A Wild Goose Chase Christmas: Quilts of Love Series

by Jennifer AlLee

  That fact that she would take Izzy’s side and bring Brandon around to her way of thinking was astounding. “Did you tell him about the other thing?”

  “What other thing?” Brandon asked.

  “No, dear,” Janice said with a shake of her head. “That’s your news to tell.”

  Izzy moved to the loveseat and sat next to Brandon. This was going to be fun. “Remember how you thought Gran’s note meant that the quilt was a map to a treasure?”

  “How could I forget? Not my finest hour.” His eyes narrowed. “You didn’t find something, did you?”

  “A treasure? No. But the quilt did hold the key to something.” She pulled a chain from the pocket of her cardigan and held it up in front of him. A dark gold key dangled from it like a pendant. “I found this in the middle of the Wild Goose Chase.”

  Brandon touched the key with his fingertips. “Do you know what it opens?”

  “I didn’t at first.”

  “I said it looked like a safe-deposit box key,” Janice interjected.

  Izzy nodded. “And that got me thinking that I never closed out Gran’s bank account, and that she could have had a box I didn’t know about. So I called and talked to the manager. Thankfully, Gran had me down as the beneficiary so he was able to confirm that she did indeed have a box, paid for through the end of next year.”

  “And that’s the key?”

  “Yes.”

  Brandon’s eyes practically snapped at the idea that once again Izzy would inherit something from their grandmother and he would get nothing. She recognized the jealousy, but she also saw him fight it down, forcing himself to stay calm.

  “That’s great. When are you going to open it?”

  She put her hand on his knee. “I thought we could go open it tomorrow.”

  “We?” His voice cracked, breaking the one-syllable word in half.

  “Yes. You, Mom, and me. Whatever’s in that box belongs to the family. We should check it out together.”

  Brandon smiled, squeezed Izzy’s hand, and then looked away. “What do you say, Mom? Are you feeling up to it?”

  “Heavens, yes.” Janice let her head fall back against the arm of the couch. “I’m so sick of being cooped up inside that I could scream.” She looked at Izzy. “No offense.”

  “None taken. Then it’s settled. Brandon, if you can pick up Mom, we can meet at the bank during my lunch break.”

  Brandon agreed quickly. But then if she’d asked him to give their mother a piggyback ride to the bank, he would have done that too. He was so glad to be included, so excited to see what might be in that box, that she probably could have gotten him to do whatever she asked.

  Izzy doubted they would find anything of monetary value at the bank. But there was a reason Gran had hidden a key in the quilt. Something was in that box, something that had been important to her. Whatever it was, Izzy hoped it would finally bring her family some peace.

  What Max wouldn’t give for a little peace. As he drove down the street to Vibrant Vistas, it didn’t look like peace would be coming anytime in the near future.

  The gala was two days away, and his life was falling apart at the proverbial seams. His decision to relinquish any claim on the Wild Goose Chase quilt was the right thing to do. He had no doubt about that. But it made an already challenging exhibit even more difficult. It didn’t help that Tara had disappeared the day before and now she was acting guarded and distracted. It was like having his right arm tied behind his back. Maybe she was having relationship issues or a family crisis. Max was more than familiar with how distracting those could be.

  Steering the car into the retirement home parking lot, Max let out a sigh. The nurse that called him said Virgil was highly agitated. That wasn’t an unusual state for many of the residents of Vibrant Vistas, but Virgil was normally calm and even-keeled. He didn’t like it when they changed tapioca night or when someone hogged the television in the common room and made him miss reruns of Matlock. But the fact that he was agitated enough to warrant a call to Max was troubling.

  He strode in through the front door, taking the time to check in with the receptionist at the welcome desk. Then he went straight back to Virgil’s room. He found his grandfather pacing the floor, shaking his head.

  “Gramps, is everything OK?”

  Virgil turned around so fast that he almost ran into the foot of his bed. “Max! I need help.”

  “With what?”

  “I need a tuxedo.”

