Love Finds You on Christmas Morning

by Debby Mayne

  “Sounds scrumptious. What’s for dinner?”

  “Country ham, fried okra, and sweet potatoes.”

  The sound of a horse and buggy let them know that the family had arrived home from church. William went out to greet them.

  “How was church with Miss Pickard’s family?” Mom asked.

  William shook his head. “Church was fine, but something happened later that has me puzzled. I need some advice.”

  Mom hugged him and hung onto his arm as she looked at him with the eyes of a loving, concerned mother. “I’m sure we’ll have plenty of advice as soon as we know what you need.”

  Pop chuckled. “Your mother doesn’t mince words, does she?”

  “Admit it, James. That’s what you love about me, isn’t it?”

  “Yup. The direct approach grabbed me right here.” He tapped his chest. “And it hasn’t let go.” He gestured for William to go inside, and he followed, still talking. “Did you have a chance to ask the pastor if anyone needed work?”

  William nodded. “He said he’d speak to a few people who haven’t been able to find a job.”

  “Good. I’m glad you got the ball rolling.”

  “I’m somewhat concerned about that, though,” William said. “With all the new businesses opening up in town, I think something must be wrong with someone who can’t get a job.”

  “Perhaps the jobs in town aren’t a good fit for some. Not everyone wants to be a sales clerk.”

  “Maybe.”

  Pop narrowed his eyes and studied him for a few seconds. “So what happened with Lillian, son? You’re acting different. Did she give you the cold shoulder?”

  Chapter Seven

  Over the next couple of weeks, Lillian jumped every time she heard the bell on the door at the Five and Dime. As each day passed, she found herself missing William’s impromptu visits more and more.

  Thanksgiving was now less than a week away and she still hadn’t heard from him. She got home from work on Friday night and headed straight for her room to lie down and close her eyes.

  A few minutes later, a knock sounded on her door. “Lillian, what is wrong with you? Supper is ready. I’ve had it waiting for you, so come out and join us.”

  “I’m not hungry, Mama. You and Daddy go on ahead and eat without me.”

  “We will do no such thing. Stop behaving this way and be part of the family.”

  Lillian got up and took a long look in the mirror. Her face was drawn and drab. Her hair had flattened on one side, so she fluffed it with her fingers. “Give me a few minutes. I’ll be out there shortly.”

  “Don’t wait too long. Your daddy’s hungry.”

  Lillian tensed. Her mama was demanding, and her daddy was hungry. What about her? Didn’t her feelings matter?

  The instant that thought popped into her mind, she squeezed her eyes shut. Lord, forgive me for being so selfish, but I can’t get rid of these feelings. You know what I want, but apparently it isn’t good for me—at least not in Mama’s and Daddy’s minds.

  When she finished her prayer, she knew she had to go to the supper table or she’d have to answer questions she didn’t want to deal with later. The soft mumbling of conversation quieted as she entered the kitchen.

  Daddy forced a smile. “How’s my beautiful daughter?”

  Mama didn’t give Lillian a chance to respond. “It’s about time you got over your sulking, Lillian. This is a difficult time in a girl’s life. You have to keep your wits about you, or you’ll wind up getting terribly hurt over some man who is playing with your affections.”

  “Not now, Helen,” Daddy said before turning to Lillian. “I’ll go ahead and say the blessing, and then you can tell us about your day.”

  They joined hands for the blessing then passed the bowl of butter beans and the basket of biscuits. A small vegetable platter with a sliced tomato, scallions, and cucumbers graced the center of the table.

  There wasn’t much to say about her day, since it wasn’t any different from the day before. “We were busy from opening till closing.”

  “Mary Beth Butler stopped by this afternoon and mentioned that you’ve already started decorating for Christmas,” Daddy said, obviously trying to make conversation. “Isn’t it a little early?”

  “I think so, but Mr. Joachim has other ideas. He has me putting up a new decoration everyday.”

