[Madrona Island 05.0] Christmas on Madrona Island

by Andrea Hurst

  Santa laughed and shrugged toward Lily. “Well, you are certainly in the right place to find one of those.” He patted her on the shoulder. “I’ll see what I can do.”

  Gwyn hopped off his lap and ran in her mother’s arms. “Santa’s going to bring me a puppy!”

  Lily knew there was no way out of it now. And a puppy might be just the thing they all needed to brighten up the holiday a little bit more.

  “Bye, Santa,” Gwyn said as she waved goodbye.

  The line moved forward and a little boy with bright red hair leapt into Santa’s lap. It was going to be a long day for Grandpa John, but he looked happy. Not so much for Gretel, who was already asleep. Concerned, Lily decided that if the dog did not perk up by Monday, she would suggest seeing the vet.

  Lily walked over to Ian to see what she could do to help out with the photos.

  The line of mothers, fathers, and kids was getting long. A few parents had brought their dogs along, dressed in holiday sweaters, bows, and bells. One brave father even held a frowning cat in his arms, dressed in its holiday best. This was going to raise some much-needed funds for the shelter, and it made Lily smile.

  “Merry Christmas,” Betty said, scooting up beside them. “Thanks so much for helping out today.”

  “Our pleasure,” Ian said. He turned toward the camera, snapping more shots.

  Even Jason commented that this was pretty cool, and was now being quite helpful.

  This was turning out to be as beneficial for their family as it was for the shelter. Lily loved the idea that her children were learning how important it was to give as well as receive at Christmastime and all year long.

  ⌘

  Most of the family was up early, spurred by the smell of a hot breakfast of buckwheat pancakes and scrambled eggs smothered in cheddar cheese, wafting through the house. It was the boys’ favorite, and Lily enjoyed making it.

  Today they would drive to Winston’s Christmas Tree Farm, and they would be in the van for a while as they drove up into the Cascade Mountains. Just past the farm, the roads were closed for the winter due to snow and would not open again until at least late spring. For the last few years, Winston’s was their farm of choice. They could buy a live Noble Fir grown in a large pot, have the roots packaged up in burlap, and bring it home to decorate. The downside was it could not stay too long in the house, so they had to wait until closer to Christmas to purchase one. The best part was that on one of the warmer December days, Ian had dug a hole in the backyard where they would plant the tree after they took everything down.

  Outside the window, Lily admired the trees from the last couple years. Each one was a different height and thriving. They would always represent the memories of Christmas past when that particular tree had stood in the inn’s parlor.

  She hurried into Jason’s room, where he was still buried under his covers. “C’mon, sleepyhead, breakfast is ready.” He was looking more and more like his dad every day.

  Jason groaned. “I’ll be there in a minute.”

  Gwyn stood in the doorway. She looked adorable in her jean overalls covering a red plaid flannel shirt. She walked in and took Lily by the hand. “Let’s go. Daddy says we have to get there early to get the best tree.” She looked down at her brother still in bed and sighed. “Jason doesn’t have to come.”

  Lily looked back to see Jason pop his head out from under the covers. She was pretty sure he’d be following them into the kitchen very soon.

  When they returned to the dining table, John was at his seat, sipping from a mug of coffee while Ian flipped pancakes at the stove.

  “I don’t think I’ll be joining you after all,” Grandpa John said. With a worried brow, he pointed over to where the dog was curled up in her bed. “Gretel is very sluggish this morning and wouldn’t eat breakfast.”

  Lily walked over to check on the dog. “Gretel, do you want a cookie?” Lily asked. Gretel barely lifted her head when she called her name. Even her always-wagging tail didn’t budge. Lily petted the furry black head. “What’s wrong, girl? Did all the kids at the shelter yesterday wear you out?”

  Gretel’s eyes opened slowly and stared into space. Her breath seemed labored, and Lily felt her stomach sink. She leaned her cheek up against the dog’s head. It felt extra warm. If anything happened to Gretel… She wouldn’t let that thought enter her head. She kissed the dog on her forehead. “Rest up, sweet girl. We all love you so much.”

