New Beginnings (7 page)

“Exhausted from too much excitement. Too much still to do before we leave. One thing is for sure: Once we get off the ground, I’m going to sleep like a rock on that plane.”

“Querida, I’m worried about the trip. I’ve been listening to the weather report. It doesn’t sound good for the day after tomorrow.”

A pinch of concern furrowed her brow. “Surely we’ll be able to get to O’Hare. Once we’re there, the airline won’t cancel our flight. That would ruin everyone’s plans. And the weather’s fine in Málaga, I’m sure.”

“I don’t know, sweetheart. Seems like they’re always closing O’Hare for one thing or another. They say the storm that’s coming is a big one.”

The possibility of disappointment leaked into her high spirits. “But all of our plans are made. If we’re delayed by a day or two, we’ll miss the flamenco competition.”

He lifted her chin and kissed her. “I know how much you want this trip. We’ll just have to see what happens. Not much we can do about the weather.”

“If only the storm would stay away until the plane takes off, we’ll be fine.” She’d dreamed about going to Andalusia for so many years, she couldn’t bear the thought of having the trip canceled due to bad weather. “I’ll say a prayer for us tonight. Maybe God will hold back the storm.”

Cesar didn’t look hopeful. Elena decided she’d have to have enough faith for them both.

“And so ends our first Christmas Eve as husband and wife.” Yawning, Candace crawled into bed and pulled the covers up. Heath was still changing into his pajamas.

“And my second time to enjoy old Polish Christmas traditions like smoked salmon and beet soup,” he said.

“I thought you liked the soup.”

“Let’s say it’s growing on me.”

Smiling, she curled onto her side and closed her eyes. He was such a sweet man. He’d never once suggested he didn’t care for the soup, and it was a bit of an acquired taste. Maybe next year she’d try a different soup, maybe cream of mushroom. He might like that better, she thought as she drifted into sleep before Heath joined her in bed. She’d been so tired lately.…

On a cold, dark Christmas morning, Elena let Sarah into the house at 6:00
AM.
Sarah wanted to be there when Izzy woke and got her first look at what Santa had brought her.

“Is she awake yet?” Sarah whispered.

“Not yet. It was midnight or after when she finally fell asleep. Come on in.” Elena closed the door against the below-freezing cold of predawn. She understood this morning was extra important for Sarah, the first time she’d be able to see the excitement in her child’s eyes on Christmas Day.

“Should we go wake her?”

Elena gasped. “Never wake a sleeping child unless you have to, like the house is burning down. If you do, both of you will suffer for the rest of the day.”

Choking back a laugh, Sarah took off her coat and hung it up in the entryway closet. Her cheeks were flushed from both the cold and her own excitement. Elena imagined Sarah’s Christmases as a child hadn’t been as thrilling as she expected this one to be.

Later this afternoon, Sarah would join Elena, her mother, and grandmother in the kitchen where they’d make the traditional sweet tamales for Christmas supper. More and more, Sarah was becoming a part of the family, whether or not Rafael approved. Although Elena was beginning to think there was hope in that regard.

Well before seven o’clock, Izzy came racing into the living room. She stood in awe for a moment, taking in the lights on the tree and all of Santa’s gifts spread beneath it. She held out her arms as though to embrace the entire room.

“I love Christmas!” she screeched, and fell upon the play stove with the eagerness of a chef about to embark on a great epicurean adventure.

Silently, Sarah grinned and tears appeared in her eyes. A moment she would always remember.

C
HRISTMAS MORNING ANABELLE SCURRIED AROUND
getting everything ready for dinner while Cam put in the extensions for the dining table. Thrilled the whole family would be there, she set the table. She only regretted Kirstie had broken up with Mark. Such a nice young man.

In the living room, she studied the remaining gifts under the Christmas tree.

She and Cam had earlier exchanged their gifts. But there were still a lot of wrapped presents to be opened when the rest of the family arrived. Lindsay Belle’s name was on a large number of them. Hard to believe she was almost twenty months old and would be two in the spring.

Sarge appeared to have caught the spirit of the season. He circled the room, periodically jumping away from an imaginary bug and then pouncing on it like a puppy at play.

