“Yes.” He slid around and grasped the walker. Slowly he made his way to the stairs.
She ran ahead. “Let me turn the power on.”
“This is great. What are you going to do with it when I don’t need it any more?”
“Donate the lift to someone who does. I’ll do the same with the other equipment. Not the bed though. It’s only rented.”
“I like that idea.” He sat and belted in. He pressed the handle and the chair slowly moved upward.
Suzanna reached the porch first. She positioned the walker and unlocked the door. “Welcome home.”
Jon entered and halted in the foyer. “Oh, Grandma’s table looks nice here.”
Suzanna carried in things from the car. She hung her jacket on the coat tree. She opened the door of Jon’s room. “Your temporary bedroom until you master stairs. Want to go in now or to the living room?”
“Living room.” He followed her. “Wow. That is a super TV. It’ll be like being at the movies. Did you buy it?”
She shook her head. “Came with the house. You’ll meet Lauren this afternoon. After I finish settling your things, I’ll start lunch. The dining room is through the door. The kitchen is behind the room where you’ll sleep. There’s a bathroom available from the hall or the bedroom.”
He lowered himself onto the plush green couch and reached for the remote. “Can I see what’s on?”
“Go ahead. I’ll unpack and then make lunch. What do you think of the tree?”
“Smells good and you found a big one. Didn’t look that tall on the pictures you sent.”
Suzanna laughed. “Wait until you see the lights and ornaments. We’ll have a good Christmas.”
His eyes filled with tears. “My first real one. Not that the ones at your apartment weren’t real but…”
She patted his hand and hoped to ease the sadness in his eyes. “What happened wasn’t your fault or mine. I wish we’d been dealt different hands. Looking back solves nothing.”
Jon nodded. “That’s what the lady Dr. Rick sent to talk to me said. She told me it was okay to feel sad, angry and happy at the same time.”
“Will you see her again?”
“I have her number in my phone. If I need to talk about my feelings I can call.”
Suzanna walked to the door. “Let me sort your things.”
“What’s for lunch?”
“Grilled cheese and tomato soup.” She walked into the hall. “After we eat, I’ll put the lights on the tree.”
She went into Jon’s room and unpacked the plastic bags. She put clean clothes in the dresser and the dirty ones in a hamper. She set the laptop up on a stand in the living room.
Jon looked up. “I’ll be fine here if you have to go out and do the laundry.”
“We have a washer and dryer.”
“Really? Good. I hated going to the Laundromat.”
Before long, she had lunch prepared and called Jon. “Time to eat.”
He soon appeared in the kitchen. “Oh, wow. This whole floor is bigger than the apartment.”
Suzanna chuckled. “And my whole apartment would fit into the living room and have space left over.”
He sat at the table. “Why doesn’t your friend live here?”
She carried bowls to the table. “She’s married, and her husband had a house, so she moved there. Cate lived here before she married Rick. So did Liz and her twins.”
“What happened to Liz?”
“She got married.”
He cocked his head. “Are you next?”
She shook her head. “Not for a long time.”
He tasted the soup. “Do you think I’ll like living here?”
She cut the sandwiches. “I do, especially when you start at the high school in September and make friends.”
“What about your friends? Do they have children?”
“They’re younger than you are. The twins, Brandon and Justin, are eleven or twelve. Maddie is eight and Johnny is six.”
“I see. They’re more like…” He drew a deep breath.
She touched his hand. “I know you miss them.”
“I do but I also feel free. Is that bad?”
“Never. It’s normal. I felt the same when I went to college and left you children behind. It took time for the guilt to pass.”
He began to eat and soon finished. She loaded the dishwasher and carried a small ladder to the living room. She grabbed the lights she had wrapped around a paper tube and began to wrap the lights around the tree, clipping the strand near the top with a plug there for the star. When she finished, she turned them on. “What do you think?”
“Magic.”
