She considered this. “Well, it’s attractive enough. But homey? To be honest, I don’t think so. Not like Maria’s house is homey. But when I furnished it, I suppose I was thinking more aboutimpressing others than I was about my own comfort or coziness. And then I got so busy with work, I never really got around to making it look the way I wanted.”
“Guess that’s city life, eh?”
“I guess.” She considered this. “But you know, if I were to have my own design firm, I’d like to make it more about cozy comfort than style and money. A way to make home a home. In college I used to imagine a way to incorporate the kind of beauty that God put in the natural world all around us into the design of a home.” She frowned at her old unrealistic dream. “But even if I could figure out how to do that, I doubt I’d have any customers.”
“Why not? That seems like a great business plan to me. Imitating God’s beautiful creation, making people comfortable in their own homes—what could be better?”
“I agree ... in theory. But it seems the ones looking for design help have one goal in mind ... okay, make that two.” She held up a forefinger. “Spend money.” Another finger. “Impress friends.”
“That’s pretty sad.”
“I agree.”
“But I bet you could find customers who prefer a homey home.”
She was skeptical. “I don’t know.”
“Around here, you could. I’m sure of it. Don’t give up on your dream, Carol.”
“Well, it’s just a dream ... I doubt I’ll ever achieve it.”
He waved a hand, gesturing around the restaurant. “This was just a dream for me. Well, notthis... but the way I had itbefore.”
“But you gave it up.”
He nodded grimly. “Yeah. For family.”
“Right.”
“But the dream is still in me. Really, I’m not done yet. Andneither are you.” He picked up his plastic cup. “Here’s to dreams.”
“To dreams.” She clicked hers against his ... wondering.
****
The drive back to the farm was quiet. Partly because Carol didn’t want to distract Victor from his focus on the road. The truck’s grip on the slippery streets seemed precarious, and he was being so careful, she didn’t want to be to blame if they wound up in the ditch or behind a tow truck, like some of the vehicles they’d seen.
Finally, when he was turning down Maria’s driveway, she spoke. “I really am relieved not to be flying to the Bahamas, after all.”
“You really don’t mind giving up those sunny beaches?”
“Not really. Being with my aunt is a good trade.”
“I know Maria will be thrilled to have you.”
“And I hope I can help more around the house. And maybe even with the cotillion decorations. I know how important that is to her. She seemed really worried that no one would step up.”
“You’d be the perfect candidate.” He chuckled. “Well, if you can keep setting aside your negative attitude toward Christmas.”
“I’m working on it.”
“Who knows? By the time you leave Michigan, you might even like the holidays. If Maria has any influence, she might transform your Grinchy thoughts completely.”
“Well, don’t expect miracles.”
He pulled up next to the house but kept the engine running. “We’ll all do everything we can to make sure your Christmas is the best one ever.”
Her smile was tolerant as she remembered her past Christmases and how bleak most had been. “Well, that shouldn’t be a big challenge.”
