The Christmas Kiss

by Virginia McCullough

  This year was different, though. He’d made a mistake not going to the Halloween party. He wouldn’t repeat that again. No more hiding out with old memories. Earlier, down at the pier, the sun rose in a clear sky and delivered the promise of another unseasonably warm day. The rest of Thanksgiving weekend was likely to be rainy and cold. Maybe not good for the open house, but he wasn’t going to worry about that now.

  Grabbing the dish towel to dry the bowl and utensils, he looked over at Nic staring at her phone. Back to normal.

  “Mom just texted. She’s not a happy camper, Dad.”

  How many times had Nic used that expression? When it came to Jackie, what did it even mean? That life wasn’t one day of bliss after another? At one time he’d have taken secret pleasure in hearing that news. But those flashes of satisfaction had a short shelf life. He ended up feeling mean. By now, Jackie’s problems only mattered if they spilled over to Nic. She looked up at him, obviously expecting a response.

  He leaned against the counter and stretched his legs out in front of him, one foot crossed over the other. “Did she mention Thanksgiving plans?” He tried to keep his voice neutral.

  “She and Ben are going to a potluck.” Nic smiled slyly. “She says most of the food will be ‘some combo of beans, zucchini and sprouts...even the pasta.’”

  “Now that’s your mom’s sense of humor,” Parker said with a chuckle. “She must be doing better than you think.”

  “I suppose.” Nicole wiggled her shoulders, one up, one down in rapid succession.

  “You’re doing your shoulder dance. What’s wrong?”

  “In last night’s text, she mentioned the job stuff again.”

  As in not finding one. Parker heard all about it. She even sent him a text complaining about the lack of teaching jobs in their town.

  Nicole scrolled down. “Here she says the potluck is going to be huge. Oh, and it’s cold and rainy.”

  “So, we’re going to a small potluck,” he said, unable to resist adding, “on a warm, sunny, spectacular day.”

  Nic gave him a pursed lips give-me-a-break glance.

  Give me a break. His ex-wife was not going to alter his mood. “What do you want from me, Nic? I can’t help it if your mom is having a bad day.” If, as Nic had implied on many occasions, her mom had some regrets, how would he know? She didn’t confess them to him.

  With a grimace nearly distorting her features, Nic stood and cleared their breakfast dishes from the table with a little extra disgruntled energy, as if the plates, sticky from pancake syrup, had done her wrong. “Okay. Sorry for caring.” She put down the dishes and flounced past him to the window. She yanked the band off her ponytail and freed her hair and ran her hands through it.

  This was getting old. “Nic, tell me what’s really going on. Do you wish you’d driven up to see your mom for the weekend?” Had Jackie even invited her? “It’s okay if that’s what you’re thinking. I’m not going to get hurt feelings over it.”

  She shook her head. “She didn’t say anything at all about Thanksgiving until last night. Even if I wanted to be up there, I’m working this weekend. I’ve also got a bunch of stuff to do for school.”

  “For what it’s worth, I’m not used to this kind of holiday, either. You know, having Thanksgiving dinner with four people we barely know.”

  “At least they invited us, Dad,” Nic whispered, turning to face him. “Would you rather we were alone here? They’re, you know, a real family.” She chuckled. “Jason and that dog are hilarious. And Emma is fun. It’s just so...so strange.”

  A real family like they used to be. He got that message, even if it bothered him. “Of course, I’m glad. That’s my point. It’s a different kind of day, but I’m looking forward to it.” The words came easily because they were true.

  Nicole’s eyes flashed with anger. “At least we’re not pretending. Like last year.”

  Parker lifted both hands. “You’ve got to let me off the hook. I made a mistake going along with your mom. I’ve said that, what, maybe a thousand times?”

  Oh, there it was again. The long, pointed look. Nic was so good at those. But he wouldn’t relive it all again. “I’m out of apologies, Nic.”

