A Family for Christmas

by Marlene Bierworth

  Cindy merely offered a hand of greeting. “So nice to meet you, Angie and Trevor. I wish you luck.” The tag at the end of her greeting held a touch of bitterness and Sandra grieved in silence. This woman needed rehabilitation as much as her husband.

  The couple took their place and almost immediately the room filled with a jolly, “Ho, Ho, Ho; Merry Christmas!” The crowd’s attention changed direction and all cheered for the man in red as he waved and made his way down the center aisle.

  He grinned at Sandra before starting his duties. “Now what do we have here? Presents for the bride and groom,” he said while moving gifts and shuffling under the tree. “I see tags for all the girls and boys, too.” He stood and held his belly tight as he roared another, “Ho, Ho, Ho. Santa never forgets the little people.”

  Anticipation for receiving the gift with their name under the tree, kept the children’s attention for forty minutes while the newlyweds unwrapped their wedding gifts, leaving a hill of torn paper, bows and ribbons off to the side. Skip noticed green garbage bags and staying low, left his seat and made his way to the pile. He began to stuff the garbage into the bags while Angie opened her final gift. By the time people wanted to take pictures the area was clean. Santa took note and Skip was the first to receive one of the remaining packages under the tree. “To my very special helper, today.” He smiled at his grandson. “Tell the folks your name.”

  “Skip,” the boy mumbled.

  “Well, you are definitely on Santa’s good-boy list. Watch for a special present under your tree tomorrow morning. But make sure you don’t peek. Dreams and wishes come true this time of year.”

  Skip was Franny’s oldest, and recognized his grandfather under the disguise, not fooled at the man’s attempt to alter his voice.

  “You into magic, Santa? I got big requests.”

  “More into miracles, boy. The Good Lord never sleeps and Christmas is a year-round event. Keep your chin pointed to the hills where redemption draws nigh.”

  Later when she was alone with Robert, she complimented him on his performance, especially the encouragement he offered his grandson.

  “He’s a deep thinker. Good head on his shoulders. Franny did a good job raising him without a father.”

  “I’m sure you filled the role whenever possible.”

  “The boy and I are close. Even when he messes up, he runs to me.” He winked at Sandra. “He likes you too. Didn’t I tell you he was smart?”

  Sandra grinned. “I’m relieved the speeches and meal went off without a hitch. I think people are enjoying themselves.”

  “What’s not to enjoy? A walk on the beach, the lighthouse, a romantic fire pit, and dancing in the great outdoors on Christmas Eve. Our own piece of heaven here on earth. That’s what we’re blessed with today.”

  “Trevor and Angie are having a good time too. I haven’t seen my son so happy in years.”

  “Being in love does that to you,” said Robert as he scanned the area.

  “Looking for your brood?”

  “Yeah, have you seen them lately?”

  “I think they headed for the lighthouse a while back.”

  “Mind if I run and catch up? Give you a chance to rest up before the band comes back with the next set of tunes. I plan on dancing your feet off tonight.”

  Sandra laughed. “Go on. I’ll stretch out and relax by the fire.”

  She watched him head for the water and yawned. It had been a very long day. Slipping off her low heels, she carried them and walked toward the fire pit. The deserted area seemed the perfect place to catch her breath before Robert’s return. The grandchildren had warmed up to their Pappy’s new woman, and Franny seemed comfortable, but Cindy remained aloof and try as she might she could not crack the woman’s shell. But she sensed progress with the family and she’d cling to that hope and trust God would bring it to completion.

  Crawling on a lounger, she spread out and sighed. It felt so good to be off her feet. The heavens took on a life of their own. She imagined a master artist sprinkling brilliant stars to illuminate the cerulean background sky. A full moon shone and she chuckled when detecting a pattern inside the yellow that suggested the man-in-the-moon smiling down on their day. Creation always filled her with an intense appreciation for life and drew her closer to the Creator. She closed her eyes and began to hum a tune magnifying the greatness of God.

