“No. And Germany isn’t the only country with a dark past.”
Oh, no. Was she going to start listing them?
Thank God their guide was speaking again. “We have many Christmas markets here in Cologne for you to enjoy. The oldest is the Angel Market in our city center with over one hundred and fifty wooden booths selling merchandise and good things to eat. But you will also find good shopping in the Alter Market in front of our town hall and the Cathedral Market in front of the cathedral.”
The guide continued, telling them about points of interest as they passed, showing them the various Christmas markets. Harriet kept up her own running commentary, as well. The minute the bus let them off, Trevor grabbed his brother’s arm and hissed, “Help.”
Kurt took pity on him and called Harriet over to join the rest of the group for some last-minute reminders about meeting times. Trevor breathed a sigh of relief and wove through the crowd to the sisters.
“Would you ladies like a Christmas present pack mule?”
“A good idea,” said Sierra. “I know Sophie’s going to go crazy.”
“I am not,” Sophie said. Then admitted, “Well, maybe a little.” She looked around her, taking in the galaxy of twinkle lights and myriad booths offering everything from soaps and candles to candy, meats and, of course, Glühwein, the popular spiced wine drink. “I don’t know where to start.”
“Let’s start over here,” said her sister, pointing to a booth selling a selection of painted glass candleholders.
“Ooh, those are beautiful,” Sophie said.
Trevor had to admit, they were pretty cool. Blues, reds and greens, with colorful winter city scenes painted on them.
“I think I want to get some of these small ones for Mom for Christmas,” Sophie said. “Oh, and maybe for Carla and Marina.”
“I thought you already had something for them,” said Sierra.
“I do, but you can never buy too many presents for your friends.”
Trevor decided that was a good idea, and bought some for his mom and his business manager.
Every booth held something fascinating—incense burners shaped like little cottages, nutcrackers, ornaments, scarves and Lebkuchen, the favorite German cookie. The sisters couldn’t seem to pass a booth without buying something. Actually, neither could Trevor, and it wasn’t long before he was not only helping them carry their purchases, but had several of his own, as well.
He had just bought them all Lebkuchen hearts when Sophie sneezed. “Oh, no,” she fretted. “I think I’m coming down with a cold.”
“You’re downwind from that booth selling incense,” said her sister. “That’s enough to make anyone sneeze.”
“I don’t know,” Sophie said dubiously, and shivered.
“You need something to ward off the cold,” Trevor said. “There’s a booth selling Glühwein. I think that would help you feel better. Wine has a lot of healing properties in it.”
“You could be right,” Sophie said, and her sister rolled her eyes.
“Come on, ladies, let me buy you something to drink.”
“You don’t have to do that,” Sierra protested.
“I know, but I want to.”
The wine came in special collectible mugs. “These are adorable,” Sophie said. “I’d like to collect a whole set.”
“With all the Christmas markets we’ll be hitting I bet you’ll be able to,” Trevor said to her, and vowed to buy her one at each stop.
Part of their excursion included lunch and they arrived at the specified restaurant to find the German class already at tables and enjoying bratwurst and sauerkraut and, of course, beer. Trevor steered the ladies to a table as far away as he could get.
His brother did stop by to say hi and see how their shopping had gone. “Looks like you got into the holiday spirit,” he observed, pointing to the pile of bags on the chair next to Trevor.
“We found so many treasures,” Sophie informed him happily. “We’re really going to be spoiling our family and friends this year.”
“I hope you spoil yourselves, as well,” Kurt said.
“I did buy myself a nutcracker,” Sophie told him. “I love those.”
Trevor saw her reaching down to rub her ankle. “Is it hurting?” he asked.
“A little,” she said.
He snagged a chair from a nearby table. “Here, let’s prop it up.” He helped her prop up her leg, then signaled for their waiter. “I’ll see if we can get some ice for it.”
“Good luck with that,” Kurt said. “Europeans aren’t into ice.”
“It’s okay,” Sophie said. “I brought some ibuprofen.”
“Let’s ask, anyway,” Trevor said.
This particular restaurant did cater to tourists, though, and fortunately, the waiter was able to return with some ice in a glass.