Jon napped while she watched television. At three thirty, she went to the kitchen to finish the party preparations. She placed the chips and dips on the glass-topped coffee table. The beverages went into one of the double sinks filled with ice. Just as she finished the doorbell rang.
Rick, Maddie, Clint and Cate were the first arrivals. Suzanna made the introductions. Maddie lifted her camera. She took pictures of the tree and Jon. Then she plopped on the couch beside him. “Dad and Mom said you were learning to swim. I swam to the raft at the lake last summer.”
“When I start high school in the fall, I hope to join the swim team.”
“You don’t go to school.”
“On the internet.”
“Cool.”
Liz, Jeff and the twins were followed by Alex, Lauren and Johnny. Megan arrived with Jenessa and Eric. Before long, all hung ornaments, ate chips and talked.
The doorbell rang. Suzanna darted into the foyer and opened the door. “Caleb, welcome. Jon will be happy to see you.”
He held a pastry box. “Petite fours for dessert.”
She took the box. “Thanks for these. Go in and see Jon.” She hurried to the kitchen before she acted on an impulse and kissed him. She wasn’t ready for that. Was he?
* * *
Caleb remained in the hall and watched Suzanne stride past the stairs to the second floor. The sway of her hips drew his attention. He took a step forward. A burst of laughter from the living room diverted him. He entered the room where busy hands adorned the huge tree with glittering ornaments. Jon sat on the couch with a huge box beside him.
Jon waved. “Caleb, I was afraid you weren’t coming.”
“Got tied up in the ED. How are you handling the change?”
“Good. Hard to believe tomorrow is Christmas.” He handed ornaments to a set of twins. “Justin, Brandon, this is my swim coach.”
“I heard you were a champion,” one of the boys said.
“How neat,” the second added.
A young girl grabbed an ornament and ran to the tree.
For a moment, Caleb stood beside the couch and listened to the chatter. He would never see this kind of interaction at his parents’ home. He envied Suzanna.
“Caleb don’t be a slacker,” Alex called. “We need to trim the higher branches. On the stool, you’ll be tall enough to place the star.”
With laughter and joking, the tree was finally done. The doorbell rang. Suzanna returned from the foyer with four large bags. Her friends helped her put the hot dogs and cheese fries on the dining room table with napkins, paper plates and an array of desserts.
Jon walked ahead of the children to the kitchen. Caleb helped carry plates of food for them to the kitchen. He returned to the dining room and took two hotdogs and some fries and found a seat. He almost felt like one of the group.
Alex leaned across the table. “Do you want a beer? I brought extra.”
Caleb shook his head. “Coffee’s fine. I’m on call for the next ten days.”
Suzanna smiled. Caleb’s heart lurched. He knew how she felt about alcohol. In her house, he would play by her rules.
As he finished the second chili smothered hot dog. he saw Jon leave the kitchen and made his way past the laughing adults. He noticed the boy’s slumped shoulders. Caleb rose and took his plate to the kitchen. He join
ed Jon in the living room.
“Are you all right?” Caleb asked.
Jon nodded. “Just tired. Too many people.”
Caleb sat on a chair across from the couch. “Got you. There will be no swimming tomorrow. Community Center is closed. I’ll be by the next day to take you.”
Jon looked at the tree. “This is so unreal.”
“What do you mean?”
“We never had a tree or presents at home.” He fisted his hands. “On Christmas Day after she finished work, Suzanna would come for us. We had dinner and gifts. She usually bought new clothes and a toy for each of us.”
Jon’s words filled Caleb with a deep sorrow. Even though he’d never felt like he belonged, at Christmas, he’d always received many of the things he’d asked for.
“Your parents never gave you gifts?”
Jon scowled. “They had no money for foolish things like Christmas. Clothes were bought from Goodwill. All their money went for booze and partying. I don’t understand how either of them kept jobs.”
Caleb didn’t know what to say. He couldn’t imagine how narrow Jon’s life had been. He stared at the changing lights on the tree. The sound of a clock striking seven times followed by a bustle in the hall pulled him from his musings. He rose and joined the others in saying good night.
