Christmas Forever

by Sophie Love

  “See,” Emily added, grinning at Daniel.

  “I’ll change diapers,” Chantelle said.

  “So will I,” Roy added.

  Terry joined in. “I’ll do laundry. Make dinner. You know I hate to be idle.”

  Daniel shook his head, realizing there was no way to refute Emily. She’d set her mind to it and there was no way he was going to change it.

  “Fine,” he said, eventually. “Let’s have a New Year’s Eve ball.”

  Everyone cheered.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  The next day, Emily threw herself into preparing for the New Year’s party. The final town meeting to approve Raven’s inn was tomorrow, and she wanted to make the announcement there, knowing everyone in town would be in attendance, and that it may be just the way to soften the blow of the announcement. It would certainly send a clear signal to Raven that Emily was going to fight for her business, that she wasn’t going to lie down and let Raven bulldoze her way through Sunset Harbor!

  There wasn’t much time to organize the event, so Emily got straight on the phone. First, she called Amy and asked for her help. Of course, her friend jumped at the opportunity. Then she called Roman and asked whether he’d be interested in playing a set at the ball.

  “For your usual fee, of course,” she told him. “I’m not asking you to play for free!”

  “I’d love to do it!” he exclaimed. “But instead of paying me, can you donate the fee to my charity? It’s a local Maine charity that provides support to the parents of premature babies. All the funds from my Christmas single are going to them as well.”

  “That’s a lovely idea,” Emily agreed, casting her mind back to the sight of the preemie ward and all the tiny babies in their incubators under purple UV lights. Seeing them had tugged at her heart-strings, and she’d felt so awful for the parents going through such anguish. “You know what, I’m going to match your fee donation with an equal sum from the sale of the tickets. We can also have collection buckets in case anyone wants to donate any spare cash on the night.”

  Agreeing that the ball would be the perfect opportunity to raise awareness and extra funds for the premature babies charity, Emily ended the call and next went about speaking to Parker regarding catering the events. He was relieved to have the work and agreed in a second. Raj, the next call she made, was thrilled to provide white flowers and trees for the event and the Elves cleaning company took on the cleaning contract. Everything quickly started falling into place.

  The best thing with all the organizing was that Emily could distract herself from the fact that today she was exactly 42 weeks pregnant. Tomorrow morning she was seeing Doctor Arkwright to discuss being induced, something she’d promised the doctor and Daniel she’d consider at 42 weeks even though she really didn’t want to do it at all. It also would be the beginning to her daily check ins with the doctor, the frequent monitoring, the inevitable disapproving looks from her friends and family as she continued to refuse medical advice and go against being chemically induced. The warnings about carrying on her pregnancy beyond this date echoed in her mind.

  Emily realized then that she did have one ally. A very unlikely one, in fact. And that was her mother.

  She decided to call her.

  “Are you in labor?” Patricia asked.

  “No. Not yet,” Emily told her. “That’s actually why I’m calling.”

  “Oh?”

  “Today is week 42.”

  “And?”

  Patricia was being typically blunt.

  “And, I know I’m going to start getting pressured to be induced,” she said. “Daniel wants me to. So does my doctor.”

  “Oh, pft,” Patricia replied. “Ignore them all, darling. You know what’s best. I’ve told you a million times that you were late and Charlotte was late, so our babies clearly just take a little longer to grow. Trust your own instincts.”

  Emily felt greatly comforted. “Thanks mom,” she said.

  There was a long moment of silence as neither said anything. Emily was half expecting her mom to say goodbye and end the call, but instead she said, “How was your Christmas day?”

  Emily blinked in surprise. It wasn’t often her mother took an interest in her life.

  “It was wonderful actually,” Emily told her. “Dad’s here.”

  “He is?” Patricia asked, and the shock in her voice was audible.

  “I know. I didn’t think he’d come. But after my hospital scare he realized he wanted to spend Christmas with us.”

