“I’ll be there with bells on.”
“I’d like to see that.” He chuckled as he took her hand and led her to the foyer, right under the spot where he’d hung themistletoe from the chandelier. “Let’s seal the deal.” He gently drew her toward him ... and kissed her. “See you tomorrow, darling.”
****
Carol could tell that Maria was still a little worn-out the next morning. “I think we should both take it easy today,” she told her as she cleared their breakfast plates.
“My thoughts exactly.” Maria sighed happily. “We had such a lovely evening yesterday.”
“I couldn’t agree more. And in case I didn’t tell you, I love Christmas now. I think what was missing was family and friends.” She grinned as she refilled their coffee mugs. “And really good food!”
“A recipe for success.” Maria tipped her head to one side. “I don’t want to pressure you for information, Carol, but I couldn’t help but notice that you and Victor seem to have hit it off.”
Carol smiled. Or maybe she beamed, she couldn’t really tell. All she knew was she was happier than before. Happier than ever. She told Maria how Victor had straightened her out about Victoria. “He even explained that his friend Jason never would’ve told anyone they were about to become engaged.”
“I knew it,” Maria declared. “I just knew it. She was all wrong for him.”
“I agree.”
“And you are all right.” Maria winked.
Carol nodded, still smiling.
“Except for one thing.”
“What?”
Maria frowned. “You live on the other side of the country.”
Carol bit her lip, remembering that Marsha expected her back in a couple of days. “That’s true.”
“Do you really want to go back to Seattle?”
Carol looked down at her coffee, swirling it around in the mug and thinking. “The honest truth is I don’t care if I do or I don’t.”
“Do you think you could ever be happy living here in Michigan? In a small town like this?”
Carol looked up. “Under the right circumstances, yes, I think I could. It’s hard to explain, but something about this place has felt more like home than any place I’ve ever known.”
Maria’s whole face lit up. “Well, you know you are welcome to stay here with me. Indefinitely.”
“Thanks.” Carol felt her head spinning slightly. Would she really consider staying? Seriously? She thought about her stark, modern apartment and all the rainy days in Seattle. It didn’t even compare. And yet ... how did one make a huge life change like that?
Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a phone ringing. It was the landline, and Maria was already up getting it. Carol could tell by Maria’s responses that it was Mom. But Maria didn’t sound stressed like before. In fact, she sounded almost pleased.
“Well, that’s really nice of you, Rosa. I wish you and Ed a merry Christmas too.” Maria paused to listen. “Oh, I would love that, dear. Come anytime. You are always welcome.” Another pause. “Yes, I’ll tell her. I love you, Rosa. Have a good day.” She hung up and turned to Carol with glistening eyes. “A miracle has begun.”
Carol went over to hug her. “I know. Mom called me yesterday too. She sounded different.”
“She wants to come visit. Maybe as soon as New Year’s. Can you believe it?”
Carol wanted to say no but nodded her head just the same. “That’d be amazing.”
“I’m going to go rest some,” Maria told her. “I want to be ready for Christmas at the Clarksons’.” She blinked in surprise.“Oh, yes, happy birthday, Carol. I completely forgot, but your mother said to tell you happy birthday.”
****
Dinner at the Clarksons’ was an incredible feast of stracciatella soup and cannelloni, some amazing red wine, and several other delectable dishes Carol had never tasted and couldn’t even pronounce. The meal was followed by coffee and panforte, a delicious cake made by Antonia, which was lit with candles and accompanied with the singing of the birthday song.
