A Family for Christmas

by Winnie Griggs

  Eve was impressed. “You’ll have the gratitude of many a homemaker when you have this ready. Doing laundry has always been my least favorite chore.”

  “It’s my hope that this will make laundry no more of a chore than any other housecleaning task.”

  “How did you come up with this idea?”

  “It came from a casual conversation I had with Selma Winters, the lady who takes in laundry for some of the folks around here, including me. She was telling me how most men don’t realize what hard, backbreaking work it is. And that there’s no end to it. I watched her at work and realized she was right. And I also realized that there had to be a better way.”

  “So just like that you decided to find that better way.”

  He shrugged. “I like solving puzzles. And that’s what this is to me, one big, tantalizing puzzle.”

  “And do you feel as if you’re close to solving it?”

  “It’s hard to tell. I have to fashion a series of interconnected gears that can be turned by a belt from the motor to power the washing machine paddles and the wringer device separately. It’s proving more difficult than I had imagined.”

  She smiled. “I have faith that you’ll work it out.” Could she get away with another personal question? She decided to try. “I notice you sometimes do some whittling at your worktable. Did you by any chance make those nutcrackers I saw stuck on a shelf on the back wall?”

  He nodded. “Whittling and carving are hobbies of mine. Working with wood helps me to think. So I often spend time doing that when I’m trying to work out a problem with something like this.”

  The man continued to amaze her with his talents. She’d been so wrong to think of him as lackadaisical. “But those nutcrackers are beautiful. You should have them displayed in a place of honor, not stuck in a dark corner.”

  He shrugged again. “There’s not many folk who’d come by to see them anyway.”

  She crossed the room to pick one of them up. “Do you mind if I find a better place for them, so I can see them?”

  “Help yourself.”

  “What else do you make besides nutcrackers?”

  “Nothing special—just whatnots and trinkets, really.”

  He didn’t seem to want to talk about it, but she was still curious. “Like what?”

  “Oh, tops, toy soldiers, animals, that sort of thing.”

  * * *

  Chance wasn’t certain what to make of Eve anymore. Bringing him that cup of coffee had been unexpected. And her interest in his work seemed genuine enough. Was she just trying to be pleasant, to repay him for the use of his building, or could there perhaps be something more there?

  And just how ready was he for that something more?

  Instead of answering that question he remembered he had something to tell her, which would give him an excuse to change the subject. Taking another sip of coffee to fortify himself, he glanced up at her. “Now that you’ve decided to stay, there’s something I need to let you know.”

  Her expression immediately turned wary. What was she afraid of? “My father is planning a visit here for Christmas.”

  Her face lit up. “Oh, how wonderful for you.” Then her face puckered in dismay. “But we’ve taken up all of your spare rooms. Perhaps Leo and I can double up while he’s here.” How would Leo feel about that?

  Chance, however, had other ideas. “That won’t be necessary. My father can take a room at the hotel.”

  “I wouldn’t dream of letting you do that. If he’s traveling all this way to see you—”

  Was she picturing a joyful father-son reunion? She’d learn different soon enough. “Believe me, he’ll be more comfortable staying at the hotel than he would here. And I’ll be more comfortable with that arrangement, as well.”

  This time her brows drew down in question.

  He ignored it. “I’m only telling you this because I didn’t want his visit to take you by surprise. I also wanted to prepare you—my father is very outspoken and not always the most tactful. I want to apologize in advance if he should do or say anything to make you uncomfortable.”

  “I see.”

  There was a long pause and he wondered what she was thinking.

  Finally she asked, “When do you expect him?”

  “In about two weeks. He’s planning to stay through Christmas.”

  “Then we’ll plan our Christmas celebration accordingly. Are there some particular family traditions you’d like us to include? Special meal items perhaps.”

  “There’s no need to go to any particular trouble. Father will be equally happy with whatever is provided.” Or, rather, equally unhappy.

  * * *

  Eve wondered at the strange tone in Chance’s voice when he spoke of his father. Did the two have a falling out of some sort? Is that why Chance had moved so far away?

  No matter what the situation between the two men, it didn’t seem right to not find room for Chance’s father to spend his visit in his son’s home. Especially since he was traveling so far to be with him at this special time of year.

  She’d have to come up with a plan to take care of that in the next two weeks. With or without Chance’s help.

  She held out her hand for his now-empty coffee cup. “I’ll let you get back to your project. Dotty and I have some more work to do ourselves toward getting the candy shop ready.”

  * * *

  Sunday morning the four of them strolled to church together. Chance had offered to transport them in Tizzie since the church building was on the other side of town. There was a nip in the air for this first day of December, but Eve and Dotty both declared they were up for a walk.

  After the service, Eve made a point of having Chance introduce her to the schoolteacher.

  Once the introductions were complete she got right to the point. “I understand you teach those students younger than eleven.”

  “That’s right. And Mr. Parker works with the older children.”

  “I’d like to enroll Leo. He’s ten years old so he would fall into your class.”

