by Andrea Hurst
“I hope there’s room for the baby,” Jude kidded. “And that you like what we got the baby for Christmas.”
“I’m sure I will love whatever you two picked out.” Kyla’s eyes filled with tears.
Both Lily and Jude rushed over. “What’s the matter?” Jude asked. Kyla’s tears rolled down her cheeks. Jude led her over to the rocker. “Here, sit down. This has been an exhausting day for you.”
“Everything is ready, but it feels like the baby will never come.”
Jude hugged her friend. “I know the feeling. I remember when Christopher was two weeks late. I could barely get out of a chair by myself.”
Kyla wiped her cheeks. “I remember,” she said. “The doctor told me today that if the baby doesn’t come by Christmas, they may need to do a C-section, just to be safe.”
“Don’t worry,” Lily said. “No matter what, both Jude and I will be here.”
“Thank you. I just burst out crying sometimes. Were you like that when you were pregnant?”
Jude laughed. “Absolutely. Now come on. Let’s go downstairs and eat some of that Christmas jam cake Ryan sent over.”
⌘
Gwyn was already asleep by the time Lily got home from Kyla’s. It had been a long night. She texted Ian in New York to see if he was still up and wanted to talk.
“Miss you,” he texted back.
She kicked off her shoes, fell back on her bed, and called him to fill him in on the day’s happenings.
“Good luck with the art awards ceremony tomorrow,” she said. She stifled a yawn. “If the timing were different, I’d be right there at your side for this.”
“And I’d be right at your side, cozy in bed,” he answered.
Her heart fluttered. “I love you. Now get some sleep,” she said.
She finished undressing and slipped on her favorite flannel nightgown before sliding in under the down quilt. She flipped off the light and closed her eyes.
Tomorrow her mother would arrive, so help was on the way. Lily loved watching Gwyn interact with her grandmother. Three generations of women would be spending the holiday together having some “girl time” before Ian arrived back home. If Maggie were still here, there would be four generations. Memories of her grandmother from Christmastime many years ago floated through her mind. There were her grandma Maggie and her mother standing in front of a fragrant Christmas tree in the parlor. The smell of her favorite fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies lingered in the air. Under the tree, there was a ballet doll, with pink tights and a puffy pink tutu.
As the memory expanded, Lily saw her father sitting out on the porch in freezing weather, no coat, a bottle of liquor and a glass beside him. She’d heard her mother and father fighting, and her father had sped off in their car.
On Christmas morning, Santa had left her a new bike wrapped with a big red, shiny bow, which was waiting for her on the porch. Grandma Maggie made her famous French toast and there were stockings to open. She could not remember when her father finally came back for them.
She shook off the memory and decided to add Maggie’s French toast to her brunch menu for Christmas Day in honor of her grandmother.
⌘
The airport shuttle was running late for the drop-off in town, so Lily kept the car idling and heater defrosting while she waited.
Eventually it pulled up and Lily jumped out to greet her mother.
“Mom,” Lily said as she wrapped her arms around her. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
“It’s good to see you, honey,” Catherine replied.
Lily took her mother’s suitcase and the bag of wrapped presents she was carrying and headed toward the car. She enjoyed seeing her mom in jeans and winter boots, in contrast to her usual Los Angeles city look. She was as trim-looking as ever, and her smile calmed Lily down from a ten to a two on the stress meter.
“Brr,” Catherine said. “It’s pretty chilly here.”
Lily loaded the suitcase into the trunk. “You Californians just aren't used to it. Hop in the car. It’s toasty warm.”
They buckled up and headed back to the inn.
“Where is my little granddaughter?” Catherine asked.
“She’s home with Grandpa John and Jason. They’re fixing a special dinner just for you.”
They arrived at the inn first so Catherine could settle in her room. After hanging up their coats, they started upstairs. “I have you in the Lavender Suite,” Lily said, leading the way. “Mary’s got a fire started in there and the down quilt is extra thick.”
