by Beth Carter
Madison flopped on the couch and put her head in her hands. I shouldn’t have let him leave. What if he’s in an accident? I’ll never forgive myself but I can’t follow him and leave Betsy. She chugged the rest of her drink.
Betsy padded into the room. “I have to go to the bathroom, Mommy.” She peered from side to side. “Where’s Adam?”
A lump formed in Madison’s throat. “He had to go home.”
Betsy’s eyebrows knitted. “In the snow?”
“He’ll be careful. Go to the bathroom and we’ll set out cookies and milk for Santa. We forgot earlier.” Madison sniffed and wiped her nose with the back of her hand.
“Are you cwying, Mommy?”
“No, I’m fine. Hurry or Santa won’t have time to visit all the houses tonight. He won’t come here if you’re awake.”
Running down the hall, Betsy went to the restroom and returned at warp speed.
“Did you wash your hands?”
“I forgot.” Betsy scampered away.
Madison grinned when she heard the water run. Betsy always makes me smile. At least I’ve got her. I may not have a boyfriend nor a job, but I’ll always have my little girl.
When Betsy returned, they walked hand in hand toward the kitchen. Madison rummaged in the cabinet until she found the cookies. She held the plate while Betsy placed three chocolate chip cookies on it. Then, Madison poured milk into a small glass. After all, she didn’t want to waste food. Not at this low point in her life.
They set their offerings on the coffee table near the dwarf Christmas tree and retreated to Betsy’s room where Madison tucked her daughter in once again.
Before Madison made it through the bedroom door, Betsy asked, “Will Adam be here for Cwismas tomorrow?”
Madison felt sick. “I don’t know, honey. He might have to work.”
The little girl sat up. “On Cwismas?”
Madison shrugged. “We’ll see.” She turned out the light. “Remember, Santa won’t come tonight unless you go to sleep. If you’re awake, he’ll have to go to the next house on the street.”
Betsy pulled her light blue Frozen comforter halfway up her face. “I’m asleep, Santa.”
“Night, honey.”
“Night, Mommy.”
CHAPTER 20
After she knew Betsy was sound asleep, Madison busied herself by placing gifts under the tiny tree. She rolled the pink bike—hidden behind boxes in the garage—inside and did her best to camouflage it behind the Christmas tree. She wrapped the other three gifts in paper she made sure Betsy didn’t see beforehand. One paper featured snowmen, another had dancing elves, and the third roll had smiling Santa faces. Thank goodness for the Dollar Store.
After placing the gifts under the tree, Madison glanced around the living room to make sure she hadn’t forgotten anything. As she reached for the light switch, she noticed the cookies and milk. Leaving those would have been a catastrophe. The gig would have been up.
Madison ate one cookie, sprinkled crumbs on the plate, and put the other two back in the package. She poured half the milk back in the container and left half in the glass so her smart, observant girl would believe Santa had come.
Her heart was both full and empty at the same time. As she brushed her teeth and put on pajamas, memories of their fun day in the snow filled her head. That is, until the revelation about Adam’s sister. Of all the people in the world, I can’t believe he’s related to that witch.
Tossing and turning, Madison couldn’t sleep. She punched her pillow and flipped it over. She felt cold hearted wondering whether Adam had made it home safely. Traipsing to the kitchen for a drink, she spotted her cell phone and texted him. After several minutes, she returned to bed and placed the phone on the night stand. She tried to stay awake and wait for a reply, but her eyes were so heavy, she fell fast asleep.
On Christmas morning, after reading a curt “I’m fine” response to her text message, Madison felt relieved he made it home safely, yet sick to her stomach since she had obviously hurt Adam. I was too hard on him. He has been a prince to me and especially to Betsy. He can’t help it that he has a horrible sibling. I was a jerk.
After she made coffee, her heart pounded. What if I’ve ruined everything by overreacting? Madison decided to call him. She scrolled the contact list on her phone, found his number, and began to dial as Betsy bounded into the kitchen.
“Mommy, Mommy. Did Santa come?”
Madison grabbed her coffee, held her daughter’s hand, and led her toward the living room. “I don’t know. Let’s find out.”
