It was finally time to go, and she left the dogs with cookies, promising to be home soon. She, of course, was early and had to wait for the shuttle to arrive. The city workers were prepping the streets along the waterfront with holiday decorations. Their local tree lighting would take place during the first weekend in December in the square near the fountain.
For the first time since losing Gary, she was looking forward to the season. A large part of her excitement was having Kevin home, but she also loved the idea of a small-town Christmas and all the activities planned in the community, not to mention being able to spend time with Mac and Cyndy. She and Mac already had plans to attend the festivities and he had made a reservation for dinner after the tree lighting.
The shuttle pulled to the curb and Lily had to stop herself from rushing to the door. Instead, she stood on the sidewalk in front of her car, trying to look nonchalant. She didn’t want to embarrass Kevin, but couldn’t wait to hug him.
He was the last of a handful of people to step off the shuttle. She waved and he spotted her, as he extended the handle of his bag and wheeled it with him. “Hey, Mom.” He wrapped his arms around her.
The worry that always nagged at her whenever one of them had to fly disappeared as she delighted in the long hug. “I’m so happy you’re here.” She took the handle of his suitcase and lugged it to the back of her car. “Long day, huh?”
He nodded and yawned. “Yeah and I’m starving. I know we’ve got dinner plans, but I can’t wait until then.”
“Oh, no problem. Let’s just run over to the café and have something to tide you over.” She clicked the key fob and led the way down the street.
Kevin opted for breakfast and Lily ordered a pot of tea. “You look great, Mom. So happy.”
“That’s sweet of you to say. Tell me about school and what you’ve been up to.”
They visited and Lily’s spirits rose as she listened to her son and his enthusiasm for school. It made her happy to see him smiling and relaxed. “Hopefully, you’re up for a quick ferry ride over to Whidbey Island on Saturday. They start their holiday celebration and have a tree lighting, so I thought that would be fun.”
He continued to eat and nodded. “Sounds good to me.”
“I was going to arrange a trip over to Victoria when you’re here for Christmas. They have a huge holiday celebration and decorations. I thought it would be fun to go over on the ferry and stay overnight. You’ll have to remember to bring your passport.”
“I’m up for anything.”
“I just don’t want you to get bored.”
He laughed. “I won’t be bored. I plan to sleep and lounge around and do as little as possible, but I’m happy to do a few things. I’m just so tired from being up early and studying late, I’m looking forward to vegging.”
She smiled and sipped her tea. “I’m excited and nervous for you to meet Mac tonight.”
“Don’t be nervous. If you like him, I’ll like him. I trust your judgment. Like I said, you seem happy and if he’s responsible for that, I like him already.”
Her nerves settled at his words. “Speaking of dating, have you met any nice girls?”
Kevin’s cheeks reddened as he shrugged. Lily’s brows rose, but she didn’t press him. He added jam to his toast and said, “There’s one girl that seems nice and she’s super smart. Brooke. She’s from a small town in New Hampshire.”
“A group of ladies came to visit the cottages from Vermont. They made it sound lovely. I’ve always wanted to visit that area in the fall, for the colors.”
He dug his phone out of his pocket and turned the screen to show her a photo. “Brooke sent me a couple photos.” There was a gorgeous shot from the plane showcasing the beautiful fall trees along a river and another of a huge brick house surrounded by trees with brilliant red and orange leaves.
“Wow, those are stunning.”
“She was anxious to get home and left a day early. Her grandfather is ill.” Part of Lily was excited that Kevin had a friend, possibly a girlfriend, but a tiny part of her was sad at the realization that one day he would meet the woman who would become his wife and he would no longer be coming home for every holiday.
He finished his meal and they made their way home. Fritz couldn’t contain himself and ran at Kevin the minute Lily opened the door. Bodie was enthusiastic, joining in the jumping and licking fest that served as a greeting.
