by Rachel Hanna
“Oh, Mom,” Julie said, rolling her eyes and shaking her head.
* * *
“Aren’t these adorable?” Meg said, holding up a tiny pair of pink cowboy boots. “Vivi is going to have a fit over these!” She added them to her pile of goodies as she walked toward the register.
“Christian is going to strangle you,” Colleen said with a laugh. “Vivi’s room isn’t big enough for all this stuff!”
“Our apartment is getting a little cramped. But come on. Look at this doll. She is going to be so excited when she sees it!”
Meg couldn’t help herself. Now that Christian was making good money at the college, and she had her extra income working for one of her professors, she finally felt free enough to spend a little on her daughter.
“Darlin’, that baby girl will remember none of this stuff, but you sure are when you get that credit card bill in January!” Dixie said in her larger-than-life kind of way.
“Fine. I’ll put back the yellow dress… and the tap shoes…”
“Tap shoes?” Julie said as she walked up with Tina. The two of them had gone to look at some particularly amazing candles. “Vivi doesn’t know how to tap dance, Meg!”
Meg grinned. “But wouldn’t she look so cute learning?”
Janine rolled her eyes. “Oh, goodness. Somebody take her wallet away.”
As the women laughed, even at her expense, Meg was so grateful in that moment. She was surrounded by strong women who loved her, and most people couldn’t say they were so blessed.
“Okay, let me pay for all of this and then can we eat some lunch?”
“Yes! I’m starving,” Julie said, putting her hand on her stomach.
“I’ll just meet y’all after you eat,” Tina whispered.
“What? No way! You’re eating with us, lady!” Dixie said. “We treat our guests like family, and I’m buying your lunch today. I won’t take no for an answer.”
Tina looked at Julie. “Trust me, she won’t. You might as well let her do it.”
“Thank you so much, Dixie. I swear, the people in this town are the nicest I’ve ever met,” she said, a broad smile on her face.
“Just don’t take advantage of that,” SuAnn muttered under her breath. If Tina heard her, she didn’t react, but Meg elbowed her grandmother.
“Stop it,” she mouthed, almost dropping some of her items. Sometimes, she didn’t know what was in her grandmother’s head.
“Pay for that stuff, Meg. We’re going to starve to death,” Colleen prodded.
“I told y’all to bring a snack…” Meg said as she walked away. She heard them all grumble and couldn’t help but smile.
Chapter Five
Dawson hammered in the last nail and then lifted the large structure over onto William’s boat. When he had heard that his friend was entering the Christmas boat parade, he assumed he was going to be helping him hang some garland and lights around the edge of the boat. Instead, he’d spent the last two hours building a platform that Janine and Julie would decorate. Apparently, William was going to dress up like Santa Claus and throw candy at the kids.
“Man, that thing is heavy!” Dawson said, wiping the sweat from his brow.
“Thanks so much for doing this. There’s no way I could build all of this stuff without your help. Besides, everybody knows you are the master at carpentry,” William said laughing.
“You don’t have to butter me up. I’m already here working.”
“So, Janine tells me you have some lady staying at the inn now?”
“Yeah. Julie met her at the bookstore and felt bad for her. Her name is Tina.”
“What’s she like?”
“Honestly, I don’t know too much about her. She seems nice enough, but very guarded. Pretty quiet. I think she’s had kind of a rough go at life.”
“It’s nice of y’all to let her stay. How’s Dylan doing?”
“Crazy and energetic as ever,” Dawson said, chuckling. “But, you know, he’s everything I’ve ever wanted in a son. I don’t feel like he’s adopted. He feels like my own biological child.”
“Blood means nothing. It’s all about family loving each other,” William said as he started sanding the edge of the wooden platform.
“You should write greeting cards,” Dawson said, teasing him.
“Janine and I have talked about adoption.”
“Really, I wouldn’t have predicted that.”
“With Janine’s age, it’s unlikely that we could have biological children, and it’s not that important to us. But we might check into the foster care system after seeing what amazing results y’all have had.”
“That’s great. I hope you get to do that. It has been a blessing for us.”
“Of course, we would have to get married.”
“Well, it’s not totally necessary, but it’s preferable.”
“To us it’s necessary. You know those good old southern values,” William said, smiling.
“So, do you think you’ll pop the question soon?”
“Maybe. Not right now, though. Things are so hectic at the yoga studio and with this new charter business that I’d like to stash some money away before doing that.”
Dawson looked at him. “Man, if you’re trying to wait for things to be perfect, that’s never going to happen. Don’t want to butt into your business, but if you love her, there’s no reason to wait.”
William nodded. “I’m sure you’re right. I guess I’m just waiting for the perfect moment.”
“Well, you could do like we did and get engaged at your own wedding.”
William laughed. “You two are very unique, for sure.”
“Are y’all working or talking?” Janine asked as she walked down the dock and over to the boat.
“Don’t judge us. We’ve been working our rear ends off all day,” Dawson said, pointing at her, his eyes squinting.
William stepped out of the boat and gave her a hug, kissing the top of her head before returning to his work.
“This platform looks amazing!”
