Christmas at Grey Sage

by Phyllis Clark Nichols

  Lita stepped forward as Silas brought the Klingmans into the dining room. “Now, many years ago, it was tradition in this house to have an unveiling on Christmas. Maude always had a new painting of Grey Sage to show the family. Well, she thought she’d be in Curaçao on this lovely Christmas morning, so there’s no new painting. But I know you’ve been wondering about what’s underneath the green velvet cloth, and I think now is the time for you to find out. I must tell you that this was Laura’s idea and her creation. She worked all day yesterday and into the night to make certain she would finish.”

  She pointed her finger at Laura. “And she is offering this to all of you as her Christmas gift.” Laura stood near the sideboard, smiling shyly. “And Maude, Laura did this to say thank you for opening Grey Sage to a group of strangers for Christmas, and she thinks you’ll really love it. Laura, would you like to unveil your masterpiece?”

  “Would you help me with that end of the drape, Lita?” Laura and Lita charily lifted the cloth and dropped it to the floor.

  Maude’s eyes grew wide, and she stepped nearer to examine the gingerbread replica of Grey Sage. “Laura, this is absolutely a work of art. It’s Grey Sage, every wing, every door, and every window—all in gingerbread and candies. How in the world did you do this? Lita’s right, it is a masterpiece. And you’re right, I really love it.” She hugged Laura.

  Laura responded. “I always wanted to build a gingerbread house, but I never did. Why, I’d never made a cookie until three days ago, and Lita is so amazing that she has made a cook and a baker of me. I never could have done this without her help. She gave me the cookie recipe, and the icing recipe, and then helped me gather the other candies and items for the detail. And she stayed up with me until it was finished. I truly hope you like it. It was great fun!”

  The guests gathered round to see the replica. Reba remarked, “Are those marzipan trees? And the glass panes—are they made of sugar?”

  Laura answered. “Yes, cooked to the perfect temperature and then allowed to cool. And pretzels for tree trunks. Even the ceilings for all the covered porches are made of strips of cookies. And of course royal icing tinted just the right muddy color is the mortar holding all this together, and the white icing dripping from the roof top looks so much like icicles, don’t you think?”

  Lily touched the candy-cane lamppost. “Why, Laura, you could really start a business doing this you know! You even drew the design yourself?”

  “Yes, but you must know adobe houses are easy. If it had been a Victorian, like the one we live in, I’m not sure I would have attempted it.”

  Maude hugged her again. “Well, we are so glad you attempted this one. May I suggest we enjoy looking at it for a few hours before we start with the demolition.”

  Lily spoke up. “Translated, that means, ‘Everyone keep your eyes on Beatrice.’ She’s the one we’d have to worry about.”

  Beatrice frowned and shook her head. “Not I, Lily. It’s Christmas. No misbehaving.”

  “You’ll have your fill, Beatrice. I made a whole tray of gingerbread cookies too.” With a last grateful smile at Lita, Laura picked up the green velvet drape from the floor and moved away so everyone could gather around and examine her creation.

  Silas stood in the archway leading to the gathering room. “This morning has already started with such a delicious surprise, but that’s not the only surprise.” He looked around the group. “Where’s Daniel?”

  Daniel raised his hand. He was still in his superhero pajamas and fur-lined moccasins. His curly blond hair looked smeared all over his head.

  “Come here, son.” Silas put his hand on Daniel’s shoulder. “Just want to remind everyone what a hero you were night before last! It was amazing thing you did for a young boy your age. And I’m sorry you didn’t get to be with your grandparents for Christmas. But we’re so glad that you’re here with us.”

  Daniel’s cheeks reddened from the attention. “Yes, sir, thank you.”

  “Now I know Santa made a stop at your house last night and you’ll be leaving soon to go and check it out. But I think you’ll be glad to know he made a stop here after he left your house. His ruckus woke me up. I wasn’t expecting him here, but when I came out to check on the noise, Santa told me he almost got stuck in that kiva of yours, so he needed a big chimney to deliver this gift. Why don’t you go look under the tree?”