“I guess Bodie isn’t waiting for an introduction.” Lily shook her head as she watched the crazy antics. Kevin laughed and finally sat on the floor so Fritz could get as close as possible. The dog sprawled across Kevin’s lap with Bodie jumping onto the pile. Lily gave up trying to use her stern voice to get them to mind and took Kevin’s bag downstairs.
By the time she returned, Kevin had migrated to the recliner and was doing his best to keep the dogs on the floor in front of him. As he petted them, he glanced over to her. “I was going to try to grab a couple of hours of sleep before we go to dinner. Is that okay?”
“Sure, your room’s ready. I’ll make sure and wake you.”
He didn’t have to call the dogs to follow; they were at his heels and bounded down the stairs with him. Lily shrugged and laughed. “I guess I’m second rate when Kev’s around.”
Lily woke Kevin in time for him to get changed and they arrived to find Mac already at a table. He shook hands with Kevin. “Your mom has been looking forward to your visit for weeks. I’m happy to finally meet you.”
Kevin grinned. “Pleased to meet you, sir.”
Mac shook his head. “No sir necessary. Mac will do fine. My name is actually Jack, but everyone has called me Mac for so long it stuck.”
“Mac, then.” Kevin slid into a chair, while Mac pulled out Lily’s.
They let Kevin choose the pizza toppings and ordered one to go so they’d be able to take some home for Mel. Mac asked Kevin about college and his courses and talked about how much he had enjoyed going to school in Davis, California. “It wasn’t too far from home, but far enough away that I could have my own life. Those were some of the best years of my life. It’s important you enjoy that time.”
Lily hadn’t told Kevin much about Mac, just that he was Cyndy’s brother, a widower for many years, a veterinarian, and had family ties to Driftwood Bay. “Do you have kids?” Kevin asked, taking his first slice of pizza from the extra-large pan in the middle of the table.
Lily may have mentioned Mac’s daughter, but wasn’t sure. She held her breath as Mac explained about Missy and that she lived in Georgia, but that they had a strained and distant relationship. He did it without assigning any blame to her or becoming overly emotional. She admired that about him. Maybe it came from having to deliver difficult news to pet parents. She couldn’t have held it together.
Kevin frowned as he listened. “I’m sorry about your daughter.” He glanced at Lily. “I can’t imagine not talking to my mom or not being a part of her life.”
Lily smiled and took the opportunity to change the subject. “Mac is in charge of pies for tomorrow.”
He held up his hand. “Not to worry, just ordering them, not making them.”
“Cyndy is such a great cook, I can hardly wait for tomorrow.” Lily went on to describe their meal Cyndy had made on Sunday. She smirked at Kevin and added, “I volunteered to bring wine.”
He feigned shock and wiped his hand across his brow. “Whew. Saved from her boxed stuffing mix.”
“You’ve never turned down my cookies or brownies, though.”
Kevin nodded. “You’re a good baker.”
“I’ve got both of your favorites at home for dessert tonight. Mel should be home by eight, so we’ll have dessert with her.”
“That’s right, you haven’t met her.” Mac reached for one more slice of pizza. “She’s come out of her shell this last month, especially.”
Kevin eyed the two pieces of pizza left and Mac spun the pan around so they were in front of him. “All yours.”
Kevin grinned an
d scooped them onto his plate. “Did she ever say any more about being kidnapped? That had to be so scary.”
Lily shook her head. “She hasn’t said much about it and I haven’t asked her.” Her eyes narrowed. “Don’t you mention it, either.”
Kevin rolled his eyes. “Gee, Mom, really? I wasn’t going to. I just think she’s brave.”
“I agree, but she’s not your typical college freshman. In some ways, she’s old beyond her years, and in other ways, still child-like. I think she’s settling into a routine and is much happier lately. She’s excited about her new job and loves school.”
Mac swallowed the last of his iced tea and nodded. “Having your mom care about her and knowing she’s safe has done wonders for Mel. She’s not nearly as withdrawn.”