“Yeah, it was a bear to build, but I think it’s going to suit what you’ll need.”
“Thanks so much for doing this. William, I brought you some lunch if you’re hungry.” She leaned in and put a small cooler on the floor of the boat.
“Thanks, honey,” he said, winking at her.
“Sorry I didn’t bring you anything, Dawson. I wasn’t sure that you’d still be here.”
“No worries. I’m about to head out, anyway. I promised Dylan that I would help him write a letter to Santa Claus this afternoon.”
Janine smiled. “I love seeing you as a father, Dawson.”
“Well, I love being one.”
“Don’t let me hold you up, man,” William said. “I know you have things to do back at the inn.”
Dawson smiled. “Yeah, I’m making something really special for Julie for Christmas.”
“I heard you had a big secret project,” Janine said.
Dawson stepped up onto the dock. “I do, and I think she’s going to love it. At least I hope she does!”
* * *
“A cookie party?”
“Yes. I used to do this with my girls when they were young, so I thought it would be fun to do it again with Dylan and Vivi. You know, start a new tradition?”
Dixie smiled. “Darlin’, I think that is a fabulous idea.”
Julie recalled the days when her daughters were small and they would throw a big party at Christmas time. They would invite family and friends to bring plain sugar cookies, and then Julie would supply icing and other decorations. They would turn on Christmas music, light a fire, and decorate cookies for hours. At the end, they would pack up most of the cookies and deliver them to local fire stations.
Not only had it taught her daughters about giving to others, but it had given them lifelong memories of spending Christmas with everyone they loved.
“I’m sure our local fire station will be pleased to get a bunch of cookies.
Those guys work so hard for the community!”
“Yes, they do. I can’t wait to plan this party. I think Colleen and Meg will be excited too.”
Dixie stacked the disposable cups beside the coffee machine. “Carrie and I are supposed to make fruitcakes together this afternoon.”
“Sounds like you two are making strides in your relationship?”
“Somewhat. It comes and goes,” Dixie said, opening a roll of quarters and dropping them into the cash register. The old register needed to be updated desperately, but Julie hadn’t talked Dixie into buying a new one.
“What do you mean?”
“We get along better now, but there are moments I feel like she pulls back a bit. Of course, my personality can be a little much I suppose.”
Julie laughed. “No. Not possible.”
“We’re going to make fruitcakes for the Christmas festival. From what I understand, Carrie has never cooked much, so this ought to be interesting.”
“And you’re starting her out on fruitcakes, of all things?” Julie said, laughing as she removed some books from one shelf and replaced them with newer ones. One thing she’d learned about working in a bookstore was that nothing was static. There were always new books coming, and the older books had to make way for them. Those that didn’t sell well got thrown onto the clearance table and then donated.
Since she was slowly working on her first novel, she wondered if her book would be one of the ones that survived or would end up with a big red sticker, lying on a clearance table, begging someone to read it.
“Oh, fruitcake isn’t that hard. Plus, I’ll be right beside her.”
The front door chimed as SuAnn walked into the store. She rarely came to Down Yonder because she was so busy at her bakery.
“Mom, what are you doing here? Is everything okay?”
“Why would something be wrong?” She asked.
“You normally don’t come down here.”
“Well, this is a bookstore, Julie. Maybe I just need a book?”
Dixie laughed. “We sure have plenty of those. Can I interest you in a book on Kama Sutra?”
“Dixie!” Julie said, her mouth dropping open. She tried not to laugh, but she couldn’t help it.
“The woman has a new boyfriend. I’m just trying to be helpful. Just because we’re old doesn’t mean…”
“Please,” Julie said, holding up her hand.
SuAnn chuckled. “I might grab a copy of that one, Dixie. But, for now, I just wanted to get a cookbook.”
“A cookbook? What kind of cookbook?” Julie asked. Her mother had never been a skilled cook. She was a wonderful baker, but the cooking part had been hit or miss over the years. She remembered many impossible to chew pot roasts from her childhood.
“French cooking.”
“French cooking? Since when did you get an interest in that?”
SuAnn almost looked like she was about to blush. “Fine. Nicholas loves French food. He was stationed there at one time. I would like to make him beef bourguignon with garlic mashed potatoes and maybe even a baguette.”
“Oh my gosh, this is so adorable…” Julie said under her breath.
“Now, don’t you be making fun of your momma. The possibility of falling in love at our age is right up there with getting struck by lightning or being run over by a stampede of rogue sheep!” Dixie sure had a way with words.
“I think it’s wonderful,” Julie said, squeezing SuAnn’s shoulder. “But, why don’t you let Christian teach you? I’m sure he knows how to make all of that more authentically than a book.”
SuAnn shook her head. “He’s a nice boy, but I can’t understand a word he says. I just want to do this in the peace of my own kitchen.” Since moving to Seagrove, SuAnn had found a great rental cottage near the square that allowed her to walk to work. It was a good thing because it kept her from needing a car. She was one of the worst drivers Julie knew.
“I know of some great books in the cooking section. Follow me, SuAnn” Dixie said, leading her toward the back of the store.