  Nic wasn’t wrong about the facts. Jackie had told him a few days before Thanksgiving she planned to leave with her secret guy after the holidays. His ex-wife delivered this dose of reality in one speech. She was sorry. She fell in love. Ben was a great guy. She and Parker had had good years, but that’s the past. Ten minutes later, he needed a divorce lawyer.

  Still reeling from hearing about her affair for the first time, he’d been like a robot and foolishly gone along with her idea—demand—to get through the holidays before telling Nicole they were splitting up.

  Nicole flopped on the couch. “I know, I know. I’m being difficult. But it’s just...”

  “Just what?”

  “I guess I can’t stop wondering if Mom’s changed her mind. Or, like, maybe she wants to come back.”

  Parker pulled a chair out from the kitchen table and carried it closer to the couch so he could sit opposite her. “Honey, she’s not coming back to me.” He stifled all the platitudes about the good years they’d had and all that. He’d said all that when Jackie first left and they didn’t make Nic feel better. Or him. “I know it doesn’t seem like it now, Nic, but your mom never really left you.”

  “She’s in Vermont, Dad.”

  Point scored. “You know what I mean.”

  “Yeah, I do. But it’s weird I’ve only seen where she lives once—for two days while Ben was off on a camping trip with his buddies. I talked to him for like, half an hour.”

  He could see from her frown she was still perplexed. A man. An affair. A divorce. No obvious warning. He gave his daughter’s knees an affectionate pat. “Meanwhile, kiddo, I like having you with me.”

  For the first time since Nic brought up her mom, she managed a smile. “I know, Dad. I don’t want you thinking I don’t like it here.” Her tone turned sassy. “Not every girl has her very own studio apartment.”

  “Heated studio.” Parker laughed smugly. “We better get ready if we’re going to show up at Ruby and Mike’s on time.” He checked his watch and tapped its face. “Out front, fifteen minutes.”

  Nic hurried out, leaving him to brush away his negative feelings toward Jackie for complaining to Nic. Maybe even making their daughter think Jackie had regrets. Parker preferred the buzz of anticipation that stayed with him the last couple of days. Mike and Ruby were a lot of fun. And generous. He gladly accepted their invitation. Even better, Emma would be there. She was on his mind—a lot.

  He quickly changed clothes and grabbed his jacket. After slipping the pie in a box, he joined Nic out front. She looked fresh and young in her skinny jeans and a heavy red sweater. She was like his old Nic when she said, “Lookin’ good, Dad. I like your hair kinda longish again.”

  “I’m glad I pass inspection,” he said. “But I think you’re also telling me I need a haircut. Guess I’ll have to schedule one with Georgia.”

  The bright afternoon sun warmed his shoulders as they walked along. Nic had been so right about last year’s phony holiday in their house in the woods in North Carolina. But he was happy to focus on today.

  When Nic led the way on a narrow section of shore the rows of metallic beads on the neckline of her sweater caught the sun and flickered. “If I forget to say it today, I’m proud to be your dad.”

  She rewarded him with a sweet smile. Then she tugged at the bottom edge of the sweater. “I went thrifting with a girl from my zoology class. This hardly cost me anything.”

  Thrifting? One of Nic’s new hobbies? Nice and safe, Parker thought.

  Nic thrust her arm in the air and put some energy behind a big wave. “We might have known we’d have a welcoming party. Peach is waiting to greet us.”

 
“Yep, a dog and her boy,” Parker quipped.

  Jason ran to meet them, every part of him in motion and talking nonstop. “They sent me to welcome you. You’re our guests.”

  “When I was your age, my mom and dad sent me to welcome guests, too,” Nic said.

  “Really?”

  “Yep, but they just came to the door,” Nic said. “We didn’t have a special beach.”

  They hurried the rest of the way to meet Ruby and Mike in the front yard. Hmm...no Emma.

  As if reading his mind, Mike said, “Emma’s on her way. It’s such great weather. I dragged the second boat out of the shed. We can row around the lake after we eat.”

  “We’ll work off all that food, huh?” Ruby said, patting Jason’s head.