  “Now isn’t that a pretty sight,” came a voice, interrupting her solitude.

  Sandra opened her eyes and looming over her was a stranger. But upon further inspection, she sprang to her feet, gasping at the nerve of the man.

  “You’re the man who yelled at Franny in the store.” Her hand went to her throat as his presence registered. “You’re Cindy’s husband.”

  “Slightly sobered, and here to beg forgiveness. Someone said you’d know where I could find them.”

  Eye to eye, Sandra never backed down. “You’ve hurt your family deeply. You will need patience to win them back, if that is your real goal.”

  “Of course, it is. I’m not stupid. Cindy and the kids are my life.”

  “Maybe you should have thought of that before you showed up today with too many drinks under your belt.”

  He snickered and scanned Sandra. “Cindy told me the old man’s new woman was a do-gooder. Don’t you tire of sticking your nose in other people’s business?”

  Sandra swallowed the rebuke she wanted to bark back and kept her voice on an even keel. “And here my intention all along was simply to get acquainted with Robert’s family. Funny how character reveals itself, good and bad.”

  Joe grabbed her arm and squeezed. “Well, butt out of our problems. Cindy doesn’t need another mother figure. We were glad to rid ourselves of the first one.”

  “Really? Cindy loved her mother.”

  “Don’t I know it. Interfering witch that she was. If she’d had her way, I’d have never gotten her daughter down the aisle.” His laugh bordered on mockery. “But we fooled them. Eloped and came back pregnant. That settled their nagging once and for all.”

  Sandra changed the subject. “Have you heard yet if the driver in the other vehicle is okay?”

  “Minor scrapes and bruises. Nothing life threatening.” He ran his fingers through his blonde mass of waves. “Guess some might call it a miracle; even me after seeing the pint-sized car the cops cut the driver from.”

  She watched as a shadow of remorse attempted to lighten his smug expression. Was that a sneak peek granted by the Lord to fill her with His compassion for this lost soul? She inhaled deeply and moved in that direction.

  “Do you believe in miracles, Joe?”

  “Went to church once a while with the family years back. Got away from it.”

  “Would you say you stopped going about the same time you started drinking heavily?”

  “You got something on your mind, woman?” he released her arm and she rubbed it to get the blood circulating again.

  “From experience I know that God helps me when I fall prey to sinful lusts.”

  “You!” He laughed loud and hard, but this time her remark appeared to entertain him with less mockery tainting it. “Can’t see the likes of you struggling with any great sin.”

  “We live in the world, Joe, and it requires us to make choices daily, to either walk the straight and narrow path or get lost in the potholes on sideroads.”

  “That’s right poetic. Are you suggesting I’m lost on one of those roads?”

  “What do you think? You’ve dishonored your wife’s parents and sister, repeatedly abused your wife and children, turned your back on God, and now are attempting to intimidate me, the newbie. I’m convinced you’ve traveled the lonely road for a long time.”

  He grinned, and she saw a touch of genuine humor in his face. “You’re a spunky one; I’ll grant you that.”

  “And not about to change anytime soon.”

  “So wise one – how do you suggest I can get my family back?”

  “Is tha
t what you want?”

  “Stop asking me that. How do I know what I want? I’m lost remember.”

  “Exactly. So, I recommend you prove your good intentions by booking yourself into rehab and getting into a right relationship with God. There is a price to pay for the road you’ve traveled. God won’t take that consequence away from you. But with His help, there’s hope for recovery and a fresh start – whatever that may be.”

  “I’m not the patient type.”

  “That might be one of the first things you need to work on when you kick your addiction and are in the right frame of mind.”

  “What if Cindy won’t wait?”

  “No guarantees. All you can do is stay humble and get your act together. If you’re meant to be reunited with your family, it will happen.”

  She heard a rustling behind as the gang of Fredricks rushed to the campfire. Robert moved in beside Sandra and pulled her back from the man. As a final comment she said, “Now might be a good time for a dose of that humility.”

