by Bria Marche
With boots, hats and gloves on, the troops headed out into the wilderness of the eighty acre tree farm. They were given two hand saws, two shovels and a map directing them to the different sizes and types of Christmas trees to cut. They were also given a roll of netting to wrap the trees in, making it easier to drag them out. Today, they were cutting down five trees, all about seven feet tall. Since trudging through the snow and dragging five trees from anywhere on the eighty acres would be a huge endeavor, they all agreed on the Balsam Fir as the unanimous choice for everyone. The beautiful Balsam Fir was a popular tree that would hold up well long past the New Year.
Laughing and snowball fights took up half of the two hours spent on the tree farm.
“Check this out, Sasha,” Mia said. She flopped down in the snow and wildly began flailing her arms and legs in an up and down motion.
“What the hell is wrong with her? Should I call 911?” Sasha squeaked, completely taken aback.
Mia laughed as the fluffy snow being stirred up fell back down and landed on her face. “I’m making a snow angel, you goof. I’ll show you when I’m done.” Mia got up, brushed herself off and turned around to look at her accomplishments. “There, see it? It’s in the shape of an angel.”
Sasha gasped at the image in the snow, and threw herself down to flail.
“Oh, what the hell, it looks like fun,” Karen said. She dove in, followed by the rest of the group.
Seven adults lay in the snow, arms and legs flying, as Mia, wiping her tears so they wouldn’t freeze, snapped picture after picture of her friends.
With the trees chosen, cut and wrapped like slabs of meat at the butcher market, they made their way back to the entrance. The aroma of hot cider and coffee filled their nostrils as they went inside to warm up and relax. They sat, each one assessing the other, and broke out laughing. They were soaked from head to toe. Ice chunks clung to the women’s hair, resembling new types of crystal hair accessories. Tiny icicles appeared to be growing from the men’s eyebrows, and everyone’s cheeks were the color of Cortland apples.
“That was fun,” Sasha said, still out of breath. “I’ve never heard of a snow angel. I guess I’ve missed a lot in my life, living in big cities, but now it’s time to catch up. I can’t wait to decorate the trees tonight.”
***
Earlier in the week, the girls shopped for tree stands, skirts and decorations for Sasha and Karen. They were the only two that didn’t have anything Christmas related. Each home had snacks and small plate meals ready to go. Because Mario was going directly to Vic’s house, the tradition started there. Mario showed up as promised at six o’clock. They recounted the day with laughter, just to fill him in, as the girls set an assortment of food on the table.
“Sorry I missed the fun,” he said, as he picked up a plate and served himself. “The store was crazy busy today, which is great, but maybe next year both stores will have enough employees where none of us miss any of our own festivities.”
“Amen to that,” Karen added. She got up, filled her own plate and sat down next to Mario. Mia gave her a subtle nod and a wink.
The partying, eating and decorating went on until eleven-thirty. The final house, being Sasha’s, was where dessert wine and cheesecake was being served. Everyone was stuffed, but not enough to pass up something that decadent. Josh built a fire and Max filled the wood box.
“This is the best tradition I’ve ever been involved in. Come to think of it, it’s the only one I’ve been a part of in my life,” Sasha said.
“What about when you were growing up with your parents?” Tina asked, feeling sad for her.
“My dad was always on some movie set. He would call on Christmas, but he was usually somewhere else, like in a different country.”
“And your mom?” Mia asked.
“She was kind of depressed because my dad was gone so much. She drank a lot. But, let’s talk about now. This has been the best day of my life so far, except when I got the keys to the Victorian.” She punched Josh in the arm, startling him. “You’re damn lucky you got me this house, mister.”
“I had to present the offer to the owners, you scared the crap out of me,” he said, laughing. “To be honest, I knew if I didn’t get you this house, you’d never speak to me again. I wasn’t about to let that happen.” Josh leaned over and kissed Sasha on the cheek. She smiled.
“Who’s ready for dessert?” Sasha asked.
Moans and stomach rubs indicated they were too full, but everyone said yes to cheesecake and wine anyway.
