Christmas on 4th Street (Fool's Gold #12.5)(37)

She shook off the memories and returned her attention to the flower discussion.

“While you’re mulling,” Dellina said, pulling a tablet out of her large tote and touching the screen, “I’ll mention some other details. Evie Jefferson and I talked. After the Dance of the Winter King, the girls will start a new dance she taught them. The music will change and then Mayor Marsha will take the stage to explain what’s happening.”

She went through the events of the evening. How the three grooms would take their places, and Noelle would be the first down the aisle.

“I have a list of prewedding march music,” Dellina said, digging for a sheet of paper. “I’m also open to suggestions. Then the traditional wedding march, then you three appear. Ceremony, ring, kiss and we invite everyone to a late supper before we all head to church for midnight services.”

“You’re doing the supper?” Noelle asked.

“I’m organizing it.” Dellina grinned. “Trust me, I didn’t get the cooking gene. Ana Raquel and Greg are handling the food. It’s going to be delicious.”

Felicia pulled her own tablet out of her bag. “I have a list of what’s been ordered,” she said. “Including the champagne.”

Noelle glanced at the clock on the wall. “If you guys don’t need me, I’m going to head back to my store. We’re swamped and I left Gabriel in charge.”

“Thanks for everything,” Isabel told her. “You’ve been great.”

“I’m happy to help. Let me know the details.”

She waved at her friends, then left the store. As she hurried toward The Christmas Attic, she told herself to revel in their happiness and not think about the fact that the day after Christmas, everything would be different. Her friends would leave on their honeymoons, Gabriel would go back to Germany and her store would get quiet again. While her friends would return, they would be married and she had a feeling that could change things.

As for Gabriel, well, she doubted she would ever see him again. Not unless he started visiting his brother more regularly. And what were the odds of that? So not getting involved really made sense. Only she wasn’t sure she was in a place where she wanted to be sensible.

She was about to turn the corner when Patience caught up with her. “I have to get back, too,” she said. “And I completely trust Dellina with the menu.” She pointed to the window for da bump Maternity. “Oh, look. She’s added an animated Santa.”

Noelle glanced at the window and saw a dancing Santa. There were elves, too. Cute elves she didn’t remember from a couple of days ago.

“She’s getting to her decorating late,” she said. “It’s a tough time of year.”

“She’s not late,” Patience said. “It’s the competition. I thought about trying, but with the wedding and all, there’s no way. Maybe next year. Although Josh usually wins. I think he brings in people from outside to decorate. He’s a professional competitor. The rest of us don’t take it that seriously.”

Noelle stopped to face her. “What are you talking about?”

“The competition for best holiday window display,” Patience told her. “It’s silly, really. The prize is some little statue. It’s just for fun.”

“Why didn’t I know about this?” Noelle asked, gazing at the window display. “I have a Christmas store. I should be a contender.”

“Uh-oh.” Patience held up both hands. “I see that look of determination. I’m so staying out of your way.”

Chapter 8

Gabriel closed the cash register and handed over the bag. “Thanks for stopping by,” he said. “Merry Christmas.”

Unexpectedly, he enjoyed working in the store. People were really happy when they found what they were looking for and he liked the idea of seeing the transaction through. In his day job, he patched his patients up as best he could and then they were gone. Even in Germany, when his patients left the hospital, they still had healing to do. But here, he could sell a Christmas CD and feel a sense of accomplishment.

The front door opened and Noelle burst in. She was flushed and wide-eyed, her scarf falling off her shoulder.

“What happened?” he demanded, already moving toward her. Adrenaline pumped through him as he wondered if there’d been a car accident or some other tragedy he would have to deal with. He didn’t have a medical bag with him, which would limit what he could do but—

“There’s a window competition,” she announced. “How did I not know about this? There are prizes and everything. We have to win.”

Gabriel drew in a breath and consciously relaxed his body. The chemical rush would take a while to fade, but at his least brain knew she was okay.

“A competition?” he asked. “For windows?”

“Window displays. I wish Melissa was here. I could ask her about it. There was a flyer, but I guess I didn’t get it.” She walked over to the computer and typed in the password to log on to the internet, then searched.

“Here it is,” she said triumphantly. “The judging is the eleventh. That’s next Wednesday and doesn’t give us much time.” She looked around the store. “I need to get organized.”

“You’re going to try to win?”