  Tomorrow she would call Dr. Childs. She would fix her right up. With a deep breath, Lily walked back to the table and tried to get some breakfast down before the car trip. She noticed John had barely taken a bite, which wasn’t like him either. His robust appetite was one of his trademarks.

  Jason sauntered over to the table and took his seat next to Ian. Lily smiled inwardly.

  “Grandpa,” Gwyn said, “if you don’t come with us, you won’t get to pick out the tree.”

  “I know you’ll pick out the very best one” Grandpa John said. “Gretel’s pretty tired out. I think I’ll keep her company.”

  Jason laid his fork down on his plate. “I’ll stay, too.”

  John shook his head. “No. You go. This is a family outing and you can help your dad with the tree.”

  “We’re picking up two trees,” Ian said between bites. “We’ll be dropping the second one off at Kyla and Luke’s place after.”

  Ian glanced at Gretel and back to John’s solemn face. “If you need us, just call. We’ll run right back.”

  “No sense in doing that,” John said. “We’ll be fine.”

  Lily rose and gave John a big hug. “We all love Gretel too. If you need us, or anything, just call. You and that sweet pup come first.”

  Grandpa John’s grateful smile helped lift some of Lily’s worry.

  Ian stood, plate in hand. “Clear off your plates, everyone. Let’s head out to Winston’s Farm.”

  Everyone pitched in to clear the table. Ian surprised Lily with a quick hug before getting in the van.

  ⌘

  The last part of the winding road to the tree farm was dense on both sides with fir and spruce trees. Small patches of snow dotted the ground. Lily looked up at the sky, dark with clouds. It looked like rain, but at this altitude it could turn to snow even if the weatherman had not predicted it. She pulled her coat tighter and was glad she’d worn mittens.

  They turned a corner and Winston’s big, carved wooden sign came into view.

  “Here we are,” Ian said as they drove through the cherry-red gate leading up to the barn and fields. Small trees lined the road, decorated with flickering lights and glittery pinecones. Lifelike statues of reindeer with red noses and collars made of silver bells stood alongside the trees. Lily tingled with excitement like she was a little girl. Christmas was always her favorite holiday.

  She looked into the backseat to see Gwyn glued to the window. Her daughter looked up, eyes flashing with excitement. “Reindeer,” she said. “Can I pet them?”

  “Of course not,” Jason snapped. “They’re not real.”

  Lily gave Jason a firm look to let him know she was not happy with his tone or reply.

  Ian pulled into park and turned to his children in the back. “Let’s all have a good time today, okay?”

  Jason rolled his eyes. “Okay, Dad.”

  “Good,” Ian said. “Now let’s go see the trees.”

  Once they were all out of the car, Lily spoke up. “Ian, why don’t you take Gwyn up to the barn for a hot chocolate and Jason and I will join you in a minute?”

  “Sure thing,” he said with a grateful look. He took Gwyn by the hand then skipped up the hill to the barn.

  When they were out of hearing distance, Lily turned to Jason. “You haven’t been yourself the last few days,” she said. In truth, he was moodier. But lately, it was getting worse. “Everything all right?”

  At first Jason stared at his feet and said nothing. He placed his hands in the pockets of his warm coat and swayed from foot to foot. The cool
air was chilling Lily to the bone, but she wanted an answer.

  Finally he looked up. “Gretel is my best friend. She’s sick. I know it.”

  Lily listened as he continued. He was still just a little boy underneath his growing body, and he’d lost his mother at a young age. Tears glistened in the corners of his eyes and Lily’s heart broke. Gretel was over twelve years old, and black labs generally did not have long lifespans.

  “Come here,” she said, holding out her arms. She hugged him tight. “Your dad and I are always here for you. I’ll call the vet tomorrow and we’ll get Gretel fixed up.”

  Jason let his head rest on her shoulder for a moment before stretching back up to his full height. He was going to be tall like his father. And handsome.

  “Dogs get into stuff,” Jason said. “That’s probably what happened and she’ll be fine.”

  He looked hopefully into her eyes for reassurance.

  “Right,” Lily said, hoping it would be true.

  “Mom!” Gwyn yelled from a few feet away. “Let’s go!”

