Mistletoe and Magic by Carolyn Hughey, Gina Ardito Page B

“Want to go?”
    “Sure. Let’s do it.” The two ran ahead toward the gazebo to wait for the announcement to be made. Mallory followed behind and ambled over to AJ and Lacey.
    “We got you some, Mommy.” AJ handed her the cup.
    “Thank you very much.”
    “How about Jenny? Does she want a cup?” AJ asked.
    “She bought herself one with the lunch money she didn’t use today. Hey, listen, do you think Becky will mind that her friend wants to help light the tree?”
    “Not a bit.” Seeing his aunt walk up the steps, he turned to Lacey. “I think its show time, young lady. Want me to hold your hot chocolate until you’re done?”
    “Yes, please.” Seconds later, she ran to the podium where Becky stood edging her way up close in front of the crowd.
    “Welcome to the fifteenth annual Christmas festival. I have some friends here tonight who have agreed to help me light the tree. Can I have Jenny and Lacey Gardner…and…” Jenny leaned over and whispered her friend’s name. “… And Cassandra Lyons.”
    Lacey’s excitement had her shaking and she practically tripped walking up the steps to light the tree.
    “Okay, girls. I want you each to take a plug and when we count down to number one, I want each of you to plug them into the socket at the same time. Are you ready?” She looked back out at the crowd. “Okay, let’s count backwards from ten.” The crowd began counting and when they got to number one, everyone but Lacey was able to get the plug into the socket. Becky rushed over and helped her. Instantly, the tree lit up as bright as a star. Everyone applauded, and the carolers broke out in song.
    Becky handed the girls a huge candy cane. “Merry Christmas,” she said, and thank you for your help.” She admired the tree. “What do you think?”
    “It’s beautiful,” Lacey and Cassandra said. Jenny didn’t say very much, but she did thank her for the candy cane. When the song was finished, Becky walked back to the podium and thanked everyone who’d helped set up, then wished them a Merry Christmas.
    “Well, I guess that’s it,” Mallory said with a yawn. “Girls, it’s time to go home now.”
    Lacey grumbled. “Can’t we stay a little longer?”
    “I’m afraid not. You have school tomorrow.”
    “But maybe the furnace is still crapped out.”
    “Lacey, please stop saying that. The furnace was broken, but I’m sure it’s been fixed by now. Besides, you only have a few more days before Christmas, and then you’ll be home for two weeks.” Lacey pouted. “So say goodbye to Mr. Miller.”
    She let go of his hand and puckered her lips for a kiss. He leaned down and she planted a big kiss on his cheek. “Bye, AJ. Bye, Aunt Becky,” she waved.
    “Lacey, did Mrs. Miller say you could call her Aunt Becky?”
    “No, but she’s cool, Mom. I know she won’t be mad.”
    Shaking her head, Mallory threw her hands up in the air. “Good manners right down the drain.”
    “No bad manners here,” AJ said. “She’s a delightful child, Mal. You’ve done an amazing job with her.”
    “Thank you. I guess one out of two isn’t bad.”
    “Jenny will be fine. Give her some time.”
    “From your mouth to God’s ears.” She motioned for Jenny who had run off with Cassandra again. “We have to go.”
    AJ extended his hand when Jenny joined them. “It was nice spending time with you today, Jenny. I hope to see you again.”
    “Thank you, Mr. Miller.”
    “AJ, please.”
    Lacey threw kisses to AJ all the way to the street. When she couldn’t see him anymore, she turned around. “I like that man, Mom!”
    “He’s a very nice man, Lacey.”
    “You really like him too, don’t you, Mom?” Jenny said.
    “How do you mean that?”
    “I think you’d like to go out with him.”
    Mallory didn’t respond because no matter how she tried to deny it, she’d be lying. Mallory shook her head. “It sounds like you and Aunt Dina are conniving.”
    “No. But it might be time for you to go