All I Want for Christmas

by Jenny Hale

  Making matters worse was the way he looked at Leah, and the response her body had, no matter how hard she tried to control it. They were sliding down a slippery slope and she didn’t know how to slow it down. In the back of her mind, she knew one thing: Sadie was going to get her heart broken again if she didn’t do something. Perhaps she should pull back. She’d meant to, but then David had put those lights in the trees outside… Come on, Leah, she thought. You’ve got to be stronger than this.

  Chapter 18

  “Christmas Eve is in three days anyway,” Roz said on the phone when she called to tell Leah she was on her way. Leah had texted her earlier to let her know to come after the gymnastics show. “I’ve called Louise and we’ll come up together. If you’re all right with that, Louise and Ethan are packed and ready.”

  Whenever Roz wanted to change Leah’s mind, she always called on Louise, because Louise had that quiet determination about her. She listened so well and when she offered her opinion, it always ended up sounding like the best option. “You won’t change my mind about signing the papers,” she warned. In fact, Leah had already signed them. They’d come through on email just after they’d gotten home. Leah wanted to sign them quickly while Sadie was watching a movie, so she’d done it without even taking a moment to think it through one last time. She knew her answer.

  “Who said anything about that?” Roz’s voice came through sugary sweet. “I just thought we’d get there early to help you plan for family Christmas. Who’s coming? Are Mom and Dad back from China?”

  Leah smiled and shook her head. She loved how Roz called her mother and father Mom and Dad. She even did that to their faces. Louise had attended last year’s family Christmas, but Roz had said she couldn’t come even though Leah’s entire family loved Roz and begged her to join them. Leah had tried to explain how Roz felt about Christmas, and Leah’s mom had texted Roz one word: Scrooge. At New Year’s Eve, Roz had relented. “Okay, I give in, next year I’m coming.”

  “Yes, everyone’s coming—Mom, Dad, Uncle William, and Aunt Claire. Then, of course, you and Louise and the kids.”

  “I’ll be there as soon as I can get us all in the car. Let me just make a quick call to Louise.”

  * * *

  We’re in town! Roz texted as Leah made it to the bottom of the stairs. She’d figured they’d be here soon so she’d gone up to her room to freshen up just a little, run a brush through her hair. We’re at that little coffee shop with the big front window and the row of little flowerpots inside it. The roads have gotten treacherous. Can you come get us?

  She stood with one foot on the last step while she finished reading.

  David still hadn’t returned. He’d gone into town with the farm truck to get a new router, as the Wi-Fi wasn’t working up to par. Just getting the contract across this afternoon had been spotty. Leah knew her little car would never get down the long drive in all that snow.

  She texted back: David has the truck. Could you get a cup of coffee and hang out there a few minutes? I’m so sorry to make you wait.

  No problem, Roz texted back. There’s a big case of donuts. We’ll get the kids all hyped up on sugar and then let them run all over that big house.

  Leah laughed and, just then, saw Sadie running past her into the living room. “Guess what,” she said to Sadie, stopping her.

  She screeched to a halt to hear what Leah had to say. Leah hadn’t wanted to tell her until she was sure that Roz was actually there, so as not to get her too excited.

  “Roz and Jo are in town. So are Louise and Ethan. We’re going to get them as soon as David comes back with the truck.”

  Sadie pumped her arms and hopped around just as June came down the steps. “Oh, I can’t wait!” Sadie said, her elation clear. “I’m going to get my stuff ready for Jo and Ethan!” she called on her way upstairs, her little feet pounding all the way up.

  June watched Sadie as she ran away, her gaze lingering on the now-empty staircase. “What has her so excited?” she asked, finally turning away and entering the sitting room with Leah. They sat down on the settee and June clicked on the silver floor lamp with the beaded shade to allow a little more light into the room. The clouds had rolled in again, making the room dark. “She went up the steps like a flash.”

  “My friends Roz and Louise are coming to visit with their kids. They’re waiting for me at the coffee shop. I’ll go get them once David comes back. They’re great friends. I think Sadie’s missed them.”