  “How long is he staying for?” Patricia asked.

  “Until New Year’s Day,” Emily told her. “He’s promised Chantelle he’ll help fix up the greenhouse and we’re having a New Year’s Eve ball here so he’s staying for that as well.” She paused then, a small glimmer of a thought sparking in her mind. “I don’t suppose you’d want to come to the ball as well, would you?”

  Patricia had been giving off certain vibes recently, Emily thought, about wanting to reconcile with Roy before he passed. There was a lot of unfinished business between them, and it had only been since Emily had announced his illness that Patricia had seemed to even be able to consider the prospect of burying the hatchet. Their relationship had improved greatly over the last few months and Emily wondered whether her mom might also want to patch things up with Roy.

  “A ball?” Patricia asked, sounding a little snooty. “Goodness, do you think I don’t have anything better to do on New Year’s than attend a small town ball? Darling, I live in New York City! I have appearances to keep.”

  Emily rolled her eyes, but she wasn’t offended. For the first time in their relationship she could tell that Patricia’s behavior was just a shield, that her abrupt tone and dismissiveness was her way of protecting herself from the pain of reality, from accepting the truth that Roy would not be with them much longer.

  “Just think about it,” Emily said. “Chantelle would love to see you.”

  There was hesitation on the other end of the line. Finally, Patricia spoke. “And I her.”

  Emily smiled, knowing her mom was secretly touched.

  “Now, I must go,” Patricia said, hurriedly. “Call me when you go into labor. And remember what I said. YOU are the boss, Emily. YOU and only YOU know what is best for your body and your baby. Don’t let anyone make you do something you don’t want to.”

  “Thanks, mom,” Emily said.

  It was the best advice she’d ever gotten from the woman, and Emily cherished it.

  She finished up organizing some more things for the New Year’s ball -- speaking to the printing company who’d be making the rush order of posters and flyers for the event, organizing the fireworks display that would take place in the grounds of the inn, and finally putting in a huge order with her liquor company. When she’d done as much as she could handle, she put her mental energy into the two big events of tomorrow; the town meeting that would decide the fate of Raven Kingsley’s inn, and her appointment with Doctor Arkwright.

  Amy had been livid last time at her refusal to bash Raven’s inn. Maybe she should just give in and say what everyone wanted her to, what she herself knew would be the easiest option. But Patricia’s advice rang in her mind. Don’t let anyone make you do something you don’t want to. It was going to be her motto for tomorrow, words that would get her through both the doctor’s appointment and the town meeting. At least, she hoped as much.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  “Good morning Emily,” Rose Arkwright said as she welcomed Emily and Daniel into her office. “Please, take a seat.”

  They did, and the doctor sat at her desk.

  “We’re here,” she smiled. “Week 42! From now on, we’ll say you’re 42 + however many days. So right now, you’re 42 + 1.”

  Emily nodded her understanding.

  “How do you feel?” Doctor Arkwright asked. “Uncomfortable?”

  “The same as I was before,” Emily replied. “There’s not been much of a change. I’m not sick of the pregnan
cy at all.”

  “Are you ready to book in an induction date?”

  Emily hesitated. She tried to hold onto her mom’s steely resolve and not falter under the pressure. She swallowed hard.

  “No,” she said. “Not yet.”

  Daniel exhaled loudly.

  “You don’t approve of this decision?” the doctor asked him.

  “I don’t,” Daniel admitted. He addressed Emily. “I don’t know what you’re waiting for. Wouldn’t now be the perfect time for Charlotte to be born, while your father is here and alive to meet her?”

  Emily winced. Her father’s impending death was a cruel thing to bring into it. Even Doctor Arkwright seemed shocked by his comment. She turned her gaze away. Emily felt embarrassed that all their dirty laundry was being aired in front of her, that she’d been forced into the role of marriage counsellor as well as doctor.

  “We’ve discussed this,” Emily told him, her cheeks growing red. “I already explained to you that I didn’t want to be induced.”