  Looking over Ruby’s shoulder, Parker saw Emma getting out of her car. “Here she comes now.”

  “She’s bringing sweet potatoes,” Mike said. “I’ll go help her carry them.”

  “No, no, I’ll go.” Before Mike could argue, Parker jogged up to Emma. “I hear you have food. I’m the delivery man.”

  “Good.” She pointed to the floor of the back seat. “Have at it.”

  Parker surprised himself by repeating what Mike said about taking a boat out on the lake later. He was glad Nicole couldn’t hear him talking so fast.

  Emma’s face lit up as they started toward the house. “I’m game. I haven’t been out on the lake in a long time.”

  “I suppose you saw the forecast isn’t looking good for the weekend.” He shrugged as they walked along. “But we’ve done all we can for the open house.”

  “So, how’s the owl?”

  “Livening up. She’ll be on her way soon.”

  Emma’s expression gave away her heart. “I know it’s positive news, but I’ll miss her.”

  He understood. “Everyone who works with these creatures has a pang or two when they fly off. That means we’ve been successful, but it’s bittersweet sometimes.”

  “Hey, you two,” Ruby called. “No time for chitchat. We’ve got work to do.”

  “Uh-oh. Listen up. Ruby’s getting us organized,” Emma said.

  By the time Ruby divvied up the jobs, Parker gladly teamed up with Mike to set the table and open the wine. Ruby asked Nicole to help setting up the food in buffet style. Emma was put in charge of watching Jason and Peach in the front yard.

  While Parker helped Mike, he tried not to be obvious about staring out the bay window at Emma. She was perched on the tire swing with her long legs extended in front of her while Jason pushed her and the dog sat and watched.

  Mike glanced at him with a knowing expression. “She’s like an aunt to Jason. Em and Ruby are like sisters, only without the rivalry.”

  “That’s what Emma said.”

  Later, as they filled their plates with cranberries, dressing, sweet potatoes and Ruby’s specialty, a corn casserole, Mike carved the turkey.

  “You do that like a pro,” Parker said. “You’ve mastered one of the manly arts.”

  Mike laughed. “I can carve a turkey and row my family around the lake. I’m two for two.”

  “Before we eat, let’s say something we’re grateful for today,” Ruby said. “Our families didn’t always do that, but Mike and I want to make it our family tradition.”

  Parker glanced at Nicole, wondering if she was so quiet because it was Jackie’s tradition, too. At times like this, it was as if her old childhood shyness had made a temporary comeback. He liked to joke about her being all grown up, but maybe not so much.

  “I’ll start,” Emma said. “I’m grateful for the new center. And for all of you.”

  As they went around the table, Ruby talked about being grateful for Jason and the baby. Mike said thank you to his dad, who’d passed, for convincing him to hang on to the house and the lake.

  “It’s not exactly original,” Parker said, “but I’m thankful for Nic and my new job.”

  “And I get to have my own studio,” Nic said. “Who wouldn’t be grateful for that?”

  “What about you, Jason?” Mike asked. “What are you grateful for?”

  Jason dug his spoon into the cranberries on his plate. “Today, it’s cranberries. My favorite.”

  “You are so funny, Jason,” Nic said, laughing.

  “Thanks,” Jason said. “Can we eat now?”

  “Good question,” Mike said. “I think it’s time.”

  As they ate first helpings and passed the bowls for seconds, most of the talk was about how delicious everything was. At one point, Nic changed the subject and asked Mike if he liked being mayor. She soaked up the story of him announcing his candidacy over last year’s Thanksgiving dinner.

  Mike glanced at Jason and then at Ruby. “It was a big day all around.”

  “And now we’re getting a baby, Nicole,” Jason said, bouncing in the chair. “It’s either a boy or a girl. We don’t know which.”

  Parker chuckled along with everyone else, but Nic broke into a giggle. “How fun. You’ll have a dog and a baby.”

  “Peach used to be Mom’s dog,” Jason explained, “but she belongs to the whole family now.”