  Daniel looked up at Silas. “Santa delivered something here for me?” The boy practically slid through the dining room, his felt-bottomed slippers skating across the tile floor. The guests followed quickly to see.

  In the gathering room, Daniel made a quick survey, then turned to Silas. “Did you mean these little bags?” he asked curiously.

  Beatrice interrupted quickly. “No, no, not the bags, young man. They already have names on them. I would have gotten you a bag, but I didn’t know you were coming.”

  Silas moved to where Daniel stood. “Have you never seen an electric train, son?”

  “No, sir, never. Is . . .” He hesitated, unsure but hopeful. “Is it for me?”

  At Silas’s nod, Daniel skidded across the room to where the train was running, crossing bridges, and entering and exiting tunnels. “Wow! I can’t believe it. Mom! Dad! Santa brought me a train. A real electric train. Can I move the track?”

  Silas chuckled. “Of course, you can. But I think you’d better stop it first. And it’ll be up to you to keep those train cars polished, and you can add all kinds of things to an electric train set—new train cars, more bridges and scenery . . . It’ll be fun, and you and your dad can build a special table for it.”

  Silas stepped back, joined Maude, and put his arm around her. He knew they were sharing the same memories, the same bitter tears, and the same budding joy. He knew it was time for the train to be out of its black bins and in the hands of a little boy.

  “I like it. I like it so much. I promise to take care of it, Dad.” He got down on the floor to see all the moving parts. “I have a train, a real electric train, and I didn’t even know I wanted one.”

  The whole room broke up in laughter.

  Greg, being the theologian he was, obviously couldn’t allow this opportunity to pass on Christmas morning. “Well, Daniel, that’s just like Christmas. When Christmas came, we didn’t know to even ask for Christmas because we didn’t know we wanted it or needed it. But we did, and God was good to see our need and give us the best gift ever: himself. Merry, Merry Christmas, everyone.”

  With a smile at Silas, Maude turned the music on and let Christmas happen.

  The day was filled with conversations, more backgammon, picture taking, more piano playing, and a few brave soloists who knew they couldn’t be heard about the chatter. Lita and Laura kept the table filled with snacks and began working to prepare a traditional Christmas Dinner to be served at five o’clock.

  The Klingmans went home, but not before Daniel promised to return before Christmas dinner to see his train later in the day. He wanted to know when he could take it home. Silas promised to pack it on Monday, and as soon as the roads were clear, he would deliver the train to Daniel’s front door.

  The day was still bitterly cold, but the wind had subsided, blue sky replaced the thick gray clouds, and the sun made its appearance in the afternoon for the first time in days. Kent and Emily joined the Christmas trivia game for a while, but at the first available stopping point, Kent stepped away. Being the grand champion of Christmas trivia was not high on his list of things to accomplish. “Keep playing, friends, but I’m going for a snack. So don’t wait for me.”

  Emily followed him to the dining table for another round of Lita’s morsels.

  He took a piece of cream-cheese-stuffed celery from the tray. “This is my third one of these. They’re good. Raisins and cream cheese. Interesting. But Lita probably has some secret ingredient in this too.” He paused. “What do you say we take that walk we didn’t take yesterday?”

  “A walk sounds inviting. I love this place, a
nd I’m not at all getting cabin fever, but fresh air sounds wonderful.”

  “Get your warmest gear. The sun may be shining, but it’s still cold out there.”

  Emily smiled and saluted him. “Yes, Corporal. Or Sergeant. Or . . . I don’t even know your rank.”

  “I’ll settle for captain, ma’am.”

  “Yes, sir, Captain.” She quickly went and retrieved her jacket.

  They moved through the kitchen into the mudroom, putting on hats and gloves as they walked.

  “I love you, Lita,” Kent said to her as they passed her at the stove. “And I’m coming back to be your sous chef someday soon. Or maybe you can teach me to cook first. But I want to cook just like you, and then I’m certain everyone will love me.”

  Lita gave him a significant look. “Someone loves you, Kent. Enjoy the sunshine. There’ll be hot chocolate and some leftover Hot Chocolate Trifle when you get back.” She turned to Laura, who was crumbling cornbread for the dressing. “Budding love. Nothing in the whole world like it. Especially when they’re not so young, and those powerful feelings aren’t wasted.”

