A Family for Christmas

by Marlene Bierworth

  “It’s harder than I expected,” said Sandra. “Not that I feel guilty or imagine Braxton in heaven throwing lightning bolts at us. I suppose change has always been difficult for me.”

  “I’m certain you’ll come out the other end, shining and full of new vibrancy.”

  “You are an encourager. Did anyone ever tell you that?”

  “My grandchildren call if something else, but I think it means the same thing,” Robert said.

  “Have you dated much since your wife’s death?”

  “Once – it was a catastrophe. But I learned that alone and content is better – until the right woman comes along. Five years has been a long wait, but I suspect you’re worth it.”

  “Me? You think I qualify as Ms. Right?”

  “I strongly suspect you do and hope that you will indulge me long enough to persuade you.”

  Sandra had to admit their personalities clicked. Talking to Robert was easy, and she appreciated the unique distinctions of his character. Perhaps she should allow this man time enough to convince her. Re-entering the world of eligible, romantic suitors seemed a daunting task.

  She sucked up the fear that wanted to numb her. “I look forward to the next two weeks with you, Robert. Starting with tonight.” She twisted the hand that lay palm down under his and interlaced their fingers. Gently squeezing, she smiled at this stranger from yesterday that now filled her senses with hope; all with little conscious effort on his part.

  Sammy pulled into the circled drive and stopped at the entrance to Elegant Dining. Robert got out his side and reached his hand in for Sandra. A flash of a high-class movie scene passed through her mind as she raised to meet his eyes. “Thank you, sir.”

  “You’re taller with heels,” Robert said.

  “Ah, nervous that I can look into those eyes and read your next move?”

  “Not at all. Look all you want.”

  Sandra brushed past him. “Let’s eat, Mr. Fredricks.”

  The hostess grabbed two menus from a shelf and led the couple to a table by a window. Sandra eased into her chair and waited for Robert to sit. “It’s a beautiful spot, Sandra, Thanks for suggesting it.”

  She smiled. “Angie told me about the place. I’ve never been here but I’m glad the first time is with you. Now, tell me about your children and more importantly, your grandchildren.”

  “Jamie is ten years old and the apple of her grand-pappy’s eye. She has a younger brother, Timothy, who is too much like his father – all serious and head in the books.”

  “Many great men started with their head in books.”

  “True enough. Let’s hope they are raising the next president.”

  When the waitress introduced herself as Tanna, Robert ordered the appetizer and drinks and she left.

  “My other daughter is not doing well in the commitment department. Despite two failed marriages, she has blessed us with a bouncy, fair-haired toddler named Sassie, who lives up to her name in attitude but can somehow wrap me around her finger. And a teenage boy who has a chip on his shoulder but his mother is trying her best to knock it off.”

  “And both your girls run the business while you plan weddings?” asked Sandra.

  “Yes. A country store selling knick-knacks, but mostly Christmas stuff. It was my wife’s passion, and she made us a good living at it while I moonlighted with planning weddings online. When she died, I took my business on the road and gave hers to the girls.”

  “My husband and I were in the renovation business. Bought up properties all around Nashville needing tender loving care.” She laughed. “Generally, a total gut, but we magically restored them and sold for profit.”

  “Suppose that’s why you love architecture so much,” said Robert.

  “Yes. Construction was Braxton’s passion, and I developed a talent for designing. But in my heart, I just liked to stay home and bake cookies for my family.”

  “Cookies? I love cookies. Maybe we can sneak in the kitchen another night and make a batch.”

  “We have a great baker at the resort. My cookies would taste like a kindergarten attempt compared to his.”

  “Maybe I’d like to taste yours – just once.”

  “It’s a date,” said Sandra, and then laughed. “Did I say that?”

  “You did, and I think it qualifies as a wonderful second date.”

  The evening continued with easy conversation and Sandra welcomed Robert’s casual sense of humor. It had been far too long since she had this much fun with a man. She missed it and could almost feel Braxton smiling down on her. He’d want her to be happy. At the door to the Parkinson apartment, Robert lingered, holding her hand and his smiling eyes penetrating the little that remained of her defenses.