“The room is lovely,” Catherine said. “And a basket of cookies all for me.”
Lily lifted the suitcase onto the bed and flipped it open. “I’ll help you unpack and then we can head over to the house.”
Her mother pulled out a stack of sweaters and placed them on the bed. “It looks like I’m your only guest here tonight.”
“Mary’s still living downstairs as the resident innkeeper, if you need anything. Luke and Kyla’s family will be arriving tomorrow. Ian will be bringing them here from the airport with him when he returns from New York. But tonight, we have you all to ourselves. I’ve been so looking forward to it.”
Catherine glanced out the window. “Those clouds look ominous. And they’re predicting bad storms on the east coast. I hope it clears.”
A chill raced down Lily’s spine. What if Ian didn’t make it home in time for Christmas? Kyla was due any day and needed her family here with her. But Lily would not let herself borrow trouble, as Betty would say. Today her mother made it here just fine and so would the others.
Catherine slipped on a warmer sweater and pulled out a knit hat and scarf. “I’m ready to go see sweet Gwyn.”
⌘
Lily drove them over to the next driveway that bordered the field between the inn and their home with Grandpa John. The dirt road was muddy with ice forming in small puddles. Much too slippery to walk over this time of year, although Ian, Jason, and Gretel continued to do so.
Inside the house, several voices greeted them at once. Joining the family were the neighbors Betty, Shirley, and her husband, Ron.
The loudest voice was Gywn’s. “Grandma,” she shouted.
Catherine swept her up in her arms and smothered her with kisses. “You’ve gotten so big.”
“I’m four and one-half years old now.”
“And a very big girl,” Grandpa John said. Gretel nudged in to get some petting and was rewarded with a scratch behind her ears. “I’m so glad you are all well again, girl.”
“We cooked you dinner, Grandma.”
“It smells wonderful in here.”
Shirley stepped forward. “I made you the cheesy biscuits you used to love as a girl.”
“I haven’t had those in so long,” Catherine said. “Did you help too, Jason?”
Jason nodded. “And I got the fire going for you too.”
Catherine hugged him. “I brought you a very special present.” She smiled down at Gwyn. “And you too.”
Betty motioned to the kitchen. “Come on, everyone. Dinner is hot and ready, and the men are serving.”
The table was set over a red and green plaid tablecloth highlighted by long, tapered gold candles already lit and flickering. The ladies took a seat while Ron and Jason brought out bowls of mashed potatoes and green beans smothered in butter. John brought out a platter of roast chicken with crispy skin. In the center of the table, a basket of biscuits sat next to a tub of honey butter.
“What a feast,” Catherine said. “And it’s not even Christmas yet.”
⌘
Jude sat with Ryan at the cozy table by the window in Marco’s coffee shop. They each sipped one of Marco’s signature cappuccinos to celebrate serving their last lunch of the year. Tomorrow was Christmas Eve, and they would be filling stockings and putting cookies out for Santa.
“It’s nice to be waited on for a change,” she said.
Ryan agreed. “I can hardly believe the café is closed for the holidays
and we are work-free.”
“And Lindsey actually likes babysitting.” Jude winked at her handsome husband. “Perhaps we can get some time alone.”
His smile reminded her of all the reasons she loved him so much. All of her doubts had melted away when they got married. And after Christopher was born, she saw the amazing dad Ryan was. He was a gentle, patient father and a loving and faithful husband. Everything she had ever hoped for had come true.
An old-fashioned enamel stove warmed the coffee shop as a steady stream of customers came in and left with specialty brewed coffee in their hands.
Becca, from Tea & Comfort across the street, swept in the door. She shook the rain out of her curly red hair and unbuttoned her coat as she walked toward them.
“It’s freezing out there, even just stepping across the street,” she said. “You guys playing hooky from the café today?”
Ryan pulled out a chair for her to take a seat. “We’re closed until January 2nd so we can spend the holiday with family and friends.”
“That sounds wonderful. We’re staying open until noon on Christmas Eve for any last minute shoppers.”