Chapter Twenty Three
The morning was special, so much more than any other morning. Christmas finally arrived in Tarrytown. Karen invited Sasha to have breakfast with her and Tina. She agreed to join them since they didn’t have a significant other to start the morning with. Josh intended to spend the morning with Jake and their parents. He’d get together with Sasha and the group later. The arrangement was perfect since Sasha had Karen’s name, and Karen had Tina’s name for gift giving.
“You look so pretty, Kismet. Merry Christmas, sweetie.” Sasha tied a large silk ribbon around Kismet’s neck, her Christmas outfit for the day. Kismet received a rawhide treat as a gift. Sasha gathered the large box, wrapped beautifully for Karen, and Kismet’s necessities for the morning and put them in the truck. She went back for her puppy, carrying her so she wouldn’t get the truck seats wet with snow. “We’re off, babe,” she said, smiling happily at her anxious pup. Kismet loved car rides.
Sasha drove through the snow confidently. Aaron gave her a few lessons and winter driving tips. Worst case scenario, she would use the four wheel drive. Today, she only had five minutes to go. Sasha picked up Kismet, already fast asleep, and cradled her in her arms as she ran up the sidewalk, laughing. “Merry Christmas,” she said, giving air kisses, as she deposited the pup in Karen’s waiting arms. “Take this fur ball, please. I have to get more stuff out of the truck.” With her arms full of gifts, wine and dog necessities, Sasha came in and took off her wet shoes, looking pleased as punch. “This is what Christmas is all about.” She dropped everything down on the kitchen table and gave Karen and Tina a real hug and kiss. “Merry Christmas you two. I love you guys.”
They laughed at Kismet’s antics around Claire as they sat next to the Christmas tree in the living room. Kismet bounced and pawed at the cat, but Claire was having none of it. With a smug yawn and a threatening hiss, she retreated to the master bedroom to hide under Karen’s bed. The tree lights were on, giving the room a soft ambiance as Karen brought out a tray of coffee. Christmas music played in the background.
“I’m so happy you moved to Tarrytown, Karen. We’re all together, just like we should be,” Sasha said.
“Me too. I’m thankful Mia offered me the house. It never would have crossed my mind to move here. I couldn’t be happier.”
“Oh yes you could,” Tina teased.
“Are we talking about Mario?” Sasha asked, with a sly grin.
“Seriously, you guys?” Karen groaned. “Am I that transparent?”
“Um… yeah,” they both said.
“Okay, okay… let’s open presents.” Sasha was excited to see if Karen liked the gift she bought.
“There’s only a few gifts under the tree, Sasha. We’ll be done in like two minutes.”
“That’s okay, it’s the thought that counts.”
“Huh? Never mind,” Tina said, laughing.
Karen reached for the large box wrapped in red flocked paper, finished off with a bright gold ribbon. She held it, gave it a gentle shake and smiled at Sasha while she admired the packaging.
“Just hurry and open it for crap’s sake.”
“Okay already, I was just having fun with you. It’s heavy.”
Karen unwrapped the box, trying not to destroy the lovely paper. Inside, she found a beautiful wrought iron and maple wine rack. It was the type that stood on the floor and held twenty four bottles. Attached to the rack was a gift card from Casa Vino for seventy-five
dollars.
“Sasha, it’s beautiful. What a thoughtful gift for the house. It’s perfect, and it holds twenty four bottles of wine. I’ll have to refill it every week,” she said, laughing.
“That’s why I got the gift card. That amount won’t go very far unless you’re buying Two Buck Chuck, but it will help.” Sasha smiled with twinkling eyes, knowing how much Karen loved the gift.
They stood and hugged each other, exchanging Christmas love.
“Okay, Tina, time for you to open your gift.”
Karen handed Tina a small box. It had to be jewelry. Nothing else would fit in such a small package. Karen was well aware of how much Tina loved jewelry. Tina unwrapped the paper to find a white, velvet box inside. She smiled at Karen and Sasha as she slowly opened it, as if the contents would jump out and bite her.
“Oh my God, Karen. They’re beautiful.” Inside the box lay a pair of emerald, teardrop earrings. Being the May birthstone, the emerald was a perfect choice for Tina. The earrings sparkled, looking very elegant on her. “I love them.” Tina jumped up and ran down the hallway to the guest bathroom. She stared at her reflection in the mirror, enjoying the look. “I’m going to wear these all day. Thank you so much.”
