My mother smiled. “Well, it’s on Christmas Day to make it special for the kids. Last year we just had the kids come over to open presents in the indoor arena at the barn. This year, though, we’ve invited the younger kids to come and have Christmas breakfast with us. The older kids are staying back during the Christmas breakfast so they can deliver dolls that they have made throughout the year to give to the younger kids.”
“How sweet of them,” Vivianne stated.
“Yes, it is. But the work for the event starts well before that. With fundraising for the gifts and such. The weekbefore Christmas Day, we cut down some trees and set them up in the indoor arena of our horse barn. Then we decorate them with a theme and put the presents for the kids from the orphanage under the trees. They come and spend the day opening them.”
“Santa was played by Dad last year,” I said with a laugh.
“Hey, I think I did a great job.”
Mom patted my father’s hand. “You did an amazing job, sweetheart. Anyway, I work with the orphanage to gather the kids’ Christmas lists, and we purchase two gifts for each of them. It’s not much, but it means so much to the kids.”
“Wow, that is so kind.”
Nodding, Mom went on. “We couldn’t do it without the help of the residents of River Falls. They all donate, and this past summer we held a small rodeo at the ranch, raising money for it as well. Our community is amazing.”
“Sure is,” Dad and David both added at the same time.
“Anyway, the boys all help, of course, but you can imagine it’s rather hard finding people who want to help around the holidays, and especially on Christmas Day.”
Vivianne nodded.
“I have a proposition for you. Would you be willing to come home with Ladd during Christmas week? We have a guest room available for you to stay in, and I’d compensate you for your help with the Christmas Day event for the kids. That is, if your two jobs would allow you time off.”
Surprised, Vivianne stared at my mother before turning and looking at me. I took her hand under the table and squeezed it. She blinked a few times, and I swore she was trying to keep tears at bay.
“I, um…well, it’s slow during Christmas week. So I don’t think it would be a problem getting off.”
A wide smile grew across my mother’s face. “Then it’s a yes? We’d love to have you, and I would greatly appreciate the extra hand.”
Vivianne bit down on her lower lip, then released it. “I’d love to join you for Christmas and help.”
Mom clapped, while Dad, David, and I all smiled. Knowing that Vivianne would be coming home with me, seeing the ranch and spending time with my family, made me happier than I could have ever imagined.
“This is going to be a wonderful Christmas,” Mom said, beaming at my father. “I just know it!”
He agreed, turning to me with a wink.
Vivianne
Dinner was excellent, and Ladd’s parents were a dream. We were all standing out in the parking lot as I watched Nellie and Gus hug their sons goodbye.
Nellie turned to me and pulled me in for a hug. When she stepped back, she was giving me a full-on toothy grin. “I’m so happy you’ll be coming to River Falls this Christmas. The idea of you being here alone didn’t sit right with me.”
“Thank you for inviting me.”
“And you’re sure you don’t mind helping me with the Christmas Day event?”
“I don’t mind at all. I’m looking forward to it.”
“I do hope you like to bake because we’ll be doing a lot of it. This will be so fun! With me having four boys, I always longed for a girl to bake with me at Christmastime!”
“Okay, Mom,” Ladd said, walking up and gently drawing me to his side. “You’re going to scare her off.”
With a wave of her hand, Nellie replied, “Pish, I’ll do no such thing.”
Gus gave me a quick hug before opening the door to his truck for his wife. With a wave of his hand, he slipped intothe driver’s seat, and we watched them drive out of the parking lot.
“They’re not staying the night?” I asked.
