章 23: Chapter 23

He sat and stared into the fire for a long time.

* * * *

Christmas Eve in the shop was bright and busy. Filled with laughter and excitement. Christy flew about,rushing from customer to customer, serving tea and slightly misshapen biscuits that were a tiny bit scorched at the edges. He and Mr. Fenton had made them first thing that morning. He could see he was going to have to nip back and make some more they were going so well. People loved the holly and more than one person had been the recipient of an enthusiastic kiss under the mistletoe. Mr. Fenton didn’t smile a great deal, but seemed to get into the spirit of things, and all in all, it was a splendid morning.