  “We’re being summoned,” Lily said to Jason.

  They walked up toward the brightly lit barn. Lily admired the over fifty acres of “you cut” noble, grand, and Douglas firs. Row after row of trees were loved, cared for, and replanted each year to continue the tradition.

  They caught up to Ian and Gwyn at the entrance to the barn. Garlands of pine lined the doors and windows. As they stepped inside, a blast of warm air surrounded them, along with the fragrant smell of hot apple cider.

  Jason walked over to the counter lined with steaming paper cups. He took one for himself and offered one to Lily. The warm cider quickly took the chill away and brought back a flood of holiday memories.

  “Can I have a candy cane?” Gwyn asked.

  Ian swept her up in his arms and helped her reach into an apple bin filled to the top with wrapped candy canes.

  Jason reached a hand in and scooped one up for himself too.

  “Now that we’re all fueled up,” Ian said, “how about we go take a hayride?”

  Lily was reluctant to go outside, but wouldn't let a little cold prevent her from joining in the family fun. They loaded up into the bed of a shiny red pickup truck and sat on a sweet-smelling hay bale. They wrapped themselves up with the plaid wool blankets the ride provided and snuggled up together, while families with small children sitting around them did the same. Christmas music flowed out from loud speakers attached to the front of the truck and off they went. The driver took them around the farm, pointing out the various species of trees that took up to ten years to grow from seedlings to seven-foot-plus trees.

  “And look,” the driver said, “over there, hiding under one of the trees.”

  Gwyn turned sharply to see where he was pointing. “Look,” she said, “it’s Santa’s sleigh. And there are toys in it.”

  Even Jason smiled at the decorated sleigh peering out of the trees. He blocked his sister’s view. “Don’t look,” he said. “You don’t want to spoil the surprise.”

  “But I want to see,” Gywn said, trying to stand.

  “It’s okay, silly,” Lily said. “Those are for other kids.”

  Ian pointed out the deer prints leading from the sleigh. “I think there have been other visitors too.”

  They chatted along the way and Ian kept things fun and lively. This was her family. Sometimes Lily could hardly believe how happy she was.

  After the hayride and touring the magnificently decorated grounds, they walked back inside the nursery area to pick up their two special-order trees. Jason and Ian strapped them to the roof of the van and off they drove to grab a quick lunch and then deliver the first one to Kyla’s house.

  ⌘

  Kyla leaned against Luke on the porch of their log home and watched Lily and Ian’s van pull in front of the house. Their Christmas tree was finally here. Bailey, their Australian Cattle Dog, pounded his tail against the wood porch in excitement.

  Ian switched off the car and stepped out, followed by Lily, Gwyn, and Jason. “Greetings,” Lily said.

  Luke walked down the front steps to meet them. “You made it. How were the roads out there?”

  “Not bad,” Ian said. “Pretty darn cold up there, though.” The two men unhooked the tree and carried it up toward the door.

  Kyla waved to Lily and the kids. “Come in and get warm. I have hot drinks for everyone.”

  “Merry Christmas,” Lily said, giving Kyla a gentle hug.

  “And to all of you too.”

  They entered the living room and watched Ian and Luke move the tree into place, with Bailey following close behind.

  “Is this where you want it?” Luke asked her.

  Kyla nodded. “Perfect.” The familiar scent of a live Christmas tree filled the air. It would be their baby’s first Christmas. She looked down at sweet Gwyn, hoping all of their children would grow up as friends.

  “How about some cookies?” Kyla asked her guests.

  Gwyn waved her hand. “Me, me.”

  Kyla took her little hand. “I made some very special ones just for you. And you, Jason?”

  “Sure,” he said following them into the kitchen.

  At the word “cookie,” Bailey’s ears perked up and he went on full alert. Any motion toward the kitchen was a reason to follow.

  They sat down on stools at the granite island, set with holiday-style plates, napkins, and cups. Kyla served homemade hot cocoa and assorted cookies she’d ordered online from a special bakery in New York. Next year she would bake. Especially the lemon crackles, they were her favorite. They may not be homemade in her kitchen, but they were delicious

  “I like the ones with the colored sprinkles on top,” Gwyn said.