  “He must know something we don’t, then,” Daddy said. “That’s why he’s a successful proprietor and I’m not.”

  “If you had a store, you’d be very successful, Frank.”

  Lillian saw the spark of adoration in her mother’s eyes. At least her parents still loved each other, after all they’d been through.

  “But I don’t. I’m just glad Joachim knows what he’s doing. I heard he’s considering hiring some people to help out for the Christmas season.”

  “That’s what he says. Do you know anyone who might be interested?” Lillian asked, although she knew her parents didn’t get out much. She was just trying to keep the conversation from getting too personal. “There are quite a few jobs in town going unfilled.”

  “Maybe I should consider getting a job,” Daddy said.

  “You can’t,” Mama blurted. “That leg would give you fits if you had to stand all day.”

  “Maybe I can sit a little. We sure could use the money.”

  “Daddy, Mama’s right. Most of the jobs out there don’t give anyone much time for sitting.” Lillian thought about how exhausted she was every day—and she had two perfectly good legs.

  “We need to do something, or we won’t have the money for Christmas this year,” Daddy said sadly.

  “Don’t worry about getting me anything,” Lillian said. “I don’t need a thing.”

  “You could use some gloves,” Mama said. “And I was thinking you’d look cute in one of those new bob haircuts.”

  “The problem with that is, my hair will keep growing and I’d have to keep going back to the beauty shop.”

  “True,” Mama agreed.

  “Your hair is pretty just like it is,” Daddy said. “I don’t want you chasing after some trend and copying everyone else. One of the things I always liked about your mama was she didn’t try to do what all the other girls did. She’s one of a kind.”

  Lillian glanced at her mother, who patted the side of her salt-and-pepper bun. When she let her hair down, it practically reached her waist, and Lillian was pretty sure her mother would have loved to get it trimmed into a more stylish shape. But a trip to the beauty shop was a luxury they hadn’t been able to afford for years. They had to settle for occasional trims in the backyard when the weather was nice.

  After dinner, Mama shooed Lillian away and said she’d clean the kitchen. Lillian wanted to go for a walk, but the temperature outside had plummeted so she retreated to her bedroom and tried to read a book. But she had a difficult time concentrating.

  * * * * *

  On Monday afternoon, after completing his farm duties, William drove into town to make a deposit at the bank and to drop off some paperwork. Staying away from Lillian for the past couple of weeks had been one of the most challenging things William had ever done. Most of the time he had the automobile, since his brothers still preferred horses for transportation. Pop drove occasionally, but he’d been so busy with the farm, he rarely had time to drive anywhere. Instead, he sent William on errands to town. And each time William drove past Joachim’s Five and Dime, he slowed down, hoping to catch a glimpse of Lillian through the window.

  Pastor Butler had sent some men who were looking for work out to the farm, and Pop had hired a couple of them. They were trying to do as much as they could before the weather got too cold. Once the first snow came, most of the outdoor work came to a standstill until early spring, but there was still plenty of work that needed to be done on William’s house and in the barns.

  After he completed his errands, William decided to swing past the Five and Dime. Just as he’d rounded the corner, he spotted Li
llian leaving the store. She glanced up, hesitated for a second, and turned toward her house. He was fairly certain she’d seen him, but she obviously didn’t want to talk.

  Mr. Joachim stood at the door watching, so William decided to get out. As he walked up to the front door, the store owner opened it for him.

  “What was that all about?” he asked. “Is something going on between you and Lillian?”

  William could only wish for something…anything…to be going on. “Afraid not, but it’s not because I’m not trying.”

  “What seems to be the problem?”

  “Seems she’s not interested.” William pressed to think of something else to talk about, so he decided to ask about the store. “If you’re not closed, I’d like to pick up some personal items.”

  “We have five minutes till closing, so come on in and get whatever you need.”

