A Husband for Christmas

by Gail Gaymer Martin

  The potatoes boiled in the large kettle and she turned down the burner. She’d prepared well. The vegetable casserole was already baked and ready to slip into the microwave for a warm-up, and she’d done the same with her corn casserole, one of her favorites. She grinned, picturing Doug, who’d insisted he would take care of dessert.

  Her cell phone’s ringtone began, and she crossed to the table and grasped it. “Doug. Are you—”

  “We’re just leaving. Kimmy’s still not feeling well, but Roseanne is pretty good. I guess it’s a trade-off.”

  “Poor Kimmy. I thought once she’d adjusted to home she’d be okay.”

  “Me, too. I think she needs to see a doctor, but Roseanne can’t take her so I’ll suggest Roseanne make an appointment for next week. If she needs a ride, I’ll take her.”

  “Good idea. My mother isn’t here yet but I expect her anytime now. I’ll see you soon.” Their call ended and she returned to the last-minute details to burn off her anxiety.

  As she closed the oven, a horn reverberated from the driveway. She hurried to the front, managing a pleasant expression. When she opened the door her mother had reached the porch with her stepfather on her heels. “Mother, you made it. How was the trip?”

  “As good as can be expected.” She stood a moment scanning the front of the house.

  Nina nodded to Howard and waited to hear her mother’s evaluation.

  “I thought it would be bigger.” Her mother arched a brow and grabbed the doorjamb as she made her way inside.

  “It’s big enough for me, Mom. One person doesn’t use a lot of space.”

  “One person doesn’t. Too bad. I think women should have a husband, but then I guess you have other ideas.”

  She squelched her rebuttal and avoided agreeing with her. The agree-with-her technique was meant to be used at selected times. It was the best way to stop an argument. “Have a seat. Dinner’s in the oven. Would you like some coffee or tea?”

  “What brand of coffee?”

  Nina ignored her mother’s expression. “I have a coffeemaker with individual cups. Would you like to see what I have?”

  “Never mind. Give me something bold.” She flashed a look at Howard. “He’ll drink anything.”

  Howard’s lengthy sigh whispered in the air. “Anything.”

  She returned to the kitchen, grateful for the break to regroup and pray for her patience. With the two coffee mugs in hand, she joined them and sank into a chair across from them. “How have you been?”

  Her mother shrugged. “Nothing earthshaking. The question is how are you?”

  “Good. Very good. In fact, I have some friends joining us for dinner. I hope you don’t mind.”

  Her mother’s eyes widened. “Friends? Why would you—”

  “Because it’s Thanksgiving, Mom, and I’m thankful for the friendship I have with Doug and his family.”

  “Doug?” She flashed a look at Howard again. “Who’s this Doug?”

  “A neighbor. I met him shortly after I moved here. They had an end-of-summer block party, and—”

  “Block party? Goodness.” She snorted. “This is a small town. I’ve never seen a block party in—”

  “Big cities don’t always have them, I suppose, but it was a wonderful way for me to meet my neighbors. I’m not a coffee klatch type person, but I know if I need help where I can go.”

  “Why do you need help, Nina? You’ve always been very independent. You don’t listen to anyone’s advice. For example, when you lost that first baby—”

  Patience flew out the window and no technique could stop her. “Mother, that was four years ago. Do we have to relive that again?”

  “I only meant—”

  “I know what you meant.” Nina forced her fists open. “You enjoy reminding me of—”

  Noise at the door saved her from herself.

  “They’re here.” She held up a finger and hurried across the room. “Come in. You’re right on time.” She gave Doug a look she hoped he understood.

  He gave her a wink and shifted for Kimmy’s entrance, but instead of her bounding inside, she walked in, a look on her face that caused Nina to be concerned. She bent over and pressed her cheek to the child’s. “Are you feeling any better?”

  Kimmy shook her head, and then noticed the company. Her eyes shifted to Nina’s.