She had already turned the twinkling lights on the tree. Away In A Manger played softly in the background. The pink decorations reminded her of Adam since he bought them. Madison did her best to push impending, disastrous thoughts aside. Christmas was for kids, and no matter what kind of chaotic upheaval she endured, Madison decided to be upbeat for her daughter today.
Betsy jumped up and down. “Santa came. Santa came.” Pointing toward the three gifts, she tugged on her mother’s pajama bottoms. “Which should I open first?”
“They’re your gifts. You decide.”
Betsy danced around the room and obviously hadn’t yet noticed the bicycle. She plucked the smaller gift and opened the red velvet dress. Gasping, the little girl said, “It’s so pwetty. Can I wear it today?”
Madison bobbed her head. “Of course. That’ll be a beautiful Christmas dress.” Her eyes clouded. Too bad Adam won’t see the dress he helped pay for.
Next, Betsy reached for a medium-sized square box and dragged it halfway across the room as she sat beside her mother. Her eyes bulged as she tore the paper away and recognized Snoopy’s face on the box. “We can make snow cones, Mommy.”
“We sure can. Yesterday, you had snow ice cream, and today, we’ll have snow cones.” Madison patted her daughter’s head.
“I only have one gift left.” Betsy took her time examining the larger box as she attempted to push it across the floor. “It’s heavy.”
Madison sipped her coffee. “Don’t try to lift it. Open the present there. I’ll watch.”
Squatting down, Betsy ripped the elf paper off. When the gift was revealed, her mouth formed an ‘O.’ She squealed. “An Easy-Bake Oven!” Betsy studied the photo on the box. “Mommy, we can cook together.”
“We sure can. I had an Easy-Bake Oven when I was a little girl. I loved it.”
“I wuv it, too.” Betsy clapped her hands. “Santa remembered almost evwything.”
Madison furrowed her brows. “What did Santa forget?” She gulped. The last thing she wanted was an unhappy daughter on Christmas. That might put her right over the edge.
“It’s okay, Mommy. I wuv my dress and toys.” Betsy held her velvet dress up again and kissed the fabric. “It’s so pwetty.”
Then, Madison spotted the bike behind the tree and breathed a sigh of relief. “Are you sure you found all of your gifts, Betsy?”
The little girl ran back toward the tree, touched several pink ornaments for good measure, and bent down on the floor. She glanced back at her mother with wide eyes. “Mommy!”
“What?”
“Santa got me a bike. A weal bike.” She put both hands over her mouth. “Look.” Sprawled on the floor, Betsy pointed toward the wheels of the pink bicycle.
At that moment, Madison decided Betsy’s happiness far outweighed hers. She wasn’t about to have a pity party on her impressionable daughter’s Christmas. “Want me to help you get the bike out from behind the tree?”
Betsy bobbed her head. “Yes, pweaze.”
Madison rolled the miniature bike into the middle of the living room. Betsy climbed on while her mother held the seat and handle bars.
Attempting to pedal, Betsy got less than a foot away, and nearly fell.
Madison grabbed the bike and steered it toward the hall. “Let’s get in the hallway. You’ll have more room.”
Betsy followed her mother, climbed back on her new prized possession, but nearly f
ell over when Madison let go.
“Try again. I’ll hold on tighter.” Betsy stood with both legs on either side of the bike, climbed onto the seat, and attempted to pedal but nearly fell again.
Madison grabbed her daughter before she toppled to the floor.
Sniffling, Betsy rubbed her red-rimmed eyes with both fists. “I can’t do it, Mommy. Riding a bike is hard.” She sniffed. “I wuv my bike.”
The last thing Madison wanted was an upset daughter on Christmas. Mad at herself for forgetting training wheels, she leaned the bike against the wall. “I’m sorry, honey. When I bought your-” She stopped the second she realized she almost spilled the Santa beans and rephrased her statement. “I should have told you to ask Santa for training wheels. It’s my fault.”
Silent tears trickled down Betsy’s reddened cheeks. “It’s okay, Mommy, but I wish I could wide my bike on Cwismas.”
Rubbing her now-throbbing temples, Madison said, “I know. Sorry. Stores are closed today but we’ll get you some training wheels tomorrow.”
Brightening, Betsy asked, “Pwom-ise?”
“Yes, I promise.” Madison wheeled the bike into the living room, and half hid it behind the tree, hoping to get Betsy’s mind off her epic mom fail. “We’ll go first thing tomorrow morning.”
