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Family Fun Festival (Part 2)

Ian leaned on his Blazer, waiting for Ivy’s car to arrive. Fortunately, it wasn’t too cold for a night out with the kids, but it was cool enough to ensure they’d be sticking close to each other.

Ivy pulled into the parking lot. Looking for a free spot, she saw Ian leaning on his SUV like a model for a cologne ad. Yeah, he cleaned up very nicely when he chose to. She shuddered with anticipation.

“Hey, you.” He sauntered over to her.

“Hey, yourself.” She said as she locked her car.

“Did you do something to your hair?”

She looked up and teased it with her fingers. “Does it look bad?”

Ian reached out and took her hands in his. “Looks wild and exotic.”

“You’re silly. It’s just windblown because I was driving behind a smelly truck. I rolled the windows down until the stench cleared.”

“I think it looks great.” He smiled. “I think you look great.”

“You’re not so bad yourself.” She almost leaned in for a kiss. “I’m glad you could talk them into bringing the kids out. Apparently, Lynn was going to give you a pretty stiff rebuke.”

“She was? What for?”

“For keeping me all to yourself. Your selfishness is causing strife among the children.”

“Oh, it is, is it?” Ian laughed. “Well, this ought to more than make up for it. They’ve got all kinds of stuff going on here.”

“I think it was a brilliant idea. You’re a pretty good egg, Ian Woodard.”

He smiled. “Takes one to know one, Ivy Donegan.”

“So, what do we do now?” She said, getting lost in his eyes.

He leaned in.

She closed her eyes and waited for something magical to happen.

“We’d better go find them before I get into more trouble with the junior contingent.” He whispered in her ear.

A thrill danced down her spine. She opened one eye.

He was standing back with his hand out.

‘Okay, he’s not taking liberties, but don’t leave me hanging.’

He smiled and wiggled his hand. She smiled and took it.

“So, what are you looking forward to tonight?” He asked, tucking her arm around his.

‘Wouldn’t you like to know, buster?’ She pursed her lips. “Dunno. I wonder if the carolers are any good. How about you?”

He cast his slate-gray eyes down to meet hers. “I wouldn’t say no to a sprig of mistletoe.”

“I’ll bet.” She laughed as he pulled his arm closer. ‘Neither would I.’

They turned the corner onto the main thoroughfare. The panoply of lights and decorations wowed them.

They wandered down the festively decked street, hand in hand.

“This is almost as good as one of your jobs.” She said in quiet wonder.

“Almost.” He said, drinking it all in. “Want some roasted chestnuts?”

“Not just yet, thanks.” She squeezed his hand. “Let’s find the others.”

Ian was looking around at the brightly lit shopfronts. “What’s that about?”

“What?”

“See that guy over there?” He nodded.

“Kinda rough-looking. So?”

“He’s the third one I’ve seen carrying one of those black bags.”

Ivy glanced over at the guy. He was holding what looked like a black Santa bag with white fur trim. As they walked down the street, she also noticed more sketchy looking guys with black Santa bags. “They’re all over the place, Ian.”

“Yeah, let’s find the others. Just stay close.”

“Do you think they’re up to something?”

“I hope not, but it sure seems to be a strange coincidence.”

She clung tight to his arm as they scanned the crowd for their family members.

“Ian!” Steve’s voice called out

“Oh, there they are.” Ivy said. “Headed to the toy store, of course.”

“Hey, what does Kendra like? Steve and Nancy wanted to get something for Lynn to give her.”

“That’s sweet, Ian. They don’t have to do that.”

“Nothing extravagant, of course. Just a little something that Lynn can give her for Christmas.”

“Well, it’s going to sound strange, but…”

“Uh-oh. I’ve stumbled onto a deep, dark family secret.”

Ivy laughed. “She likes paperweights.”

“Come again?”

“So does Frank. I don’t know if it’s genetic or if she’s just imitating her dad.”

“Huh. Paperweight afficionados. I guess it takes all kinds. Are there themes they go for?”

“Not really. They like a variety. I’m sure whatever you pick will be fine.”

“I’ll see what I can do.”

“Actually, you might want to send me a picture before you buy one. Just to be sure it’s not a duplicate.”

“Good idea.” Ian gave his brother a big hug. “Hey, buddy.”

“Nice of you to show up, hotshot.”

Ian whispered in Steve’s ear. “Did you notice the guys with the black bags?”

“Yeah, seems a little sketchy.” Steve patted his brother’s back fondly. “Hey, we were going to check out the toy store.”

“Sounds like a great idea.” Ian reached out for Ivy’s hand. “Let’s go inside where it’s nice and warm. What do you say?”

She looked at him quizzically until she noticed another guy with a black bag. “Yay! Toys! Come on, girls. Let’s go inside.”

Frank held the door for them. Steve tapped him on the shoulder.

“What’s up?” Frank whispered.

“Ian noticed the guys with the black bags, too.”

“Let’s stick close to the girls. Hopefully, if anything goes down, they’ll stay out of the stores.”

“That’s what I was thinking. See if we can try to herd them toward the back of the store.” Ian said.

“Where the heck are all the cops? I haven’t seen a badge the whole night.” Steve hissed.

“I don’t know. Let’s get inside.” Frank pulled the door open again. “After you, guys.”

They all filed into the store to look for the girls.

“Frank, what’s the matter?” Holly asked, noticing the concern on his face.

“Probably nothing, but I’d like for us all to go to the back of the store for a couple of minutes. Just to be safe.”

“Safe? Frank, what’s going on?”

“Shh, let’s get everyone to the back. Okay?”