He saw Taryn was out for her honeymoon with Angel. She would miss Thanksgiving but be back before Christmas. Jack and Larissa were heading to Los Angeles for Thanksgiving, to be with Larissas family. He frowned as he realized Sam would also be out of town in late November. He and Dellina were going to Lake Tahoe with Dellinas two sisters and their husbands. Which left Kenny on his own for the holiday.
He leaned back in his chair. His own family was mostly back east. His mom worked for the State Department and was in D.C. His sisters were in New York. He could easily go to either place and be welcome, but wasnt enthused about the idea. For Christmas they were all flying to Bali. Exotic locations were a family tradition. But for once, he was saying no. He wanted to stick around Fools Gold. See the snow and the festivals. Plus he had his responsibilities with the toy drive.
His cell phone rang and he glanced at the screen. Speaking of responsibilities, he thought as Baileys name came up.
Hey.
Hi. Its Bailey. The collection bins have been delivered. Ive confirmed all the supplies were going to need and wondered if you wouldnt mind picking them up.
Not at all. Where are the bins?
The convention center. They have some space that isnt being used, so I parked them there. It will be easy access for our decorating and plenty of parking. Were at the north entrance. There are signs. She also told him where to pick up the supplies for sprucing the bins.
Im writing it down, he told her as he typed the information into his calendar. Were delivering the decorated containers the Friday after Thanksgiving?
Thats the plan. Oh, are you around? I didnt think to ask if youd be traveling.
Im not.
There was a pause, as if she were thinking. Okay. Great. Because I thought you might be with family. Or, you know, a girlfriend.
He leaned back in his chair and grinned. A not very subtle attempt to extract information. Theres no girlfriend. And Im staying in town for the holiday.
Good, she said. The single word was followed by a quick intake of air. As if she was concerned he would think the good referred to his single state.
I, ah, meant I appreciate your help. With the bins and all. I dont think I could have fit them in my car or carried them into the different stores. And with Sam and Jack both out of town, Im not sure who I would have asked.... She paused again. Kenny, all your friends are going to be gone. Where are you having Thanksgiving dinner?
The previous topic had been a whole lot more interesting to him. Was it possible he made Bailey nervous? Better and better, he thought, before turning to her question.
I dont have any plans.
You cant be alone, she told him. Youre welcome to join Chloe and me. Were planning to go to the parade and then have a pretty traditional dinner. Nothing fancy.
He wasnt interested in fancy. It was highly overrated. He thought about the beautiful redhead and her adorable daughter and realized the invitation was something he could put on his list to be thankful for.
Id like that a lot, he told her.
Really? I mean good. The parade is at noon. Well be walking over about eleven-thirty, if you want to join us. Or after.
He smiled. Ill be there at eleven-thirty. Ill bring pie.
You dont have to.
I want to. Im looking forward to the day.
Me, too.
* * *
THE FOOLS GOLD convention center was an older building that lacked much in the way of architectural detail. But it served its purpose and right now that was way more important to Bailey than anything in the way of visual interest.
She had eight Sprouts, eight collection bins, plenty in the way of paint, markers, glitter and glue, and milling adults to corral.
The bins themselves were round, about four feet tall and wide enough to take a tricycle. The outsides were a stiff cardboard. Clean but not very holiday-like. That was going to change.
Big crowd, Kenny said as he walked up to her. I thought wed get a few parents, but that was it. There have to be at least thirty people here.
I put the word out, she said, trying to appear both pleasant and casual without giving away how her body had gone into hyperalert. He was so tall, she thought dreamily. So handsome. So nice.
The latter was the most dangerous. Because while his physical appeal was exciting, that kind of a crush wouldnt last. If hed been a jerk or arrogant or the least bit annoying, she could have dismissed his blue eyes or easy smile. But the niceness was the real problem. The more she got to know Kenny, the more she liked him. Hed been incredibly helpful during the inspection and now he was here to help the Sprouts with their bins. If the man rescued a kitten from a tree, she was going to be a goner.
People just showed up? he asked.
You sound surprised. Youre here.
He gave her that slow smile of his. I had no choice. Mayor Marsha terrifies me.
I doubt that. She glanced at her watch. Time to get serious. You want to take charge or should I?
The smile widened. I like a woman in charge. Go for it.
Bailey told herself not to read too much into his teasing comment as she walked to the front of the large conference room shed chosen for the decorating.