  Max tossed his coat over a chair as he moved into the room. “What do you need a tuxedo for?”

  Virgil’s eyes lit up. “I have a date.”

  “A date?” Maybe this was more serious than Max thought. His grandfather was delusional. “Who with?”

  “Izzy.” His thin lips lifted in a grin, rearranging the wrinkles on his face. “She stopped by earlier and said she wanted to take me somewhere fancy on Friday.”

  “Oh.”

  “You sound disappointed.” Virgil frowned, then his eyes lifted and he slapped his thigh. “Confound it, Max, I didn’t stop to think how this would make you feel. I know you’ve taken a fancy to her. If you don’t want me to go, I’ll cancel.”

  Max chuckled. “No, Gramps, that’s not the problem.”

  “Because it’s not that kind of a date. She and I are just friends.”

  “I know. Believe me, that’s not what’s wrong.”

  “OK, then what is wrong?”

  “I haven’t heard from her in a few days, so I’m a little jealous, I guess.” Max sighed. “And Friday night is the gala at the museum. I was going to ask Izzy to go with me.”

  Virgil’s eyes narrowed. “You haven’t asked her yet and your party is in two days? You can’t ask a lady to a fancy shindig at the last minute.”

  “No, I suppose I can’t. It’s a nonissue now, anyway.” Max squeezed the back of his neck. “What’s the big event she’s taking you to?”

  “I don’t know. She said it’s a surprise, but it’s formal.” Virgil moved to the closet and pointed inside. “If it’s formal, I need a tuxedo.”

  Max shook his head. “No you don’t, Gramps. Unless you’re going to opening night at the opera, a suit is just fine.”

  “But what if that’s where she’s taking me?”

  “She’s not taking you to the opera. Trust me.”

  Virgil considered it for a moment, then nodded in agreement. “I trust you, Son. The suit it is.”

  Joining Virgil at the closet to make sure his one dress suit and one tie were both clean, Max pushed down the sour churning in his stomach. Had Izzy purposely made other plans for the night of the gala? And had she included his grandfather to make sure Max knew she was avoiding him? Somehow, she must have gotten the wrong idea when he took her home and left the quilt with her, because he hadn’t heard from her since. He wanted her to understand that the quilt wasn’t as important to him as she was. But now, it seemed he’d surrendered the quilt and lost the girl.

  Virgil’s hand landed on Max’s back, giving it a firm pat. “Don’t you worry, Max. I’ll talk you up when I’m out with Izzy.” He leaned forward and said in a stage whisper, “Between you and me, I think she’s already interested in you.”

  Max certainly hoped so.

  25

  Janice and Brandon were waiting in front of the bank when Izzy got there.

  “You should have waited inside,” Izzy said, hurrying up to them. “It’s so windy today.”

  Brandon hunched his shoulders in his wool coat. “I wanted to, but she refused.”

  “It’s too beautiful out here.” Janice looked up at the gray, cloud-filled sky. “I’m enjoying the fresh air.”

  Izzy looked down at her watch. “As much as I’d love to stay outside and enjoy it with you, I’ve got to be back to work in half an hour.”

  Janice nodded. “Then let’s go in.”

  Izzy held the door open while Brandon pushed their mom’s chair inside. It took fifteen minutes to contact the right perso
n, fill out forms, show Gran’s death certificate, and accept condolences. Then they were ushered into a private area where they waited until the teller brought in a long metal box.

  “Here you go,” the young man said. “Take all the time you need.”

  Izzy looked from the box to the key to her mother and brother. She took a deep breath. “Are we all ready?”

  They nodded.

  “OK. Here we go.”

  She inserted the key in the lock, turned it, and then slowly lifted the lid.

  “Wow.”

  The box was full. On top was a piece of cream-colored stationery, folded in half.

  “A letter from Gran,” Izzy whispered. She took it out, unfolded it, and read.

  Hello, dear ones.

  I have no idea who found the key or realized what it opened, but I never doubted that one of you would. It is my fondest wish that all three of you are here, together, as you open this box. If you are, then I am truly happy.