“Cam,” Anabelle called. “I bought a little something for Maureen and a couple of presents each for Jacob and Olivia, but it’s not going to look like much compared to what Lindsay Belle and the rest are receiving. Do you think I should run out and get something more for them?”

Cam appeared in the living room. “I’m sure Maureen and her children aren’t expecting any presents.”

“But Evan is getting serious about her, they appear to be a couple now, so her children should be included—”

“Annie, my luv, we
are
including them.” He sounded as though she was stretching his patience. “They’re coming to Christmas dinner, and you bought them presents. I’m sure they don’t expect any more than that.”

“I don’t want her children to feel left out,” Anabelle protested. She’d already fallen for both of the youngsters and was more than eager to step into the role of grandmother. If that was all right with Maureen, of course.

Cam threaded his fingers through his hair. He hadn’t shaved yet, and gray whiskers roughened his cheeks. “Look at it this way: There aren’t any stores open today. Even if you wanted to, there’s nowhere you could buy the children an extra present.”

“I suppose you’re right.” Puffing out her cheeks, she blew out a sigh. “Maybe I ought to put a few of Lindsay Belle’s presents away and give them to her another day. Then it wouldn’t look like she was getting so much.”

Cam rolled his eyes up at the ceiling and shook his head. “Do whatever you want, luv. I’m going to shave and get ready for company.”

Exasperated with her husband, Anabelle got down on her knees to rearrange the presents. She really should have gotten Maureen’s children more than two little gifts.

Watching Evan and Maureen work through the crisis of the fire at the nursery, Anabelle had been convinced there was a wedding in their future. But so far, Evan hadn’t said much. He’d learned from his father to be closed mouthed about the things that counted. At least around her.

By two o’clock, the family began to arrive. First Kirstie came in the door with a dish of cranberry relish and homemade muffins. A fancy gift bag hung over her wrist.

“You look lovely, dear,” Anabelle said, giving Kirstie a kiss. Her daughter wore a bright blue knit top and a long black skirt with tiny blue floral print that matched the top.

“I had to splurge for the holidays. There was a teachers’ party last weekend, and I wanted them to see me in something other than my teacher grungies.”

Cam stepped into the living room. “Hey, how’s my best girl?”

“Hi, Pop. You’re looking very Santa Clausy in your red shirt.”

“Ho-ho-ho!” He lowered the pitch of his voice to that of a jolly old St. Nick and gave her a hug.

A few minutes later, Anabelle saw Doug and Ainslee’s car pull up out front. Eager to get her hands on Lindsay Belle, and anticipating the sweet smell of baby powder and shampoo, she went to the door to let them in.

Doug released Lindsay Belle from her car seat and placed her on her feet. “Go find Nana,” Doug instructed.

Dressed in a bright red cape with matching leotards and cap, Lindsay Belle came running toward Anabelle. “
Nanananana!
” she squealed.

Her heart overflowing with love, Anabelle bent down to scoop up the child. She kissed the fine auburn curls that peeked out from beneath the red cap. “Merry Christmas, Lindsay Belle. You look like a Christmas bell today.”

In response, Lindsay Belle patted Anabelle’s cheek. “Nananana!”

“Yes, sweetie. I’m your Nana.”

Carrying their contributions for dinner as well as gifts for Anabelle and Cam, Ainslee and Doug paused long enough at the door to give Anabelle a hug and kiss before they all stepped inside. Anabelle closed the door behind them. The more her family filled up the house, the happier she was.

Bouncing in Anabelle’s arms, Lindsay Belle pointed. “Goggie! Goggie! Me want goggie!”

“Yes, a doggie. That’s Sarge. He’s a nice doggie.” Anabelle set Lindsay Belle down, and she toddled right up to Sarge and hugged him. Tall wagging, Sarge licked her face and the child giggled.

“Oh, Sarge.” Ainslee laughed. “I guess there’s no way to stop him from licking her.”

“I’m afraid not, dear,” Anabelle said. “Lindsay Belle is right at his nose level.”

Doug added their presents to the pile under the tree. “I don’t think she minds getting licked. It must tickle the way she giggles.”

Cam took orders for eggnog and sparkling apple cider, and Anabelle brought out a tray of appetizers she’d made earlier in the day. The fire burned brightly in the fireplace, the shiny ornaments on the tree reflected the lights, and wood smoke mixed with the scent of evergreens, making the room a joyous refuge for her family.