  “I thought you were open to it,” came Daniel’s rebuke. “That you might change your mind.”

  “You mean you thought I’d be weak and give in to your demands if you kept pushing?” Emily snapped.

  She folded her arms. In her peripheral vision she could see Doctor Arkwright turning her chair away to give them some privacy and she felt deeply embarrassed to have a witness during this spat.

  “You keep making it sound like I’m out to get you,” Daniel refuted, the tips of his ears turning pink with suppressed anger. “I want what’s best for you. I only say these things because I’m worried. You said you’d have a membrane sweep after Christmas and book in for an induction. I’m not making it up. It’s what you told me. Is it because of the party now that you’re wanting to delay it again?”

  Emily’s mouth dropped open. “Don’t be so ludicrous. Of course it isn't! I’m not trying to make childbirth fit in with my schedule. I’m hurt you’d even suggest such a thing.”

  “I’m just trying to understand,” Daniel said. His voice sounded less angry now, more desperate and confused. “You said you’d book a date and now you’re going back on it.”

  Emily didn’t know what she could tell him to make him understand.

  “I’m sorry, Daniel,” she said finally, her gaze turning downwards. “I just said that because I was trying to accomodate you. I didn’t think it would come this far, honestly. I thought she’d be here by now. But the longer it goes on the more certain I am. I’ve made up my mind. This is what I want.”

  Daniel cast an appealing gaze towards the doctor. But she remained neutral. There was nothing she could do, anyway. No one could force Emily to have her baby.

  “Why don’t we do our checks?” the doctor said. “And make sure we’ve got a good eye on everything. And agree to keep open minds. You might feel different tomorrow.”

  Emily nodded, to placate them both more than anything. But she knew in her heart what she wanted. No one was going to talk her out of it.

  *

  As soon as the appointment was over, Daniel drove them to the town meeting, the short journey there taking place in frosty silence.

  When Emily entered the town hall, she noticed that people were looking at her warily, like it was her fault that the inevitable approval was soon to be announced. It was the last thing she needed right now, to feel that more people were against her, to be confronted with even more disappointed faces.

  She faltered, hanging back by the door, not wanting to join any of her friends. Amy and Harry were only a short distance away but Emily stayed right where she was, as if she’d planted roots in the ground.

  Mayor Hansen took to the podium and the general hubbub of chatter died down. He banged his gavel, commanding absolute silence. The whole room held its breath.

  “Well, the town has spoken,” he began. “Which leaves it to me to announce the outcome.” He paused and swallowed and directed his next statement to Raven. “The town has rejected the new inn. I’m so sorry.”

  There was a huge eruption of noise, mainly gasps of shock. No one had been expecting that result! But the surprise soon turned to elation, as the contingent that had voted against the inn started to celebrate the result.

  Raven Kingsley just looked stunned. She blinked at Mayor Hansen who, even from this distance, Emily could tell was offering his sincere condolences.

  “Thank goodness,” Daniel said beside Emily, leaning towards her ear. “That is a relief.”

  But Emily could focus only on Raven, on her crushed expression. She felt so bad for the woman. It would be wrong to celebrate her misfortune. She couldn’t help but feel disappointed with her friends for the way they were behaving.

  “I need to speak to her,” she told Daniel, moving to head towards of the hall.

  He took her arm, stopping her in her tracks. “Why?” he asked, frowning deeply.

  “I just do,” Emily said, shaking herself free of him.

  She didn’t wait for his reaction, instead heading straight through the crowds to where Raven was sitting. She was bent forward, her face buried in her hands, her glossy black hair obscuring her features like a widow’s veil.

  “I’m so sorry, Raven,” Emily said. “I can only begin to imagine how this must feel right now.”

  To her surprise, when Raven looked up and saw who it was standing over her, she burst into tears. Emily had always thought of the woman as cold and emotionless. Seeing her vulnerability tugged at Emily’s heart strings. Instinctively, she crouched down and wrapped her arms around Raven.