  “Oh, that will be nice,” she said. “Why don’t you just text David and ask him to pick them up?”

  It would make things easier if David did just get them. He was already in town. June gave Leah his cell number, and as she texted, she prayed that Roz wouldn’t say anything regarding the house on the way over.

  Her phone lit up with a text from David. He’d get them in two minutes. Then Leah texted Roz to let her know they’d all be squeezing into the farm truck. There was only one road between the coffee shop and the plantation, but it was hilly and narrow. She told Roz to belt the kids in the small seats behind the front bench of the truck so they’d all be secure. Then she impressed upon Roz to be on her best behavior with David and not to say a word about the house.

  Roz texted back: Zipping lips… For now.

  Leah got up to straighten a few things and turn on all the Christmas lights before her friends’ arrival. June helped her. Leah noticed her quick movements. She wondered if having a bunch of people in the house worried her, if she was jumping around because she was nervous, but it didn’t seem like that to her. June had seemed more relaxed and easy lately, and Leah even caught a few smiles. If anyone could make her feel comfortable, it would be Roz and Louise. In their own unique ways, they were the easiest people in the world to get to know. They finished tidying the kitchen and settled in for a cup of hot chocolate.

  “I remember when David was Sadie’s age and he’d be just like that.” She pointed with her chin at Sadie, who had run back downstairs to wait at the window since the text. It was the first time she’d spoken without Leah starting the conversation. “He loved it here, but there were times when he got a bit lonely, and whenever we had friends around, you’d think he’d won the lottery.”

  “I see them, Mama!” said Sadie, leaning on the large windowsill. “They’re coming up the drive now!”

  “Would you excuse me for just a second?” Leah said. She went to the window where Sadie was jumping up and down, her fingers still wrapped around the oversized windowsill.

  David got out of the truck with a shopping bag and walked around to let everyone out. Roz had on her burgundy coat, the color like spilled wine against the white of outside. Jo climbed out. Her usually messy red curls were pinned back today, and Leah smiled at that. Louise scooted to the edge of the bench, her legs gracefully swinging off the side before she did a little hop onto the snow. She reached in and helped Ethan, offering him a hand.

  Before shutting the truck’s door, David pulled out another large shopping bag and two small suitcases. He shut the door and led them up the walkway.

  Sadie had already left her spot at the window and was sliding across the hardwoods in her socks as she ran to the door. She swung it open and waved wildly at her friends. Leah joined her daughter, the air so cold she could almost smell it.

  “Hey, girls!” Roz called, her eyes bouncing from Leah and Sadie to the icy walkway.

  Louise waved as she steadied Ethan, his little feet struggling to balance on the ice.

  “I like your boots,” Leah said to Jo when they reached the door. “Are they new?”

  “My nannie got them for me.” Nannie was the name she used for Roz’s mother, who was a whole lot like Roz. She lived out of state but would visit occasionally and Roz would invite everyone over for a party whenever she did.

  “They’re pretty.” Leah moved out of the way so they could enter.

  “They arrived yesterday—perfect timing!” Roz said, her eyes wide with curiosity as she took
in the entryway—the antique round table at the front, the delicate chandelier above them, the grainy historical photos and paintings all mounted in original frames against the pale blue walls. “Leah, this is so you!” she said, her head turning in all directions. She peered up at the ceiling. “Oh my gosh! I’ll bet this is heaven for you!” Then, she leaned in, her eyes darting around again before focusing on Leah. “David’s a tall drink of water…” she whispered under her breath.

  Leah gave her a look of warning.

  “I flirted with him on the way here.”

  She shot her another look, this time pressing her eyes open to make her stop.

  “Don’t worry. I’ll let you have him,” she teased. Louise nudged her, but both Leah and Louise knew that Roz had a mind of her own, and she’d only quiet down to appease them.

