Christmas Forever

by Sophie Love

  They climbed the steps and saw that on the top floor, the ceiling was peaked, making it feel like an attic room. One wall was all glass, and the view was onto the ocean.

  “I bet on a clear day you can see our island,” Daniel said.

  They went back down the steps and out through the door at the back, which led to the woodshop area. It was much larger than Emily had anticipated, and would easily fit in the heavy duty equipment Daniel would need to install.

  “Maybe I’m being a bit rash,” Daniel said. “But I’m getting a really good vibe about this place. Would it be mad to make an offer?”

  Emily raised her eyebrows. “If you do, it will be four for four, right? Babymoon booked, wedding venue located, Amy’s house found, it’s the last thing. Fate has been good to us today. So maybe it’s a sign.”

  “It’s a ten minute drive to the house. Close to Chantelle’s school. I mean, when she’s a little older she’ll be able to drop by after school, then we can take the boat out together.”

  He looked dreamy, like he was looking forward to an idyllic future he’d not envisaged until this moment.

  “Daniel,” Emily said, taking his hands. “I think this is it. This is your shop.”

  “I think so too,” he said.

  And with that, their busy day of organization came to an end, with every single thing ticked off their list. There’d been not a single compromise to make. They’d each gotten exactly what they wanted. And, even better, they had an amazing babymoon planned for the next day! It really could not have gone better, Emily thought. She sat in the back seat of Amy’s car, excited, and filled with anticipation for the babymoon, and all the exciting changes to come.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  The drive to the spa in Quebec was to take just over five hours, so Emily set her alarm to wake her up at six a.m. Saturday morning. She wanted them to get an early start on the roads to try and beat the traffic.

  Her alarm beeped loudly and Emily turned over in bed to stop it. Then she shook Daniel gently awake.

  “Are you ready for our babymoon?” she asked him.

  He smiled through his evident sleepiness.

  They both washed and dressed for the day, and carried their cases down to the car. It was freezing outside, with frost glittering on the surface of the car as well as the grass. Emily loved frost, it was like everything had been covered in diamonds. Once the sun rose, it would be a real sight to behold.

  With everything ready, they crept quietly into Chantelle’s room. It was still dark, and the only sound was the child’s soft snoring.

  “Honey,” Daniel whispered, crouching next to her. “We’re leaving now. We’ll be back Sunday evening.”

  Chantelle made a grumpy murmuring sort of sound. Daniel moved away and Emily leant down, kissing her on the forehead.

  “Have the best time at Bailey’s,” she whispered.

  Chantelle snored in reply.

  Daniel and Emily headed back downstairs.

  “Can you smell coffee?” Emily asked, frowning.

  It wouldn’t be unusual for the breakfast shift to begin this early usually, but there were no guests at the moment and therefore no one to make coffee for. Evan, Stu and Clyde were taking the day off as well.

  “I do,” Daniel said.

  They went down the hall to the kitchen to see what was going on and were surprised to see Terry awake.

  “Good morning,” Emily said. “We didn’t wake you, did we?”

  Terry shook his head. “No, I wanted to make sure you had some breakfast before you left for Quebec. I made oatmeal and raisin bars. And here’s some coffee.”

  He handed them a thermos. Emily took it, surprised.

  “You didn’t have to do that!” she said, touched by the gesture.

  “It’s the least I can do,” he said. “And you know how I feel about idle hands! I don’t suppose you have any more trees that need felling?”

  Emily shook her head. “Just the rotten one you took down for us yesterday.”

  But Daniel raised his eyebrows suddenly. “You know there are some trees that need to be pulled down on the island. I’m not sure if the weather will be good enough today, but it’s forecast to be clear tomorrow. If you want you can head over with the guys. They’ll show you what needs doing.”

  Emily worried that he’d feel taken advantage of, but instead Terry looked utterly thrilled.

  “Oh thank you,” he gushed, shaking Daniel’s hands. “That would be wonderful.”

