by Valerie Tate
Later that afternoon, with the food roasting or simmering in the kitchen and plates of hors d’oeuvres and bottles of wine spread out in the living room, Alicia and Chris were free to spend time with their family and friends. Charlie was quietly mooching treats from anyone who couldn’t resist the appeal of his big, brown eyes, and even Horace had put in a brief appearance before heading upstairs to sleep on the bed.
Alicia was checking to see if wine glasses needed topping up when she wandered over to where Saanvi was looking at the nativity scene. Standing beside her, Alicia saw that she was looking intently at the baby in the manger and she hoped her friend wasn’t feeling sad at the sight. But when she looked in her face it wasn’t sorrow but joy that she saw there.
Saanvi looked at her and put her finger to her lips before saying softly, “Next year at this time, all being well, Ramesh and I will have one of those of our own.”
Happiness welled up inside Alicia and she said, “You mean…?”
Saanvi nodded, her face beaming. “It’s early days yet and only Ramesh knows, and now you. We’re keeping it a secret until I’m further along but it looks like our prayers have been answered.”
Alicia threw her arms around her friend and the two women hugged as Saanvi whispered, “Remember, not a word to anyone, except Chris, of course.”
“I promise. I’m just so thrilled for you.”
“I’m thrilled for Ramesh and for myself. But you know who is going to be even more thrilled?”
Saanvi giggled and then, as she understood, Alicia did too.
They said in unison, “My…”
“Your…”
“…mother!”
Stifling their laughter, the two women walked away, Saanvi heading back to join the others, while Alicia went to the kitchen to check on the progress of the food. As she did so, she mulled over how all of their hopes and dreams had come true for Christmas. Her mom had won the gingerbread contest, Molly, or rather, Rosie had found her family again (That one gave her a little pang but she squelched it as being selfish and unworthy of the season.), Saanvi and Ramesh were going to be parents and she and Chris had found Davina Dove’s killer and had lived to tell the tale. They all had a lot to be thankful for, she decided, and she really hoped she could produce a meal worthy of the celebration.
The oven timer went off and she checked the new meat thermometer to be sure. It was time.
Chris carried the turkey in all its juicy, golden brown glory and placed it at the head of the beautifully appointed table in the dining room. Bowls with mounds of potatoes, both mashed and roasted, serving dishes containing several varieties of hot vegetables, and gravy boats filled to the brim were already there, waiting to be served. Alicia had followed the roast turkey recipe in Davina Dove’s cookbook because, while Davina may not have been the nicest of people, she had been an outstanding chef and the proof was there on the platter.
Alicia beamed as, at the sight of the feast, spontaneous applause from her appreciative family and friends filled the room. She had done it! The perfect Christmas dinner!
Heaving a huge sigh of relief, she called out joyfully, “Merry Christmas, everyone!”
The End
About the Author
Valerie Tate lives in a nineteenth century, heritage cottage in Ontario, Canada. She has a degree in English Literature from Victoria College and a teaching degree from the University of Toronto.
When not working on her mystery novels, she can be found at the barn with her horse, Devon, and her Jack Russell Terrier, Jamie.
Publications to date include CATNIP, the first of The Dunbarton Mysteries, HORSE SENSE, FROG LEGS, SCAPEGOAT, CHAMELEON and DRAGON as well as THE REINDEER CAPER, the first Dunbarton Christmas mystery. GINGERBREAD TO DIE FOR is the second Christmas mystery.
Go to her website or visit her on Facebook for more information about her current books and news of upcoming releases.
www.valerietate.weebly.com
https://www.facebook.com/DunbartonMysteries