  “Leo’s a good boy,” Chance added. “You won’t have any trouble with him.”

  Eve hid a smile. He sounded just like a proud father.

  “Of course,” Miss Whitman replied. “He’ll be more than welcome to join us.” She gave Eve a warm smile. “May I take this to mean you and Leo are planning to extend your stay here in Turnabout?”

  “Yes, we are. Though I’m not exactly certain for how long yet.”

  “I’m so glad. You’re going to like it here. I moved here five years ago to take this teaching position and I have never regretted it.”

  “I can understand why. The folks are all so friendly.” It seemed as though there were as many transplants as people born and raised in Turnabout. “I also wanted to let you know that Leo hasn’t attended school or had any kind of teaching for more than two years now.”

  Miss Whitman’s expression sobered. “I see. That means he’ll be behind the other children his age.” Then she smiled reassuringly. “But don’t worry, that’s not an insurmountable problem. He’ll just need a little individual attention to catch up. I’ll be glad to work with him after school if you like.”

  “Thank you. And Dotty has started working with him at home already and should be able to continue to do so, at least for the next few weeks.”

  “Excellent.” She smiled. “With Dotty’s help, Leo will be caught up in no time. Tell Leo I look forward to seeing him in class tomorrow.”

  With a wave she left them, and was almost immediately replaced by Sheriff Gleason.

  Eve tensed. Had he found a family willing to take Leo? Why hadn’t she thought to tell him about the change in plans yesterday?

  “Just wanted to let you know I haven’t had any luck in finding a permanen
t home for Leo yet, though a few folks have offered to take him in for the holidays if that’s needed.”

  Eve felt guilty about the immediate rush of relief his words brought. She quickly shook her head. “Thank you but that won’t be necessary. Mr. Dawson and I have decided to keep to the current arrangement, at least until after Christmas.”

  He nodded. “I heard about your plans for a candy store and thought that might be the case. Do you want me to continue making inquiries, or do you plan to make this a more permanent arrangement?”

  Eve wasn’t ready to commit to anything at this point. “My situation continues to be uncertain, so I’m not prepared to say I can care for Leo permanently.”

  The sheriff seemed surprised by her answer. “I see.”

  “On the other hand,” Chance said quickly, “since Christmas is coming up, and Miss Pickering plans to give this business a try until then, perhaps we can just leave things as they are and reassess at the New Year.”

  Sheriff Gleason nodded. “In the meantime, if I happen to hear of any family who would be willing to adopt him, I’ll let you know.”

  “Thank you, Sheriff. I appreciate all you’re doing on Leo’s behalf.”

  Eve glanced across the churchyard to where Leo and Jack were deep in conversation. More and more she was thinking of Leo, if not as her son, at least as her personal responsibility. She’d grown to love him dearly. Could she give him up to another if a willing couple were found?

  “He looks on you as a mom you know.”

  Chance’s words, softly spoken from right beside her, took her by surprise. She turned and saw him watching her with sympathetic, knowing eyes. Was she so transparent to every one? Or just to him? Her mind still churning over the questions tumbling around in her mind, she sent up a silent prayer.

  Dear Father above, please give me the strength to do what is best for Leo when the time comes. And the wisdom and discernment to know what that is.

  Feeling somewhat steadier, she allowed Chance to escort her toward where Dotty stood talking to friends.

  From there they would be going to the Sunday gathering with all of Chance’s friends.

  She hoped she didn’t do anything to embarrass him.

  Chapter Eighteen

  When they arrived at the Fultons’ Leo was excited to discover Daisy had a very unusual dog. With a shaggy black-and-white coat and several jagged, faded scars, he should have looked fierce. But in actuality, the wagging tail and different-colored eyes made him look endearing.

  “His name’s Kip,” Daisy told Leo. “You and Jack can go out in the back lot with him until lunch is on the table if you like.”

  The two boys didn’t need any further encouragement.

  Then Daisy turned to the others. “I’m so glad you and Dotty agreed to join us,” she told Eve. “It’s a real blessing to see how our circle is continuing to grow.”

  Eve moved with her toward the kitchen. “I appreciate the invitation. Now tell me what I can do to help.”

  “Don’t be silly. You all are my guests.” She swept a hand to include Reggie and Dotty. “If you ladies want to have a seat over there in Abigail’s reading corner while the men push the tables together, I’ll get everything ready to serve.”

  “Don’t be silly,” Reggie echoed. She handed Patricia over to Abigail. “We can help you in the kitchen.”

  Daisy grimaced. “Now you sound like Everett. I’m still quite capable of preparing a meal, even if I am starting to waddle when I walk.”

  Dotty laughed. “I can’t think of a better reason to pamper a woman, can you?”

  Eve found the atmosphere in Daisy’s kitchen to be far different from the one in which she’d grown up. Daisy was urged to get off her feet while Mrs. Peavy took over her post at the stove. There was actually very little to be done—apparently Daisy had prepared most of the meal ahead of time. These women shared laughter, stories, compliments and worked with an attitude of joy. They took an obvious pleasure in each other’s company, a camaraderie that Eve had never experienced before. And all the while they were getting the job done.