  Izzy had to pause, and when she did, she saw that Brandon and their mother were just as affected as she was. She cleared her throat and went on.

  By now, I hope you’ve realized that the Wild Goose Chase quilt does indeed point to a treasure—not one that can be counted in dollars, but one that is counted in smiles and tears. So many people spend their lives chasing possessions and status; they forget what really matters: the love of our Lord and the love of family. The women who created the quilt knew that, and that’s what I want to pass on to you.

  I’ve left tokens in this box for all of you. I hope they help you understand how much you mean to me, and how much you are loved.

  By the time Izzy stopped reading, they were all a mess. Janice was sobbing. Brandon was sniffling, his eyes and nose red. Izzy had to hold the stationery at arm’s length to keep the tears from dripping off her chin and splashing on the paper. In her heart, she knew the contents of this box held the last gifts from Gran. There would be no more discoveries, no more surprise deliveries. It was a bittersweet moment of completion.

  Izzy put the letter down and began to remove items from the box. She handed her mother a small, square jeweler’s box with a tag reading “For Janice.” To Brandon she handed a permanently curved, letter-size manila envelope. There were two items left. One was a long wooden box with a ballerina painted on the highly varnished lid. The other was book-shaped and wrapped in tissue paper. Silently, they each opened their tokens.

  As Izzy suspected, the item wrapped in tissue paper was the final journal. She turned it over, marveling at what she held in her hands. The oldest of the three, this was the one that had started it all. The diary had no doubt been written by the woman who had first stitched the Wild Goose Chase quilt. She couldn’t wait to see Max’s face when she gave it to him.

  She couldn’t wait to see Max. Period.

  Janice gasped. She removed a gold ring from the box and held it up. The stones, a pearl flanked on either side by rubies, picked up the florescent light in the room. She unfolded the small piece of paper that was wedged inside the lid.

  Proverbs 31:10 reads, “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.” You are a virtuous woman, Janice. Let God light your path and lead you to happiness. I love you and have always been proud of you. Mom

  “Help me put it on, Izzy.”

  Izzy took the ring and slid it onto the ring finger of her mother’s good hand. “A perfect fit.”

  “No way.”

  The incredulous words from Brandon pulled Izzy’s attention back to him. He had pulled a sheaf of papers from the envelope and was staring at them, mouth slightly open.

  “What is it, Brandon? Good news or bad news?”

  “Great news.” He thumbed through the pages. “Gran had stocks. Lots of them.”

  “That’s great.”

  “No.” Brandon shook his head, his voice bordering on manic. “You don’t understand. She was holding onto this for a long time. There’s some high-value stuff in here. It’s worth a fortune.”

  Izzy smiled. “Looks like you finally found your treasure.”

  “Read the letter,” Janice said. “She must have put one in there for you.”

  Brandon put his hand deep in the envelope and found it.

  Dear Brandon, Thanks to your grandfather, we made wise investments over the years. I know you’ll know what to do with these stocks. All I ask is that you consider not only what the money can do for you but also how you can use it to help others. You have a good heart. Let it guide you, and do what’s right.

  Brandon put the envelope down and grasped the edge of the table. “How could she have known? How could she have known I’d lose everything and need this so much?”

  The answer, Izzy knew, was that she couldn’t have known. But God knew. And if there was one thing Gran excelled at, it was listening to God.

  Izzy squeezed her brother’s shoulder. “She was just following her heart, like she wants you to do. A fortune and a challenge.” Izzy grinned at him. “Are you up for it?”

  “If you’d asked me that last month, I would have said no. But now …”

  “Now?”

  He ducked his head then looked back at her, the corner of his mouth quirked up. “Now I think I can. I might need to come to you for advice, though.”

  “That’s funny,” she said with a laugh. “My financial wizard brother needing investment advice from his little sister.”

  He shook his head. “Not financial advice. Advice about being a good person. Someone who would make Gran proud.”

  “Oh, Brandon.” Behind them, Janice sighed. “You already are that person.”