Lily smiled at Mac. “I think having a car and being able to have some control of her life, going to school and work, plus her therapy is all working. It makes me happy to see her beginning to flourish.”
Mac insisted on treating them to dinner, and once the waiter delivered their takeout pizza, he followed Lily and Kevin back to the house. While Lily put some cookies and brownies on a tray, Kevin and Mac played with the dogs and Mac told Kevin about Sherlock and his other animals.
“When you’re here for your break, we’ll organize something out at the house and introduce you to all of them.”
The dogs took off for the front door, which meant Mel was home. She greeted them with a soft caress before coming into the kitchen. Lily introduced her to Kevin and pointed at the oven. “I put your pizza in there to keep it warm, but you’re home early, so it should be fine.”
“The manager let us off, since it was so quiet.”
“You’re off tomorrow, right?” Kevin asked, as he helped himself to a brownie.
Mel opened the lid on the pizza box. “Yes, but then I work all weekend. I volunteered since I’m not real big on holidays.”
“I was telling Kevin about planning a trip over to Victoria when he’s here for Christmas. You’re welcome to join us.”
Mel wrinkled her nose. “I don’t know. I’ll think about it, but I’m planning to work as much as I can over the break, since I won’t have to worry about school.”
What she had said before about holidays echoed in Lily’s mind. She could only imagine what holidays had been like for Mel over the last few years. She’d have to tamp down her enthusiasm and not overwhelm her. The holidays could be a grim reminder of what was missing, and the pressure to be happy when you didn’t feel like celebrating pushed many people further into despair. Lily, of all people, understood. “Just know you’re always welcome. You can decide later.”
Mel finished her pizza and stored the rest in the fridge, helping herself to a cookie when she returned to the counter. “We did start decorating the coffee shop tonight with Christmas decorations. They’re expecting to be busy this weekend. The campaign to get people to shop locally is working.”
After they finished off the plate of cookies, Mac wished everyone a good evening. They couldn’t convince him to stay to watch a movie, but he promised to see them at Cyndy’s. Lily walked him to his car, where she was rewarded with a sweet kiss. “Kevin’s a fine young man. I’m glad he’s here to spend some time with you.”
“I’m so happy he’s here and got to meet you. I was sure he would like you, but wanted to see it for myself.”
“Feel better now?” Mac hugged her close to him. “Go enjoy your movie and I’ll see you tomorrow.”
She waved as he pulled away and then hurried inside. Kevin had already loaded Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, a movie they enjoyed each holiday. The three of them snuggled together on the couch, with Lily in the middle and warm blankets covering them. With the dogs nestled at their feet and the comfort of Kevin next to her, Lily could think of nothing better.
18
Thanksgiving morning, Lily put the concoction of frozen rolls with cinnamon and nuts in the oven and hurried the dogs to the beach for a quick walk. They didn’t have much time, but she didn’t want to let a gorgeous morning pass without a stroll along the water. The beach was quiet, except for a few birds. As the sun brightened, Lily whispered, “Happy Thanksgiving,” hoping Gary knew she was thinking of him.
It had always been one of his favorite holidays and she was glad to be going to Cyndy’s today, making new memories, so as not to be surrounded by what had been, what she had lost. She shook her head, clearing away those recollections and forced her thoughts to the present. She’d have Mel and Kevin bring in all the boxes of Christmas decorations, so they could get to work on them tonight and tomorrow. The tree, a life-like artificial, would look perfect in the living room in front of the large windows.
She wondered if Mac put up a tree at his house. He had such high ceilings he could get a huge one. While she was thinking of it, she sent him a text wishing him a Happy Thanksgiving and asking if he would like to help her and Kevin decorate the tree on Friday.
She checked the text she had sent Wendy, just in case she had missed the reply, but there was none. Moments later, she received an answer from Mac telling her he was on call all weekend, but would be there provided he wasn’t working.
She hurried the dogs home and upon opening the door, was greeted with the enticing aroma of baked sugar and cinnamon. There was less than a minute left on the timer and after taking the pan out of the oven, she set it on the cooktop to cool. The dogs ate their breakfast while she dashed to her bedroom for a shower.
