When Mrs. Fernwick returned to the store on Monday, she placed an order for one hundred additional copies of Brad’s new book and a few copies of his other books. By Tuesday, just as had happened the year before, she had sold out of every copy she had of any book Brad had written, and eagerly awaited the shipment she had ordered the day before.
+++
The temperature had dropped enough that Frank put his woodworking away for a few months. Frank had a heater in his workshop, as well as a fan, but did not like to use either of them unless absolutely necessary. While Frank enjoyed woodworking, it was not his life. It was something he chose to do in comfort. He had finished five bookcases. The rest of the neighborhood would have to wait until next Christmas.
Come Ye Thankful People
The day of the church Thanksgiving dinner arrived. Everyone gathered to talk about it after the morning service and then dispersed to their homes in order to make a mouth-watering dish or two to share with their church family that evening. Cora and Bertha agreed to cook turkeys, Kathy signed up to fix a ham, and the rest of the church signed up for one or more of the items needed to fill the menu.
Smiles and laughter abounded as everyone shared in food and fellowship that evening, which helped prepare everyone for the service that was to follow. After all of the dishes were cleared away, the group remained in the fellowship hall. Pastor Scott got up to address the group.
“I want to welcome everyone tonight. It is particularly good to see those of you who are new to our neighborhood or new to our church.”
“I knew he’d work his daughter into this somewhere,” Harry shouted, causing the already boisterous group to laugh again.
“Harry, you don’t realize it, but that was a good introduction for what I want us to do tonight. Thanksgiving is almost upon us, so I would like for everyone to share what he or she is thankful for this Thanksgiving. Who’d like to go first?”
“Why, don’t you go first?” Brad said.
“Okay, I’ll be glad to, but then I think my praise is obvious. Everyone knows that I’m thankful for a healthy baby daughter, but I am also thankful that God has given me a beautiful wife whom I love very much, and three other children who are a blessing to me each time they’re not killing each other.”
The Armbruster children were sitting together. Jill turned and faced Kenny and Mallory and they all smiled at each other. Then, overcome by the moment, Jill reached out and hugged her brother and sister and gave each of them a kiss on the cheek.
“Wow!” Scott said. “If I’d known that, I would’ve told them not to kill each other before this.”
Again, the group broke out in laughter.
Kenny raised his hand.
“Yes, Son,” his dad said.
“Can I be sorry, too, Dad?”
“Yes, Son, you can be a sorry son, sometimes. No, I mean, sure. Say whatever you like.”
“Well, I’m sorry for all the stuff I’ve said about my sisters, and I’m thankful that Jill’s kiss wasn’t too bad. I guess I can see where some guy might like her some day.”
Everyone laughed again.
Mallory raised her hand.
“Yes, Mallory?”
“I’m thankful that I’m not the baby in the family anymore.”
Again everyone laughed.
Jill went next.
“I’m thankful for my family, because some people don’t have a family, and I’m thankful that not only do we have a new sister in Nikki, but a new grandmother in Mrs. Peabody, and three new brothers in Brad, Chuck, and Brett.”
“Very well spoken, Jill. Well, now that the Armbrusters have gone, who else would like to go?”
“I beg your pardon,” Nancy said. “All of the Armbrusters haven’t gone, but if one doesn’t watch his step, he might be gone. I too am thankful for my family, and when I say family, I include all of you who’ve been so wonderful to us.”
“Okay, now all of the Armbrusters have gone, so who’s next?”
The group laughed again when Nikki made a sound.
“I’ll go,” Allison offered. “I’m thankful that I didn’t have a date for Valentine’s Day, because if I had, I would’ve missed out on the most wonderful man in the world.”
“I didn’t realize you thought that way about me,” Harry said, breaking up the group once again.
“I guess I’ll go next,” Amy said. “I don’t think I’m talking out of school when I say that Allison and I have talked about these wonderful men God has sent us since last Thanksgiving. I couldn’t be happier, because I’ve got Brad, the man I love, on one side of me, and Frank and Cora, my parents away from home, on the other side. We live in a world where so many people don’t know their neighbors. I’m thankful that I have three of the best next-door neighbors anyone could possibly want.”
Amy finished and sat down. When she sat down, Brad got up.
“Wherever Dr. Watson goes, Sherlock Holmes is sure to be near, so I guess I’ll go next,” Brad said. “When my grandparents left me their house, I saw it as a quiet place where I could go and write books. And while I’ve enjoyed doing that since I moved here, it has been the least of my joys. The day I moved here I realized that I had some pretty special neighbors, and I could even tell that one of them was more special than the others.”
“Why, thank you, Brad,” Harry interrupted, which caused Ethel to punch him in the ribs.
Brad continued.
“It must’ve been God who caused me to move here, because no one short of God could have brought such a wonderful and beautiful young lady into my life.”
When Brad sat down, Amy leaned over, wrapped her arms around him, and through her tears, said, “You forgot incredible.”
Barney stood up.