  The children ran to their father and hugged his legs chattering about the day’s events so far. He listened and at the same allowed a wandering eye to search his wife. She stood stone-cold, and Sandra prayed for the opportunity to minister to her breaking heart.

  Finally, Joe moved aside and approached Robert. “I’m sorry if I ruined your day, sir. I was an idiot.” He nodded toward Sandra. “You got yourself a fine woman there.”

  Robert remained speechless and Joe moved closer to Cindy. She took a step back, and he stopped his approach. “I owe you the biggest apology. Ruined your life and to be honest I don’t know how to fix that. But Sandra there says sorry is not enough. I need to change. Here’s hoping the doctors and the Good Lord will tag along for the ride.”

  “Is that why you came here? To wheel me in for the final kill. I’ve heard it all before,” said Cindy.

  “Don’t rightly recall me suggesting to go for help, but I understand your misgivings. I expect nothing from you, except if you’re on talking terms with the Almighty, you might bring my name up from time to time.” He nodded toward Sandra and turned to go. A few steps away he glanced back. “And to answer your question, Cindy, no, that’s not why I came here. I come to drag you home where you belong and knock sense into your thick skull. But it turns out that lady over there has magic in her voice. Got me thinking, with a little help I might actually prove worthy of my family’s love.”

  All you could hear after he left was the lapping of the waves against the dock. Even the children sensed a change in the air. Robert took Sandra’s hand and squeezed it, and a sense of family swept over her. Could this encounter benefit them? What she wouldn’t give to have this man by her side clear into her rocking chair years.

  Cindy edged closer. “Can we walk, Sandra?”

  “Certainly. Nothing I’d like better.”

  They walked to the far end of the dock. Sandra lifted her fancy dress and Cindy followed suit. The two women dropped to the edge of the platform to let their feet dangle in the water.

  “Joe would kill me for sitting on a dirty wet wooden dock with my best dress on,” said Cindy.

  “You don’t have to worry about him anymore. Just pray like he asked. It will help both of you.”

  “How’s that?”

  “There was a time a while back when I struggled to forgive someone who’d wronged me. One day I felt the impulse to pray for her. Every day the reminder came, and I went from a few obedient words – Bless the sorry excuse for a woman – to more heartfelt prayer. Eventually they brought me to my knees, and I stormed the heavens for Him to rescue her from her own hand. When the burden lifted, I’d forgiven her and life went on.”

  “I suppose she became your best friend?” asked Cindy with a touch of attitude.

  “Far from it. Forgiveness sets both parties free to continue life under a fresh anointing. There is no prize for obeying God’s word. But because the past no longer carries the same pain, it does allow us to choose the paths we travel next. In my case, I did not line up to receive a second blow to my heart.” Sandra laughed. “God’s ways are mysterious and situations vary, but all result in victory for the child of God.”

  “I’m at the few-obedient-word stage,” she smiled and looked at Sandra. “But I promise to try.”

  “That’s all we can do. I’m proud of you.”

  “Why do you care? My sister and I accused you of trying to steal our father and being a gold digger. You should hate us.”

  “Hatred is not in my vocabulary. I care for your father. It even surprised me because I’m not your typical jump-in-the-fire kind of woman, especially in romance.”

  “My Dad is – but only when it socks him in the chin. He tells us you are the only one he’s ever been interested in since mother. And the more I see of you, the better I understand.” She scrunched up her brows. “Are you a saint or something?”

  Sandra roared laughing. “If you mean perfect, definitely not. I have tarnished my halo many times in the past and I suspect if you hang around me long enough, you’ll see it discolor again.”

  “So, can we start over?” asked Cindy.

  “We already have. Here we sit like two friends talking and bathing our feet in the lake at ten o’clock on Christmas Eve.”

  “Oh, my. Is that what time it is?” Cindy pulled her feet out of the water and jumped to her feet. “I can’t believe the little ones are still awake. Tomorrow is Christmas Day and our day will start at the crack of dawn.”

