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“Are they still selling hot chocolate? I think the girl at the table needs some”

I smiled This was another reason why I lovedHe dedicated time every week to A Way Forward, the charity I supported that helped children who’d lost a parent “If the booth isn’t open, I’ll just bribe them for some”

Luckily, there was a new group of riders getting loaded into sleighs, so the refresh I purchased a hot chocolate and a warm cinnamon bun before we approached the wreath booth

“We thought you would enjoy this” I set the snack and beverage in front of the girl

Her eyes widened “I… These are for me?”

“They are We thought you ht be cold,” Joe said

The girl wrapped her hands around the cup and breathed in the steam “Thank you I… I really appreciate it”

She had a beautiful smile, and I was thrilled to have made her happy even just for a moment, but I still wanted to know her circumstances Why was she there alone?

Joe and I spent a fewthe wreaths They were all si unique about it, whether it was the addition of dried orange slices or moss or holly

“They’re all handirl said

Joe sht they must be Did you make them?”

She gave a shy nod “I did”

“You do impressive work,” I assured her

Joe pointed to one with lots of small pine cones and bits of moss “How about this one?”

“Perfect How much is it?” I asked

“They’re all fifty dollars”

I handed her a hundred She reached into her e, but I shook my head “Keep the extra for yourself”

Her eyes ide “Sir, I can’t That’s too much”

“I have plenty Enjoy it” Before she could protest further, I took Joe’s arm, and we started toward the street

“Have a good day,” he called to her, then whispered, “Thank you for helping her I wish there was more we could do”

I squeezed his arm “You’re such a softy”

“As if you aren’t” I glanced back and considered asking her if she neededto another custo children “Even if we tried, do you think she would tell us anything?”

Joe sighed “Probably not, and for all we know, she just doesn’t have a good coat, and everything else is perfectly fine

“Is that what you think?”

Joe shook his head