  “I had a wonderful evening, Sandra. In fact, the entire day was memorable on every level.”

  “For me too,” Sandra said.

  “I won’t attempt to kiss you, although I’m dying too,” admitted Robert. “Don’t want to jinx what we’ve started here.”

  Sandra bit her lip. She’d never kissed a man other than Braxton, had never wanted to, until now. With all the boldness she could muster, she leaned in and kissed him lightly on the cheek – just to let him know that she was on board with the direction their relationship appeared to be heading.

  “Goodnight Robert. See you in the morning. Lots of work left to get Trevor and Angie married off in style.”

  *****

  Back in his room, Robert dropped into a cozy armchair. He loosened his tie, laid his head back and closed his eyes. Sandra was everything and more than his wish list asked for in a woman and an unexpected hit on his bachelorhood. It had been five years since death took Mildred from her sickbed. Her last year, suffering with incurable cancer had also been a strain on his physical and mental health; caregiving for his beloved patient a slow death for his heart. But he’d survived the comeback and was ready to love again.

  He felt his cheek where Sandra had kissed him. Was it a signal that she was ready as well? It had only been a year of mourning for her, but he sensed she possessed a great need for family. People healed at different rates of speed. He could only hope two weeks would be long enough for them to decide if they had a future together worth considering. He chuckled aloud. Who was he kidding? One day at the Heritage Inn had done it for him. He already dreaded the day this job would end, and he’d be forced to leave Sandra behind.

  A shadow crossed his face as thoughts of his daughters, Cynthia and Franny, plagued his mind. Not a day went by that they didn’t mention their mother. Their grief dragged on and he was uncertain how they would take the news of him entertaining thoughts of another woman – let alone a possible wife. He chuckled – how crazy was that scenario – two days into a relationship and he had them married off? The longing of his heart cast off the doubts in his mind, allowing him freedom to further speculate the future.

  He and any woman would have a big job winning the girls over. He wondered how other men tackled similar family adjustments. Most widowers remarried at some point. Forty-nine was not old, and he was not willing to live alone until the Good Lord decided his time on earth was up. Not when a woman like Sandra was available.

  He yawned and reclined the lazy-boy chair. Within minutes he fell fast asleep, his heart content for the first time in years.

  The next day, Robert and Sandra settled on loungers at the beach. The sandy carpet transformed into a chapel within their minds as the wedding planner designed their detailed vision into his program online. Plans for the ceremony site, the dining and dancing tents took form and Sandra watched in amazement as the scene unfolded.

  For the event, they’d chosen a large section of higher ground that fronted the breath-taking view of the lake, with Chasler Mountain putting the final touches on the distant spectacle. Angie’s color choices of blue, green, and red interchanged on bows strung around all the white chairs down the main aisle. Tall vases of flowers in vivid Christmas colors speckled the red-carpeted beach area that
would serve as the chapel where they’d exchange vows of love. The wide archway with its vines of multicolored blossoms took center stage where the couple would usher in their happy-ever-after.

  “It’s amazing. I wish I’d have known about this program when I designed a new space for our fixer-uppers.”

  “My daughter downloaded it for me a couple years back. It’s a great tool to show the bride how the area will look as a finished product.” He grinned. “And much easier to change at this point in the design.”

  “When will we show the kids?”

  “I was hoping to meet up with them at lunch.”

  Sandra grabbed the phone from her pocket. “Let me text them. Meet you both at twelve-thirty in the dining hall,” she mumbled as she wrote the message. “Be there. We have great news. There,” she said to Robert as she pocketed her phone. “That should put the fear of God in them.”

  Robert chuckled. “Aren’t you afraid they will think we want to make it a double wedding – so soon on the heels of our great evening together?”

  Sandra roared then sobered when she noted his serious expression. “That would indeed put the fear of God in them – and me. Really Robert; Why would you say such a thing? You barely know me.”

