Free A Family Under the Christmas Tree by Terri Reed

from the lot at the grocers,” he said as he stepped into the living room. If Sophie wouldn’t accept his offer, then he’d go through Louise to get his way. “I owe Sophie big time for all her help.”

    Sophie arched an eyebrow at his retreating back. He was serious about making restitution. That didn’t sit well with her. But it also made her curious why he’d feel the need. Why couldn’t he accept help without feeling an obligation to reciprocate?
    â€œUncle David!” Troy protested. “My mom said the good trees come from farms.”
    Hearing Troy talk of his mother compelled Sophie to hurryforward. If the child cried again, she wanted to be there for him. But even as that thought formed, she reminded herself it wasn’t her place to comfort Troy.
    â€œAll Christmas trees come from tree farms, Troy,” Sophie said, joining them. She eyed Troy carefully. He didn’t appear to be on the verge of tears. “The ones at lots are usually sold as fund-raisers for various clubs or charities. So it’s not a bad thing to buy from the grocery store.”
    â€œBut it’s much more enjoyable to go to a tree farm and cut down your own tree,” Grandma interjected. “Your grandfather and I went to school with the family who owns and operates Sleigh Bells tree farm. They have plenty of attractions that make the experience fun. They’ve got a petting zoo, a Santa House, and sleigh rides.”
    â€œAnd cinnamon-covered donuts!” Troy let out a whoop. “Last year we watched them make the donuts and then got to eat them while they were hot. Yummm.”
    Sophie’s heart was warmed to see that Troy had such a fond memory to hold on to.
    â€œLet’s do it!” Grandma clapped her hands in joy.
    â€œGrams, it’s raining,” Sophie protested. Someone had to be the practical one. “Not to mention cold.”
    â€œYou do remember you’re in the Pacific Northwest, right?” David asked. An amused smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “Rainy and cold is what winter is about here.”
    She couldn’t argue that point. “But the tree will be too wet to put up.” Sophie imagined the mess that would be. Water droplets all over the place.
    â€œThat will be true wherever the Christmas tree comes from,” David countered. “It will have to dry in the garage until you’re ready to decorate, either way.”
    â€œThat makes too much sense,” Sophie replied with a wry laugh. “But Grandma shouldn’t be out and about in the dark, rainy night.”
    â€œHey, I’m not an invalid,” Grandma said. “I can wheel myself through trees. And it doesn’t require standing to munch on warm donuts.”
    â€œWe haven’t even had dinner yet,” Sophie said with a pointed look at her grandmother.
    Grandma waved a hand. “After dinner, silly.”
    â€œCan Riggs come, too?” Troy asked as he plopped down next to the puppy for some love.
    â€œDoes the Christmas tree farm allow pets?” Sophie asked Grams.
    â€œI believe so.”
    Sophie glanced at the clock. “How late is the farm open?”
    â€œGood question,” David said and pulled his cell phone from his pocket. “I’ll find out. Hopefully they have their hours posted on their website. What was the name of the place?”
    â€œSleigh Bells.”
    He grimaced as he looked at the screen. “They’re only open until eight. By the time we eat and drive there, we wouldn’t have much time to look for a tree.”
    Seeing the disappointment on Troy’s face and in Grandma’s eyes, Sophie gave in. “Let’s make a day of it on Saturday, then. We could ride the sleigh, eat donuts, and pick a tree.”
    â€œAnd pet the animals!” Troy cheered. “What about Riggs?”
    â€œLet’s see.” David scrolled through the screen on the phone. “Yes. They