  “No, thank you,” Daniel replied. “The quicker we get the work there done the better. Anyway, we ought to leave or we’ll be late. Thanks for the breakfast!”

  They said farewell to Terry then headed out the kitchen and into the foyer. Marnie was on the desk today, using the quietness to do school work behind the counter. She was on ‘Chantelle Watch’ until Yvonne came to pick her up, but hopefully she would just sleep straight through.

  “Have the best time,” Marnie told them, waving goodbye.

  There was still no sign of the sunrise as they walked down the porch steps and got into the pickup truck.

  “Ready?” Daniel asked, leaning over and resting his hand on Emily’s.

  “Ready,” she grinned back.

  He started the car, revved the engine, and they were off.

  *

  Thanks to the breakfast bars Terry had provided them with, the journey wasn’t anywhere as tiring as Emily had expected it to be. Waking up so early was something she’d done at the beginning of the business, but these days, in the third trimester, Emily usually stayed in bed as long as possible. She’d thought the journey would exhaust her and was pleasantly surprised with how awake she felt as they pulled up outside the castle-style spa, which was situated on the outskirts of Quebec City.

  Daniel whistled loudly. “Looks even better in real life,” he said.

  “Amy has a great eye for taste,” Emily agreed.

  The small castle was built on the hillsides, with an amazing stone walkway that zigzagged upwards through shrubbery and hedgerows, leading up to a huge arched door that wouldn’t look out of place in a cathedral. There were even turrets!

  Daniel carried their cases up the slope and Emily walked slowly beside him, her hands on her stomach. Then they reached the large door and pushed it open.

  Inside, it no longer felt like they were in a castle. Instead, the floor was shiny white tiles, like those in their own spa, and there were Edison light bulbs on ropes hanging down from the ceiling. Glass vases filled with lavender were positioned all around the room, and there was a large white leather couch, glass shelves displaying products like shampoo and moisturizing cream. The whole space was very bright, clean and fresh. Soft piano music played in the background.

  They approached the frosted glass counter, where a young woman dressed in a white uniform was smiling at them.

  “Bonjour,” she said. “Good day.”

  “We have a booking under the name Morey,” Daniel told her.

  The woman typed into her computer. “The two-day, one-night babymoon package,” she confirmed. She went over to a cabinet and took out a key. “You’re in room three.”

  Daniel took the key and thanked her, then they walked through the pristine hallways towards the elevator.

  Their room was on the next floor up. Daniel used the key to open up the door, and they walked into the gorgeous, bright room. It was exquisitely decorated in gold and white, with sweeping lace curtains framing floor to ceiling windows. On the bed there was a large basket with a white ribbon tied on the handle.

  “What’s this?” Emily squealed, hurrying over to look inside. “Baby things!”

  Inside was the softest white blanket, a pair to white booties for a newborn, a pack of three white, simple babygrows, and the most adorable mobile which was designed like a fluffy cloud with stars and birds coming from it.

  “How wonderful,” Emily gushed.

  Daniel sat down onto the bed and picked up the treatment itinerary on
the pillow. He began to read.

  “For mom-to-be, please enjoy an algae body wrap, prenatal massage, and facial treatment. Dad-to-be can enjoy our sauna and stress-busting deep tissue massage. Green cleanse juices are available from reception.” He wiggled his eyebrows at Emily. “What do think? Green juice?”

  She rubbed her stomach. “I’d prefer some lunch. What’s on the menu?” She found the menu on the bedside table. “Avocado and arugula salad served on sourdough bread with homemade hummus and tomatoes grown in our own greenhouse. Well that sounds delightful.”

  “Let’s eat!” Daniel exclaimed. “I’ve had nothing but Terry’s oatmeal bar.”

  They locked up their room and went down to the dining room. Like the rest of the hotel, it was decorated with frosted glass, white tiles, exposed brick and Edison bulbs. It really was gorgeous.

  They took a table.

  “Daniel,” Emily whispered, leaning across. “I’m by far the most pregnant person here.”

  “We did leave it quite late,” he laughed, looking around at all the women with their small, neat bumps.