  “Come on,” she said in a kind, soothing voice. “Why don’t we go somewhere a bit quieter to talk? Get away from this crowd.” She cast accusational eyes around the room at the people who were gawping at them.

  Raven nodded and stood, keeping her head bowed as she collected her crocodile-skin purse. As she led the way, Emily felt like she was security helping a disgraced star flee the paparazzi. People jostled and whispered as the two of them headed towards the main exit of the town hall.

  When they reached the door, Emily was confronted by Daniel standing Amy and Harry. They were all glaring at her.

  “Raven and I are just going to have a quick chat,” she told them. “At Joe’s. I won’t be long.”

  Daniel looked exasperated, like this was yet another betrayal. First she wouldn’t agree to be induced and now she was rubbing shoulders with the enemy. Emily felt awful for it, but had to stay true to herself. She couldn’t abandon Raven in her time of need.

  Amy turned to Daniel then. “Why don’t you come back to ours for a bit?” she said. “We could do with a catch up. It’s been too long.”

  Emily knew that all three would use the opportunity to vent about her; Daniel for her willfulness over the pregnancy, Amy over her perceived betrayal by siding with Raven, and Harry for all the drama her decisions were causing. It didn’t seem to matter to them that they’d got the outcome they wanted, just that Emily had not been on their side when it counted.

  “Sure,” Daniel replied, testily. “Thanks.” He handed his truck keys to Emily. “You okay to drive yourself home?”

  “Of course,” she said, snatching them out of his hand. “I’m pregnant not dying.”

  She didn’t look back to see their reactions as she hurried out of the door.

  Despite the bitingly cold wind, it was a relief to be out of that claustrophobic place and out into the open air.

  “Why are you being so kind to me?” Raven said through her tears as they descended the stone steps leading from the town hall. “No one else is.”

  “Because I’ve been where you are,” Emily explained. “I know how awful it can be to feel like the town is against you. And as much as I love this place and the people in it, going against the grain can be quite intimidating.” They reached the bottom and began to walk along the sidewalk heading for Joe’s Diner. “Besides, we both share the same dream. And I know how I would feel if it had been snatched away from me at
the last minute.”

  Raven seemed too miserable to even reply. They finished the rest of the short walk in silence then went inside the diner, making the bell above the door tinkle.

  Joe looked up from behind the counter. Emily noted his surprised expression as he watched the two of them -- two rivals -- taking a seat together in one of the booths. He came over then, coffee pot in hand and a confused expression on his face.

  “How did the meeting go?” he asked Emily. But he must have noticed the way that Raven was weeping bitterly then and put two and two together in his mind. “Sorry, stupid question,” he added under his breath.

  He poured them both coffee -- decaf for Emily of course -- then hovered beside them as if he had more to say. Joe was known for his nosiness, and Emily usually just thought of it as a harmless foible. But now wasn’t the time. She shot him a slightly stern look and he retreated back to the counter. Finally they had some privacy.

  Raven pulled some tissues from the dispenser beside them and wiped her nose.

  “Thank you, Emily,” she said. “You know you’re one of the few people in this town who hasn’t bashed me.”

  “I know,” Emily said sadly. “This town can be suspicious of outsiders. I can only apologize.”

  “Don’t,” Raven refuted. “They were right to be. I’m everything they said I was.”

  Emily frowned. “What do you mean?”

  Raven took a deep breath like she was about to divulge some deep, dark secret.

  “I mean they were right about my plans for the hotel. Everyone was scared that I would ruin this town with a big, ugly corporate building made of glass. That I would have rented out the rooms at a loss just to drive other’s out of business. And they were right. It’s what I would have done. It’s what I always do.”

  Emily was shocked by the revelation. “But I thought you wanted to settle here,” she stammered. “Start a new life. Turn over a new leaf. That’s what you told me and I… I fought for you, Raven.”