  Ten minutes later, William walked out of Joachim’s Five and Dime with a bag of items he didn’t need. But that was okay. While in the store, he’d found out that Mr. Joachim was concerned about the Pickards not having enough food for Thanksgiving. He went home with a heavy heart, concerned about their family.

  When he told Mom about it, she shook her head in disbelief. “We cannot let that happen. We have more than enough food, so I think we should make up a nice basket for them.”

  “I don’t want to overstep and injure anyone’s pride by forcing our charity on them,” William said.

  Mom pursed her lips as she pondered what to do. Then her face lit up. “I have a brilliant idea. Let’s make up food baskets for all the people we do business with in town. That way we can show our appreciation to everyone and no one will feel like we’re turning them into a charity case.”

  William laughed as he hugged Mom. “You are the best.”

  “No, you are,” she teased back. “Now let’s figure out a way to do this. You’ll have to deliver everything on Wednesday, so I s’pose we’d better clear this with your father.”

  During dinner, William waited for the right moment to bring up the food baskets. Pop glanced at Mom, who nodded.

  “You two really cooked up something crazy this time,” he said. “But if it makes you happy, then go right ahead. What do you need from me?”

  Mom tapped her chin with the tip of her finger. “About a dozen hens and some straw. I’ll get Nelda to help me make some simple baskets tomorrow.”

  Pop chuckled. “I’ll have the hens ready to be dressed. Amos, can you gather some vegetables to add?”

  “Of course. I bet everyone would love one of Nelda’s pies to go with it.”

  “Whoa.” Pop lifted his hands. “Nelda is only one woman, and your mom already has her making baskets.”

  “What are y’all saying about me?” Nelda asked from the dining room doorway. “I keep hearing my name.”

  Mom told Nelda their plans, and Nelda clapped her hands together. “I love this! Tell you what. I’ll bring my oldest daughter to work with me tomorrow, and she can help. She’s a good little pie maker.”

  Warmth flooded William as he realized what had just happened. One person’s need became an opportunity to bring a lot of people together who loved each other. He hadn’t been around Nelda’s daughter much, but he knew Mom adored her.

  By the time they finished dinner, everyone in the family had a task to do to get the gift baskets ready. William helped clear the table before stepping outside with the men.

  * * * * *

  On Wednesday, William carefully placed the filled baskets in the automobile. Mom gave him explicit instructions on not swerving too quickly and being extra careful when making turns. He finally pulled away and made his way to town. The aroma wafting from the pies made his mouth water. He sure hoped the women had made enough for his family’s meal tomorrow.

  His first stop was the bank. He carried three baskets inside and distributed them to the people his family worked with.

  Next he went to the drug store and delivered a basket. The pharmacist handed him a jar filled with peppermints to take home to his family.

  He stopped at the parsonage where Pastor and Mrs. Butler lived. They were thrilled to receive such a wonderful gift, and they volunteered to share some of the food with less-fortunate members of their congregation.

  He made his way through town and ended his gift-giving excursion at Joachim’s Five and Dime. He carefully lifted the last two baskets from the seat and carried them to the front door. Mr. Joachim saw him through the window and opened the door for him.

  “What’s this?”

  “Since tomorrow’s Thanksgiving, my family wanted to give thanks to all the fine people in Cary. Here’s one for you and one for Miss Pickard.”

  “That’s mighty nice of your family, but I’m afraid Miss Pickard has left for the day. Her mama wasn’t feeling well this morning, so I sent Lillian home early.”

  William nodded toward one of the baskets as he lifted the other to take it to the Pickards’ house. “Then enjoy your basket. I’ll take Lillian’s to her home.”

  Mr. Joachim leaned over his basket and started rummaging through it. “Your family is quite generous. I can’t say anyone has ever done anything like this before. Let me get something for you. Stay right here for a moment. I’ll be right back.”

  “That’s not necessary,” William said.

  “Don’t deny me the pleasure. It’s something I want to do.”