When she returned, dressed and ready, she found Kevin in the living room with both dogs sprawled on top of him and a huge hunk missing from the sticky mass of breakfast goodness. As she cut a slice for herself, she plugged in the kettle.
“I was hoping you could get all my Christmas boxes out from the garage and bring them up here,” she called from the kitchen. “I want to put up the tree tomorrow and invited Mac to come over for a decorating party when Mel gets off work.”
He lumbered in, still in his pajamas, his hair sticking up like when he was a young boy. “One more piece of this and then I’ll go get ready and do it.”
Lily looked at her cell phone. “We should call your grandparents and see how they’re doing, and wish them a Happy Thanksgiving.” Kevin shoveled in the last of his breakfast and nodded.
Lily pressed the button and after saying hello, let Kevin do most of the talking. She had never been especially close to Gary’s parents, or perhaps they weren’t close to her. They had never been overly involved in their lives and rarely left Florida, so it wasn’t unusual to be separated from them at the holidays. In their early years together, Gary had worked most holidays, and later they had made only a couple of holiday trips to Florida. When her parents died, she remembered thinking why did it have to be them. Losing Gary’s parents would have been equally horrible, but easier in that they weren’t a fixture in their lives. Now, she and Kevin spoke to them on holidays and birthdays, not that it was much different before Gary’s death. They weren’t a source of comfort for Lily and she struggled to think of what to say when she did chat with them.
With that obligation fulfilled, Kevin made his way downstairs to get ready. He and Mel passed each other, and the dogs rushed to the top of the stairs to greet Mel before she could get to the kitchen.
“Something smells delicious.” She was dressed in a turtleneck that was a shade lighter than her new vest and wearing her new boots. She had come a long way from the young girl who had first visited Lily’s doorstep this summer.
“I was hoping you’d help decorate the tree tomorrow when you get off work. I invited Mac to join us. I thought we’d have Chinese takeout and watch a movie while we decorate.”
She bobbed her head as she took another forkful of the sweet pastry. “Sure, that sounds good.” She scraped every bit of the sticky nuts from her plate. “That was so yummy.”
Lily poured hot water into Mel’s teacup and quizzed her about the hot chocolate mix they used at the coffee shop.
As soon as
Kevin was dressed, he and Mel made quick work of retrieving the boxes and then they helped Lily rearrange the living room furniture to make space for the tree in front of the windows. Each box got a thorough inspection from each of the dogs, whose noses were working overtime.
With the chores done, Lily selected six bottles of wine and Kevin toted the box to the car. She loaded the dogs, who were happy to have Kevin with them in the backseat, and they set out for Cyndy’s.
The meal, like everything Cyndy set her hand to, was marvelous. As much as Lily savored the outstanding homemade dishes and visiting, she found herself enjoying Mel’s excitement more. It was like watching a child at the holidays, her eyes going wide as she took in the beautiful table and abundance of homecooked food. It had been a sunny day. Mac had a dartboard set up in the backyard, and he coached Mel and Kevin in playing. After dessert, Cyndy found a movie to watch with the kids while Mac and Lily took the dogs for a walk.
Lily extended an invitation to Cyndy to join them for tree decorating on Friday night, but she begged off, knowing she would be exhausted from her day at the store. It was one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year and she’d be slammed all weekend. Lily hugged her friend goodbye, promising to stop by the store and see her over the weekend.
All in all, it had been a perfect day, filled with laughter, friendship, and food. Cyndy sent them home with enough leftovers to get them through the long weekend and the dogs were more than ready to settle down for the evening after hours of romping and playing in the yard, plus a bit of turkey on top of their dinner.
Despite not doing anything all day, except eating, Lily was exhausted. Mel and Kevin opted to stay up and assemble the tree, but promised to leave the decorating for Friday. Lily took a cup of tea and padded to her bedroom.
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