by Leslie Pike
Mallory faces her grandmother and takes ahold of her hands. They share a special bond that has grown with the passing few years.
“My dear Mallory. We aren’t joined by blood, but by our hearts. We chose each other and knowing you has brought me great joy. My Little Thanks to you is for all the pictures you send me of what’s going on in your life. School events, sports, boyfriends! You make me feel not only loved but liked. Little Thanks.”
“Thank you, Grandma.”
She turns to Atticus and they exchange lopsided grins. It’s almost as if she’s inherited his DNA.
“So, Dad.”
“Yes, Mallory?”
“Little Thanks for loaning me the car tomorrow.” She says it with a naughty grin and raised eyebrows.
“When exactly did I do that?”
She looks at her watch. “At three fifty-four today.”
The table guests respond with chuckles and under the breath comments.
“Clever girl,” says Grandpa.
“Well, despite you not telling me something nice, you can take the car tomorrow,” Atticus says.
“I’m not finished. My real thanks is for all the homework stuff. You don’t know how to get to the right answer in Algebra any more than I do. But you sit with me and together we work the problem. It’s cool.”
Now that melts everyone’s hearts.
“Sweet girl. Love you much, Mallory.”
“Your turn!” Charlotte says excitedly.
Atticus scoots his chair closer.
“Beautiful Charlotte. Every day with you is a lesson in love. I’m a better, happier man because of you. My Little Thanks is for your playfulness. You make me want to be around you. That’s it.”
She throws her arms around his neck and they kiss.
“Get a room!” Mallory says. Which elicits a sharp look from her mother.
“My turn. Haha everyone! I get to honor the sweetest guy here!”
“Wait! I resent that!” Atticus says.
“Me too!” Brick adds.
“She’s right, and you all know it,” my mother says.
The laughter lightens the room. But the nods confirm the statement.
“Sawyer. How did we get so lucky? I’ve seen your tenderness and compassion play out in many ways. Then there’s how you treat our Bristol. It’s a beautiful thing to witness. But this is Little Thanks, so I’m going to say thank you for the afternoon you spent with Mallory’s last boyfriend. Or was it the one before?”
This is getting funny.
“Anyway, you took your time giving a high school kid major league tips. I think he went back to his team and bragged for a whole month. It was so kind of you.”
“I enjoyed it,” Sawyer says humbly. “But thank you.”
He angles toward Jude and puts an arm around the back of his chair. I feel the tears rise before he even speaks.
“Jude. Look me in the eye.”
The boy is embarrassed, but I think he’s also excited to know his hero is going to speak about him.
“It’s impossible for me to give you Little Thanks.”
For a split-second Jude’s face falls.
“Because everything you are to me is big.”
Now a wide smile stretches across Jude’s face. He runs a tongue around the inside of his cheek.
“You have made my life better and richer. I feel deeply connected to you and I promise to always be here for you.”
Shit, everyone is wiping a tear or sniffing or clearing their throats.
Instead of a thank you or a handshake. the boy takes the man in his arms and rests his head on a shoulder. Neither lets go for a while. God! I’m going to dissolve in a puddle of emotions.
Finally they part and Jude turns toward me. His eyes are misty and so are mine.
“As soon as we started this game, I knew what I was going to say to you,” Jude says with assurance.
“What, son?”
“I want to Little Thank you for the tuck.”
I’m not the only one who’s confused.
“What’s the tuck?”
“When I stay at Sawyer’s place you always tuck me in bed. I’ve never had that before.”
That’s it. Everyone here has just felt the power of love.
Chapter 23
Sawyer
I’m sitting in the truck next to Bristol, but in my mind I’m far away. Luckily, she’s texting her friend and I have a minute or two to get it together.
What did I forget? Ice rink reserved, check. Everyone ready with their costumes and instructions, check. The ring, check.
Thankfully the Swifts and Jude have helped me with it all. Tonight is one of the most important of my life. Of our lives, Bristol, Jude and I.
I’ve only been a foster dad for two weeks now, but he and I have become buds. It’s kind of been effortless. The process of becoming a foster family was simple. I passed with flying colors. It surprised me how relaxed Jude is in this new role. He says it isn’t like the other times. And I believe him.
Next week’s New Year’s trip to Texas will be the final piece of the fractured puzzle. My sister and niece are as excited as we are. We will ring in the new year together. I want Jude to meet his aunt and cousin. Fill in the family tree.
It makes me kind of teary sometimes. I’ve been waiting my whole life. So has he.
But going over what comes tonight for us three turns my stomach. Feels like there’s two cats fighting in there. What if it’s a no? What if both players aren’t into my plans for the future? It could happen. But it would ruin me.
Quit overthinking.
I needed to make sure Bristol wore the appropriate clothes, so Lucinda helped hatch the plan. She called us and said the family was going caroling on Christmas Eve. We were instructed to wear something red, and casual. Something warm. The snow we got three days ago is still on the ground. Perfect.
Now the setting will be romantic and kind of like a fairytale, with all the twinkling lights Bristol is so crazy about. I had a company string them this morning.
The champagne…
“Where are you, Sawyer?”