  Food and dishes were carried out of the kitchen and into the dining area. Here too the camaraderie was evident. And none of the men seemed averse to helping get the table set or the food on the table.

  Once everything was ready, the boys were called in and Ira supervised their washing up before they took their seats at the table.

  Daisy’s husband, Everett, said the blessing and then the bowls and platters were passed around. The meal was informal with conversation, teasing and laughter flowing freely. Eve answered when someone spoke to her, but did not try to interject herself into the mix.

  Then, during a lull in the conversation, Abigail turned to her. “Did you decide about the candy store yet?”

  Eve suddenly felt herself to be the center of attention. She gave a self-conscious nod. “Yes. I’ve decided to give it a go.”

  There was an immediate chorus of congratulations and pleased comments from those who knew of her plans, and a clamor for explanations from those who didn’t. Uncomfortable, Eve was relieved when Chance and Dotty shared in explaining the news.

  The meal was wonderful and the fellowship was even better. When it was over, everyone pitched in to set the restaurant and kitchen back to rights.

  Eve took a moment to talk to Daisy before they made their departure. “Thank you so much for inviting me.”

  “It was my pleasure. And I’m so glad you’ve decided to stay in Turnabout. I hope you’ll continue to join us here on Sundays.”

  Her husband appeared at her side and wrapped an arm possessively around her shoulder, while focusing on Eve. “Best wishes for the success of your new venture. Please allow me to print a free advertisement in Tuesday’s paper.”

  “Oh, that’s most kind, but I could never—”

  Daisy held up a hand. “It costs him practically nothing to do this and makes him feel all magnanimous.” She glanced fondly at her husband. “Did I get that word right?”

  He grinned. “You know quite well you did.”

  “But I like to hear you say it.”

  Eve enjoyed their playful banter and hoped wistfully that she might one day experience something similar herself.

  She went outside to fetch Leo. As they were walking around to join the others on the sidewalk, he glanced up at her with an earnest expression. “I’m glad you decided to stay. And not just because you’re going to open a candy store.”

  Eve smiled, charmed by the way his mind worked. “Me, too.”

  He jammed his hands in his pockets. “It almost feels like we’re a real family, you know—with a ma, and a pa, and even a grandmother.”

  Luckily, he didn’t wait for a response, because she wasn’t certain what she would have said. Without warning, he sprinted ahead to join Chance and Dotty.

  She made her way more slowly as she digested his words. A real family. It was a wonderful dream. Too bad it wasn’t true.

  And what would she do come the new year when it was time for this little “family” to disband? She pushed that thought aside. She would take Dotty’s advice and enjoy this moment and not dwell on things that couldn’t be changed.

  Or at least she would try very hard to do that.

  * * *

  Eve glanced up as Leo stepped into the kitchen the next morning. “Are you all ready for your first day of school?” She resisted the urge to adjust the collar of his shirt.

  “I suppose.”

  The words were uttered in an indifferent tone but Eve could sense the boy’s nervousness. Her arms itched with the urge to hug him, but she refrained.

  “Don’t worry,” Chance assured him, “you’ll do great.”

  “Yes, you will.” Eve began dishing up the eggs. “And to get you started off right,
I picked up some strawberry jam at the mercantile to go on your biscuits for breakfast.”

  That seemed to cheer Leo up more than their assurances had.

  Eve made quick work of serving their plates. Later, just as they were finishing, Jack Barr and two other children stopped in to see if Leo wanted to walk to school with them.

  Leo turned to Eve expectantly. “Can I?”

  Eve was pleased that Leo had sought her permission, but she had planned to walk him to school herself. However, he seemed so eager to join his friends that she swallowed her disappointment and simply nodded.

  After the children had gone, she turned to find Chance watching her, an understanding look in his eye. “You handled that well. You’re going to make him a fine mother.”

  She smiled, trying not to let him see how jarred she was by his words. Is that what everyone was thinking, that her becoming Leo’s mother was the ultimate outcome of this arrangement? More and more it was what she hoped, but it was by no means certain in her mind. Because she was also plagued by the thought that she might fail him.

  Not knowing exactly how to respond to Chance, she held her peace.

  If he noticed he didn’t say anything. Instead, he asked, “So what are your plans for today?”

  “I wrote a letter to Mrs. O’Connell last night informing her of my decision, so I’ll need to post it first thing. Then I’ll get to work making candy. I have several orders to fill already today.”

  “I can take care of posting that letter for you. I have to check on something at the depot anyway.”

  “Thank you, that would be very helpful.”

  “As for your candy business, do you mind if I make a suggestion?”

  She eyed him suspiciously. “Such as?”

  “Before you fill the orders you already have, make a batch or two of something to set out on the counter to sell. Since this is your first day, you’ll probably have a few folks come in just out of curiosity. It would be good to have something available for them to purchase should the impulse hit them.”

  That made sense. “I suppose I could make something simple, like chocolate drops.”