Liam was too hard to resist as he was handsome, sweet, and more than a little fun. “Sure, I’d like that.” She took one more look at Devin and he had an odd look on his face as she walked away.
Half an hour later, she’d beaten Liam twice, and it was now her turn to play her sister. When she beat her too, it was Devin’s turn.
“Okay, Adria, show me what you got since they have no chess strategies that work.” Devin sat across from her.
Adria’s hands were shaking again. She felt that nervousness she only got when she liked a man, and hoped Devin didn't see it. “Okay, be prepared to lose too, then maybe tomorrow after we bake cookies, you will be prepared to play a different game. Nobody beats me at chess. My mom was wonderful at it, and Becca didn't learn that skill, but I did.”
“I remember you playing the game once with Billy over on Locust Lane and he was so mad. He played you three times thinking he could one-up you and you won every game.”
She glanced over at Becca and Liam as they sat together talking quietly while sipping more cocoa and looking at the lights. It didn't bother her; in fact, she couldn’t help but think how adorable it would be if Becca finally found a reliable man, a man who would love and cherish her the way she deserved so she wouldn’t be alone anymore.
They’d both had more than a few terrible relationships, but Becca needed a man in her life, it was just her personality. Personally, Adria knew she could survive without one even if her heart longed to have a man to love too.
“Hold on, I want to take a picture of them with my phone. We might not have cell phone service out here right now but they look absolutely adorable. Look at the way the tree twinkles next to them with all those beautiful ornaments and the railing covered in garlands and lights on the other side.”
Adria nudged Devin with her hand, not really focused on him. She grabbed her phone and snapped pictures. Both seemed oblivious to what was going on around them, and they were smiling which was a good sign.
“Hey, Becca, after this I am playing you so don’t get too comfortable with the stranger. Besides you guys are looking a little too cozy over there, maybe we need to put some space between you.” Devin said.
Becca pulled a face, then smiled. “You know I love you, Devin. But you're playing chess with Adria right now. When you're done, there is plenty of room on my other side.” She laughed.
Adria tried not to let her frustrations get the better of her. She knew Becca was this way, always wanting to be the center of attention. Still, Adria regretted mentioning anything to Devin and ruining their moment.
He seemed irritated after that, and even his dogs didn't cheer him up. They played chess and Adria beat him twice before he gave up. “Thanks, Adria, it's been fun but I’m going to bed.”
She watched him go, her heart going with him. The last thing she wanted to do was disrupt Becca and Liam, but two minutes later he left too, leaving just her and Becca.
“Hey, sis. This was quite a busy day. I think it's going to be an amazing Christmas. The cabin looks beautiful, we did it.” Adria said as she sat down on the couch where Liam had been.
“Yeah, we did a nice job. You know I kind of like it when it snows. I really wanted to have just you and me time, but this snow won’t be here forever and we will be here until after New Year’s. We have plenty of time to do things together, but it's also kind of nice to reconnect with Devin and get to know Liam.”
“You're right. So tomorrow, I want to bake cookies. We have chocolate chips and sugar, so we can shape and decorate those. It will be fun, Becca. Besides, I think Liam will have a blast. He’s never had a Christmas, so we can give him a first Christmas and the best Christmas ever.”
Adria was getting into the spirit of things. It would’ve been very easy to crumble and let the unusual situation with the men at the cabin get her down, but she would not let that spoil her time with Becca.
Before she knew it, they’d be back to their normal lives and there would be limited time to see each other.
“Do you ever wish we knew Dad anymore?” Becca wrapped her arm around Adria and snuggled up.
“I used to want to know who he was, but Mom never told us and we have no clue. I don’t think I’ve thought about that in a long time. It does kind of make you think that with Mom gone, maybe knowing our dad would be nice, but who knows?”
“It’s so pretty, Adria, with all the lights and the angels. Mom always loved angels, but how are we ever going to divide all this up? I love everything and I know you do too.”
Adria could hear how tired her twin was. They yawned in sync and both laughed. Clasping her sister's lovely hand with her less-than-perfect one, she laughed. “We are going to buy a house somewhere where the sun shines all the time. We are going to keep it just for us and spend every Christmas and holiday there so the decorations can go there.”
“Then why are we going to sell the cabin?”
Before Adria answered, she heard the slight sound of snoring and looked down at her sister who was fast asleep nuzzled against her. Smiling to herself, Adria thought long and hard about that question for quite a while.
Indeed. Why are we going to sell this cabin?For years, Adria had thought about retiring. She’d made plenty of money on stocks and other financial gains and there was no need for her to work at all.
She could volunteer and take care of animals anywhere and there was no need for her to get paid to do it. The shelter and board would be devastated by the loss, but she would give them time to find a qualified and skilled replacement.
The gentle glow from the Christmas decorations soothed her mind, as did the silence of the cabin. For a few moments, she forgot all about the two men sleeping in the cabin, and it was just her and Becca.
She smiled, looking around at the angels, Santa, the snowmen, reindeer, and the multi-colored decor. Her heart swelled with joy as she recalled so many Christmases spent in this cabin as a child with her mother flitting around doing everything to make her and Becca happy.
It humbled her, the blessings of having a mother as they had. She’d never wanted for anything, and neither did Becca. Their mother was a free spirit, quick to forgive, and patient and understanding. She loved with all her heart and never asked for anything in return but their love.