  Jason took two of the round butter cookies with cherries on top, and Lily took a chocolate turtle crunch. Kyla joined them at the eating bar and watched the men finish placing the tree.

  “Thank you so much for doing this for us,” Kyla said.

  Lily shook her head and finished chewing her second cookie. “No problem. Do you want us to stay and help you decorate?”

  “Did I hear ‘decorate’?” Luke said. He pointed to some boxes on the floor. “Kyla went all out ordering decorations and a special angel for the top. We’d love you to join us.”

  After finishing their cookies, everyone gathered around the tree to help hang the multi-colored ornaments.

  “Too bad Grandpa John couldn’t join us. Where’s he at today?” Kyla asked.

  The look that passed over Lily’s face gave Kyla a chill of apprehension. Before she answered, Lily glanced to see if her kids were listening. Both were occupied with examining the ornaments.

  “He’s home watching over Gretel. She’s not doing well.”

  “I’m so sorry,” Kyla said. “Let me know if I can do anything.”

  “Look at this one,” Gwyn said, holding up a sparkly silver star.

  “My mother sent me that one,” Kyla said. “It’s a Celtic ornament called a Claddagh snowflake. The knot design is similar to my wedding ring.” Kyla held up her left hand to show Lily and her daughter.

  “It’s pretty,” Gwyn said. “I like the way it sparkles.”

  “Why don’t you hang the star,” Kyla said.

  Ian swooped down and pulled Gwyn up to some of the higher branches. “Can you reach it?”

  Everyone watched as Gwyn carefully slipped it onto a tall branch. “I did it,” she said, beaming.

  Kyla clapped her hands. “A perfect spot. Thank you.”

  Jason pulled out a large aluminum, bird-shaped ornament. He crinkled his brow and looked up. “What’s this?”

  Kyla laughed. “If you look closely, you can see it’s a stork with a baby nestled on its back.”

  “Oh,” Jason said as he dropped it back into the box. “I think I’ll try another.”

  Luke stepped forward. “I’ll take it.” He winked at Kyla. “This is a very special one and I’ll put it right in front.”

&nbs
p; How she loved that man. Even though she couldn’t leave the house, the scene was perfect. The fire blazed orange and yellow in the wood burner, melodic Christmas tunes played in the background, and she was surrounded by family and friends. And, of course, the best dog she’d ever known. Gretel was a close second, though, and she sure hoped she would be feeling better soon.

  Lily stood and stretched, stifling a yawn. “It’s been a long day. I think we should be going now.”

  Just as she finished her sentence, Lily’s cell phone started ringing from the kitchen counter. Kyla saw the panic fill Lily’s eyes before she raced for the phone. A shadow fell across the room and Kyla knew something was definitely wrong. Kyla moved closer to be there for her friend.

  “John,” Lily said, “is everything okay?”

  Lily’s face dropped as she silently listened to his reply.

  “We’re coming, right now. I’ll call Dr. Childs on the way.”

  Ian rushed to her side. “What’s wrong?”

  “It’s Gretel.” Lily eyed Jason and Gwyn. “She’s not doing well.” Lily lowered her voice. “I’ll tell you more later.” She grabbed her purse. “Let’s go, everyone.”

  Kyla gave Lily’s shaking body a quick hug. “She’ll make it, I’m sure of it,” she said. She picked up a plate of wrapped cookies and handed it to Jason. “Take these with you. I’m so sorry.”

  Kyla and Luke stood on the porch and watched them load up into the car and drive off.

  “Jason looked so pale,” Luke said. “I hope that dog is going to make it.”

  The freezing weather sent a chill through Kyla’s body. Gretel would be fine, she told herself. She felt Luke’s broad hand in hers. If anything ever happened to their Bailey, she couldn’t… She stopped herself in mid-thought and veered from the direction her mind was heading.

  “Let’s get you inside,” he said.

  She nodded and let herself be led inside, leaving the cold behind.

  ⌘

  Lily and the family rushed into Grandpa John’s house and found the vet already there kneeling on the floor over Gretel. Thank goodness she was on call for emergencies on the weekend, she thought.