by Maggie Ryan
"Everything is perfect," Logan agreed, his arms pulling her a bit closer as he stood in awe of the realization of her vision of what Haven could be.
*****
Everyone slept in the next day. Ben and Helen were the first up, and took a stroll around the lake, the slight fog on the path and the wisps swirling over the lake magical. Nothing but the sounds of birds and the whispers of the trees disturbed the beauty of their surroundings. Ben put his finger to his lips and pointed down the path. They stood frozen in place as a stag's head rose above the fog. He seemed to glance right at them, his antlers spreading out from his head, their size showing his age. He was absolutely majestic. Almost as if he had given a signal, several deer emerged from the tree line to step into the fog, entirely disappearing as they drank from the lake. After a few minutes, the buck led the way back into the trees, his harem following, several stopping to forage among the leaves. It was a scene straight out of a picture postcard, and Ben held his wife close until the herd moved out of sight.
"This is like heaven on earth," Helen said softly. "I can't imagine another place I'd rather be than here with you and our family."
Ben agreed, kissing her cheek and taking her hand as they finished the first half of their walk to stand in front of Haven. Even without the twinkling of Christmas lights, the hotel offered another postcard view. Fresh garlands had been draped along the eaves of the veranda, the soft chimes of bells adding to the sound of a new day dawning. It was easy to imagine the laughter that would ring from the guests gathered to sit on the swings or walking among the trees.
"They really did it, didn't they?" Helen asked. "They turned a sad house into a place of beauty. This is a dream come true."
"Yes, it is," Ben said, as he saw the pleasure on his wife's face. "It's been a long road, and not without a few bumps, but I'd say every moment was worth it. It is an incredible blessing to be able to share in their dream. I can't even imagine all the memories that will be made here. Not only for our family, but for every person lucky enough to find the promises that Haven offers."
They stood a few more moments before continuing down the path and completing their circuit to arrive back at their cabin.
"Good morning," Craig said, as he and Barbara stepped out of their door. "You two are up early. We're going up to get the coffee on and breakfast started."
"May I help?" Helen said, and when Craig seemed about to refuse, Barbara stepped down the steps and took her hand.
"Absolutely, Mom. We'd love your help."
They walked to the hotel, Ben describing the deer they had seen, and Craig promising to have Barbara up early in hopes of seeing them herself.
It was another hour before the others began to join them; accepting cups of steaming coffee from Helen and choosing what they wanted for breakfast. Nancy and Jason were the last ones through the door, and Nancy's response to the calls of 'good morning' was to ask for a pillow.
"Don't tell me you went out and had breakfast at McDonald's instead of enjoying one of Craig's fabulous omelets," Elizabeth said, accepting a refill on her coffee from the chef himself.
"Oh, was someone a naughty girl?" Ariel teased, as Barbara handed a pillow to Nancy. "You know, Santa does keep a list—right?"
"Who needs Santa when I have Jason?" Nancy growled, gingerly sitting down on the pillow and then sighing. "HOPEFUL Note: Do not give your husband an early Christmas present. At least, not if you expect him to use it."
All eyes turned to Jason, who was accepting plates from Craig. He grinned as he placed one before his wife, bending to kiss her cheek. "ALPHA Note: Remind your partner that it is very rude to accept a gift without showing your intense pleasure in receiving it."
Everybody laughed as they discovered that Nancy had allowed Jason to choose a gift early, never even realizing that he would choose the unwrapped box he had seen her push under their bed days earlier—the one she had gotten from Harry.
"I'm telling you, whoever it was that invented the tawse should be drowned in that lake," Nancy said, slathering a freshly baked biscuit with a heaped spoon of apple butter. "God, I'm surprised there is a Scottish woman who still has a backside."
"Forget the tawse, tell us about the mat," Barbara suggested. "I mean, just for our continued education, of course."
Nancy squirmed on her pillow, the memory of the mat causing every inch of her backside to tingle again. "It was just as awful as I thought—no, it was far more awful. I can promise you, whoever invented it was directly related to the tawse guy."