  “Yes, I remember those days with fondness.”

  “We should push off. Father has ordered a taxi to help the crowd of us get home. I hope you don’t mind him spending Christmas day with us.”

  “Not in the least. It’s where he should be,” said Sandra.

  Before Cindy headed down the ramp, she said, “We’ve given Father the thumbs up. I hope you’ll stick with him. He’s pretty much smitten.”

  Sandra laughed. “I’ll be sticking around, Cindy. Call me if you’d like to visit again soon. I enjoyed our chat.”

  “Count on it.”

  Sandra watched her walk away but stayed behind to allow Robert the opportunity to say his goodbyes. The music in the tent started up, and she grew excited. The rest of the evening was hers and Roberts alone, and for once her entire body, soul and spirit craved the freedom that offered. Ten minutes later she heard his footsteps on the wooden planks. When he reached her he squeezed in from behind and wrapped his arms around her waist. She leaned back and closed her eyes.

  “Are your feet frozen yet?”

  “The water’s warm, and there’s room for two,” Sandra said.

  “I think I like this position better.”

  “So do I. Your heart is in tune with the peaceful music.”

  “This day played horrible tricks on my emotions. This feeling, with you, I gladly accept,” said Robert. A deep sigh followed. “But I hate that I’m so exhausted.”

  “Is that your excuse for not following through with your promise to dance until the party closes down?”

  “Mm, I said that, didn’t I?”

  “Yep. And I like a man who honors his word.”

  “And I more than like you, miracle woman.”

  “I suppose I should have expected it. The Miracle Worker has been setting this up for weeks now. Just had to follow His lead.”

  Robert twisted, staging their faces to within an inch of one another. “I’m dying to kiss you. A real kiss.”

  “What’s stopping you?”

  “I’d like to hear the words. Are you still running from us or do I have a chance?”

  “I’ve quit running. In fact,” she lifted her hand to caress his cheek, “I think I may have toppled over the edge of the cliff, very close to declaring my undying love you Robert Fredricks.”

  Robert never answered with words, but the excitement in his eyes told all. He leaned in to seal the promise, starting Mrs. Claus’ second lonely heart couple at Heritage Inn, on a new adventure of second c
hance love.

  On Christmas morning at eleven o’clock sharp, Trevor and Angie returned from spending their first night as man and wife at some secret motel destination. Happier faces she’d not seen since looking in the mirror this morning. New love was contagious and the atmosphere tingled with its presence. Trevor would not hear of spending Christmas morning anywhere else but around the pine tree in their Heritage Inn apartment – with his new wife and Sandra. Robert was where he belonged, with his children. There’d be other Christmases to blend together as one united family.

  Trevor read the Bible story of Jesus’ birth, and the newly formed family prayed together for the first time. When they finished, Sandra was teary eyed.

  “Happy tears, Mom?”

  “Very happy. Who could have guessed that the season would not only give me a new daughter – your wife – to love and cherish, but also the prospects of a whole new family?”

  “So, when’s the wedding?”

  Sandra swatted at her son. “Don’t be silly.” Then she winked. “Robert promised we’d wait until after you returned from your honeymoon.”

  Angie laughed. “Wow, I thought we had the record with a six-month engagement.”

  “You have a lot more years left than I do. Robert and I are well into the second half of years allotted these mortal bodies.”

  “Angie and I have a present for you.” Trevor went to the tree and fished under the lower branches. He brought over a small package, the size of a book but much thinner. She felt it for clues, as was her favorite thing to do. “Just open it, will you? Our plane for San Juan leaves in four hours.”

  She toyed with the corners, and when she heard Trevor’s familiar click of the tongue announcing his annoyance, she tore the wrapping off.

  A picture frame turned upside down made her squeal. “How did you manage a picture? The wedding was only yesterday.”

  “Turn it over, Mom. Not all things are as they seem.”

  “Oh, mysterious - I like it,” she whispered. She flipped the frame over and stared at the document in her lap.