He used a bandanna to wipe humidity from his side window. “Now, if you’re going to help decorate for the cotillion, there’s no time to waste. You do know it’s scheduled for Saturday night? But Maria usually just puts up the same decorations every year so it shouldn’t be too difficult.”
“Unless I could make it more special.” She wondered how that would even be possible. Or if people would appreciate it if she did. Small town folks might be resistant to change. “I’d like to see the venue where the event is held and what kind of decorations they use.”
“It’s in the Miller’s Creek Grange Hall each year, and I’m sure Maria can tell you where everything is stored. Although I doubt she can be of much physical help.”
Carol reached for the passenger side door handle, then paused. “I really feel Maria should get her arm checked. And probably x-rayed too. I’m worried it’s more than just a sprain, and she could have permanent damage if it heals badly.”
“I’ve had the same concern. How about I pick you two up in the morning? It can be under the guise of taking you to check out the decorating biz at the Grange. Maria will gladly agree to that. But then after she shows you around a bit, I can escort her over to urgent care.”
“Perfect. And if necessary, I will use my decoration assistance as leverage. I can refuse to help her if she refuses to get her arm looked at.”
“Great idea!” He hopped out of the pickup and trudged through the snow to open her door, helping her out, then catching her as her boot slid on the slick driveway.
“Whoa,” he said, holding her close until she was able to steady herself. “You almost did a face-plant there.”
“Thank you.” She stepped back self-consciously.
He grabbed her bag, and she hurried up to the porch, then thanked him again. “For everything,” she told him. “It’s been a surprisingly pleasant evening.”
“I agree.” He tipped his cowboy hat. “See you in the morning.”
Carol found her aunt snoozing in her recliner with her partially eaten dinner on the TV tray next to her. Although she hated to disturb her, Carol felt like Maria would rest better in her own bed. She gently nudged her aunt’s good arm and soon, blinking in surprise, Maria smiled. “Am I dreaming or are you still here?”
“I came back.” Carol winked. “Just like a bad penny.”
“More like aluckypenny.” Maria reached out with her good hand, grasping Carol’s fingers and giving them a squeeze. “I’m so glad you did.”
Carol gently removed the afghan from her aunt’s lap, then helped her to her feet. “Just in time to tuck you in bed too.” As she helped her aunt with her nighttime routine, Carol told her about the canceled flight, her choice to remain throughout Christmas, and the pizza she’d shared with Victor.
“That’s wonderful.” Maria set her toothbrush back in the holder. “The best Christmas present anyone could give me.”
By the time Carol got Maria into her bed, she had presented the plan for Victor to take them to the Grange first thing in the morning. “I want to see about decorating for the cotillion since it’s right around the corner. But I thought you’d want to go too.” She tucked the soft quilt up by Maria’s chin. “To direct me, you know, like you did with the Christmas tree.”
Maria chuckled. “As I recall I slept while you and Victor decorated for me.”
Carol smiled. “Well, I’d still appreciate your input and suggestions.”
“Of course, dear. I wouldn’t miss it.”
Carol leaned down to kiss her aunt’s cheek, wishing her sweet dreams. Maria assured her that she would have nothing but now that Carol was back.
Satisfied that she’d made the right decision to give up on theBahamas, Carol picked up her aunt’s dinner dishes, straightened up the kitchen, checked the thermostat, and turned off the lights. When she finally went up to her room, she plugged her phone into the charger, then canceled her resort reservation and booked a return flight to Seattle after Christmas.
Then, realizing it was late and that she needed to get up early to complete some chores for Maria, she contentedly unpacked her meager bag and prepared for bed. Being here, even for just a week, felt almost magical to her. Perhaps Victor was right. Maybe she really would learn to see Christmas in a fresh new light and finally appreciate the holiday for what it was meant to be: a celebration of the One who’d come to give the world hope. Because that was how she felt as she drifted off to sleep ... hopeful.
9
Carol was sound asleep when her phone began to jangle loudly. Getting her bearings, she found her phone and checked the time. It was well past midnight. Who would call at this hour? According to her caller ID, it was her mom. This could be a record—two conversations with her mother within the same week? She unplugged the charger and answered groggily.
“Hi, honey bunches.” Mom sounded uncharacteristically bright and cheerful. Had she been drinking? “How’s the Bahamas? Sunny and warm, I bet.” She chattered on before Carol could respond. “Anyway, I decided to join you down there, sweetie. I’ve just started to pack my bags and couldn’t choose which swimsuit to pack and thought I’d call you to see if you’d be too embarrassed to see your poor old mother in a bikini. I have to admit, I don’t look half bad.”
Carol wondered if she was having a nightmare. “Do you know what time it is?”
“I think it’s around nine, maybe ten. I didn’t really check to—”
“It’s approaching one in the morning here.”
“Oh, sorry. Time difference. Well, anyway, aren’t you excited to spend time together in the Bahamas?”