  Ruby smiled softly at Jason. “With such a big heart, Peach has plenty of room for all of us.”

  Parker glanced at Nic, whose eyes were suspiciously shiny. Who could blame her? His heart squeezed in his chest and for a couple of seconds he could barely breathe. Right now, this family had it all. No one was faking their feelings, or keeping up appearances, only to walk out the door forever.

  Seeing Ruby and Mike brought him back to a time when they were getting ready for Nic and his pulse raced with excitement. He was impatient for her to be born so he could be a dad. Young as he was, it seemed he’d waited his whole life to say hello to Nic for the first time.

  “I get to be an honorary aunt...again,” Emma said, her gaze on Nic.

  “Way cool.” Nic smiled, but her tone fell flat.

  As if sensing a subtle shift in the atmosphere, Emma pushed her chair back and stood. She looked expectantly at Parker. “Want some help cutting the pie?”

  “Absolutely,” he said, following her into the kitchen, where she got out plates and cups and saucers. “You know your way around, don’t you?” he asked.

  “I’ve spent a fair amount of time here over the last year. Ruby and I work together on lots of projects. She’ll come to my house plenty, but I enjoy coming out here—and to the lake.” Emma blushed and lowered her gaze. “But then, you know that.”

  “The birds and I are always happy to see you.” It was true. He was lighter when he was with Emma. Sometimes she seemed to send him flitting all over the place like the chickadees and cardinals going from branch to branch, tree to tree. Right now, he was lighter than he’d been all day.

  * * *

  EVEN ROWING OUT onto the lake, the happy, playful sounds coming from Nicole and Jason on the shore carried across the water. It didn’t take long for Emma to catch on to Parker. It was no accident he was keeping them a fair distance from Mike and Ruby in the other dinghy. Emma braced her palms on the seat and lifted her face to revel in the warmth of the sun.

  “This is like a moment of perfection.”

  Parker smiled. “Not to mention having an oarsman at your service, ma’am.”

  “Ah yes, I’m getting a free ride.” She leaned to the side and let her fingers drag in the water, cool, but not yet icy cold.

  “The longer Nic and I are in town, the more she sees what having a real home is like.” Parker pulled the oars into the boat and let it float aimlessly. “She grew up mostly in North Carolina, but her relatives were in Ohio, where I grew up. Jackie’s were in Pennsylvania and Delaware.”

  “Makes my life in Bluestone River seem kind of dull. Born here, one house, one school.” She grinned. “Only one college, too.”

  “But i
sn’t your family kind of a big deal here?”

  Emma shrugged. She hadn’t thought about it in that way in a long time.

  Frowning, Parker said, “Oops. Sensitive subject?”

  “No, no. It’s just that hardly anyone remembers the O’Connells anymore. My grandfather owned a farm machinery business way back when. He sold it at the right time, and being a smart investor, he called it dumb luck, he amassed the family money.”

  Parker’s cheeks turned pink. “Actually, I wasn’t talking about money. Everyone knows you.”

  “They know of me. Except for a huge, mansion kind of house, my parents were low-key. I’m the same.” She waved to Ruby in the other boat. “I sold the house when my mom died and it’s changed hands a couple of times since, so it’s not the old O’Connell place anymore.”

  “You still live in a huge house,” Parker teased.

  Emma grinned and stared at the trees lining the lake as she gathered her thoughts. “I like my land, especially now that we have the butterfly garden on the edge of it.”

  “The woods here are pretty quiet now, but they’ll be alive with birdsong in the spring and summer.”

  “I’m glad you’re enjoying it here, Parker.” She paused. “You’re part of bringing Bluestone River to life. Even the diner is getting a new look.”

  “Jim Kellerman goes through my mind now and again. My invitation is still open,” Parker said.

  “He may be hopeless,” Emma replied, a look of mild disdain passing over her face. “He even argued against reviving caroling at the bridge—an old tradition that fell by the wayside decades ago.”

  Parker chuckled. “Mike told me he didn’t even want Santa Day. What harm could a little singing in the park do?”