She’d just finished passing the tray around when Evan and Maureen arrived. Cam opened the door for them.

“Hi, Pop. We made it.”

“So I see.” He stepped back to let the foursome enter.

Maureen herded her young ones inside. Jacob’s brown hair was slicked down except for one cowlick that made the hair at the back of his head stand at attention. Petite Olivia was a delicate blonde version of her mother.

Anabelle went to greet them. She hugged Maureen. “I’m so glad you and your children could be with us today.”

“It was very nice of you to invite us.” She cupped her daughter’s head next to her.

Olivia buried her head in her mother’s thigh. Jacob stood very straight and extended his hand. “Hi, Mrs. Scott.”

“Hello there, young Jacob. We’re very happy to have you and your sister here on Christmas Day. In fact, there just might be a present or two under the tree with your name on it. Olivia too.”

The boy’s dark eyes widened, and he quickly glanced up at his mother.

Maureen nodded, and they all moved farther into the living room. Greetings were exchanged, more eggnog served, and the grand scramble to open presents began with oohs and ahs and many thank-yous.

Anabelle noticed how carefully Jacob unwrapped his presents, a Read It Myself book and a remote control crazy car. He carried the car to Evan, who was sitting on the floor amid the jumble of wrapping paper.

“I think it needs batteries,” Jacob said.

“Mother?” Evan asked.

“I put some batteries on the table beside your father.”

Cam tossed his son the batteries, who handed them off to Jacob. Working with care under Evan’s supervision, the boy slipped the batteries in place. It looked to Anabelle that her son and this young boy had already developed a relationship, their heads close together, their quiet exchange of questions and explanations. She had the distinct impression this would not be the last time Maureen and her children joined the Scott family for a holiday dinner.

A swell of pleasure rose in Anabelle’s chest. She did so want Evan settled, and she knew that Maureen was an excellent choice.

Quiet, shy Olivia took her new baby doll to Lindsay Belle and gave it to her. Lindsay Belle babbled “bababa” and handed Olivia her new stuffed panda bear, to Olivia’s delight. The two little girls hugged.

“It looks like Lindsay Belle has a new friend,” Ainslee commented in a quiet voice.

And maybe, in time, a couple of stepcousins, Anabelle mused.

Getting dinner on the table was a cooperative affair with all the women helping out, including Maureen.

Once settled, Cam called for everyone’s attention. “Let’s begin by saying grace.”

They all held hands around the table, Anabelle holding Lindsay Belle’s sticky fingers on one side and Kirstie’s on the other. She silently said a heartfelt,
Thank You, Lord
, before Cam began to pray.

“Dear Lord, we come to You with open hearts, deep gratitude for this day, and acknowledge the sacrifice of Your Son for our salvation. Please bless those of us at this table, watch over us in the coming year, and lead us into Thy service. Amen.”

“Amen,” they all chorused.

“Boy, does this look good,” Evan announced as he reached for the plate of sliced ham. “I’m starved.”

“Me too!” Jacob echoed with childish enthusiasm.

Smiling, Anabelle helped herself to some spinach salad before passing the dish along to Kirstie. Young Jacob was definitely developing a case of hero worship when it came to Evan. As troubled as she’d been at one point about his relationship with a woman with two young children, she’d long since put those concerns behind her.

From her perspective, Maureen—a strong woman with a mind of her own—would be a perfect match for Evan.

She looked around the table at her family and the table settings. A green damask runner ran down the center of the table, accented with holly branches, and green candles flickered in their silver candleholders. Her best crystal goblets sat at each adult’s place along with sterling silver flatware and fine china plates.

She loved an opportunity to use her good silver and china, and really should do it more often. Family dinners were a perfect excuse.

With plenty of food and jovial conversation, the meal proceeded smoothly. After a bit, both Lindsay Belle and Olivia became restless. Their mothers allowed them to get down from the table to play with their new toys.

Pumpkin and pecan pies were the choices for dessert, which Ainslee and Kirstie served. Cam, Evan, and Doug all took small slices of each.

When the table quieted, Doug tapped his water glass. “Folks, Ainslee and I have an announcement to make.”

A forkful of pumpkin pie in hand, Anabelle looked up, her heart striking an extra beat. She held her breath.