My Greatest Joy (Maplewood Falls #2)

Chapter Fifteen

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

LEVI

DAY 11

“You’re sure about this?” Fallon asks as we pull up to the shop at the Christmas tree farm. Dasher sits between us and stares out the window. I put on his snow boots and jacket this morning because we’ll be outside most of the day.

“I’ve never been more serious about anything in my life.” I shoot her a wink, and she playfully rolls her eyes. “You’re going to have fun helping my sister. Hopefully not too much fun, though. No gossiping.”

Fallon lifts a brow. “Oh, there will definitely be. Hope I don’t screw up the wrapping, though, or make a kid cry.”

I chuckle, looking at the parking lot that’s full. “You said you wanted the full experience, so today, you’re getting it.”

“Well, I’m up for the challenge,” she states, and I wonder if she realizes she’s been my biggest challenge to figure out.

I tell Dasher to stay and leave the truck running for him so he can enjoy the heat.

Inside the shop is complete chaos. The line of people buying last-minute wooden carved gifts is out the door. Mom gives me a quick wave as Fallon follows me to the gift-wrapping station.

After we make it through the crowd, I find Lucy wearing a candy cane apron with scissors, tape, and ribbon stuffed in the front pockets.

“There’s the woman of the hour,” she says as soon as Fallon comes into sight.

“Please don’t give her a hard time,” I warn, and Lucy snorts.

“We’ll be besties by the end of the day.” Lucy wraps her arm around Fallon, then leads her behind the long table.

Fallon looks at me like a deer in the headlights.

“I’ll be back to pick you up after lunch, so try to survive until then.”

“We’ll take good care of her,” Lucy says, waving me away.

Fallon’s face cracks into a smile, and I know she’ll be fine, even if Lucy forces her to wear an apron just like hers.

“Watch those two, please?” I tell my mom as I walk past the counter and out the door.

Dasher wags his tail when he sees me, and I pet his head when I get in.

“Ready for our adventure?”

He tries to lick me as I put the truck in drive. I head across the property toward one of the barns where the horses are kept for the sleigh rides. It’s been something the farm has done for over a century, and our patrons enjoy it.

As I walk into the barn with Dasher trotting beside me, I find Darrell brushing one of the horses. He’s worked here for over a decade and knows his way around the farm.

“Hey, Levi. How’s it going?” He secures a blanket on one of the horses. When the season cools, we make sure to put these on the animals to help regulate their temperature.

“No complaints. I’m alive and well,” I say truthfully.

He gives me a nod. “Good to hear. What can I help you with?”

“I was thinking about taking Fallon on a sleigh ride.”

“It’s a perfect day for that. I can get the horses ready if you’d like.”

“That would be amazing. I have a few things I need to take care of first, but I’d need them ready for right after lunch.”

“Will do.”

I thank him before heading back to my truck. Dasher hops in, and then we make my way across the property. Since the countdown to Christmas has officially begun, I drive to the loading dock and offer an extra hand. All day long, these guys are wrapping, loading, and tying trees up for our customers.

A line of vehicles waits when I arrive. Dasher follows me around as I help lift and strap down trees to roofs. It’s nonstop, and many are thankful for the extra help.

“Honestly, I didn’t think it would be this busy today,” Samuel, one of our seasonal helpers, admits. It’s his first year working on the farm, so he’s not fully accustomed.

I laugh. “Oh, wait until next week. This is nothing.”

His eyes are as wide as saucers. “You’re kidding, right?”

I give him a hard pat on the back. “Not at all. You get used to it, though.”

Once the crowd finally clears, I check my watch, then decide to leave now that they’re in a better place. I head straight home to get everything ready for my surprise. As soon as I walk inside, my phone buzzes in my pocket. I expect to see a text asking me to come back and help. However, it’s Finn.

Finn

How are things going? Have you proposed yet?

Levi

Ha. Ha. Ha.

Finn

Oh, don’t be like that. You know you like her.

Levi

Can’t have feelings for someone who will never reciprocate them.

Finn

Yeah, I can understand that. But I saw the sparks flying between you two. And so did Oakley.

Levi

Then I guess you’re both delusional.

Finn

Whatever you say. Anyway, we should get together soon and grab a beer.

Levi

Yeah, that sounds like a plan but after Christmas.

Finn

Sounds good. Have fun with your girlfriend.

Levi

Once I’ve fed Dasher, I pull two large thermoses from the cabinet and prepare my favorite hot chocolate recipe. I grab the small bottle of Irish liquor that I keep in my fridge and put it in a bag.

I make sure to pack the heating blanket I borrowed from my mom and grab the portable power tank from my shed. After I’ve double-checked that I’ve got everything, I shoot my sister a text and let her know I’m on my way there.

Lucy

Your timing is impeccable. We just finished eating.

Levi

Perfect.

I look at Dasher. “Wanna go on a sleigh ride?”

His tail wags.

“I didn’t hear you? Sleigh ride?” I ask again.

He barks several times.