Marco, carrying plates of his signature gingerbread cake with cream cheese frosting, joined them at their table. The aroma of the fresh-baked cake made Jude’s mouth water.
“Can I join this party?” he asked. “I put the ‘closed’ sign up, so we can just relax.”
Marco sat beside Becca and kissed her on the cheek. His dark, carved features next to her lovely pale face made them a striking couple. Love was in the air with those two and had blossomed over the past year. Another wedding, Jude pondered.
“It seems we’ll be joining you in a few days for the big Christmas morning brunch at Madrona B&B,” Marco said. He smiled at Becca and she laid her head on his shoulder. “I’m trying to decide what to bring.”
Jude sipped her drink, careful to keep the perfectly made foam from sticking to the top of her lip. “Ask Lily,” she suggested. “She keeps changing plans.”
Marco picked up a fork and stabbed into the moist cake. “I’ll give her a call later.”
Jude turned to Becca while the two men discussed the latest coffee roasts Marco would be bringing into his shop.
“Have you heard from Kyla today?” Jude asked.
Becca shook her head. “Not yet.” She used her napkin to wipe her face after a rather large bite. “It’s so good, but so messy,” she said, grinning.
“I’m getting a little worried,” Jude said. “But trying to stay positive. Her family is supposed to arrive later tonight.”
“That's good,” Becca said. “It’s been crazy at the shop, and the mail order business doubled from last year. I’ve done my best to keep things going without worrying Kyla. But she still checks in at least once a day.”
Jude looked at her watch. It was nearly 4:00. As far as she knew, no one had heard from her friend all day. She turned to Ryan. “I’m going up front for a moment to call Kyla.”
“Everything all right?” he asked.
“I’m not sure. I have a feeling…”
“Go call then, of course.”
Jude stood by the front door. She could feel the cold wind trying to seep through the cracks. Outside, colorful garlands hung from the old-fashioned streetlights, and boughs of cedar outlined shop windows. As the evening darkened, last minute shoppers scurried along the street. The sky had a misty pink hue. Snow, she thought. Not now. It would complicate everything. The roads would be a mess and the island only had two snow plows.
Her heart pounded as she pressed Kyla’s number. In the pit of her stomach she knew something felt off. Only yesterday, Lily and she had been at Kyla’s house and all was fine.
The phone rang and rang and then went to voicemail. Jude pressed end and stared at the phone, trying to calm her racing mind. Suddenly, Jude’s phone rang and Lily’s name popped up on the screen.
Lily’s voice was excited but warm, and Jude’s heart slowed to a regular pace. “Kyla’s in labor, for real this time,” Lily said. “She’s doing fine, but it’s moving fast. We’re at the hospital and this is the first second I had to call you.”
“We’ll be right there,” Jude said.
She rushed back to the table and grabbed her purse. “We’ve got to go. The baby is coming!”
Everyone stared at her for a second before Ryan jumped up. “Kyla?”
“Of course, Kyla.”
“Go,” Becca said. “And call us if you need anything.”
⌘
The first flakes of snow started to come down and coat the road as they drove to the hospital.
“Careful,” Jude said as Ryan drove.
At this rate, the roads would be a slushy mess soon. Luckily, the hospital was only five minutes away. She said a little prayer that mother and child would be healthy and all would go well.
Ryan parked near the entrance and they hurried inside.
“Maternity?” Ryan asked the woman at the reception desk.
“North wing.”
They encountered Lily pacing the waiting room floor. She looked relieved to see them.
“Thank goodness you’re here,” Lily said. “I was wearing a hole in the carpet.”
Jude gave her a quick hug. “Any news?”
“The nurse said labor is progressing normally and mother and baby are fine. Luke is in with her. I hope he’s a comfort, because he looked paler than Kyla when they went in.”
Ryan laughed. “I remember the feeling. How about you two have a seat?” He waved the women forward to choose their seats first. “I’ll go find us something warm to drink. I seem to remember a vending machine around here somewhere.”
