Edward
"Hey bud," I say, trying to remember the words that Mr. Fontaine. "You wanna go get a Christmas tree?"
I know damn well that it's getting close and that Thanksgiving has come and gone. And it's time. I also know that I'm exhausted from trying to sell four other houses as well as trying to find Mr. Fontaine his dream home in time for Christmas.
But Ej comes before sleep and relaxing.
So it's time to have some family time together.
"Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!" he shouts excitedly.
I sigh happily and smile. This is the best part of being a parent. When you're finally able to enjoy their overwhelming excitement.
"Grab your coat and we'll go pick one out," I tell him as I try to find my keys.
Our drive is short. I know just the place to go. It's local and they always have it all done up with lights and decorations. Ej loves it.
The trees are beautiful all lined up and just waiting for homes to go spend the holidays with. And there are still so many to choose from.
From short, fuller ones to tall regal looking trees, the possibilities are endless, though I know that we need something reasonable.
I sigh looking at the sight before me. I've always loved this time of the year.
"Dad, what about this one?" Ej asks as he stands next to what has to be a twelve foot tree.
I shake my head with a smile.
He runs off down the aisle only to find an equally impressive tree to show me.
We finally settle on something around seven feet tall.
"This one looks good, huh?" I ask.
Ej nods his head furiously.
"Alright then, it's settled. It's coming home with us!"
I'm really getting into the Christmas spirit. Even in the checkout line we sing carols between us. It's ridiculous, but Ej loves it. So it's perfectly fine with me.
With our gorgeous tree in hand and securely fastened to the roof. I know that my son and I are bound to have a fantastic night.
"Dad, we should pop popcorn and blast Christmas music," he suggests excitedly.
I smile at the bundle of happiness and energy in the back seat. He's adorable and I'm really feeling Mr. Fontaine's words right now. Living in the moment and savoring everything. It's the best part of life. "Sounds good, I'll just dig out the decorations and then we'll start with the celebration."
I throw on my iPod and start up the stairs as Ej hollers to me. "Dad!"
"What's up?" I holler back.
"I just had the best idea," he says adorably. Seriously, this evening couldn't get much better.
"Oh yeah? What's that?" I wonder.
"We should have Bella come over and help us!" he shouts excitedly as I process what he's just said. "Dad she's so good at crafts and she's a big help! C'mon dad! Please dad!"
I just stand there. Trying to come up with a reason not to call her, especially after the other night.
But even after trying so very hard, I can't come up with anything solid enough that will actually shut him up.
"…Dad it would be so cool! She knows all the Christmas songs and she's really nice."
"Alright," I shout over him, as he continues to tell me why having her over to help decorate the tree would be a good idea.
I know just as well as he does that it would be a good idea. But at the same time, my mind goes right back to her when she helped me with my tie.
Her soft hands, her full lips, her beautiful body…I just don't know if I can put all that attraction behind us, so I don't act like a fool in front of her.