  Their food came and they enjoyed the fresh, healthy lunch, ordering green juices to wash it all down. Daniel went for cucumber and spinach with pear, whilst Emily had aojiru, which was a Japanese kale based cleanser.

  Once they’d eaten, it was time for their first pamper session. They headed to the couple treatment rooms, pleased to see they wouldn’t be separated during their respective treatments.

  Emily found her massage very relaxing. So much so she could easily have drifted off to sleep, had it not been for Daniel’s occasional grunts and groans during his more vigorous deep-tissue massage. After, they went to the heated pool to enjoy a gentle swim.

  “Would you like to have dinner here?” Daniel asked Emily. “Or would you prefer to spend the evening in Quebec City?”

  “I’d like to dine out,” Emily said. “And see some of the city. It would be a shame not to. Who knows when we’ll next get the chance.”

  They went up to their room to wash from the swim and dress up for a meal out. Emily didn’t have many fancy maternity clothes, but she did have a nice, simple black dress that she accentuated with delicate gold jewelry. Daniel didn’t really do formal attire, but he’d brought a nice clean plaid shirt and changed into black jeans and leather shoes.

  “You look very handsome,” Emily told him.

  “And you look stunningly beautiful,” Daniel replied.

  They kissed. Then, hand in hand, they walked out the bedroom, locking it behind them. They took the elevator down to the reception area, then stepped outside. To Emily’s great delight, it was snowing.

  “How wonderful,” she murmured.

  They strolled slowly, taking in the sights as they went, of Old Quebec City decorated for Christmas. There were fairy lights in all the tree branches, and glittery model snowflakes hung across the road, strung between the telephone poles either side of the street. Street lamps caught the falling snowflakes, making them look like small fluttering lights. Emily found it utterly charming. They passed the walls of the Citadel, which looked magnificent and very grand in the falling snow.

  “This is a beautiful city, isn’t it?” Emily murmured to Daniel.

  “Beautiful city, beautiful wife. I’d say I’m one lucky guy.”

  “And I’m one lucky gal,” she giggled in response.

  He squeezed her hand tenderly and Emily felt more in love than ever. How wonderful life could be, she thought.

  They reached the restaurant and went inside. It was a gorgeous, intimate place, decorated like a vintage tea room.

  “Oh I just love it!” Emily gushed, looking at all the cute, unique, vintage pieces of furniture. “Do you remember when we’d go antique shopping every weekend?” she asked Daniel.

  He took his seat opposite her. “Yes. And look how far we’ve come. Back then it was just you and I, with a dilapidated inn. Now we have Chantelle, a gorgeous home, dogs and chickens and the thriving business.”

  “And an island,” Emily prompted.

  “How many people can say that!” Daniel chuckled.

  “We’ve been blessed.”

  “We have. And the blessings are going to keep coming, once Charlotte comes.”

  Emily smiled and rubbed her stomach tenderly. Then she turned her attention to the menu.

  “What are you eating?” she asked. “I might go for the meatball ragout.”

  “I’m getting the poutine of course!” Daniel exclaimed. “I’ve been running on oatmeal, avocado and cucumber all day. I need some fries and cheese!”

  Emily giggled. She felt suddenly very young, like she had stepped back in time to two-years hence, when they’d been dating and first falling in love. They had come so far, achieved so much, and her love for Daniel had only deepened. But it was easy to get caught up in life, to become so busy they forgot to express their love and appreciation. She reached across the table and took Daniel’s hands, and looked dreamily into his eyes.

  “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” she said.

  “I am?” Daniel asked. “Not the inn?”

  “There would be no inn without you,” she told him. “I’d never have gotten so far without your support and hard work and dedication. The inn may have brought me to Maine in the first place, but you’re the reason I stayed.”

  Daniel’s eyes looked misty, like he might be holding back tears. Emily was surprised to see the sudden display of emotion from him.

