She placed it in a box and tied it with a ribbon.

Timmy began counting the crumpled bills in his mitten.

But Jean gently closed his hand.

“Oh no,” she said softly. “This one’s on the house.”

Timmy looked up in surprise.

“Really?”

Jean knelt down so they were eye level.

“Christmas is about giving,” she said. “And your dad deserves the best pumpkin pie in town when he gets home.”

Timmy grinned so wide his whole face lit up.

“Thank you, Mrs. Stevenson!”

He hugged the pie box carefully and ran toward the door.

But before leaving, he turned back.

“Merry Christmas!”

Jean waved.

“Merry Christmas, Timmy.”