I turn to see her amused expression. I’ve been busted.
“I thought you were busy, so I was just going over our trip to Texas.” Don’t think she bought that. Shit.
“What are you up to?”
“No. Actually I was far away. I was thinking about the adoption. Do you think he’s really going to be on board?” Now I’ve got her. Think the concerned look I added did the job.
“Are you kidding? He loves you so much. Of course he will.”
“It’s a six-month process at least, so he’ll have time to back out if he decides otherwise.”
She scoots close and lays her head on my shoulder. “Dad. The title sounds good on you.”
I smile with the thought and kiss the top of her head. Glancing down at her red cashmere sweater, an idea pops in my mind.
“Later, after we’re back home, I want to lay you down on that cashmere blanket in the great room. Naked of course. You, me, no clothes, our asses warmed by the fire.”
She starts giggling. “Have you forgotten your son? Shall we lock him in his room?”
“Oh, I guess I forgot to tell you. He’s spending the night at your parents’.”
This is the part I’m concerned about.
“Really? Every time they’ve asked him he’s resisted. What happened?”
I miss the Swift’s turnoff. But it’s perfect timing. She’s going to be distracted.
“Think he’s finally feeling like we are actually a family. They’re his grandparents after all,” I say trying to sell my idea.
Sitting up she scans the road ahead. “You missed the turn!”
“No I didn’t. I’m taking you on a small detour. We still have an hour before we have to be at your parents.”
Without looking I sense her eyes boring into the side of my face. Only one soft sound leaves her luscious lips. “Hmmm.”
I’m
trying not to smile but hell, I’m about to bust.
“What’s going on?” she says looking around.
Just in time I spot the street I’m looking for. Funny that it’s named Destiny Road. I turn right and immediately Bristol’s posture straightens.
“Oh! Are we going ice skating? Please! Please! Please!”
That’s it. The reaction I was counting on. “Yes. You finally got me out here. I’m going to make an ass of myself just so you know.”
But I’m covered with kisses. At least my right side is.
“I love you so much! Thank you, honey. And I know you’ll be great. You’re an athlete after all!”
The thing is, I’ve been here at least five times over the last three weeks. Me and Jude. He picked it up quickly. I, on the other hand, am a dork on skates. Can’t get the hang of it. Charlotte and the other girls have assured me my lack of skill will be endearing to Bristol. The men are of another opinion. Even Grandpa said she might say “no” after watching me flailing. I’m going with the women on this one. And if I break my neck, they’ll all have to be my nurses. We pull in front of the building and I turn off the engine.
“There’s a big parking lot with a side door entry,” she says pointing.
I pretend not to care. Shit as it is I can see Charlotte’s bumper. I told them to park as far from the street as possible.
“Come on, I’m excited!”
That’s no lie. I exit the truck and come around to her door.
“Take my hand, lovely.”
She places her delicate fingers in my palm. “Well, thank you kind sir. This is so great! Maybe I’ll call my Mom and tell her we’re going to be late. Forty-five minutes isn’t long enough.”
Didn’t see that coming.
“Wait. First let’s see if I’m going to be able to stand up on the skates. This may be a very short visit to The Skate Palace.”
I guide her up the walk and into the doors. The lights are bright, the music is playing, but the place is completely empty except for the one teenager manning the check-in desk.
“This is odd. Where’s everyone? I was here a few years ago and it was packed,” Bristol says.
“Don’t ask me. It’s Christmas Eve. How many people spend the night skating?”
We walk up to check in and right away the kid’s pissing me off. The look on his face is saying “I know something you don’t!” Fuck.
“Hi,” Bristol says trying to read his expression.
“Sizes?” he says looking at me without blinking.
Shit, kid. You’re supposed to make me pay first.
“Oh. Yeah. You need to pay first,” he says as if reading my mind.
I roll my eyes making sure he sees them. As I take out my credit card, I try to distract Bristol.
“So, what size are you? I’m a twelve.”
“Eight. What’s so funny?” she asks the smiling kid.
He straightens up and takes a new tact. “Nothing. I just recognize Sawyer Tom. Let me get your skates.”
Good one, kid.
Bristol leans in. “But he was staring at me,” she whispers.
“Who could blame him?” I say taking her in my arms.
With our skates we walk out to the edge of the ice rink and take a seat on the bench. The scene looks just as I hoped. Otherworldly. Romantic. Deserted. The music comes to an abrupt halt. Okay kid do not mess this up.
“Oh! Isn’t this the most beautiful setting? They’ve added the fairy lights. I absolutely love those. We’re the only ones here!”
“Good. Now only you will see me look like a fool.”
We lace our skates and I attempt to stand. Shit! It’s hard to even do that. My legs feel weak and I know why. Calm yourself.
She stands effortlessly and grabs ahold of my elbow. Just to steady me. Trying with all her might not to laugh, she guides me to the edge of the ice. Hope the kid is watching. He is. The right music starts. “Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire” lifts in the air.
“Great song,” I say innocently.
“Did I tell you it’s my favorite Christmas carol?”
“I don’t think so,” I lie.