“I’ve gotten permission to share this. I know what I’m thankful for this Thanksgiving. I’m thankful that when I asked Bertha to marry me, she said ‘yes.’ Now, don’t go getting excited yet. We haven’t set a date, and we’re still trying to decide which house we’re going to live in, but one thing’s for sure. We’re not leaving Aylesford Place until they carry us out.”
Everyone gasped at Barney’s announcement, everyone except Pastor Scott, who already knew. Then everyone lunged for Barney or Bertha and gave them hugs and pats on the back.
After Barney’s announcement, Cora cast a look in Brad’s direction, trying to be subtle enough that no one else saw, but obvious enough that Brad knew what she meant.
After everyone had congratulated Barney and Bertha and had sat back down, Melanie stood up.
“I’m thankful for the house I sold and the new neighbor we have because of it. I may have a buyer for the Orthmyer’s house. A family looked at it and seems about ready to sign the papers. And, oh, by the way, Barney and Bertha, if you decide to sell one of the houses, you know who to call.”
Pastor Scott and his children perked up when Melanie mentioned the word “family.” When any of them thought of a family, they automatically figured that meant children. Each of them yearned for other children on Aylesford Place.
Everyone was surprised when Norman stood up.
“I’m thankful for the way all of you have made me feel welcome since I’ve been coming to church these last few weeks. I know I’m different. I know that most of you thought I was either dead or hiding out, but even though I’m different, and act and dress differently than any of you, I appreciate it that you don’t hold that against me and are willing to come up and talk to me.”
“Well, we’re glad that you’re here, Norman,” Pastor Scott said.
When Norman sat down, Minerva Peabody stood up.
“I’ve been sitting and watching as we’ve gone through all the loving siblings of the pastor’s family and all the lovebirds of the neighborhood, and since we’ve gotten to recluses, I guess it’s my time to speak. As I sat here watching and listening to each of you, I can tell you that Thanksgiving will be a lot more special for me this year than it has been in a long time.
“I think
most of you know that at one time my daddy, Amos Warfield, owned all of the property on Aylesford Place and several of the adjoining streets. He built Warfield Place, the house where I still live today, in 1929. Shortly after, my mama died. In the late 1930s, my daddy sold all of the land and deeded what is now Aylesford Park to the residents of Aylesford Place. I can remember when each of you moved in. I can even remember when Barney’s dad bought a new candy apple red 1949 Buick convertible. He was the talk of the street.”
Barney smiled proudly.
“I can also remember the year I lost my daddy and my husband of only a few years, George Peabody. I grew bitter at the world and I remained bitter most of my life. A product of my own making, I sat in that house next door, a miserable person wasting my life. Then, almost a year ago, I received a phone call. It was Pastor Scott wanting to visit. For some reason, I told him yes, and he began to visit me each Saturday night. Still, I remained miserable six days a week, counting the days until Pastor Scott came to visit again. Because of my pride, I was a unhappy old lady. Well, if I’m to be honest with you, I was unhappy most of the time. I thoroughly enjoyed the day I painted those Mormon boys and that night I caused Harry to think that his time on earth was almost at an end and made him wonder which direction he was headed.”
Everyone laughed at Minerva’s last comment, even Harry.
“I’m thankful for a little girl who brought me cookies, and with God’s help, brought me to this church, and I’m thankful that each of you was willing to forgive an old fool.”
Minerva sat down and Harry stood up.
“When Minerva said ‘old fool,' I thought it was appropriate that I stand up. While I haven’t told her enough, I’m thankful for a wife who has put up with me as long as she has. Plus, I’m thankful for a neighbor who cared enough about my wife and me that she threatened me until I took Ethel to Martinelli’s for Valentine’s Day. I must say that it was one of the happiest days of my life. Another of my happiest days happened when all of you decided to surprise me on my birthday. Thanks for caring about an old fool who doesn’t always say and do the right things.
“Besides all of you, I’m thankful for a daughter who cared enough about her parents that she would spend her hard-earned money to buy cell phones and a computer for us, so that we could stay in touch. Not only was she willing to stay in touch with Ethel and me, but she was willing to come and see us. Now, I have an announcement, too. We just received a call from Rachel and she has just taken a new job that’s only a four-hour drive from here. She will have every weekend off, plus four weeks vacation every year, so we’ll be seeing more of her.”
Everyone applauded Harry’s good news.
The group shared for well over an hour. No one seemed eager to leave. When the service ended, and everyone said their final goodbyes, Pastor Scott lingered behind, knelt at the altar, and thanked God for giving him the idea that allowed everyone to share what he or she was thankful for.
+++
Cora pulled in the driveway and jumped out of her car, eager to find her husband. She ran up the steps, opened the door, and hollered.
“Frank! Frank! Where are you?”
“Here I am, Cora. Is something wrong?”
“No, Frank, something might be very right. I was driving down Main Street and guess who I saw coming out of the jewelry store?”
“I don’t know, Cora. Barney?”
“No, Frank. It was Brad. Oh, Frank, could it be? Could it be that Brad is about to ask Amy to marry him?”
“Just because someone’s been in a jewelry store doesn’t mean that they’re going to get married. Was he carrying a box or a package of some kind?”