  Emily blushed.

  “Come on.” Kent led her out. “I want to walk down to the bridge. We crossed it the other night going to Jedediah’s, but I couldn’t see anything beyond Silas, and I couldn’t see much more on the walk back home yesterday morning. This terrain must be something in the light of day. I just have a feeling about it.”

  He took her hand, and they walked beyond the barn and took the path. Once they reached the pine brake, he pointed out the bridge down below to her.

  Emily struggled to keep up with him as they descended to the creek. “It’s not so easy walking in this powdery snow. It’s above my knees, and my legs aren’t quite as long as yours.”

  “Then, let’s not walk.” Kent stopped in his tracks and fell backward into the pillowy snow, feeling like a tall pine that had been felled.

  Emily gasped. “Are you all right?”

  Kent’s laugh came from somewhere deep inside, a place that had not been rattled with laughter in a long time. “More all right than I’ve been in quite awhile. You said it was hard to walk, so just lie down. We wanted to make some snow angels anyway.” He rose up on his elbow. “Come on, turn around and just let go. The snow will catch you, and it’s soft.”

  But Emily was pulling off her gloves and reaching into her pocket for her camera. “Not until I take your picture. Do your snow-angel thing!”

  Kent lay back down, imprinting the snow with his head and limbs. He moved his legs in and out and his right arm up and down to create one good wing. Emily snapped several shots.

  “Now, it’s my turn.” She turned around and fell into the snow beside him and made her snow angel, giggling like a schoolgirl. “Too bad there’s no one to take our picture. My students wouldn’t believe this.”

  Kent pushed himself up with his good arm, careful not to disturb the imprint of his snow angel. “Hand me your camera. I’ll take your picture.” He took several and then extended his arm to help her up. When she was upright, he pulled her close to him and kissed her on the cheek. “Now, you take a picture of our snow angels, and I want a copy.” He looked at the blanket of snow. “Never thought of an angel with one wing. Come on. We have to get to the bridge.”

  They plodded on, laughing and talking about what a surprising Christmas it had been. When they reached the bridge, it was as he’d thought—unbelievably beautiful, with a trickling creek through a stone bed. “When the snow melts, this creek will swell. Can you imagine what it would look like in April?”

  Emily stood, holding on to the bridge railing and straining to see. “Oh, to be here in the spring. I’ve visited lots of places, but this is one of the most enchanting. It’s like my soul is home here. I love everything about it.”

  Kent reached into the inside pocket of his jacket and pulled out an envelope. “Emily, I wanted to get you something for Christmas. No . . . it was more like I had a need to give you something, and it just happens to be Christmas. So here it is.”

  “Is it the drawing of me you did, the one with the moonflower in my hair?”

  “No, that’s for me. Just look.”

  She pulled the paper and a brochure from the envelope. A note was typed on Grey Sage letterhead. “This is good for a week of your choice at an artists’ or writers’ retreat this spring. You choose the date, and if my new assignment allows, I’ll meet you here. We’ll return to the bridge together and see it in springtime. Always, Kent.”

  Her arms went around his neck as though that’s what they were made for. Kent leaned to kiss her and held her close with one arm. He was passionate and yet gentle. “The next time we’re on this bridge, both my arms will be around you, Emily Sutton. I’m counting on it.”

  “Me too. This is the best Christmas gift I have ever received, Kent. You’ve given me not only time here with you, but you’ve given me happy days from now until April, days filled with anticipation for being here with you.”

  He looked deeply into her eyes. “Thank you for being my moonflower, and for giving me some hope in my darkness, Emily.” He kissed her lips. “But I’ll be seeing you before April.”

  “Then I’ll have even happier days.” She stretched to kiss him again.

  Christmas day was like a stocking full of surprises—Silas’s coupon for Maude’s trip to Curaçao, Laura’s gingerbread house that no one could bear to touch, Silas’s gift of the electric train to young Daniel, Kent’s “Return to Grey Sage” trip for Emily, and Beatrice’s bags of candy—which she handed to recipients with the unashamed declaration that if they didn’t like the contents, she’d gladly take them back.