  Leah batted away the comment, glad to have her friends there. She wondered what David thought of Roz, but when she looked over at him, he didn’t seem affected. He asked The Girls if he could take their coats; he was already holding Jo’s. She and Sadie skipped arm in arm down the hallway, Jo pulling a very happy Ethan with her other hand.

  Roz shrugged her coat off and thanked David as she handed it to him. He hung it in the hall closet and set her suitcase beside the staircase. Louise followed her lead.

  “This is for you!” Roz said, holding out the shopping bag.

  Before Leah could look inside, she blurted, “It’s a candle. They had a sale, so I bought three—one for each of us.” It was just like Roz to give away the surprise. “It isn’t your Christmas present, just something nice. Maybe you could use it here!” she said suggestively.

  “Thank you,” Leah said, unable to hide her grin. Even when Roz was being annoying, Leah just loved her.

  “There’s also a bottle of wine—the fizzy kind. I figured we could get started on that early.”

  “Great,” Leah said, leading her friends into the kitchen. “David, join us,” she said over her shoulder.

  She set the bag down at the table as June came in.

  “Hello,” June said. She held out her hand, her oversized sweater sleeve reaching her knuckles. “You must be Roz. I’m David’s mother, June.”

  “Nice to meet you.” Roz squared her shoulders and shook her hand, offering a polite smile. She was certainly putting her best foot forward.

  “It’s positively freezing. I’ve gotten the fire going pretty well now, and it’s nice and toasty in the sitting room. Come in when you get settled.”

  “That sounds wonderful,” Roz said.

  June left them, returning to the sitting room just as David came in and took a seat at the table. “You aren’t that scary at all,” Roz said, plopping down next to him and bumping him with her shoulder. He looked at her. “I thought you’d be scarier. I’m not sure why.” He shook his head just slightly, but Leah noticed a very slight grin on his lips. He seemed to like Roz.

  “Would you two like some hot chocolate?”

  Louise nodded, lowering herself down into one of the kitchen chairs.

  “I have candy canes for stirring in my bag,” Roz said.

  “We’ve got some,” Leah said with a grin, knowing her friend always stirred her hot chocolate with a peppermint swizzle stick.

  Once everyone had their hot chocolates, Leah pulled Roz’s candle from the shopping bag and lit it, setting it in the center of the island. It wasn’t burning for long before it sent the sweet smell of pumpkin pie sailing across the kitchen. David had stayed for a bit of small talk before excusing himself to get some work done.

  Leah sat down at the table. The house was clean and draped in greenery, all Sadie’s presents were wrapped—she’d done them early that morning—and the trees were lit in twinkle lights. The house was just as it had always been when Nan had decorated it. She’d taken a few photos of it all for her book.

  “I have a great present for you this year,” Roz said, her eyebrows bouncing up and down.

  “Why am I a little apprehensive?” Every year The Girls exchanged Christmas gifts and Roz managed to outdo everyone with the most ridiculous gifts.

  “I toned it down this year. I went the sentimental route.”

  “You?”

  Louise laughed.

  “I took a risk. I can’t help it. I love ya.”

  “While we’re on the subject of risks,” Louise said, looking back and forth between Roz and Leah dramatically, “I asked Bret from the office if he’d like to have dinner.”

  “Oh, I’m so excited for you!” Leah said, clasping her hands together.

  Roz nodded enthusiastically.

  “What did he say?”

  “He said if I hadn’t talked to him by Christmas, he was going to ask me out.” She offered a shy smile.

  “That’s awesome,” Roz said. “But don’t go getting married. Once Leah leaves to live here, I’ll be on my own.”

  Leah wasn’t going to get into her decision to sell Evergreen Hill. The afternoon was going too well.

  Chapter 19

  Sadie, Jo, and Ethan were in the kitchen, doing a puzzle on the floor that Louise had brought for them. They’d insisted on doing it themselves, promising a big surprise for everyone when they’d finished it all. Sadie had tried to hide the box so Leah couldn’t see what they were making, but she’d seen it already when Louise brought it—it was of all Santa’s reindeer, with a Christmas candy border. The kids had allowed June in to finish making herself another mug of hot chocolate. As Leah had left her in the kitchen with the kids, she’d noticed how their laughter had seemed to brighten her spirits a little bit. One time June had even laughed too, the smile remaining in her eyes as she wiped down the counters.