The doorbell rang. Madison jumped.
Betsy’s eyes got as wide as her bicycle wheels. “Did Santa come back?”
CHAPTER 21
Madison attempted to smooth her morning hair and pajamas. “I don’t know who would come here on Christmas. Maybe it’s Mrs. Stapp bringing you a gift.”
Crossing the floor in three easy steps, Madison opened the door. She couldn’t believe her eyes. Mouth agape, she said, “Dr. Fenton?”
Her former boss said, “Merry Christmas.”
Adam poked his head around the dentist and grinned sheepishly. “I hope you don’t mind but I took the liberty of showing up today—and brought a friend.” He rubbed his belly. “I couldn’t stop thinking about the food I brought over yesterday, especially the turkey.”
Madison blocked the doorway. “So you’re here for the food?”
Cocking his head, Adam said, “Actually, I’m here for Betsy.” He paused. “And the sexiest pajama-wearing mother I’ve ever seen.”
Dr. Fenton cleared his throat. “Madison, I hope you don’t mind if I crash your party, especially since I ruined the work holiday party.” He shifted his feet on the snowy porch.
In a daze, Madison said, “I-I don’t mind but I also don’t understand . . . any of this.”
Adam put his hand on Dr. Fenton’s shoulder. “When I discovered Bruce was spending the holidays alone, it was either he and I hang out at the Redbud Canyon bar like two lonely losers or come here.” He grinned. “Both of us much preferred the latter.” He reached for Madison’s hand. “I hope you do, too.”
Madison couldn’t speak.
Breaking the awkward silence, Betsy ran toward them yelling, “Adam, come and see my new toys.”
“Hi, Betsy. Merry Christmas. I can’t wait to see your toys.” Adam studied Madison’s face, obviously waiting for a flicker of an invitation. He rubbed his gloves together. “It’s freezing out here.”
“Sorry. I’m in a bit of shock.” Stepping aside, Madison motioned for them to come inside. “Merry Christmas. I’m glad you’re both here.” She turned to her former boss. “Dr. Fenton, I’m sorry I didn’t think of inviting you earlier. I never dreamed you’d be alone today.”
The dentist shrugged. “Divorce does that to a person.” He sighed. “But we aren’t discussing that today. It’s Christmas.” He obviously forced a happy smile. “Good cheer, happy holidays, and all of that.”
Madison pointed toward the couch. “Have a seat. I’ll brew more coffee and start the oven.” She noticed Adam was already at Betsy’s side who was happily demonstrating her new Snoopy Sno-Cone Machine and Easy-Bake Oven. She grinned as Adam played along.
“I’m starving. Are you going to cook Christmas dinner?” Adam asked.
Betsy giggled. “The turkey won’t fit in here.” She laid on her belly to get a closer look at the miniature oven.
“What are you going to bake in there?” Adam asked.
Betsy turned the box over and over before announcing, “Cookies, cupcakes, and pizza.”
“I could eat a pizza right now,” Adam said.
“Me, too,” Dr. Fenton added.
Betsy addressed both men. “Mommy’s cooking a turkey. You’ll have to wait.”
“Well, okay. If you insist.” Adam turned the crank on the Snoopy Sno-Cone Machine. “I had one of these when I was a little boy.”
Betsy’s eyes widened. “Weally?”
“Weally. We just had two flavors back then—strawberry and grape.” Adam studied the box. “Looks like you have six now.”
Bobbing her head, Betsy said, “My fav-wite is chewwy.”
“Chewwy?” Adam furrowed his brow. After it sunk in, he said, “Ah, cherry.” He grinned. “That’s my favorite, too. You must have been a very good girl this year for Santa to bring you so many fun toys.”
She nodded. “I was. Did you see my new bike?” Betsy’s eyes clouded. “I can’t ride it. Santa forgot twaining wheels.”
Madison entered the room with two steaming cups of coffee—one in a green mug and another red. It was the closest she could get to holiday ware. Obviously overhearing the tail end of their conversation, she said, “Santa can’t remember everything, sweetie. There are lots of little boys and girls in the world. Besides, we’re going to buy some tomorrow.”
