didn’t say anything.”
“C’mon, Jos. Just tell me. You know I hate to be ambushed,” Gabe begged.
“Sorry. I never should have mentioned anything. My bad.” Then he grinned at Aspen again and she felt herself blush. “It’s really great to meet you Aspen and I hope you enjoy your stay.” Then he was gone.
“Okay, something’s up,” Gabe said as they started walking again. “I think we should go back toward the car and…”
“Gabe!” This time it was a female voice calling out to him and Aspen had to stifle a laugh as he hung his head.
“So this is what it’s like to live in a small town, huh?” she murmured.
“Not normally…”
“Gabe Andrews! I was hoping to run into you!”
“Hey, Abby,” he said easily. “How are you?”
“Right now, a little frazzled.” She paused and smiled at Aspen. “Hey! I’m Abby Hayes. I own the dance studio.”
“Nice to meet you, Abby. I’m…”
“Oh, you’re Aspen,” Abby said, her smile growing. “Everyone’s talking about the two of you coming to town.”
It was all starting to make sense. No doubt Gabe’s mom had told her friends how she was joining them for Christmas and the small-town grapevine had taken over.
She’d seen it a hundred times in some of her favorite holiday movies.
“You were saying, Abby…?” Gabe prompted.
“Oh! Right. My girls have their annual recital next weekend and my videographer broke his leg skiing! I know it’s a lot to ask with the two of you being here for a visit, but would you possibly consider helping me out and…”
Gabe held up a hand to stop her. “Not a problem. How about I come by the studio tomorrow after lunch and you can give me all the details?”
She grabbed him and hugged him. “You are a lifesaver! Thank you so much!” Pulling back, her smile only seemed to grow. “You have no idea how much I appreciate this. Dean said he’d be willing to do it if I couldn’t find anyone, but he runs the lights for me so…it would have been awkward.”
“It’s really not a problem, Abby. I’m happy to help.”
Turning, she smiled at Aspen. “Thanks for letting me borrow your guy here. You got one of the good ones!” Before Aspen could respond, Abby said, “I need to get going. I have to go and pick up Maya from a friend’s house and make sure she gets her homework done before dinner. See you both tomorrow!”
Finishing her ice cream cone, Aspen was about to ask if they could go into the stationery store when Gabe spoke.
“I think for my own sanity, we need to get to my parents’ place. I have a feeling if we keep walking, the whole town will want to stop and talk to us.”
“Sure. That’s fine. I’m a little cold anyway.”
“That’s what happens when you eat ice cream and walk around outside on a cold winter’s day.”
They turned and walked back toward her car. “I still enjoyed it thoroughly.”
“Weirdo,” he said, laughing.
They were beside the car when an older couple approached and welcomed them. Aspen was convinced this was the friendliest place in the world, but Gabe didn’t seem to be feeling it. Once they were finally in the car, she decided to float her theory by him.
“I’m guessing your mom told everyone about my visit, huh?”
“Seems like it.” He sighed wearily and pulled out of the parking spot and made his way down the street.
“Are you mad at her for it? Because, really, it’s not a big deal. It’s kind of nice how everyone’s so friendly and welcoming.”
“I guess.”
It was her turn to sigh. “Gabriel Andrews, you are going to have to speak in full sentences! You’re being ridiculous!”
“You don’t understand, Aspen.”
“Then explain it to me! From what I saw, everyone was super nice, super friendly, and super excited about us being here! How can any of that make you moan and groan?”
They pulled onto a dirt road