that time of year

Winter was starting to be a bitter cold. Like an annoying headache that Camille couldn't keep at bay.

Of course, she'd gone out with Harper as Asa asked. It wasn't like Asa was around for support. You would have thought he'd hired a detective as much information he'd pumped her for.

In all honesty, Harper was a sweet little person. And a mechanic. He offered to winterize her car, long over due, of course. He was so pleasant and he made her laugh. She was very impressed with his way of letting the evening linger. But, as luck would have it, he was still very much in love with Jane's mother who left him for a trucker. And Asa had nothing to worry about.

"Harper is like family to Jane." She told Asa as soon as possible. Besides, she needed to get Christmas going at her house. She knew Josie didn't care, but she needed this. A sweet Christmas of some kind.

There was cookie baking. Getting the right gifts for all those she worked with. It was something to warm her heart. Even writing a hefty check to the homeless shelter, and of course giving to every Toy Drive she might notice.

"Well, if you're up to giving so much good, I have a favor." Derrick was all smiles at the deli. He even offered her a free slice of piping hot cheese pizza.

"Like what?" She was intrigued, and very happy to have pizza.

"My father." His smile fell into a straight line. Funny, she never thought of him having one.

"Yeah, he'll be back from Alaska, any day now. Wants to spend the holidays with us, but..but I don't want him staying at Kyle's. He can be a bit much. Just a big kid, you know. I mean, sure, he's only coming to see Rosie. But honestly, he's a lot to handle. And they don't have the room. No way, am I sleeping with that man."

Camille smiled, was he asking her to put up his father for the holidays? She definitely had the room. It sounded so cozy. Making her home a bed and breakfast for the holidays. She could do this.

"I'd love to." She found herself saying.

"God, you would? How much would I owe you?" Derrick wanted to know.

"Not a thing." She almost winked.

"Are you sure?" He winced back as if she had no idea what she'd have to put up with.

"Its Christmas." Her smile was genuine. Really, she needed to be needed during the holidays.