Jason laughed, his eyes speaking of his complete satisfaction with Harry's choice of gift. "Gentlemen, despite Nancy's protests, which miraculously changed after an additional quarter hour on her 'thinking mat', I have her assurance that there will be a box of tawses and mats ready for sale by the time Haven opens."
Elizabeth turned to him, disbelief on her face. "Um, while that might be what your 'persuasion' had Nancy admitting, I'm pretty sure the rest of us are safe. It's the holidays, and I'm sure Harry needs a vacation from all the work he's done for us so far."
"You forget one thing, Liz," Jason said, giving her a smile. "It's Christmas, and miracles do happen."
The women all gave him a look of disbelief, and then turned their eyes to Nancy. She squirmed on her seat, letting each of her friends know that there was a high probability that she was feeling a great deal of unease—more than what the residual pain of a spanking induced.
"Nancy? Do you have something to confess?" Elizabeth asked.
"Is there more coffee?" Nancy tried, but wasn't really surprised when no one offered to refill her cup. Looking around, she sighed. "Fine, how was I to know that Harry would a) call Jason to ask what he thought of the tawse, b) actually be surprised that I had yet to give it to Jason—I mean, really? c) actually describe the very box he had packaged it in and, for the grand finale, d) actually take an order from Jason for my boutique, promising to have a dozen of the hideous objects here by the time we open?"
"God, you've gotta love Harry," Logan said, causing the men to chuckle and the women to groan.
After breakfast, couples moved between the hotel and their cabins, bringing the items they would need to the rooms they had chosen. Additional scotch tape and ribbons were hunted down as the last of the gifts were wrapped, individuals scurrying up the stairs to slip presents under the huge tree. It was a quiet day, all taking advantage of the beautiful weather for long walks, taking naps or for simply sitting on one of the swings, gently rocking.
Barbara and Craig spent most of their time in the kitchen, prepping dishes to be served the next day. During the month that she and Craig had lived on the property, she had fallen in love with every inch of the place. The kitchen, however, was her favorite spot in the hotel. She loved seeing the sparkling crystal through the glass of the cabinets, loved walking into the pantry that had been stocked with so many groceries that she was still stunned. Helping Craig cook gourmet meals that only the two of them shared was preparing her for the time when those same recipes would be tasted by Haven's clients.
Craig pulled two pies out of the oven and then stirred the large pot of soup they had made that afternoon. Dinner was going to be grilled cheese, using a variety of cheeses, soup and salad. It was served buffet style, and was the perfect meal for the chilly evening.
"Are the pies for tomorrow?" Nancy asked.
"Not these," Craig said. "I have more in the pantry and fridge, but wanted to try out a couple of new recipes. Do you want to try the chocolate mincemeat, or the strawberry-rhubarb?"
"Man, do you even know who you are talking to?" Jason said with a grin. "Save your breath and cut her one of each." Nancy slapped at his arm, but giggled as he pulled her onto his lap, nuzzling her neck. "As for me, I'm having my dessert now."
Wine was poured and plates of pie piled high with whipped cream prepared as they returned to the dining room. Turning their chairs or settling on cushions, everyone enjoyed their dessert as they watched a DVD of their favor
ite holiday movie, It's a Wonderful Life. Tears were blotted dry as the ending credits rolled across the screen.
"I love Christmas," Ariel said, contently sitting on Garrett's lap. "I love spending it with all of you. I love you all so much." The normally mischievous young woman wiped another tear from her cheek, her words echoing everyone's thoughts. It was indeed a blessing to be surrounded by people who loved you unconditionally.
"I fear Santa will pass us by if you kids don't get to bed," Ben said, his own voice a little rough. Hearing giggles as the women were helped to their feet had him smiling. Instead of two daughters, he now had four, and he couldn't imagine a better gift. He and Helen stood as each of the eight stopped to give them hugs and kisses, calls of good-night echoing through the rooms as they made their way up the stairs. Pouring his wife their customary Christmas Eve glass of eggnog, and adding a generous dollop of brandy, the older couple sat together watching the fire slowly die.