  William left the store a few minutes later with a jar filled with maple candy, Pop’s favorite. As he drove to the Pickards’ house, he prayed that their pride wouldn’t prevent them from accepting his family’s gift. If she’d gotten it at work, she would have seen that she wasn’t the only person receiving such a gift.

  After pulling up in front of her house, he grabbed the basket, prayed for the right words, then strode up to the front door.

  Lillian answered the door and glanced down at the basket with an expression he couldn’t read. One thing he could see, though, was the weary droop of her shoulders.

  “My family wanted to express our gratitude for everyone’s service and support in town, so Mom and Nelda made up some gift baskets. I brought one for you and one for Mr. Joachim, but he said you came home early.” William stopped when he realized he was talking too much. “Here.” He thrust the basket toward her.

  “Would you like to come in?” she asked as she took a step back. She didn’t take the basket, so he felt that he had no choice but to follow her inside.

  “Who’s there, Lillian?” Mr. Pickard hollered.

  “Mr. Tronnier. He brought us something.”

  Mr. Pickard limped into the living room, a scowl on his face. William suspected it must be quite difficult to have such an infirmity that affected everything in his life.

  “We don’t need charity.”

  “Oh, it’s not charity,” William said. Then he explained how much his family appreciated the support of the people in town and how they’d made up a bunch of baskets.

  “In that case…,” Mr. Pickard said with a dubious look still on his face, as he stepped up to the table where William had placed the basket. “Whatcha got in there?” He started to pull back the gingham cover, but Lillian grabbed the basket and took it to the kitchen.

  “We can go through it later,” she said when she came back out. “Thank you, Mr. Tronnier. Would you like some hot cocoa? I was just making some for Mama.”

  “No thank you. Not today anyway. I need to get back home before it gets dark.”

  After he left the Pickards’ house, William felt the tension release from his shoulders. He was glad Lillian had accepted the gift, but her prideful expression let him know she was on to him.

  Chapter Eight

  Lillian couldn’t believe how much food was in the basket. There was enough for Thanksgiving dinner and several days afterward. She’d already told Mama that they probably wouldn’t have any meat for the big meal. Now they’d eat like royalty.

  “What’s all the ruckus I’ve been hearing?”
>
  “Ruckus? William stopped by and delivered this, but he didn’t stay long. I’m sorry if we woke you.”

  Mama pulled her robe more tightly around her as she crossed the kitchen to see what William had brought. She lifted the gingham cloth and stared at the contents.

  Mama arched an eyebrow. “A hen?”

  “I’d better get it on ice.” Lillian lifted the hen and carried it to the icebox.

  “Ooh, there’s a ham in here too.”

  Lillian couldn’t remember the last time they’d had so much meat in the house. “Looks like we’ll have a bountiful Thanksgiving after all.”

  A smile tweaked Mama’s lips. “For a family of means, the Tronniers seem to be very generous people.”

  “Yes, they do, don’t they?” She turned to face Mama. “How are you feeling?”

  “Much better. The nap did me some good.”

  Lillian was certain the basket of food sitting on the table had helped Mama’s mood too, but she didn’t mention it.

  * * * * *

  “Lord, bless this food and keep us humble as we enjoy the bounty You have provided. Amen.”

  After Pop finished his prayer, a chorus of amens followed. William loved it when his entire family came together—brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews all sitting at the same table. Mom occasionally commented that if anyone else got married or had another child, she’d have to knock down a wall and get a bigger table. William had no doubt that nothing would please her more.

  The only thing that would make the day complete would be if he could see Lillian. He’d fallen in love with her over the past couple of months. The first time they ever talked, she’d intrigued him with stories about work, her family, and how she enjoyed celebrating Christmas. However, it appeared that she wasn’t quite in a celebratory mood this season.

  Mom and Pop had agreed not to discuss the gift baskets during dinner because they didn’t want to sound boastful. “You’ve been mighty quiet, William,” Mom said as the conversation slowed.

  He smiled. “With this group, it’s hard to get a word in.”