  “This is my mother and stepfather, Kimmy.” She eyed them again and gave a timid wave.

  She’d never seen Kimmy that shy and her concern rose. She looked at Doug, holding the door open for Roseanne, and he only lifted a brow.

  Roseanne swung in on crutches and Doug followed. With the three inside the door, she motioned toward her family. “Mother. Howard. These are my friends, Doug, his sister, Roseanne, who you can see is recuperating from leg injuries, and Roseanne’s daughter, Kimmy.”

  She turned to them. “This is my mother, Alice, and my stepfather, Howard.”

  They exchanged greetings, though her mother and Howard sat without making an effort to stand to welcome them.

  Doug faltered to a stop. “I forgot to bring in the dessert.” He held up his index finger and retreated through the doorway.

  Roseanne settled in an easy chair with an ottoman while Kimmy sat beside her on the floor. Before she could offer drinks, Doug returned carrying two pies and something in a paper bag. She took drink orders and followed Doug into the kitchen.

  As soon as he set the pies on the counter, he turned and drew her into his arms. “You don’t look happy.”

  She released a long breath. “It’s tedious already, but I’m doing okay. Hopefully with you here, she will soften up a bit.”

  “I’m sorry, Nina. You don’t need any added stress in your life.” He drew her closer, his lips lowering to her mouth.

  Since she’d explained her inability to have children, each kiss became more precious, a validation that he hadn’t abandoned her. His request entered her mind and her thoughtful talk with El. Ginger, of all people, had said something that touched her. What if the doctor was wrong? She’d convinced herself that never was reality. Never left out God’s hand on her life.

  “What can I do to help?”

  Doug’s voice drew her back and made her smile. His willingness to do anything came naturally to him, and she loved it. “How are you at carving turkeys?”

  “A pro.” He chuckled.

  “I’ll take that answer with a grain of salt...or even a grain of sage, but you’ll do a better job than I will.”

  She opened the oven and he brought out the golden-brown bird and set it on a cutting board while she slipped the corn casserole inside to warm it. After she popped the veggie casserole into the microwave, she hurried back into the living room, hearing her mother ask questions about Roseanne’s accident and the whereabouts of Roseanne’s husband. She winced, seeing Roseanne’s uneasiness as she said they had separated years earlier.

  Grateful that her mother didn’t ask more, she was even more grateful she’d interrupted the conversation. “We’re finishing up in the kitchen. The food will be on the table in a few minutes.”

  “Can I help?” Kimmy rose from the floor and crossed to her.

  “If you want to. Can you carry things to the table?”

  Kimmy nodded, too quiet in comparison to her usual enthusiasm.

  She set out the cranberry relish she’d made and a tray of relishes for Kimmy to carry into the dining room while she slipped the dinner rolls into the oven. The corn casserole had warmed, and the microwave beeped as the veggies were finished.

  Doug filled a platter with turkey and she grabbed a masher and attacked the drained potatoes. Soon the food was ready and she invited everyone to the dining room table. Once everyone had gathered around, she shifted her attention to Kimmy. “Would you like to say th
e blessing?”

  Kimmy nodded, and from her peripheral vision, she noted the shocked look on her mother’s face. Everyone folded their hands except her mother and Howard as Kimmy began the prayer. “Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest and let these gifts to us be blessed. Amen.”

  Again Roseanne, Doug and she reiterated the amen though her mother and Howard continued to remain silent.

  “This dining room is a bit small, wouldn’t you say?”

  Time for her technique. “Yes, it is for a large group, but we seem to fit just fine.”

  Her mother looked away and sliced a sliver from her turkey.

  Though Roseanne had been quiet, she accidentally helped Nina’s plight with her mother. “The turkey’s excellent, Nina. It’s moist and such a good flavor. Do you do something special?”

  The questioned brightened Nina’s day. “Nothing but baste it often.”

  “Well, it’s delicious.”

  She grinned at Roseanne. “Thanks, but maybe it’s Doug’s carving.”