"Merry Christmas," he said, as he heard the clock strike midnight. Helen kissed him, the love she had for her husband growing every year they shared.
"Merry Christmas, my love." After another kiss, she stood, and Ben helped her to place the stockings she had brought with her as a surprise for the 'kids' across the long mantel. As she tucked small gifts into each one, Ben watched, memories of Christmases past running through his mind. He was prepared when Helen finished and turned to him, stepping into his arms and pressing her face to his chest.
"Merry Christmas, Becca," he said, bending to press his lips to his wife's. "You will always be our little angel." He held his wife close until her tears stopped; every year the ritual had been the same. They walked together to their room on the ground floor, knowing that though their hearts would always ache with the loss of their daughter at far too young an age, they would one day see Rebecca again. Until then, they would remember to share their love with those still with them and maybe, just maybe, the next Christmas they shared would include a new grandbaby or two.
Chapter 13
Christmas morning dawned bright and clear. Barbara and Craig were the first to rise, their desire to prepare a memorable breakfast making the early morning worthwhile. Sliding the tray of the cinnamon rolls that they had prepared together, just as they had that morning so long ago, they shared a smile as cups of coffee were poured.
"Good morning," Ariel mumbled, as she stumbled into the kitchen. "I need coffee." Barbara laughed as she slipped from her stool and prepared a cup for her sister. It only took two sips before Ariel seemed much brighter. "Do we have to wait for the others before—"
"You most certainly do, young lady," Garrett answered, striding into the room and giving her a pop against her rear. "You were also supposed to wait for me."
"You were taking too long," Ariel whined, as she took another sip. "I had to have coffee."
"You had to be the first one to sneak a peek is more like it," Logan's voice preceded him as he and Elizabeth joined the group. "Good thing I caught you sneaking up the stairs before you got to the door, or you'd be opening your presents sitting on a very red butt. God, you haven't changed a bit since you were little. I'm surprised you haven't ripped open your stocking by now."
"Stocking? What stocking?" Ariel's eyes roamed around as if expecting to see stockings hanging from the cabinet pulls.
"Merry Christmas," Ben said as he escorted his wife into the room. "Am I smelling cinnamon rolls?"
"Forget the rolls," Ariel said, "I heard that there are stockings!" When her father looked down at his legs, pulling up his pants to reveal the pair of socks decorated with reindeer given to him as a gag gift years ago, she laughed. "I can't believe you still have those, Daddy. Cute as they are, I don't think those are the stockings I'm looking for—um, right, Logan?"
Logan shook his head as Helen scolded him. "Logan, it's Christmas. Stop teasing your sister."
"Fine, go look by the fireplace," Logan said, and added, "But don't touch until we all get in there." They watched as the youngest of them ran from the kitchen, listening to her squeal when she found her mother's surprise. "Who can believe that sound came from an adult? She sounds just like she did when she was six."
"I know, isn't it lovely?" Helen said, as memories of Christmas past rolled through her mind's eye. "There is just something magical about the anticipation that captures everybody."
Elizabeth gave Logan a smile. Logan was an absolute master of the art of anticipation. Logan gave her a grin that had her heart beating just a bit faster, her stomach fluttering with the magic of Christmas and the magic of being with the people she loved.
By the time the cinnamon rolls had been iced, and slices of bacon and patties of sausage placed onto a platter, Nancy and Jason made their appearance. The satiated look in their eyes told of how they had elected to spend the early hours of Christmas.
Ariel was thrilled when her mother dictated that she could bring the stockings to the proper recipients.
It didn't matter that stockings were something none of them had really expected. The moment they each had one, it was chaos as eight grown adults dug into them. Laughter and exclamations of surprise and joy were heard as small gifts of socks, cologne, lip gloss, nail polish, new toothbrushes, packages of gum, candy, and small puzzles were pulled from their depths. Elizabeth pulled a roll of lifesavers out of her stocking, giggling to see that Logan had done the same.
"It's a tradition," Logan explained. "Mom… oh, I mean Santa Claus, always puts in these rolls, and the fun is in trading them."
