Young couple Ellis and Casey’s Christmas is set to be a lean one. Struggling financially, they’re only able to manage the most basic needs for their holiday celebration. They can’t afford luxuries like a turkey. Or decorations. Or presents. Between the recent death of Casey’s beloved momma, and Ellis’ estrangement from his family, all they have is each other.<br><br>When Ellis finds the saddest looking Christmas tree south of the Mason-Dixon line thrown outside his workplace and brings it home to Casey, things look up. Because what more do you need to have a Merry Christmas than enthusiasm, ingenuity, and someone to love?

Red Popcorn Strings and Gumball Rings

“Ellis!” Her eyes narrowed, making the lines more pronounced. So that was how she’d gotten them. “Be reasonable. You know what we feel about…him.”


He snorted and shook his head, then turned to the truck, but before he managed to get in, she grabbed the arm of his jacket.


“Ellis!” she spat, tightened her grip, and pulled.


He took a deep breath. And another. The last thing he wanted to do was yell at her.


“Let go, Edie,” he said in a surprisingly calm tone, considering his insides were spinning like a tornado and all he wanted to do was roar out his anger. She must have felt his rage, because she let go and took a step back. “Don’t talk to me again unless you’re willin’ to accept Casey.”


Not bothering to wait for her answer, he jumped into the truck, jammed the key in the ignition, and tore out of there.


Chapter 3