“I know something that might cheer you up,” Brock said, eyeing her sullen face.

“What’s that?” she said, looking over at him.

One corner of his lips curled into a smile. “Let’s go Christmas shopping!”

“What? she asked. “Now?”

He shrugged. “Sure! Why not? Christmas is less than a week away and with you blowing up your car,” he teased, “I haven’t had time to shop.”

She chuckled. “I didn’t blow up my car.”

“Yes, you did.”

“Didn’t.” She laughed, shaking her head. “Okay. Where would you like to go?”

“Well, I’m not sure,” Brock replied. “I was hoping you could help me with that.”

She looked out the window,...