"Trading?" Elizabeth said, looking down at the roll of butterscotch candies in her hand and then reaching out and grabbing the cherry flavored ones that Logan was holding. "Like this?"
"Hey!" Logan exclaimed, making a reach for the roll. The sound of Elizabeth's laughter as she successfully won the battle, giving Logan a kiss as well as the butterscotch candies, made Helen laugh with the joy of watching their faces become as animated as they had been as children.
Giggles and protests continued as candies and gifts were traded or simply snatched from each other. Popping a lifesaver into his mouth, Logan's hand delved deep into the toe of his stocking and pulled out a small box. He was grinning as he lifted the lid, and then something sprang out at him.
"Shit!" His scream accompanied the throwing of the box, the contents sailing in different directions. Everyone was looking towards him as he jumped out of his chair, confusion and concern on their faces. When a large, furry tarantula plopped down onto the platter of cinnamon rolls, even Elizabeth pushed away from the table.
"How do you like that dish?" Ariel managed, just before she screeched and jumped from her own chair at Logan's roar. They watched as she took off running, Logan pounding after her. It was only a few moments before they heard Ariel squealing, and not a soul was surprised when Logan reappeared, his little sister draped over his shoulder, his hand swatting against the seat of her pajamas.
"Oww, stop, put me down you big bully!" Ariel's demand was ignored as Logan swatted her again. "Owww! Truce… truce!"
Ben shook his head in amusement. "Son, it's Christmas. Even opposing armies have a truce on this day."
Logan looked over at his father and shook his head. "I pity any army that has this brat on their side." He gave her another swat, and then flipped her to be held in his arms like a baby. "Okay, brat, care to have a peace treaty?"
Ariel giggled and then sighed. "Nothing in writing?"
"Not on your life," Logan said. "There is no way in hell I'm agreeing to that—just a truce for today."
"Hmmm, okay, I can agree to that."
Logan bent and kissed her cheek before moving to dump her in Garrett's lap. "God, I hope you've thought this through—you've got her for the rest of your life!"
Garrett grinned as his fiancée snuggled into him, her giggles still audible from where she had buried her face against his neck. "Well, at least I'm not afraid of spiders, and I can blister her butt until she can't sit down."
Logan shook his he
ad and turned to speak to Nancy, his disgust evident, to find her calmly licking the icing from the spring that had allowed the rubber tarantula to leap from its box. "God, you are sick."
Nancy looked up, her pink tongue swiping across the spider's back and shrugged. "Hey, there are people in this world who consider bugs a delicacy."
"Gross, but despite that fact, I want to place the first order for a tawse and mat." He turned back to look at Ariel. "Birthdays are coming up, and they will make a most excellent gift."
"Hey, we have a treaty, remember?" Ariel said, her bottom clenching.
"Oh, I remember," Logan said, as he walked around the table and slid back into his chair. "It's not for you—well, not technically that is. It's for my future brother-in-law. God knows he's gonna need all the help he can get."
Everyone helped clean up, Craig accepting dishes to wash as Barbara stood at his side, drying them. When they were done, he turned to give her a hug. "What happened to the spider?" he asked, when he realized he hadn't seen it during the clean-up.
"I'm never telling." Barbara giggled. "We poor girls have to stick together." Craig laughed and shook his head. He wondered how long it would be before the truce was broken, but admitted to himself that he couldn't wait to see the next prank. An hour later, everyone was seated in the ballroom, the loveseats and chairs pulled into a circle. It didn't take long before it was understood that there was going to be a great deal of laughter associated with the opening of their gifts.
"Oh my God," Nancy said, as she opened a huge box that had been wrapped in beautiful silver paper. Expecting something just as elegant inside, instead she found a dozen Happy Meal boxes, each one containing a pair of white 'granny' panties. She shook her head as she unrolled each pair of panties to discover a different small toy. Everyone joined in with laughter as she tossed a few aside, with claims of; "Have that, yup—that one too. Oh, that one was fun to play with. Look, Jason, do you remember this little car? It runs with a penny." It was obvious to all that her McDonald's nights were far more frequent than they had believed.