“Okay, let’s go impress Little Miss Seattle.”

Before we make our way to the gift shop, I park at the barn. When I get out, I see Darrell has secured the harnesses on the horses. I go inside to let him know we’re here, and he helps me hook them to the sleigh. Dasher jumps onto the front bench seat, and I load everything I brought for our trip.

“This for a date?” Darrell asks with a knowing grin.

I shrug, not wanting to say either way.

He lifts a brow and nods as if he knows better.

“Thanks for everything. Probably be back in a couple of hours.” I step up, plug in the heating blanket, and set our thermoses in the cup holders.

“Sounds good. I’ll be here,” he says.

I wave, then grab the reins, and we take off.

The horses jolt forward, the sleigh sliding across the blanket of white as Dasher sits upright next to me, looking around for rabbits. I pet him as we continue forward.

When I see the gift shop in the distance, I text my sister, letting her know I’m close. Five minutes later, I come to a halt beside the building and Fallon walks out. Her eyes meet mine and I smile, but she looks shocked.

“Hop on,” I say, patting the seat next to me.

She glances at the horses and then meets my gaze again. “You went through all this trouble for me?”

“Trouble?” I chuckle. “It was nothing.”

When Fallon comes close, I stand, offering her my hand. She takes it, then steps up, and I pull with a little too much force, causing her to crash into me.

“Sorry,” I say, our faces mere inches apart.

She’s breathless.

As she sits, I grab the blanket and place it on her legs.

Her mouth falls open. “Oh my God. It’s so warm.”

“Couldn’t have you freezing out here.” I settle down beside her. “Having portable battery tanks has been a game changer.”

She glances back at it and smiles. “Thank you. This is already perfect.”

As people start to crowd around the horses, I take that as my cue to leave. “You ready?”

She nods with enthusiasm as I guide the horses behind the gift shop and away from the people.

Once we’re on the trail, I hand her a thermos. “Hot cocoa. And be careful. It’s very hot.”

She unscrews the top with her gloved hand and steam rises from inside. “Mm. Smells amazing.”

Reaching down, I pick up and hand her the bottle of Irish cream liquor. “In case you’d like to add some spice.”

Her brow pops up. “Don’t mind if I do.”

Fallon pours several shots inside, then takes a sip. When she moans, I silently convince my cock to calm down.

“It’s the perfect temperature now.” She looks down at my thermos. “Want me to add some to yours?”

“Sure.”

Fallon pours it until the liquid touches the top.

“You tryin’ to get me drunk?” I tease.

“Would it be the worst thing to happen?”

“Considering I’m the only one of us who knows how to get us back to the barn…”

“Okay, you have a point there. I’ll trade you since I had a heavy hand.” She drinks mine and laughs.

Fallon’s eyes trail over our surroundings, and she relaxes.

“Where are you taking me? To your murder cabin?” She snorts.

“Yep.” I laugh.

She bumps her body into mine but doesn’t pull away. I welcome the closeness.

“I thought I’d take you to one of my favorite spots to visit during the winter.”

“Oh, awesome.”

“Can’t wait for you to see it.” We climb up a hill, then race down the other side.

Fallon shivers, so I pull the blanket up higher around her shoulders and rest my arm around her. “For more warmth,” I whisper in a hushed tone.

“You’re my own personal human heater,” she says, and I give her a smirk, wishing that were still true. She hasn’t been in my bed since we crossed the line.

Fallon laughs, and I glance over at her.

“I just realized that the sleigh bells on the horses aren’t getting on my nerves. Usually they would.”

This comes out of left field but has me grinning. “Really? It no longer sounds like nails on a chalkboard?”

“Maybe I’m becoming immune. I almost like it combined with the horses’ hooves trotting along the snow,” she admits. “It’s kind of relaxing.”

“Color me shocked,” I taunt. “Next thing I know, you’ll be singing carols.”

She shakes her head. “Don’t hold your breath on that one.”

A cool breeze blows through the trees, and white powder kicks up in front of us. As we turn the corner, the scene is revealed, and Fallon gasps.

I bring the horses to a stop so she can take it in.

“It’s beautiful,” Fallon whispers, looking at the large frozen pond, snow-covered hills, and massive evergreens dusted in white. We stay silent as we listen to the sounds of our breathing and the wind whistling through the trees.

She pulls out her phone and snaps a picture. “I don’t want to forget this moment.”

“Me neither.” But it’s not because of the landscape.

When she smiles at me, the happiness reaches her eyes. “You know what I’ve always wanted to do?”

I search her face. “What?”

“Make a snow angel.”

I chuckle. “Then that’s what we have to do. Right now.”

Dasher hops down and runs through the snow, enjoying himself, and I tie the horses to a nearby tree. I meet Fallon on her side of the sleigh and hold out my hand. She takes it and nearly stumbles as she steps down, but I catch her.

“So there’s a trick to making the perfect one. You hold your hands out like this in a T, then you fall back like this,” I say, demonstrating it. “Then you move your arms like you’re doing jumping jacks. The trick is taking your time to stand so you don’t disturb it.”