  Leah had just come back downstairs after showing Roz and Louise their rooms so they could get unpacked. Louise had brought her a book she’d finished and was raving about, telling her she’d never guess the ending and she needed to start right away. While The Girls were unpacking, Leah settled in one of the side chairs that were angled around a small antique end table to the left of the settee and started reading it. She was glad that Louise had thought to bring it, because she always read a book at Christmas and this year, with everything going on, she’d forgotten to pack one.

  David walked in, smiling at her. Her ankle almost normal now, she’d been able to curl her legs under her and cover them completely with the quilt, although the fire was doing its job, warming the room. “You look very comfortable,” he said, sitting down on the settee and opening his laptop. “I still have work to do, but I thought I’d be social and do it down here.”

  She grinned, glad to have him downstairs.

  “I like your friends,” he said, amusement bubbling up, and she knew his laughter had to be over Roz. She didn’t even want to think about what her friend might have said on the ride here—although Louise had been beside her, thank God.

  They’d settled in to a little moment of quiet when the doorbell rang.

  David looked up and the two of them made eye contact. It wasn’t usual to have visitors when the house sat two miles off the main road. Her family wasn’t expected until tomorrow, but maybe someone had arrived early. June came into the doorway holding her mug.

  David got up and went to see who it was. Leah tried to make out the conversation he was having, but they were too far away. She could hear another man’s voice, and then the door shut. When David walked back into the room, he was with an elderly gentleman. The man had a head of gray hair, receding just above the temples, and an honest-looking face. But David’s expression was unreadable. Leah asked him with her eyes to tell her what was going on.

  “This,” David said slowly, “is Samuel. Samuel Patterson.”

  Leah had to force herself to say something, to push through the millions of questions that were filling her mind. “Hello, Mr. Patterson,” she said, standing up, curiosity whirling around inside her at warp speed. This was the man who’d received Nan’s letter, the man her grandmother had been unwilling to explain to anyone,
the man who might have brought her so many regrets.

  “Please,” he said, with a smile and a nod, “call me Samuel.”

  “Okay, Samuel,” she said. “It’s nice to meet you.”

  “Please come in and have a seat,” David said.

  Samuel walked into the room, unwound his scarf, and wiggled out of his coat sleeves, draping his coat over his arm.

  “This is my mother, June,” David said, as he took the coat and scarf from Samuel and draped it on the settee. June nodded hello and took a seat in the rocker they’d moved to allow room for the Christmas tree.

  Samuel sat down in the antique chair that Nan had always used. It was positioned in the direction of the fire. He put his hands on his knees. “This is Nina’s home?” he asked, looking around. He’d said it more to himself than to them. With a look of amazement on his face, he put his weathered fingers over his mouth and shook his head. What was he thinking about? Leah swore she saw tears in his eyes, but he straightened up and cleared his throat.

  “I’m assuming you received Nina’s letter,” David said. He looked just as inquisitive as Leah felt, but she hadn’t found her voice yet. Maybe Samuel could provide some answers for her, and, from the look on his face as he struggled to hide his emotions, she was hopeful.

  “Yes,” he said, clearly climbing out of his thoughts. “I was so surprised to get it. It made me the happiest man in the world.”

  What did it say? Leah wanted to yell out, but she kept quiet. The letter wasn’t for her, and if Samuel wanted to share it, that was up to him.

  “She enclosed a letter for someone named Leah and told me to come to the address on the letter.”

  “I’m Leah Evans,” she finally said, realizing she hadn’t even introduced herself. “I’m her granddaughter.”

  Samuel’s face lit up with that news, and he looked at her as if he’d only just now seen her—he was searching her face for something. Finally, he said, “You have her cheekbones and her eyes.”