  Doug smiled at her and dug into the corn casserole. “Now, this is excellent.”

  Nina’s spirits rose. Despite her mother’s scrutinizing, hearing compliments relaxed her. She knew her mother wouldn’t try her negativity on the company.

  Kimmy only picked at her food, so unlike her, and Nina’s concern deepened as she watched. When she asked to be excused, she beckoned to Kimmy to come to her and felt her cheeks and forehead. Heat penetrated her hand.

  Roseanne noticed. “Does she have a fever?”

  “I think so.” Nina pulled her hands way. “I can take her temperature.”

  “I’m guessing it’s the flu.” Roseanne shrugged and, with a grimace, shifted her leg, obviously still in pain.

  With the meal concluded—and enjoyed from everyone’s comments—Nina suggested saving dessert for later. Doug and her mother rose and began to put away the food, so she sneaked off for a moment with Kimmy to take her temperature.

  When she read the results, her concern turned to worry. The thermometer read a hundred and three degrees. She found Doug in the kitchen, and after she told him he said he would warn Roseanne.

  Nina struggled to concentrate on the conversation, distracted by Kimmy’s health. Her mother’s acerbic comments lessened, and she fell into conversation with Doug about his work and Roseanne’s situation. Nina was even more surprised to hear her mother talk about her father’s illness and death. Since her mother said little about those days, hearing her speak in a positive light about her dad touched Nina’s heart.

  She placed her hand on Kimmy’s forehead to check the heat again, and this time her mother noticed. “Nina, you seem to be preoccupied with Kimmy. It’s such a shame you don’t have children of your own.”

  Though the comment might have slipped by the others as a remark from a caring mother, Nina saw it as another way to belittle her. The dig bit into her self-esteem once again and dampened her spirit.

  Doug leaned back and gave her an understanding look before addressing her mother. “You know some women enjoy waiting to have a family until the time is right. Who knows what the future holds for Nina? I know she could make an amazing mother. She has lots of love to give to a child. Ask Kimmy.”

  Kimmy nestled closer to her, lifting a faint smile.

  Her mother’s comment dropped to the floor while Kimmy’s reaction sent her to the sky.

  Nina watched her mother’s eyes shift from Doug to Kimmy to her, and she said nothing. Doug had come to her aid and she loved him for that. Loved him for many things.

  Despite being store-bought, the dessert was a hit—a pumpkin and a French silk pie. Each took a slice of their favorite and Doug tried both. He’d brought along a can of real whipped cream, and the pie and coffee finished off a successful meal.

  Though Roseanne’s focus turned to Kimmy, she began to look achy. Doug noticed the situation and rose. “I think I need to get this patient back home, and we can take a good look at this young lady.” He scooped Kimmy into his arms, and despite her illness, she giggled. The sound delighted Nina, and even her mother made a kind comment.

  After the others slipped out the door, Doug leaned in and squeezed her hand. “I’ll see you later. I want to get them home, and I’m as worried as you are about Kimmy. I don’t think this is the flu.”

  “I agree. I think Roseanne is beginning to realize Kimmy’s sicker than she suspected.”

  From his expression, she knew he wanted to kiss her goodbye, but with her parents watching from the sofa, he winked and hurried to unlock the car.

  When she closed the door, her mother gave her a questioning look. “Are you not telling me something?”

  “Like what?” She kept her voice casual, not willing to open her heart.

  “You know ‘like what,’ Nina.” A frown edged her face and grew. “This man is more than a nice neighbor. You two have a connection. I watched you through the day with your little looks, and you love that girl, don’t you?”

  “Yes, Mom, I do. She’s sweet and fun. Kimmy’s a creative, wonderful child.”

  “But it’s not his child, right?” Her frown eased to curiosity.

  She nodded. “Right. She’s his sister’s but she’s been alone for years raising Kimmy and Doug is always there for her. He’ll make an amazing father.”