Fallon chuckles as I make my creation, then I slowly stand.

“You were right. It is perfect!”

“As if you doubted me,” I say, leading her over to some undisturbed snow. “We’ll do this one together.”

I take a step away from her, creating enough space so she’ll be able to move her arms and legs. “Ready?”

She nods.

“Three. Two. One,” I count down, and we fall backward. Fallon giggles as she thrashes in it.

“It’s so cold!” she squeals, repeating what I told her to do, then we stand. “Look.”

“I think these are the two best damn snow angels I’ve ever seen.”

She laughs and nods while she takes a picture with her phone. After she snaps it, it slips from her grip. Fallon goes to retrieve it, but when she straightens back up, snow slams into me.

My jaw drops at seeing her up-to-no-good face.

“That’s war,” I warn, quickly packing a ball, and launch it back at her. The next thing I know, we’re running around like teenagers, making snowballs, chunking them across the way, and laughing as we try to hit the other. Dasher barks while chasing us around, and I smile so much my face hurts.

Fallon races toward me, stumbles forward, and trips me. I hold her, bracing her fall as we land in the snow.

“I thought you’d be harder to take down than that,” she teases.

“That’s because you’re a force to be reckoned with.”

She smiles, and for a moment, I see something flash behind her eyes. She licks her lips and studies my mouth, and I’m tempted to kiss her. Unsaid emotions stream between us, pulling us closer. The anticipation of having her tongue slide against mine again is almost too much. Her eyes flutter closed, and I slowly move forward. Right before our lips crash together, Dasher plows into Fallon, and she falls to her side as he keeps playing. Fallon throws snow in his direction and he barks at it, trying to catch it in his mouth.

“Dasher,” I groan, hating that he ruined the moment but also finding it hilarious.

Once both of Fallon’s feet are firmly planted on the ground, she offers to help me up. As I stretch out my hand, I simultaneously reach behind me and grab another fistful of snow. She doesn’t realize it until it crashes into her forehead.

Fallon growls, then the fight continues until we’re breathless. Dasher is having the time of his life out here, and I’m almost willing to bet Fallon is too.

After admiring the view a little longer, we make our way back to the sleigh, and then ride toward the barn.

“You know, I don’t think I’ve enjoyed myself this much during the holidays since before my mom died,” Fallon admits as we sit close together.

“Really?”

She nods, and I can see she’s lost in her head.

“I’m honored, Fallon. Do you want to talk about it?”

She sucks in a deep breath and unscrews the top of the hot cocoa, then takes a big swig. “My mom passed away two days after Christmas. The anniversary is something I dread every year.” She pauses. “You know, I hear these stories about people with sick parents who had time to prepare themselves for the worst. I didn’t get that because my mom was gone in a blink.”

“I’m sorry,” I offer. “I know it’s cliché, and that’s probably what everyone says, but no one should ever lose a parent at a young age.”

“I appreciate it. I was eleven when she passed. Taryn’s two years older and helped me a lot, but it wasn’t her responsibility to raise me. My teen years were difficult without my mom. We were all grieving at the same time too, which didn’t help.”

“I can’t imagine, but I can understand why you wouldn’t like this time of year. I’d feel the same way.”

“Thanks,” she whispers, and I place my arm around her back, offering what comfort I can.

“I live with a lot of guilt that she died.”

I look over at her. “How come?”

“My mom would do anything for us girls, and that night, we wanted McDonald’s. Mom didn’t care that it was raining. Living in Seattle, you learn to deal and drive in it. On her way there, a drunk driver swerved into her lane and crashed into her. She died instantly.”

I pull her closer into me. Instinctively, I rub her arm, then place a soft kiss on her forehead. “That’s not your fault, sweetheart. You don’t have to live with that on your conscience. Your mom obviously loved you and wanted to make you happy.”

She wipes a few tears away, and it breaks my fucking heart.

“The day my mom died was the day Christmas became dead to me. I buried every ounce of holiday spirit I had with my mom because it was her favorite holiday. She used to go all out with decorating, and we had a light-viewing tradition. There would be trees in every room, advent calendars leading up to Christmas Day. She did everything in her power to make it special for us. Being here with you made me remember things I’ve kept buried for a long time. The happy times with my mom are nice memories to have, and I’ll forever be grateful for that.”

I give her a sweet smile. “Guess that scammer didn’t ruin everything after all.”

She snorts. “I know I’ve completely taken over your space and have gotten in your way.”

In my heart too , but I don’t say that. “I’ve enjoyed having you around. It’s made me realize a lot of things. Plus, Dasher loves his new babysitter.” I reach over and pet his head. For the past few days, something intense has been brewing between us, and I’m convinced she feels it too.

She looks over at Dasher. “He’s still a little shit even though he’s cute.”

“Yeah, but ya like him. Just admit it already,” I tease, but also wishing we had the courage to put our hearts on the line.