“Caleb,” Jon called.
He returned to the living room. “What?”
“Could you do something for me?”
“Sure.”
“Really, it’s a few things. I need to go to the bathroom. I’m really tired and I’m afraid I’ll fall. All you have to do is walk behind me. I don’t want to bother Suz. Then, could you wrap a present for me?”
“Be glad to do both.”
Caleb followed Jon as he walked to the room across the hall. On the bed, he found a box, tape, paper and ribbon. He peeked inside and saw a brilliant green sweater and thought of how beautiful Suzanna would look wearing that color. Quickly, he wrapped and taped the paper. He studied the ribbon and shook his head. No way could he make a bow. A knot he could tie.
Jon emerged. “Do you think she’ll like the sweater?”
“I do. About the ribbon. I’m not great with bows but I have an idea.”
“I should have let them wrap the present, but I wanted to see the color for real and not on the internet.”
“Never fear. The present will look wonderful.” He wrapped the ribbon around one end of the box and taped it. Then he added a second and third row. “You can tape your card here.” He indicated the blank space.
“This looks great.” Jon yawned. “I’m tired but I wanted to help Suz clean up.”
“I’ll take your place.”
Jon sat on the edge of the bed. “Thanks.”
Caleb helped him change for sleep. Jon slid beneath the covers.
Suzanna appeared. “You all right?”
“Just tired and happy. There was too much company.”
She turned to Caleb. “Thanks for stepping in.”
He lifted the box. “Jon, I’ll put this under the tree.”
Chapter 8
Suzanna stood beside her brother’s bed. He yawned several times and groaned. “I’m almost too tired to sleep. Today was great.”
“Looks like we won’t be joining some of the others at church.”
“You should go.”
“I hate to leave you alone in a strange house.” She brushed hair from his forehead. “I have no idea how long the service lasts.”
He smiled. “I have my phone. You’re on speed dial. I think once sleep hits I’ll be out until morning. Go.”
“Perhaps I will. I’ll look in on you before I leave.” She had to remember he was a teenager, not the little boy she’d taken care of when she’d been his age. “See you in the morning.”
She left the room and halted when she saw Caleb in the living room standing near the tree. He was placing ornament boxes in the larger one. “You don’t have to clean up.”
“I told Jon I would. He felt bad because he can’t help. Besides, I have nowhere else to be.”
Sadness filled his voice. What could she say? She thought of the present Jon had asked her to wrap for Caleb. She couldn’t give him the gift. Jon was the giver.
“Are you going to church?” Caleb asked.
“Jon’s too tired so I’ll stay at home.”
“Suz,” Jon called. “Go. I’ll be fine.”
Caleb nodded. “He’s right.”
Suzanna walked to the kitchen. Caleb followed. “Do you really think it will be all right to leave him? So much has happened to him. Being here is a big change from Rehab.” She placed the remaining chili dogs on a plate and covered them with a clear wrap.
Caleb opened a large trash bag and grabbed paper plates, cups and napkins. She pulled the garbage pail from the cabinet beneath the counter. From the sink of melted ice, she removed the juice and soda. She put them in the drainer to dry. Four bottles of beer remained. She started to drop them in the trash.
Caleb shook his head. “I’ll take them.”
“Thanks. They’re either Alex’s or Eric’s.”
The cleanup continued. Suzanna wondered why he’d remained to help. Sure Jon had asked but Caleb had gone beyond that small request. When the kitchen, dining and living room sparkled, they sat at the kitchen table drinking coffee. The clock chimed nine times.
“Have you decided about church?” Caleb asked.
She nodded. “I’ll go. Jon is asleep, and he has me on speed dial.”
“Why don’t we go together and save hunting for two parking spaces?”
Should she? Why not? He was right about parking near the Presbyterian Church. “Good idea.” His smile dazzled her. Why was he so pleased? She found her wallet and tucked two bills in her pocket.