Betsy’s little shoulders dropped. “I know, Mommy but-” Her forehead crinkled. “I wanted to wide it today.”
In an obvious attempt to distract the distraught child, Adam leaned forward. “Santa left one more package at my house for you, Betsy.”
Both Betsy and Madison swiveled their heads toward him. In unison, they asked, “He did?”
Sipping his coffee, Adam nodded. “He sure did. Actually, Santa brought one for your mom, too.” Then, he elbowed Dr. Fenton “Old Saint Nick even brought one for you, Bruce.”
This time, Dr. Fenton’s mouth fell open. “Well, well. I guess I was a good boy in spite of what Beverly . . .” He downed his coffee. “Never mind. I’ll have to send Santa a thank-you note.”
Madison’s heart quickened. I don’t have a present for Adam and he brought something for each of us. Retreating to the kitchen, her mind swirled as she glanced around the kitchen for anything she could give him. I can’t exactly wrap a bowl nor a skillet. Crap. What am I going to do?
Turning her thoughts back to the meal, she placed the already thawed turkey inside a huge aluminum container atop carrots and celery. Then, she basted the turkey with melted butter and seasoned the bird with salt, pepper, sage, parsley, and basil. Grabbing two pot holders, she opened the oven door, and popped it on the lowest shelf of the oven.
Madison read the label. According to the instructions, it needed to bake for three hours. She wondered what they would do until then, still feeling awkward about the gift situation.
Adam shouted from the living room, “Need help in the kitchen?”
Madison donned an apron but remembered she still wore pajamas. “Not yet. If you’ll entertain Betsy while I change, that would be helpful.”
“Done. We’ll bake pretend cupcakes,” Adam said.
As Madison searched her closet for a decent dress, her mind raced. She tiptoed and felt above the closet and in the guest room. She found a new picture frame but wasn’t satisfied with giving Adam a frame. She considered re-gifting a vanilla candle but that didn’t seem right after all he had done. There has to be something in this house I can give him.
It was no use. He wouldn’t enjoy any of her crappy things. Opening a bathroom drawer to brush her teeth and hair, she spotted a new toothbrush from the now-defunct dental clinic and laughed. “This is ridiculous. I can’t give him a stupid toothbrush. I don’t own anything Adam would want.”<
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Deciding to give up the present hunt, Madison focused on her appearance. After trying on three outfits, she decided to wear a white furry sweater, black velvet pants from a previous year’s holiday party, shiny black heels, and silver hoop earrings. She curled her dark hair and applied light makeup and red lipstick.
When she returned to the living room, both adults and Betsy sat on the floor while Betsy served pretend food. Madison’s heart melted a little at the sight of both men sitting cross-legged while engaging her daughter. “Don’t get full on those cupcakes. You won’t be able to eat Christmas dinner.”
Betsy giggled. “Silly Mommy.”
Adam looked up and whistled. “Wow. You’re gorgeous.”
Feeling herself blush, Madison said, “These old things. You guys make yourselves at home, watch television, or come into the kitchen. Here’s the remote.”
Dr. Fenton and Adam exchanged glances. The dentist said, “I’ll stay with Betsy. Why don’t you help Madison?”
Adam slapped him on the back. “I like the way you think.” He got to his feet, straightened his black jeans, and crisp, white shirt. He peered at his clothes and glanced at Madison. “We sort of match.”
“I suppose we do. Want an apron so you don’t get anything on that nice shirt of yours?” He declined as Madison tied a red apron around her waist.
“What can I do?” Adam refilled his coffee and spotted a bag of potatoes on the counter. “Want me to peel those?”
Her eyebrows shot up. “A man who knows his way around the kitchen. Impressive. Yes, that would be great. We can put them in water so they don’t turn brown. Here’s a potato peeler, pan, and a cutting board.”
While Adam peeled potatoes, Madison went through the motions of cooking a broccoli and cheese casserole. Then, she placed dinner rolls on a cookie sheet when all she wanted to do was throw her arms around Adam’s neck and kiss him. The man undid her but his evil sister was another matter.
Pushing depressing thoughts aside, Madison set the table with alternating red and green placemats—since she didn’t have four of each color. Then, she remembered she still needed a gift for Adam. She studied every inch of her kitchen to no avail and wracked her brain about a possible present.