“I don’t know, Frank. I was so excited when I saw him I almost hit somebody.”
“Cora, maybe it would be best if you didn’t drive down Main Street anymore.”
“Frank, would you be willing to drop me off at the jewelry store so I can go in and ask what Brad was looking at?”
“We’d better not, Cora. After all, everyone knows that whoever is seen coming out of a jewelry store must be getting married, and I wouldn’t want someone to see you and start rumors about you being a bigamist.”
+++
“Hello.”
“Cora?”
“Yes.”
“Cora, this is Minerva.”
“Oh, hi Minerva, dear. What can I do for you today?”
“Cora, I was wondering if anyone has agreed to host the get- together after the neighborhood Christmas caroling?”
“It’s funny that you asked. I was just thinking that we needed to make preparations for that soon. Why did you ask?”
“Well, if it’s okay, I’d like to make up for my past transgressions and host it this year.”
“There’s a lot of work to it, Minerva. Do you think you’re up to it?”
“Cora, if I can still hit a small target with my paintball gun from two hundred feet, don’t you think I’m still capable of fixing food for fifty people?”
“Well, I don’t know that it’ll be quite fifty people, but we might eat like fifty people. Since I’m the one who volunteers to find someone each year and no one has volunteered, let’s say the gig is yours if you want it.”
“Thanks. I want it. Even though I suspect that Harry will eat me out of house and home and will stuff his pockets before he leaves.”
“It looks like you’ve got Harry pegged right. I’ll pass the word, and, Minerva, it’s great to have you aboard. It’s a much better neighborhood with you back in it.”
“Thanks. Oh, by the way, I’m calling a workman tomorrow to come and build a ramp, so that Allison can maneuver around my house just like she does all of the others.”
“Allison will appreciate that, Minerva. Thanks for calling. Goodbye.”
“Goodbye, Cora, and thanks again.”
“No, thank you, Minerva. You’ll be the one doing all of the work.”
Minerva Peabody hung up the phone, then picked it up to dial a second number.
“Armbruster residence.”
“Hello, Jill. This is Minerva. May I speak to your mom or dad, please.”
“Dad’s in his study. Just a second. I’ll get him.”
“Hey, Dad! Minerva Peabody’s on the phone!”
“Hello, Minerva. Good to hear from you. And what can I do for you today?”
“Well, Scott, it’s more what I can do for you. With Nancy spending most of her time taking care of the baby, I was wondering what you plan to do this Thursday for Thanksgiving dinner.”
“I was just thinking the same thing, Minerva. I imagine I’ll go to the grocery tomorrow and get stuff for dinner.”
“Why don’t you skip the store and plan on coming over to my place. After all, your weekly visits have meant so much to me, and I’ve gotten to be good friends with your kids. Why don’t you come and spend Thanksgiving with me. It would mean a lot to me.”
“Minerva, I don’t think you realize how big of a job that would be.”
“Maybe not, but I just called Cora and volunteered to host the get-together after the Christmas caroling this year. I might as well see what I’ve gotten myself into.”
“Let me check with Nancy and I’ll call you back in a few minutes. Okay?”
“You do that. Just tell her I said that she said ‘yes.’”
“I’ll do that, Minerva. I’ll talk to you in a few minutes.”
+++
When the second shipment of The After Dinner Murder arrived at The Printed Page, Mrs. Fernwick called Brad and asked him if he would be willing to drop by and sign some copies for her. As soon as Thanksgiving was over, The Printed Page’s Christmas shoppers descended upon the shop. Mrs. Fernwick was quick to tell them about having some autographed copies of a local author’s latest book, and her word-of-mouth advertising made a significant dent in the second shipment of The After Dinner Murder.
Brad was excited when he heard that nationwide sales for the first two weeks exceeded the first two weeks’ sa
les of any book he had written. He wondered if a man writes better when he is in love. He was sure that he must.
+++
Business boomed for Amy, too. Thanks to Brad, Amy picked up several new customers as a result of displaying her work at The Printed Page. Mrs. Fernwick had called Amy to see about handling her work on a regular basis. The agreement proved to be profitable for both parties. People were getting in a Christmas shopping mood. Amy was beginning to receive many orders at her website, and more stores were calling and placing orders.
+++
Chuck picked up his telephone.
“Hello.”
“I’d like to speak to the teacher.”
“Uh-oh. What do you want, Alley Cat?”
“I was calling to let you know what I want you to get me for Christmas.”
“Oh, you are, are you? And what does little Allison want for Christmas?”
“A chair.”
“What kind of chair?”
“A new wheelchair. I read about one today. Not only does it climb stairs, but it goes up hills, and it can even let people stand up in it.”
“I see. And how much will this chair set me back?”
“Oh, you can get it for less than $30,000.”
“I’ll run right out and get one right away. That way we can start training to climb Mt. Everest.”
“And to think that one time I was only able to navigate around orange cones.”
“You mean before you tried to show off for the neighbors.”
“What can I say? I’m the Picabo of my street.”
“I think you’ve been hanging around some of those neighbors too much.”
+++
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