  His brows lifted in fun. “I told you about the three-month courtship the first time around, didn’t I? Time is not on my side, Sandra, and I don’t plan on wasting it with formalities when my heart gives the go-ahead.” He grinned when she’d gone silent. “Or if it makes you feel better, maybe I just enjoy getting a rise from you.”

  She exhaled. “You had me going there for a minute. It’s hard to tell when you’re serious or joking.”

  “I’m not such a complicated fella. You’ll figure me out soon enough.”

  “Right. So, back to the wedding. I see you’ve put the party tent on the lower beach area snubbed up against the embankment.”

  “Thought people might enjoy spreading out, kicking off the shoes that bind and dance in the sand. It is a beach party.”

  “Well, to expand on that theme, maybe we need a cozy spot,” she pointed to an area off to the side, “for a fire pit. I love to dream by a blazing fire under a scattering of stars.”

  “Good idea. We’ll run it by Trevor and Angie at lunch. Nothing I’d like more than dreaming beside a bonfire with you.”

  Sandra cleared her throat. That man could bring a touch of intimacy into any discussion. “We’d have to keep it far from the dancing tent. Don’t want to create a huge smoke and drive everyone away.”

  “We’ll make it a small fire pit – for small dreams in the making.”

  “Perfect.” She looked at her phone when it pinged. “They will both be there – eager for the good news.” She leaned over to show Robert. “Note all the question marks my son has added to the end of his message. I’d say we got him thinking?” she laughed.

  “Delighted to be staging mischief with you, Sandra.”

  “Maybe we can play it up a bit – like come in the dining hall holding hands and whispering sweet nothings in one another’s ears.”

  “That would suit me fine, woman. Though I’m not sure it would be all play acting for me. I’d love to whisper sweet nothings in your ear.”

  Sandra bit her lip. “Well, this is your time to practise up, sir. Let’s do it.”

  At twelve-thirty-five, after a short keep-them-guessing waiting time, Sandra looped her arm through Robert’s and snuggled in close. She leaned in and started the first whisper. “Are you ready for some fun?”

  “More than ready,” came his response.

  Sandra giggled, not because it was funny, but to draw the couple’s attention to their arrival in the room. It worked. She noticed them look up immediately from their conversation at the table.

  “They’re watching,” said Sandra.

  “Noted.” He huddled closer and bent low in her ear. “All silliness aside, I am totally blown away by you, Sandra Dristoll. You do not want to know what I dreamed about last night.”

  She felt a crimson flush spreading up her neck. How absurd at her age. “Perhaps you should leave that for another time,” she added sweetly.

  “No way! It was you and me walking down that red-carpeted beach aisle, saving unnecessary money on setting up a brand-new venue, and tying the knot in the wee hours of the morning. Too bad your son missed it – but I suppose honeymoons are rather important.”

  “Your dreams are colorful and romantic, Mr. Fredricks.”

  “Sandra Fredricks. I like the sound of that.”

  “You are making me blush,” said Sandra.

  “All the better to lure in the fish for big the catch, my dear. I think we’ve gotten your kid’s attention. We’re almost there. Any last nibbles in my ear.”

  “You are a strange man.” She smiled into his face, their lips only inches apart. “I think I like you.”

  “Music to my ears.” He pecked a quick kiss on her cheek and the two stopped in front of the startled young couple. “Good afternoon, Angie, Trevor. We have wonderful news for you today.”

  They took their time settling into chairs and picked up the one-page lunch menu. “Mm, what would you like to eat, Robert? I can attest to the cook’s Sheppard’s pie. Tastiest I’ve ever had.”

  Trevor interrupted. “You make a good pie with Grannies recipe.” He glanced at Robert. “My mother does not give herself half the credit she deserves.”

  “I have discovered that about the lady. She also says her designing skills are only mediocre, but I beg to differ,” said Robert.

  It relieved Sandra to see him finally getting down to the business at hand and abandoning the charade of their so-called togetherness. The two-minute walk to the table had left her emotions struggling in turbulent waves. They gave their orders to the waitress and Sandra relaxed. She looked at Robert. “It’s time for the big reveal.”