  “She’s right. You just need a little fine tuning.” Izzy bumped him with her shoulder, bouncing off when he bumped her back.

  Janice pointed at the wooden box that remained on the table. “What about you, Izzy? Aren’t you going to open your last present?”

  Izzy shook her head. “Not now. I think I’m going to save it for Christmas.”

  One last present from Gran. It would be well worth waiting for. And if everything went according to plan in the next few days, it would be a Christmas they’d all remember for a very long time.

  26

  A re you sure I’m dressed appropriately?”

  Not for the first time, Virgil adjusted the knot of his tie. With her arm threaded through his crooked elbow, Izzy smiled at him. “You’re the most dapper man here. And I’m proud to be on your arm.”

  “Pffft!” Virgil blew out a puff of air as if to chase away the compliment. “I’m the proud one. You look gorgeous, Izzy.”

  “Thank you.”

  Once upon a time, Izzy thought this would be a normal part of her life, going to ballet galas and opening nights, wearing dazzling gowns, her hair piled on her head in a gravity-defying style. But when circumstances forced her to change her dream, she’d found she didn’t miss the promise of glamour and parties. Her life was simpler than she’d once thought it would be, but it was just as happy, if not more so.

  She fingered Gran’s necklace, settled comfortably just above the neckline of her red silk sheath. It had been a long time since there’d been an occasion that she’d needed to dress up for. Like Virgil, she’d wondered if her attire was appropriate for the evening. Thankfully, she seemed to fit in with the crowd of museum patrons.

  They reached the entrance. A doorman looked over their tickets, tipped his head in welcome, and ushered them inside. All around, well-dressed men and women talked, pointed at items of interest, and nibbled on hors d’oeuvres.

  “This is quite a turnout,” Virgil said.

  “It certainly is. Max must be very proud.”

  A white-coated server glided by with a silver tray held up on one hand. Virgil’s eyes locked on him. “Do you think they have crab puffs? It’s been years since I’ve had crab puffs.”

  Izzy laughed. “I don’t know, but we can check.” She was about to steer him toward another server when a voice called through the crowd.

&
nbsp; “Izzy!”

  Tara sidled through a group of people and made it to them. “I’m so glad you both made it.”

  “Are you kidding? You couldn’t keep me away tonight. Tara, have you met Virgil? He’s Max’s grandfather.”

  Izzy made the introductions, then looked around again. “Where is Max?”

  “Over in that corner.” Tara pointed toward the far end of the large room. “He’s talking to some of our more serious patrons.”

  “Good. I have something for him, but I don’t want him to see it yet.” She patted her bag, feeling the solid mass of the diary beneath the beaded black satin fabric.

  Tara grinned. “Speaking of surprises, let’s get the two of you out of here until the big reveal.”

  “Good idea.” Izzy put her hand on Virgil’s back. “We’re going to go somewhere quiet, just for a little while. Then we’ll surprise Max.”

  With questioning eyes, he looked back and forth between the two women. His gaze rested on Tara. “Will there be crab puffs there?”

  She smiled. “There can be.”

  “Then you’ve got a deal.” He looked back at Izzy. “Lead the way, dear lady.”

  Tara was acting squirrely. Which was totally out of character for her.

  Max had wanted to do a last-minute inspection of the Going West exhibit, but on his way to the hall, Tara grabbed his arm and steered him in the opposite direction, into the crowd and straight to Mr. and Mrs. Van Horn. He’d spent the last twenty minutes listening to them talk about their latest excursion to Egypt, how inspiring it was, and why it would be the perfect subject for Max to consider showcasing. The Van Horns were longtime, generous patrons, so Max heard them out, then found a gentle way to remind them that an exhibit about Egyptian pharaohs probably wasn’t the best fit for a pioneer museum.

  “Would you please excuse me?” He took a step back from the couple. “I need to get ready to open up the exhibit.”

  “Of course,” Mr. Van Horn said with a lift of his glass. “This is your big night, after all.”