She shifted on her seat. “While that’s fine in the short term, eventually you’re going to look around and see what you’ve given up. Chances are it’s going to be too late to try again. Your no-dating rule is ridiculous. You know it, and I know it, and you really should think about being more honest with yourself. After that, you should ask me out, because if you don’t, you’re going to regret it forever.”

She stood. “I know the way out. Have a good night.”

And then she was gone.

Toby sat on the sofa, stunned by her words and in awe of her courage. Reggie had always been honest and brave, but tonight she’d been exceptional. Wrong about him, but incredible in every way possible.

He knew he had to protect his son. That mattered more than anything. But she was right about him regretting losing her. He knew that was something he was going to be dealing with for a very long time.

Twenty-Five

Micah carefully ran the credit card charge, then handed the receipt to the woman trying to keep control of her two small children. The youngest, a little girl of maybe four or five, darted across the Christmas tree lot, toward the exit. Micah sprinted after her, catching her before she got out onto the sidewalk.

“Thank you so much,” her mother said, hurrying up with her older child in tow. “She’s a runner, that’s for sure.”

Micah handed over the little girl and smiled at the mom. “You and your family have a good holiday season.”

“We will.”

She paused as if she were going to say more. Micah turned away, walking over to where her husband was tying the large Christmas tree on top of their car.

“You have enough rope?” he asked.

The man made a final knot, then patted the tree. “I do. We’re not going far and I’ll drive slow.”

“Enjoy the tree.”

Micah returned to the lot. Despite the fact that it was the middle of a weekday, business had been steady, with several trees sold every hour.

Steve had called that morning, asking if Micah could help him out. His regular person had caught a stomach bug and couldn’t make it in at the last minute. Micah had agreed. Not only would he do anything for his friend, but he thought the experience would be good for him. He’d been spending too much time in his room, writing. So far he had two more songs that were nearly completed and ideas for about eight others.

His stomach growled, reminding him he’d missed breakfast. Micah glanced at his watch. It was nearly one. His replacement would show up at three, so only a couple of hours to go.

He assisted a few more families with trees, and carefully put a small flocked tree in the trunk for an older woman.