Can't Love Christmas

Nine

Ash pulled up to the curb in front of the pub, where Rowan was waiting for her. She waved, and he ambled over to slide into the front seat of her white Subaru.

"Good morning Rowan!"

"Morning." He did not seem to agree that it was good.

"You okay?"

"Yeah. Tired. I didn't get much sleep last night."

"Okay." She put the car back in gear and eased away from the curb. "So at what point can I tell you exactly what we are doing?"

"When we get there and I see it."

"Well, we are heading to Bardsville for it. Would you like to chat, listen to music, or sit in awkward silence for the next 45 minutes?"

"Music, I guess."

Ash reached over and turned on the radio. Christmas music filled the cabin, and Rowan released a pitiful groan. "Can I change my mind?"

Ash laughed. "Nope! This will help you get in the spirit for where we're going!"

In response, Rowan leaned his head against the window and closed his eyes. They didn't speak again until Ash parked the car.

The parking lot of the barn had been expanded into the field, and when Rowan opened his eyes and found himself there, he was confused. "Why the hell are we parked in a field beside a barn?"

"It's the Bardsville Christmas Market!"

"What the hell is a Christmas Market?"

"I trust you know what a market is. This one happens to be Christmas themed, in the sense they bring a lot of local vendors together so you can support local businesses and do a bunch of your Christmas shopping." She opened the door and climbed out, then stuck her head back in when Rowan seemed unwilling to move. "Plus they usually have treats and things to make it an enjoyable experience for all. And this one has a real reindeer we can see!"

With a long suffering sigh, Rowan heaved himself out of the car, and followed Ash to the main entrance. She presented both of their tickets and led him inside.

It was a riot for the senses. Christmas music and the sounds of hundreds of conversations washed over them. The smell of apple cider and hot chocolate mingled with the smell of fresh baked cookies and sanded wood. There were six rows of vendors booths set up, and hundreds of people milling around. Rowan froze just inside the doorway, eyes wide. "Cinders, why are there so many people here?"

"Because people like Christmas markets. And they've got a lot of cool stuff here." She pulled out her phone and loaded the official market map from the website. "Is there anything in particular you want to look for, or do you just want to wander and check everything out?"

"How could I have anything in particular to look for when I didn't even know we were coming?"

"Well that's really your own fault. I wanted to tell you. To prepare you for this. But no," she pointed her finger at him, "you chose the surprise."

"I probably wouldn't have come if I'd known. This seems dumb."

"If you quit on my attempts, does that mean I win the bet?"

"Of course not!"

"Hmm. Well, this is totally not dumb, and I'm actually really excited to be here. I've got some shopping to do!"

Ash turned on her heel and started down the first row, determined not to let Rowan's mood ruin her day at the market. She strolled past the first six booths before she felt Rowan beside her once again. He quietly followed her as she bought a collection of candles and stopped at a woodworker's booth to personalize a family tree ornament for her grandmother.