  A traditional dinner with Lita’s prime rib was served and enjoyed by every guest. There was nothing missing, and no lack of joy at Grey Sage this Christmas.

  After the evening’s last story, Lita served coffee and slices of her traditional Cold Christmas Cake that Laura had made. Lita told the story of how her ancestors had chilled the cake in the creek for two days, but she assured them Laura had chilled hers in the fridge.

  “Speaking of Cold Christmas Cake . . .” Lily stepped in front of the fireplace, not to warm her backside, but because that had become the designated spot for announcements, readings, storytelling, and even impromptu ballet moves.

  “Listen up, you Party people. It’s time to say thank you to our hosts, so don’t go back to the kitchen yet, Lita. Let’s see . . . Maude guided us through Santa Fe, down Canyon Road, through the Railyard District and the Loretto Chapel. Lita has fed us food fit for the gods. I didn’t always know what I was eating, Lita, except that it was absolutely delicious, and thank God for refrigerators. Alo has kept us warm with blazing fires. And aside from being a gentlemanly host, Silas has proven his medical skills on more than one patient.

  “In addition to all that, we managed to wreck the van and spend a day stranded in the edge of a snow-covered forest. We escaped the terrors of howling wolves. We’ve sung Christmas carols and heard stories that I still don’t believe, and we’ve had more surprises today than I can list. Young and old, we’ve had a grand time.”

  She paused and gestured dramatically. “And now, Alo and Lita, will you come forward please?”

  Alo and Lita, still in her apron, joined Lily. Lily handed them an envelope. “You two have kept the fires burning and such good food on the table. We wanted to say thank you, so we’ve arranged a Couples’ Day Treat at one of the spas in town just for you. All you need to do is tell them who you are, and you will be treated as royally as you have treated us this week. Thank you so much.”

  Alo responded first. “It has been our pleasure. Lita and I would have had the loneliest and quietest Christmas without you good people. We will miss you as you travel a new road tomorrow.”

  Lita joined him. “Yes, you have made me hand-clapping happy as you enjoyed my meals. And I have such a good new friend. Laura, you have been so wonderful to help me. I hope you will all return t
o Grey Sage. Our doors are always open to you.”

  The guests applauded.

  Lily took center stage again. “Now stay right here, Lita, Alo. Maude and Silas, will you come up?”

  Maude and Silas joined the three of them.

  Lily turned to Maude. “Maude, we’ve been friends almost forever, since that first time I saw you on the street corner in Chicago in our university days. I love you, my friend. I know it was your tradition for many years to buy something special for Grey Sage every Christmas. And . . . I saw you eyeing a beautiful piece of hand-blown glass on Canyon Road. You know, the one with red-and-yellow spirals like a giant lollipop. Now I couldn’t get back there because of the weather, but I’ve made arrangements for you to pick it up at your convenience. This is our Christmas gift to you and Silas and to Grey Sage. And I want you to know, I missed two hours of poker playing and my chance to beat Henry because I was on the phone trying to locate this piece. Do you know how many galleries there are on Canyon Road?”

  “Oh, my, Lily.” For a moment, Maude couldn’t speak. “I will cherish it, and I know exactly where it will hang. The light coming through that piece will be red and yellow, bright colors that will always remind me of the color this group has brought back to Grey Sage, thanks to an unexpected snowstorm. So thank you, so very much.”

  Bea interrupted. “So that’s where you went yesterday when you left the trivia game? I suppose I need to apologize. I really didn’t think you could find anyone who would talk to you. Certainly not for that long. I stand corrected.”

  Silas spoke up. “But wait. One more gift.”

  Beatrice continued as if Silas hadn’t said a word. “Don’t forget there were gifts under the tree for everyone from me. And I do hope you remember, Maude, that I gave you and Silas and Alo and Lita your gifts the morning we left. I would have gladly left them under your tree, but you didn’t have a tree. Oh, and that was the dreadful morning that I almost died from—” There was a quiet scuffle amongst the nearby guests, and Bea abruptly subsided.