“You’re welcome. What a great morning already, right? How about some bacon, eggs and hash browns?”
“Yum. C’mon Sasha, I’ll teach you how to grate potato’s.”
***
Aaron gave Mia one gift in bed, then they made Christmas morning love. They had to, like it or not, according to Aaron’s reasoning. This was their first Christmas together as a couple, and the first time they would make Christmas love. It was purely for logical reasons. They would have a lot of ‘firsts’ and as far as Aaron was concerned, every ‘first’ needed to be christened with love making.
Mia gave him a smack on the butt. “You don’t need to make up excuses. I’m all for spreading the love, as long as it’s just between you and me.”
Aaron brought the carafe of coffee into the bedroom, along with two mugs. He poured and handed Mia a cup after she propped the pillows up along the headboard. He joined her in bed.
“Wouldn’t it be great to do this every morning?”
“Well, then we should. Who says we can’t? That will be one of our New Year’s resolutions, to have coffee in bed every morning,” Mia declared.
“I like the way you think, honey. So, how about that new juicer? Do you like it?”
“It’s nice, Aaron. I’ve always wanted a juicer. Thank you.”
Aaron leaned over and reached under the bed. “And you can wear this while you’re making juice.” He grinned and handed her a wrapped box.
“Damn you, Aaron Daniels.” Mia punched him in the arm for the surprise gift he was about to give her. “You’re going to make me cry on Christmas morning after all.” Mia opened it to find a gorgeous diamond necklace lying inside the satin lined box. “Oh my God, Aaron, it’s stunning! You’re driving me crazy right now. Hurry, put it on me.”
Aaron couldn’t stop laughing. Mia became so animated when she was excited. “Okay, okay, hold still so I can clasp it. There… it’s on.”
Mia launched herself off the bed and ran to the bathroom. The lighting was better in there. She had to see it sparkle on her neck, up close and personal. “It’s fabulous. I just can’t believe you fooled me like that.” She jumped back on the bed and landed in his lap. Kisses of joy led to another round of love making.
Aaron opened his gifts from Mia a half hour later. She bought him a Ralph Lauren silk and cashmere mock neck sweater in heather gray, and a pair of Ugg slippers.
“I love these, Mia. Thanks so much, honey.”
Vic, Max and Mario slept in late. Mario arrived after midnight. He worked at the Hunter store for ten hours on Christmas Eve. Max did the same in Peekskill. They weren’t complaining. They considered themselves blessed in so many ways. Right now, sleep was a blessing. Vic tiptoed out of bed and started the coffee. It was nine o’clock. They slept long enough. It was Christmas, after all, and there were presents to open. Time to rise and shine.
Vic, Mario and Max ate breakfast and made their way to the Christmas tree to exchange gifts. Mario bought Max a Victorinox Swiss Champ Pocketknife with 33 tools. Max handed Mario a hefty sized box containing a custom cover for his Karmann Ghia.
“Dude, I really needed something like this. Thanks so much.”
They man hugged and slapped each other on the back.
“A carport isn’t enough in the winter months with that classic car of yours.”
“Yeah, but by spring I hope to buy a house.”
“Okay, okay, enough man love. Where’s my gifts? I’ve been patient long enough.” Vic was on her third cup of coffee and still hadn’t seen any gifts for her.
Mario laughed, “Alright, here, Sis, this is from me.” He lifted the couch cushion and handed her a sleek, square box.
“You’re such a weirdo, Mario, I swear.” She grabbed the box from him with a chuckle and ripped it open. A brand new iPad sat inside. “No friggin way!” Vic leapt from the love seat and grabbed her brother, giving him a squeeze hard enough to crack his ribs. She planted an enormous kiss firmly on his lips. “I love you, bro.”
“My turn,” Max said, grinning. He reached under the tree and pulled out two boxes, one medium sized and one small.
Vic demurely smiled, trying to restrain herself, and act a little more refined. She opened the small box first. Inside, she found a bottle of Chanel N°5 Eau Première spray. “I love it, Max. Thank you.” She lightly spritzed some on her wrists and took a whiff. “Heavenly. You’re going to enjoy this as much as I do, Mr. Cole.”