As Julie watched the two of them disappear behind several shelves of books, she marveled at their improving relationship with each other. They hadn’t been friends at the beginning. More than that, she was so happy that each of them had found love and new beginnings in the golden years of their lives. Sometimes, her heart felt like it might explode when she thought about all the ways her life and the lives of those she loved had changed just because she was brave enough to take a leap of faith, move to an unknown place and start her life again. It made her proud.
* * *
Dawson sat down at the dining room table next to Dylan. “What’re you doing?”
“Drawing a picture of my family,” he said.
“That’s really nice. Is that a tree?” Dawson asked, pointing at a tall skinny thing with four limbs.
“No, Daddy, that’s you, silly!” Dylan said, giggling.
“Oh… Good job, son!” He loved calling him son. When he’d lost his child so many years ago, he never thought he’d have another son to love. God had surely blessed him.
“I wanted to send this picture with my letter to Santa Claus so he’d know where I live now.”
“Good idea.”
“I’m sorry to interrupt,” Tina said as she came downstairs. “I was just going to make myself a cup of tea, if that’s okay.”
Dawson smiled. “Tina, we want you to think of this place as your own while you’re here. You are free to do whatever you need.”
She nodded. “Thank you again for your hospitality.” She walked over to the tea cart that Julie had set up and pressed the button to heat up the electric kettle. Julie kept a large assortment of tea bags on hand for guests. She had everything from peppermint to more exotic flavors like ginger-orange.
“Care for a gingerbread muffin with your tea?” Dawson asked, holding up a basket full of the delectable treats Lucy had made for the guests.
“Sure. Thanks,” she said, taking one from the basket.
“Please, join us.”
Tina sat down and took a bite of the muffin. “Wow. This is amazing.”
“Lucy is a genius in the kitchen,” Dawson said, taking a muffin for himself.
“She made me blueberry pancakes this morning with crunched up bacon in them,” Dylan said, licking his lips.
“Oh, that sounds very good.” Tina blew on her tea and then took a sip.
“Did you enjoy shopping with the ladies the other day?”
“I did. They are a fun group. Julie has been so welcoming to me. Honestly, I thought I might end up alone for Christmas, so this has been a blessing to me.”
Dawson hadn’t heard her say that many words since she’d been there, so he was glad she was finally talking.
“Dawson?” Lucy called from the kitchen.
“Excuse me for a moment.”
He pushed open the door and saw Lucy standing in a pool of water beside the dishwasher. “Guess what’s wrong?” she said, her hands on her hips.
“Oh, no…”
“Should I go get your toolbox?”
“Yes, please.”
Dawson walked back to the dining room. “Dylan, I know we were supposed to write your letter to Santa, but I have a mess in the kitchen. Can we do it tonight?”
Dylan poked out his lip. “But, I wanted to get it in the mailbox today. What if it doesn’t make it there in time?”
“I don’t mind helping him,” Tina suddenly said.
“You don’t have to do that.”
She smiled. “It would be fun. I mean, as long as Dylan is okay with it?”
Dylan grinned. “Yes!”
Dawson laughed. “Okay, but don’t ask for a Ferrari or anything, okay? I hear Santa is economizing these days.”
“What’s a Ferrari?”
“Nevermind.”
* * *
Tina had never been around kids much. As an only child, she’d never had the experience of being around them, and babysitting
had never been her thing.
“And what else do you want?”
“I want an Army set with the little guns too.”
“Are your parents okay with that?”
“It only matters what Santa says I can have, Miss Tina,” he said, rolling his eyes and laughing.
“Right. Okay, what else?”
“A puppy.”
“I don’t think your parents are going to be okay with a puppy running through the inn.”
“If Santa says it’s okay…”
“Point taken. Okay, what else should we add?”
“Do you think it’s okay to add prayers?”
“Prayers?”
“I want to ask Santa to pray for my daddy.”
“Your daddy in the kitchen?”
“No. My first daddy. He died.”
Tina felt her breath catch in her throat. “I heard about that. I’m really sorry, Dylan. You must miss him.”
“Sometimes I do. He liked Christmas a lot. One time, we made cookies. My mom said we’re making cookies this year.”
“You have a great mom, huh?”
“Yep.”
“I’m sorry you lost your first mom and dad, but you have wonderful new ones and that’s great.”
“I didn’t know my first mom, so I don’t really miss her.”
Tina swallowed hard. “Oh. Well, I’m sure Santa will be happy to say a prayer for your first daddy.”
“Okay. Let’s put that in the letter too.”
* * *
Carrie stood in the kitchen, staring at all the ingredients spread across Dixie’s counter.
“All of this is going into the fruitcake?”
“Yes, it is!” Dixie said, pulling out her favorite silicone bakeware.
“Isn’t this overkill?”
“Honey, when you taste it, you’ll know it was worth all this work. Plus, we’re going to take some to the firefighters.”
“Okay, what can I do?”
“Grab that bottle of dark rum from the shelf over there.”
“I already like this better,” Carrie said, laughing.
Dixie loved to hear her laugh because it meant their relationship was getting better and better.
“How’s it going in here, ladies?” Harry asked as he walked into the kitchen to pour himself a cup of coffee.