“Why do you need money?” he asked. “I promise you won’t need to call a cab.”
“Liz said the collection goes to the local food bank.”
“I’d forgotten about the Christmas Eve offering. I haven’t been here for the holidays for five years. I’ve usually been on duty.” He held her jacket, so she could slip the fur lined coat on.
Caleb drove to town and turned up the hill not far from the hospital. They found a spot a block from the church. As they hurried along, their breaths sent clouds of white into the air. They dashed up the steps. An usher handed each of them the bulletin and an unlit candle.
On entering the sanctuary Suzanna looked for her friends but couldn’t find them in the crowded room. Caleb steered her into two seats in the last row. While they waited the organist and several soloists provided music.
The service began. Caleb held the hymnal to they could sing. His rich baritone blended with her alto. The sermon lifted her spirits. The uplifting message brought hope. As the organist began a triumphant selection, the lighting of the candles began. An usher paused at each aisle and lit the first candle. The flame was passed from person to person. While singing “O Holy Night”, they left the church and halted on the wide landing.
Cate waved. Before Suzanna and Caleb reached the others, Regina grabbed Caleb’s arm. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming? You could have sat in my parents’ pew with me.”
Caleb shook his head. He slid his arm around Suzanna’s waist. “Back off, Regina. I’ve nothing for you.”
She stamped her foot. “You and your… I’ll make trouble for you.” She turned to Suzanna. “I don’t know who you are but stay away from Caleb. His mother promised I would have him. We’re being married.”
“That is a lie.” Anger colored Caleb’s voice. “I’m sick and tired of your stories. Get lost.”
She stormed away. “Just wait. I’ll fix you.”
Caleb turned to Suzanna. “Sorry about that.”
“Not your fault.” She moved toward her friends. Why did Caleb’s mother want him to marry the blonde? Regina wouldn’t be an asset to a doctor just beginning his practice.
A bright red convertible shot from the church pa
rking lot, barely missing people on the sidewalk. Caleb stiffened. “She’s going to kill someone or herself one day.”
Suzanna met his gaze. “Why does she persist?”
“She believes my mother will force my obedience.” He arched an eyebrow. “Why my mother is set on this match puzzles me.” He steered her around clusters of people to her friends. She stepped toward the women. He joined the men.
Cate grinned. “Are you?”
Suzanna shook her head. “He stayed to help me clean up after the party. We came together because of the parking.”
“Makes sense,” Liz said.
Megan laughed. “Leo and Aquarius.”
“He’s Jon’s swim coach,” Suzanna said. “Enough with the astrology.”
“What are you bringing tomorrow?” Cate asked.
“Mac and cheese for dinner. Apple turnovers for the desert party.”
“Sounds wonderful.” Cate grasped Maddie’s hand. “Time to head for bed. See you tomorrow.” She joined her father and husband.
They vanished before Suzanna thought to ask for a ride home. She noticed the others had left leaving her alone with Caleb. He clasped her hand. Warmth from the touch filled her. A light snow swirled in the air.
“Would you like to go somewhere for coffee?” Caleb led her down the steps to the sidewalk.
“I doubt there’s any place open.”
“Probably not.” He held the car door for her. “I would suggest your house, but I want to ask some questions about Jon. He’s told me things that trouble me.” He rested his hand on the door. “We could go to my place.”
His breath brushed her cheek like a kiss. “Remember the last time we were alone?”
“Something happened I regret and will never happen again. We’ll talk. That’s all.”
Suzanna drew a deep breath. Could she bear what she felt at the moment? “Why do you care about my brother/”
“I’m not sure. I’m his doctor and his swim coach. Watching his progress fills me with pride. But he’s troubled, and I hate to see this.”
“I’ll come.” She fastened her seat belt. “He had so many responsibilities at home with the children.”
The Leo-Aquarius Connection Page 10