“Um… TMI, Vic, don’t need any details,” Mario groaned.
“Oh grow up, bro. Okay… next.” She opened the second box to find a beautiful, black quilted, Chanel messenger bag. The scream she let out was loud enough to rattle the windows. “Oh my God, somebody catch me because I’m going to pass out right now. Who knows CPR?”
“I do, but don’t pass out,” Max said, laughing. “Just give me a kiss. Merry Christmas, hon.”
Vic bought Mario a velour bathrobe in sky blue, and a cashmere neck scarf.
“Damn, Sis, don’t you think these are too classy for a hippie like me?” he joked.
“Hell no. You’re a style setter, Mario. They’re gonna look great with that long hair of yours.”
Vic handed Max an envelope. “Here, babe, this is for you.”
“An envelope? Are we going on a trip somewhere?” He raised his eyebrows and grinned.
“Sorry, dude, no trip. Maybe next summer. Go ahead, open it.”
Mario gave Max a look and shrugged his shoulders. Vic hadn’t told him what she bought.
Max pulled the piece of paper out of the envelope and stared, awestruck.
“No way. There’s no way in hell you bought these for me.”
“I sure did, babe.” Vic grinned from ear to ear, knowing Max couldn’t even catch his breath.
Inside the envelope was a single picture of two custom made, leather saddlebags for the new Harley in his garage. The bags were complete with double body fringe, lid conchos and highroller studs.
Max had a hard time speaking. His emotions took over. The only thing he could do in that moment was hold Vic and hug her.
***
A phone conversation from Josh at eleven brightened Sasha’s Christmas even more. He said he was about to leave his house. He was going to his parents place for Christmas lunch and gift giving. His brother Jake would be there too. Sasha should expect him around four o’clock. “I’ll see you later, Merry Christmas. Sasha?”
“Yes, Josh?”
“I love you.”
Sasha blushed with happiness. “I love you too.”
With his arms full of Christmas gifts, Josh couldn’t even open the door when the doorbell rang out. Who can that be? He lay the packages down on the table in the foyer and turned to the door. Maybe Jake wants to drive together to Mom and Da
d’s. Nonchalantly, he pulled the door open to find the last person he ever expected to see again.
“Merry Christmas, Josh! What a surprise, right?”
Standing on his porch was Candy, the ex-wife he hadn’t seen in nearly a decade. Alongside her, bundled from head to toe, was a child, looking to be around nine years old. Josh’s head began spinning. He was mentally running the numbers as fast as he could. Let’s see, we were divorced in 2005 and I moved back to Tarrytown. I haven’t seen or talked to her since. Why is she here, and whose kid is this?
His words were almost inaudible. The dry mouth and parched tongue hit him in an instant. His voice cracked as he spoke. “Candy… what are you doing here? How did you know where I lived?”
“It’s easy with that contraption called the internet,” she teased. “Seriously, Josh? You were from Tarrytown and you’re family lives here. Where else would you be? Anyway, aren’t you going to invite us in? We have ten years of catching up to do.”
I bet we do. “Um… sure.” Josh glanced at his watch. Now what the hell should I do? I’m supposed to leave for Mom and Dad’s now, then go to Sasha’s later.
Josh opened the door wide enough for the two uninvited guests to step in. Candy took the child’s coat off, then her own and handed them to Josh. “Joshie, take your boots off, honey, and set them on the boot tray.”
Did I hear what I think I heard? Did she really call that boy Joshie? Panic was setting in and Josh felt lightheaded. “Let’s go in the living room and sit.”
If he didn’t sit now, he would surely collapse from anxiety. They followed him. Josh sat on the couch, the guests on the love seat. He leaned forward with his head buried in his hands.
“What’s wrong, Josh? Are you okay?”
“Are you serious right now, Candy? You appeared without any notice at all on Christmas, of all days, and ask me if I’m okay?”
“Christmas is the best day of all. What better day to give someone the gift of their own begotten son?”
“What?”
“This is Josh Jr. He’s your son. I thought it was about time you meet him. Joshie, say hi to your dad.”