  “I don’t deserve you,” he said. “I never knew I could have a life like this. I’d never have believed it if you’d told me back when I was sixteen that I’d have all this to look forward to! Sometimes I have to pinch myself.”

  Emily squeezed his hands, trying to communicate her love and appreciation through the gesture. She’d not felt such burning love from Daniel since that moment they’d said their vows.

  “I love you,” she told him. “For now and forever.”

  “I love you,” he said. “Forever and always.”

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  TWO WEEKS LATER

  Emily’s due date -- December 13th -- came and went with no sign of Baby Charlotte. At 40 weeks pregnant, she was bigger than ever, but not uncomfortable in the way she’d been expecting. She didn’t feel any sense of urgency to get the pregnancy over and done with. In fact, she was feeling healthier now than she had any point thus far.

  “We should book an appointment with Doctor Arkwright,” Daniel said over breakfast.

  “She’s only a few days overdue,” Emily said. “If there’s no sign of her by the 20th, we’ll go then. Then I’ll be a week overdue and we can think about what to do.”

  “Okay,” he said, sounding a bit weary.

  Emily didn’t mind. It was his job to worry. But she knew her body and knew that everything was fine.

  Chantelle looked up from her clock. “What do you mean about what to do?”

  “There’s a few things they can do to try and make the labour start,” Emily explained. “I’d like to avoid them all if possible.”

  “Are they dangerous?” the child asked. She looked concerned.

  “Not at all,” Emily reassured her. “I just want to trust my body. It knows what it wants to do.”

  Chantelle looked calmed. She went back to her clock.

  Daniel, on the other hand, did not. It seemed that the longer Emily remained pregnant, the more stressed he became. She could appreciate that there was a thin line between anticipation and anxiety, but surely if anyone should be anxious it should be her! She was the one who’d be doing all the pushing, and the longer Charlotte stayed inside the bigger she became!

  “What are your Hanukkah plans?” Emily asked Daniel, changing the subject. “It starts tonight, doesn’t it?”

  “Chantelle and I will light the menorah,” he said. “And read some scripture.”

  “What about Roman’s party?” Chantelle asked, looking up again with big, concerned eyes. “We can’
t miss it! It’s going to be amazing!”

  Daniel frowned. His mood seemed to be growing darker. “Darling, our traditions are important, too. Roman should have chosen a different date, to be respectful.”

  Emily patted his arm. “Roman’s hosting an event for the whole town and we should be grateful,” she warned him. “And Chantelle, we won’t miss any of the party, but remember that Hanukkah is very important to daddy, and it means a lot to him to teach you about it.”

  Chantelle nodded, looking humbled and put in her place. Emily felt satisfied to have resolved the situation. Even Daniel’s mood seemed to brighten after that.

  “Time for school,” he said to Chantelle, standing. He went over and kissed Emily on the head. “Call me if you need to,” he said. He’d been saying the same thing every day since her due date, as if he was worried Emily would go into labour but decide not to disturb him! She was not prepared to give birth on the inn floor!

  They went out into the corridor, and Emily heard Daniel call up to Terry, who was coming to the island today to do some more landscaping work. As soon as everyone was gone, Emily soaked in the silence. She enjoyed these moments the most, when it was just her and Baby Charlotte, and the ever present spirit of her sister, guiding her, supporting her, loving her.

  *

  That evening, Roman was hosting his holiday cocktail party. The family got themselves dressed up in their smartest outfits, and Emily plaited Chantelle’s hair in an intricate style. When Evan, Stu and Clyde came down the stairs, Emily exclaimed in delight.

  “Look at you three!”

  She’d not seen them look so smart since the wedding!

  “Where’s Terry?” Chantelle asked, when it was just about time to leave.

  “I don’t know,” Emily replied. “Why don’t you go and knock on his door and see if he’s ready.”

  Chantelle nodded, and hurried off, her elegant dress in no way hampering her boisterousness. Terry had taken the smallest room on the third floor, even though Emily had assured him that he didn’t have to hide himself away. But he’d insisted he was used to a smaller room and it made him feel more at home.