  Tension eased from her mother’s face. “He would make a good husband, too. I hope you see that.”

  She gave an evasive nod.

  “Does he know about your problem?” The lift of her voice communicated her assumption.

  But Nina had a response ready. “Yes, he does.”

  “Really?” Her pitch arched somewhere between surprise and question. “And he understands.”

  “Doug cares about me for me, Mom. And though I believe he will handle it if I can’t carry a child, he suggested I get a second opinion. Medical advances have been made since the last diagnosis.”

  Her mother lowered her head and shook it, leaving Nina to wonder what it meant.

  “I appreciate his gallantry, but I’m not sure the reality has hit him yet. I don’t want you to get your hopes up, Nina. The doctor seemed confident when he gave you the verdict. What if you go through more doctors and tests, and the first doctor was correct?”

  Though her comment sounded negative, Nina witnessed true caring in her mother’s eyes. She opened her mouth to respond but Howard’s voice slipped in first and startled her.

  “Alice, what happens if the doctor was wrong, and Nina could have a child? Isn’t it worth the chance?”

  At this moment, Nina loved her stepfather. “That’s how I see it, too, Howard. I’ve avoided thinking about it, but I care greatly for Doug, and yes, Mom, I can see him as a wonderful husband. One who would stand by me no matter what. I want to give him a chance to have children with me.”

  “I agree. If you are willing to take the chance on being disappointed, then I support your decision. I would be a good grandmother, Nina, although I doubt if you agree.”

  “Mom, I don’t know what I think. You and I have butted heads for a long time, and—”

  “You were Daddy’s little girl. I was your mother, and I suppose I was jealous.”

  Her eyes widened before she could digest what her mother had said. “I had no idea you felt that way, Mom. Lots of girls are Daddy’s little—”

  “I suppose their mothers are confident that they are good parents. I didn’t have much of a role model, but I did the best I could. I know I failed in many ways. I wanted you to be perfect so people would know I raised a lovely daughter, but you couldn’t hide your disdain for me, Nina. The more I sensed your feelings, the more I tried to build myself up by—”

  “Finding faults with me.” Her chest ached, controlling her emotion. “Mom, I didn’t know. I never suspected. I thought you didn�
�t like me or that I was a horrible disappointment. You talked about only my flaws, all negatives. I never knew you saw anything positive.”

  “My defense. I’m sorry about that. Howard noticed and finally said something and I analyzed my behavior. He was right.”

  “But when you arrived you...”

  “I slipped into my old self. You know it’s hard to break bad habits, Nina. But now that I have explained, I hope you can understand even if you can’t forgive me.”

  She released a stream of air. “I can forgive you. Forgive you with all my heart.” She opened her arms and her mother rose and hugged her for the first time in years.

  “But let me bug you again. If you are thinking about this, what do you plan to do?”

  “I’m going to find out all I can about my problem. I’ve already done some research and investigated a doctor. But this time I’ll go with ammunition and this time maybe I can find an answer.”

  Her mother smiled. “And I’ll keep my fingers crossed.”

  “Thank you, Mom. That means the world to me.”

  * * *

  Doug plowed through paperwork in his office, grateful today he didn’t have clients to see since he was distracted, waiting to hear about Kimmy.

  After he’d taken Roseanne home and started to leave, she had asked him to stay for a while so he could help with Kimmy while she tried to make arrangements to see a doctor the next day. Roseanne dealt with an answering service, and a while later the doctor finally called. Doug watched her struggle through the conversation. Though Roseanne was grateful that the physician had returned her call, she appeared to struggle to keep an even tone while she begged him to see Kimmy the next day rather than take her to emergency.

  Doug agreed. The wait would be forever on Thanksgiving Day and Kimmy had become nauseated and could keep nothing down. Waiting in an emergency room was no place for a sick child.

  He offered to drive Roseanne to the appointment, but she called in the morning to say a friend had agreed to drive them to the doctor’s office. And now he waited, his heart in his throat.