Free A Heart for Christmas by Lisa Watson

you feel about that?”
    Yvette watched Lacey’s expression carefully.  If her daughter wasn’t comfortable with the idea of her going out with Christopher, there would be no date.  Her heart constricted painfully as she awaited Lacey’s answer.
    “I like Mr. Christopher .  His mommy and daddy are nice, too.”
    A look of relief passed over Yvette’s face.  “Me too, sweety.  Me too.”
    The week went by in a blur for Yvette.  Luckily, she was swamped at work which kept her mind off her impending date with Christopher; at least most of the time.
    When it didn’t, it was all she could do to stay focused.  It was like her brain and completely left her body at times.  He didn’t help matter, either.  Every time she spoke with him on the telephone, just hearing his voice made her miss him more.
    “You’ve got it bad, and you two haven’t even gone out on your date, yet,” Adelaide mentioned during a phone conversation one day.
    “I do not,” Yvette denied. 
    “Honey, I know you…well.  I could see it when we were at the farm.  You two are smitten with each other.  Personally, I think it’s high time you were interested in a man.  You’re too young to be up on the shelf.”
    “Aunt Addie—” Yvette began.
    “Don’t bother denying it because I’m not listening.  Now, go out and get yourself a new dress and get your hair done.  Treat yourself…you deserve it, honey.”
    By the time she had ended her call with Adelaide, Yvette had decided that her aunt was right.  She should get something new to wear on her date with Christopher.  It wasn’t that often that she went on a date, much less with someone that she really liked.  Yvette decided that instead of going to lunch tomorrow, she would go to Crabtree Valley Mall to Macy’s and shop for a dress.  She retrieved her cell phone off the kitchen counter and dialed up her hairstylist for an appointment.
    Moments later she ended the call.  Yvette took a deep breath.  Everything was all set.  Now if she could just stop being nervous, she would be fine.
    Easier said than done .  Her inner voice replied.
     
    Christopher maneuvered into Yvette’s driveway and parked.  He cut the engine of his car and gazed at the clock.  It was six ‘o clock.  He was right on time.  He opened the car door and got out.  Readjusting his overcoat, he shut the door and walked up the driveway to the front door.  You’re not nervous .  He told himself. 
    “Of course not,” he said aloud.  Seconds later, he had to chuckle.  If he wasn’t nervous, why was he talking to himself?
    He pressed the doorbell and waited.  When Yvette opened the door, he was rendered speechless.  She wore a deep red dress with a V-neck and black pumps.  Her hair was swept up exposing a long neck accentuated by wisps of hair and a gold necklace with a single garnet.  He shook his head.  “Yvie, you look beautiful.”
    “Thank you.”  She beamed up at him.  “Come in, I’ll just get my coat.”
    Christopher stepped into the foyer.  “You have a lovely home,” he replied as he helped her into her coat.
    “Thank you. ”
    “Where’s the mun chkin?”
    “At the babysitters.  She l ives a few blocks away.” 
    Yvette grabbed her purse of f the hall table.  Christopher held the door and then closed it behind her. 
    As they were walking to his car, she stared at the black, Cadillac CTS and asked, “Where’s the truck?”
    “That’s for work,” he replied.
    He helped her inside .  When he got into the driver’s seat, he glanced at her.  “And this is absolutely not work related.”  With a grin, Christopher secured his seat belt, started the car and drove off.
    “So where are we going?” Yvette asked a few minutes later.
    “Capital City Chophouse,” he announced.  “Have you been?”
    “Yes, and I love it.  The food is superb.”
    “I think so, too.  Though I was hoping to surprise you with some place you’ve never been before.”
    “Next