“What you need to do is spend time with us when we get back. She’ll be there too.”
“But she said she’ll be visiting her parents.”
“She never stays there very long because it’s uncomfortable. There’s some kind of estrangement between them, but Sandra’s never talked about it. Anytime I’ve broached it, she’s changed the subject.”
“I don’t know how to be around her, if she avoids me.”
“Show up wherever she is. We can help you on that end, so don’t worry. Your daughter and our grandkids are best friends, after all, and we’re heading into the Christmas season. There’s so much to do around this place, and we are taking Nigel everywhere. We always include Sandra in those outings. We can give you our itinerary. It won’t even be unusual because, of course, Rue will want to attend the events with her friends.”
“I like your way of thinking.”
“I let the love of my life go without a fight, Eb. Don’t be the idiot I was.”
“Yes, sir.” Eb pulled Rue a little tighter, wishing he could salute the man and his encouraging words.
CHAPTERSEVENTEEN
After Thanksgiving dinner at the Wyndham home, while the children entertained themselves downstairs, the adults played card games. They’d made Eb feel welcome and part of their group. While he appreciated it, it also made him uneasy. If he were unsuccessful with Sandra, things with her employer’s family could turn awkward. What if his presence caused her to not attend?
But it also didn’t erase what was going on with the children. If anything, Rue and Grace had turned into best friends. Alex didn’t complain anymore but treated Rue like a sister too. Eb had resigned himself to finding a balance between pressing for something more with Sandra while not pushing her away.
The others went to the kitchen to get pie, and Walt leaned closer. “Have you heard anything from Sandra?” It was almost like the man could read Eb’s mind and knew he’d been thinking of her.
“Just a brief reply to the selfie I sent of Rue and me with a Thanksgiving greeting.” Eb had hoped a gesture of friendship like the one she’d sent the month before would have started a conversation. No such luck. “Haveyoutalked to her?”
“Yes, and she sounds pretty glum. I don’t know if she’s told you, but she’s not comfortable with her folks. She says she can’t live up to their expectations. I went through the same thing with my father.” Walt shook his head, his expression disgusted. “If Linda’s right and there’s a life after this one, that man and I will have some words when I die.”
“Is Sandra’s home situation so bad?”
“Well, bad is relative. I don’t believe they’ve ever sabotaged anything she’s wanted to do, but it’s never good to make your children feel they can never be good enough for them.” Walt chuckled ruefully. “Says the man who never had any children.”
“Hey, Eb, while we have everyone together,” Merry said, carrying in a tray with a couple of pies. “I’d like to go over the Christmas activities we can attend together. Last year was Grace’s first time, and Alex did a good job showing her his favorites. She wants to do the same thing for Rue this year. I hope it’s all right.”
“Your kids have Rue excited to see everything. To be honest, I’ve kept myself busy with resort activities and have only ever attended the Santa Run. I’m looking forward to whatever the children want to see.”
“Excellent.” Linda had entered behind her daughter, with paper plates and a bowl of whipped cream. “I think you should definitely take her on a sleigh ride.”
“I want to go!” Rue ran in with the other children and immediately climbed on Eb’s lap. “Will you take me?”
“I’d love to.” He accepted a plate with pumpkin pie and a generous serving of whipped cream from Carlisle.
“And you will, of course, invite Sandra to come with you,” Nigel added from his end of the table.
“Oh, yes. I love Miss Sandra.” Rue poked her finger into the whipped cream and put it in her mouth.
“Use your spoon, you silly girl.” Eb handed her one. He’d like to invite Sandra to come with them, but it might work better if Rue issued the invitation.
“I must say I am impressed with the American holiday of Thanksgiving,” Nigel said when he had finished chewing. “I realize there is much debate about the accuracy of the story of how the first event came about, but I appreciate the wisdom of an annual event focusing on gratitude. And with that, I would like to thank all of you for welcoming me into your home. And your hearts.” The old man’s voice had gone tight, his eyes suspiciously shiny.
“Hear! Hear!” Eb said and kissed the top of his daughter’s head.
* * *
Sandra hatedcrowds anyway but especially the feverish shoppers who came out on Black Friday in search ofstuff. Even though Christmas was not a religious holiday for many people, maybe most people anymore, it still struck her as ironic that a day set aside to celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace should too often have a symbol of mass hysteria and overt commercialism.
And her mother always insisted Sandra come along when she was in town. Mom had acquired one of those motorized chairs for seniors to give her more staying power, making her a menace to anyone near her.
“You won’t believe who got in touch with me.” Mom shot Sandra a glance with the same assessing expression she’d worn since picking her up at the airport on Wednesday.
