The Soldier's Holiday Vow by Jillian Hart Page B

under a small makeshift awning. It had to be a cold job. She empathized, as she often worked in the cold winter rain, too.
    â€œLooks like we have plenty of choices.” Hawk stopped the truck and killed the engine. The hot air from the heater sputtered out, and the windshield immediately began to fog. “We’re the only customers here.”
    â€œI can’t imagine why.” She released her seat belt, turning toward him in the seat. Rain pinged on the glass, smearing the outside world like one big Christmas watercolor. “Don’t most people shop for trees in the pouring rain?”
    â€œI’ve been in monsoons that were drier than this,” hequipped. “Wait a second. I’ll grab an umbrella and come around for you.”
    â€œUmbrella? Who do you think I am? I’m a Seattle girl. I’m not afraid of a little rain.” She opened her door and hopped down from the truck, lifting her face to the spattering rain.
    Footsteps splashed on the wet blacktop, pounding in her direction. Hawk, glowering at her, as he rounded the front corner of the truck.
    â€œYou could have waited for me to help you down.” He stared at the umbrella, folded and tied neatly in hand. “It’s too late for this now. You’re already dripping wet and loving it.”
    â€œAfter being cooped up indoors for so many days, I do love it.” She swiped at the raindrops collecting on her lashes and breathed in the fresh-cut tree scent. “I’m feeling better already.”
    â€œYou look better. There’s color in your cheeks.”
    â€œSee? I don’t need to be pampered. Too bad my sister isn’t here to see. I’m going stir-crazy.” She waved to the couple huddled under their awning. “Good morning.”
    â€œHello there,” the husband greeted. “Are you two wanting anything in particular?”
    â€œWe’ll browse around and let you know.” Hawk stepped in, locking his arm through her good one. They must look like a couple out to buy their tree. “Where do you want to start? There’s some good-looking spruce right here. Well shaped and full. That would look mighty pretty in your front window.”
    â€œI would rather shop around first. See what my options are.”
    â€œThat’s where we are different. I know what I want and when I see it, I grab it and go. Quick in and quick out.”
    â€œThe Ranger way?” She shook her head, enjoying the pleasant squish of puddled water beneath her boots and the symphony of rainfall pattering around them. Holiday lights flashed cheerfully as she followed an aisle past the perfect trees. “I like to take a careful look. Sometimes you find a hidden treasure.”
    â€œI see what you mean.” His tone was thoughtful, drawing her attention. Suddenly she didn’t feel as if he was talking about the trees surrounding them.
    Heat stained her face, and she looked away. With every step she took, she was deeply aware of him at her side. The force of his noble presence was as tangible as the ground beneath her feet.
    â€œHow about this one?” He paused to admire a noble fir, tall and proud and perfect.
    â€œIt is lovely.” She bit her bottom lip, a habit when she was thinking. “I can’t help but think this tree is gorgeous. Any number of people will want it. It will sell in a snap.”
    â€œWell, I don’t know. It’s still here, isn’t it?”
    â€œIt’s two weeks before Christmas. A lot of people haven’t come by yet. I’m positive this tree will find a home.”
    â€œSo that means we get it?” He wasn’t exactly paying attention to her every word. He couldn’t. She captivated him, looking like Christmas come early with her spun-sugar pink hat, scarf and mittens and matching coat.
    â€œIt means I feel confident leaving the tree right here.”
    â€œRight. Because we have to worry about the trees who