  Robert could not resist one list dig. “Which one?” he smiled at her and turned his attention to the couple who remained speechless. “After we’ve eaten, we’d like to show you the nuts and bolts of a design we fashioned for your special day.”

  Angie sprang to life. “Really?” She looked at Trevor and shrugged. Sandra wondered if their trickery had truly fooled them. “I’ve almost completed my year end. Only December left to do so I will have more time to invest in the wedding plans.”

  “Seems Mom and Mr. Fredricks are going at this event full speed. Maybe they don’t need our help at all and we can just show up for the day.” Trevor grabbed his bride’s hand. “Less stress, right? And I must admit I enjoy monopolizing all your spare time.”

  “But it is Angie’s wedding, Trevor. A bride needs to call the shots on her special day, not a marriage planner and her future mother-in-law.”

  “I can handle a bit of both. You bring me the plans and I will give my stamp of approval or suggest something else. All persons in favor, say I.” Trevor was the loudest, and the group laughed.

  When lunch ended, the foursome moved to an outside terrace table to see the results of the planning so far. Robert opened his laptop and found the file where he’d saved Angie Parkinson & Trevor Dristoll: Wedding Plans. When on screen, he moved it closer for the couple to view. Sandra and Robert watched the young couple’s expression grow with each detail they spotted.

  “I love it,” Trevor said. “What do you think, honey?”

  Angie wiped the tears gathering in the corner of her eyes. “Everything is perfect; the colors, the backdrop, the decorated archway, the flowers, a rug covering the sand, but mostly the location. It was off that very plateau on the beach we celebrated my parents’ 25th anniversary. It was a mid-day gathering with games and fun in the water.”

  “So glad you like it,” said Robert. “We aim to please – as long as the location won’t bring tears on your wedding day.”

  “Tears of happiness are allowed,” said Sandra. “Otherwise, I am in trouble, for I no doubt will shed many before the day is done.”

  “Anything you want to ch
ange for this part before I start ordering the furniture in?” asked Robert.

  “Nothing.” Angie nudged Trevor. “Want me to take you down there and show you the spot? You’ll love it.”

  “Sure, anything to steal more of your precious time.” The couple rose. “Keep up the good work you two,” said Trevor.

  After they left, Robert said, “This is the nit-picky part. Fifty choices of chairs to rent is only one of the tedious hurdles at this point.”

  “Can I help or do you prefer to go it alone?” asked Sandra.

  “In the words your son so adequately spoke; anything to steal more of your precious time.”

  “Good. Because I love the details you call tedious. Did you ever notice men think on the grand scheme whereas women love to make the details of life happen?”

  “Can’t say I have.” Robert pulled the computer closer and brought up a different page where he recorded all the many minute decisions as they happened. “All right. Time to fill in the blanks and order our beach scene. Two weeks is pushing it, but I have connections and we will have this wedding on track for December 24th.”

  “I found it strange that they chose to marry on Christmas Eve,” Sandra said. “Have you heard our story?”

  “No. Angie just said the date held significance.”

  “No other way to say it except straight out. My husband, Braxton, and Angie’s parents all died in a car crash on Christmas Eve in Hawaii. Her brother was intoxicated and after causing the accident, died a few hours later in hospital from his injuries.”

  “Woe – those are heavy memories to drag to the altar. I had no idea.”

  “The kids say it’s what almost tore them apart but forgiveness and healing brought them together again. They chose that date to celebrate the victory. A bittersweet reminder that love overcomes the biggest hurdles in life.”

  “And what about you? Your husband died last Christmas Eve?”

  “He’s still alive in my heart. That will never change. But it doesn’t mean I will live the rest of my days tripping over my own grief. Braxton would not want that. He was a jolly sort – loved to play Santa.” Sandra gasped and her hands flew to her mouth. “Robert, can you play Santa – for the wedding, I mean? I can think of no better way than to allow the man in red to hand gifts to the couple. We have time slotted in the dance tent for the opening of presents between four and five o’clock.” Sandra’s feet danced on the spot.