“Oh, dang it.” She threw the covers back and got up. She popped a couple of pain tablets for her headache and climbed into the shower. One of today’s stops was a petting zoo and pony rides. Chantal was dying to ride a pony. Initially, she had said no. Now she wondered if there was a way to make it happen.
She slipped into a thick pair of black leggings and a red sweater with a snowman on the front. Completing the outfit, she added her light jacket and tall leather boots. She stared at herself in the full-length mirror on the back of the door. Her face was pinched and nervous.
“What are you going to do, Joy?” She wrinkled her nose. “He’s right. You are a helicopter parent. You’d wrap Chantal in bubble wrap if you could.” Her exhaustion amplified her wrinkles, and she had bags under her eyes. She looked fifty-four, not forty-four. She used the tips of her fingers to pull the sides of her eyes back, removing the wrinkles. “If only they’d stay like this.”
She should find her daughter and make plans for the day.
“You should go find Seth and apologize for losing it on him.” She frowned at her reflection. “Why does it matter? We’re incompatible, no matter how many admirable traits he has.” But she’d been rude, and she would apologize.
Her phone binged. Jenny and her daughter were headed to the rear observation car. She’d meet them there. WhistlingI’ll be Home for Christmas, she locked her cabin and headed for the rear of the train.
When she arrived, the car was chaos. Deep snow covered everything. Jenny scurried around, helping scoop up snow and toss it outside. “We have to get this fixed,” she declared loudly. “We’ve only got half an hour until we stop and we have hundreds of kids booked to see Santa.”
Joy peered around looking for Chantal. Where was her daughter? Panic rose in her chest, choking off her ability to breathe. Had Jenny left Chantal alone?
“Breathe,” she whispered to herself. “We’re on a moving train. She can’t go anywhere.” She tried to catch Jenny’s eye, but she was too busy.
Stunned and immobile, she clenched and unclenched her fists. Breaking free of the terror that gripped her she strode into the disaster.
“Mama!”
She whirled toward the voice. Her heart thundered. Chantal stood in the doorway with Seth right behind her.Thank heavens Chantal hadn’t been alone.
“Mama, you’re awake!” She hurried to Joy’s side. Seth followed hesitantly behind her.
“Hey, kiddo.” They shared a warm hug.
“As you can see, Jenny had an emergency. I was in the dining car, and she asked me to accompany Chantal here. I hope you don’t mind.”
She glanced at the chaos behind her. She had no idea what happened, but it looked like someone had left the car doors open during last night’s blowing snow. Jenny had left Chantal behind, but it was with a responsible adult.
“Thank you, Seth.” She smiled warmly. “I appreciate it.” He’d gone out of his way for them. Something lifted inside her.
“Oh, Joy. You’re here. I am so sorry I had to leave Chantal. I hope it’s okay.” Jenny rushed to their side. “I have a mess here.” She waved around the car. “Nothing that a good cleaning won’t fix, but it’s a lot to do in a short time. I’ll see you later?” It was a clear suggestion that they should leave.
“You bet.”
“Can I make a suggestion?” Seth asked.
Jenny blinked like she’d just realized he was there. “Um? Sure?”
“You could set Santa up in the middle observation car. It’s beautifully decorated. It’s got two doors. You could funnel families in one door and out the other.” He paused. “There’s room for the camera, an elf, and the supplies. Move the coffee table and put Santa on the high-backed sofa. Close the blinds, and you’ve got Christmas heaven.”
“That’s brilliant.” She gave a sharp whistle. “Okay everyone, new plan.” Her elfish staff scurried into action, toting boxes and supplies out of the room.
“Step out of the doorway, honey,” Joy said, as they moved out of the way. In moments, nobody was left except three people with small shovels and cleaning rags.
“Can I buy you a coffee?” Seth asked.
She had to apologize, so why not? “Sure. I’d like that. I think I’m ready for breakfast.”
“Mama, it’s almost lunch,” Chantal declared.
“Fine, I need lunch.” She poked her daughter’s shoulder. The kid was smart, and sometimes, just a hint of a smart Alec.
“Excellent. Should we eat on the train, or wait until we stop? I don’t think we’re far out of town.”
“I’d rather eat now. There are some things I’d like to do in town.” Ugh. She sounded so stiff and formal. “If it’s okay, can we just go to the dining car?”
