“Oh, right! That’s smart. Thanks.” The girl picked up the wooden replica of the M/V Eagle. “We’ll take this one.”

Wink sleekly slid out from behind the counter and Christina slid in to ring up the sale. When the customers left, Christina said to Wink, “It’s a good thing I’m not paying you on commission!” She was sure Wink knew what commission meant.

Whenever the shop was empty, Christina and Wink scurried about tidying and restocking the shelves.

“Have you met any kids your age?” Christina asked one bright afternoon.

Wink didn’t speak. She merely shook her head.

“The town puts on a Christmas pageant at the Congregational Church. I’m sure they could use another angel.”

“I’m not an angel. And we don’t go to church.”

“Too bad. Churches are gorgeous this time of year. Have you seen the Festival of Trees?”

“I’ve seen the trees on Main Street.”

“Inside the Whaling Museum, there are dozens of trees decorated in all sorts of fabulous ways.”

“That’s nice,” Wink said softly.

“Maybe your mother could take you. I’m sure she’d enjoy it.”

“I don’t know when she’s coming back to the island.”

“Well, what about asking your grandfather to take you?”

“He doesn’t exactly get into the holiday spirit.” More quietly, she added, “Plus he’s not wild about doing things with me.”

“Maybe your uncle…” Christina began.

“Maybe you could take me,” Wink suggested in a voice so quiet it was almost a whisper.

“Hmm,” Christina said. “I think that’s a great idea! Let me check the calendar and we’ll make a date.”

Wink began humming Christmas carols as she worked.

—

Even with Wink’s help, Christina worked hard that day. When she arrived to the silence of her home, she collapsed on the sofa. Mittens, her enormous mixed-breed cat, immediately jumped on her belly and purred loudly, glad Christina was home. Christina put her feet up on a pillow and closed her eyes, relaxing.

Of course that was the moment her cell buzzed.

She glanced at the caller ID. It was Andy, so she should take the call, because it might be about Wink.

Who was she kidding? She would take the call because it might be Andy asking to see her again.

Andy had a lovely voice. “I know you were busy today. Wink told me. How about dinner tomorrow night?”

“I have a better idea. How about you take Wink shopping for some pretty clothes, and then we’ll all three go to the Festival of Trees at the Whaling Museum, and then we’ll go out to dinner?”

After a moment of silence, Andy said, “Um, I don’t know how to take a little girl shopping for clothes.”