We step on the ice. I try to maintain balance and it takes a few steps to achieve. At the far side of the rink a door opens, and someone dressed as Santa takes to the ice.
“Oh! Santa showed up! Cool,” Bristol says.
I know it’s Atticus, but I’m not surprised she can’t tell. He’s padded, bearded, and wigged. He wears gloves and granny glasses. They all should be like this.
“Santa can skate. He must be fairly young,” she says.
“Let’s try to make it around but you need to hold my hand. This is harder than I thought.”
We inch our way toward turn one, but before we get there, two other Santas come out the door and on the ice. That’s Charlotte and January.
“This is weird,” she says.
I don’t even respond because I can sell the fact I’m just trying to stay upright. Then, from the entry we came in from, three other Santas arrive. Should be Lucinda, Brick and Boone. They all are selling their indifference to Bristol and I. And no one speaks a word.
Boone is the weakest link. Got to give it to him, his ten year old knee replacement isn’t stopping him.
When she looks at me I see something new in her eyes. The light bulb is beginning to glow. She knows something is happening. She holds me back.
“I’d swear that’s my father. I know that gait.”
All I can do is smile which makes her take a long hard look at every skater moving in a wide circle around us.
“That’s my mother! Atticus!” She points them out. “January, Charlotte…”
She can’t continue because it’s making her emotional. We lock eyes.
“Is this happening?”
“It’s happening, baby. Look.”
I point in the direction of the viewing benches. There sit Grandpa Davis and Grandma Birdie in their Santa and Mrs. Claus outfits. She’s holding baby Beauregard. He’s dressed like Santa too. Wrapped in a red blanket, hat and booties. A tiny beard laid across his chin.
The music changes. It’s our song. Bristol is in full meltdown now and I’m very close. Arms lift around my neck and I hold her close. I give the signal the family has been waiting for.
All beards are removed to reveal happy faces. Their body language saying how excited each one is for Bristol and I.
When she looks up and sees the big reveal she screams with joy.
“Oh my God!”
“Someone is coming,” I say looking over her shoulder.
When she turns and sees Jude dressed in full costume skating towards us. He’s not half as bad as I am, but there’s some wobbling happening. Who cares?
He carries a rich red velvet bag tied with a satin ribbon, and a small red velvet pillow. Now Bristol is having a hard time keeping it together. Both of us are weak kneed. We wiggle to stay standing.
“My God! My God! My God!”
He reaches us just in time to grab ahold of my arm. Shit! I’m going down!
Didn’t mean to take everyone with me, but I do. Plop!! We’re a laughing pile of three.
I signal for the others to stay back. Bristol makes it up first and offers Jude a hand.
“Thanks. Now go away,” I say lovingly to Jude.
Laughing, he heads for the others.
The red bag is in my clutches. Okay, here goes. I place the pillow on the ice and take a knee. The lights dim until all that illuminate us are the hundreds of twinkling lights. We can’t see the others, it’s just us now.
Bristol covers her face with her hands, crying. I gently encircle her wrists.
“Let me see that gorgeous girl.”
She lowers her hands and bites her lip. “It’s my ugly cry!”
I lift her chin. “Baby, there’s nothing ugly about you.”
Removing the ring box from the bag I hold it up. I gaze into the calming pool of her blue eyes and it relaxes both of us. Our
breathing settles.
“My heart talks about nothing but you. I’m a man on his knee asking that you love me for a lifetime. Bristol Swift, will you marry me?”
First the head nods, and nods. Then the words come spilling out. “Yes! Yes, I’ll marry you, Sawyer Tom!”
She’s down on the ice with me. We’re holding on to each other and kissing. Lips, face, hands. Lips again. The lights go up. As we call the family, they rush to make it across the ice. Grandpa and Grandma are standing. All are teary.
Jude reaches us before anyone else. I’ve never seen such a real expression of happiness on his face. He opens arms wide and takes us in his embrace. This right here is family. My family.
As the others surround us with love, I realize for the first time in my life, I’ve finally found home.
Epilogue
Bristol
Twenty-Six Years Later
“Boone! That’s your second piece,” my mother leans in and whispers.
“Damnit, woman. Quit your counting.” He chuckles and takes a bite of our twenty-fifth silver anniversary cake.
I’m aware of how things have changed. Both for the good and the bad. Sitting around the old dining table is something we do less and less. Just that realization brings a lump to my throat. It’s hard to get us all together at one time. But today we all made the effort, because love still lives here among us.
We never thought the day would come, but the idea of hosting dinners and parties have lost their appeal for Mom and Dad. They did it so spectacularly for so many years, I think it bugs them both to know they just don’t have it in them anymore.
Time has changed us all in different ways. It’s almost unfathomable to me to know my parents are in their eighties. White hair, slower gaits and hands touched by arthritis. As I look at my mother’s hands I’m reminded of how beautiful they were. Mom has had a hard time holding her watercolor brushes lately and her paintings are far and few between. Dad’s diabetes and her heart rhythm issues have made their lives a series of doctor appointments it seems.
Their love story doesn’t appear to be so changed by it though. Right now they’re holding hands as they sit next to each other. They’re still charmed. And their example of love and loyalty continues to teach us all.