“Thanks,” Jude said. She settled in next to Lily and took her hand. “You look beat. Have you had any sleep?”
Tears formed in Lily’s eyes, and Jude steadied herself to hear what her friend had to say.
“Ian called from New York.”
“And?”
Lily sniffled and pulled a tissue from her purse. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. Everything will work out, I know it, but I can’t seem to stop crying.”
“That’s okay,” Jude said. “What’s his estimated time of arrival home tonight?”
“That’s the problem. The awards ceremony went brilliantly, but New York has been hit with a massive snowstorm and below freezing temperatures. Flights are delayed until further notice.”
Jude’s mind raced. Ian was supposed to arrive home tonight, Kyla and Luke’s family were due in with him, the baby was coming, and Christmas Eve was tomorrow.
Ryan returned and handed warm paper cups to each of them. “It’s not as bad as I remember.” He took over the pacing routine while the women continued their conversation.
Lily took one sip and set the cup down. “I’m afraid Ian won’t make it home for Christmas. Gwyn will be devastated, and I don’t want to have to tell Kyla her mom and grandma won’t be here tonight to welcome the baby.”
Jude was worried too, but there was no sense panicking yet. “You know how those weather reports are,” she said. “Usually wrong and exaggerated.”
Lily forced a smile.
“And never forget, Ryan and I are here for you for whatever you need.”
Ryan sat down next to his wife. “That we are,” he said. “I’m happy to bring extra for Christmas brunch. I was thinking of bringing my Aunt Nellie’s potato latkes, if that's not too much.”
Lily wiped a tear away. “Sounds delicious. Everyone’s been wonderful. Grandpa John has been so helpful with everything. And Shirley has offered to bake all the pies for the brunch. We’ll certainly have enough food.”
“I never doubted that,” Jude said.
⌘
A few more hours slipped by, and the room began to feel hot and stuffy. Jude traded the now-cold cocoa for one of the water bottles offered in the waiting room.
Lily had checked her phone for messages several times and finally called Grandpa John to let him know th
ere was no news yet and ask him to check on Gwyn and Jason. “Please tell everyone I will call as soon as we know something.”
“Exhaustion just rolled over me like an ocean wave,” Jude said. She yawned and looked toward the door just as it opened and Luke stepped out with a silly grin on his face.
“It’s a girl,” he said.
Everyone stood and cheered. Ryan patted him on the back. “And Kyla?”
“Mom and baby are doing well and resting,” Luke said. “I can hardly believe it. She’s so tiny and has one red curl on the top of her forehead.”
“How sweet,” Lily said. “When can we see them?”
“In a little while everyone can go in and meet my new daughter. And, of course, see my amazing wife.” Luke collapsed into a chair and let out a long sigh.
“Are you all right?” Jude asked.
“Ecstatic and relieved,” he said. Face beaming, he announced the baby’s name. “We are calling her Hope.”
⌘
Lily checked her cell phone one more time in the parking lot before driving home from the hospital. She prayed there would be a message from Ian saying their flight had taken off. There were two new voicemails. She turned up the heat in her car and listened to them.
“Hi, honey,” Ian said. “I wish I had better news, but the runways are covered with ice and snow. There’s no way we’re getting out tonight. Kyla and Luke’s families are getting a hotel room, but I’m going to sleep here at the airport, in case the news changes.”
Lily stared at the phone. This message was from almost two hours ago. She’d put her phone on mute while they were waiting for Kyla’s delivery and eventually had stopped looking. She still hadn’t even told Ian about the new baby. She took a deep breath and listened to the next message.
“It’s me again. I called home looking for you, and John told me Kyla was in labor. Let me know how things are going. No changes here. Call anytime. I love you.”
Lily pressed the return call button and waited. A freezing rain pelted the windshield. She needed to start home soon.
“Lily?” Ian’s voice sounded thick with sleep. She could hear him yawn.
“Sorry to wake you.”
