Christmas At Pelican Beach (Pelican Beach Book 4)

by Michele Gilcrest

  “The cookies are for the nursing home and children who have to be in the hospital for Christmas.”

  “That’s sweet, Emms. Where would the people of Pelican Beach be without you? Speaking of Pelican Beach, while I have the two of you here, I thought of a new Christmas Eve tradition that we could start this year. If you have a minute, I’d love to hear what you think about it.”

  “I’m all ears.”

  “Why don’t we check out the new Festival of Lights this year? I heard it’s going to be a spectacular show, with a guest appearance from Santa.”

  Emmie sighed.

  “I get it Emmie, your way too old for Santa. However, you’re never too old to enjoy a Christmas light show and grab a bite to eat afterward.”

  “If you want to throw in milkshakes after dinner, that would be a nice bonus.”

  “You drive a hard bargain, kiddo, but I think we can work something out. Payton, what do you say?”

  “I think it’s a great idea. It can be our own special little Christmas activity before the big day with the family. And to make it extra fun, when we get home, how about we open at least one gift?”

  “Spoken like a true genius, but there’s only one problem,” Emmie said.

  “What’s that?”

  “Dad told me the other day he was starting a ‘no opening gifts before Christmas policy’.”

  I glanced over at Cole. He hadn’t said a word about it to me. But, the big grin on his face revealed that he wasn’t terribly concerned about enforcing the new policy.

  “Emmie, I was just teasing. I think we can squeeze in one gift on Christmas Eve.”

  She pumped her fists in the air. “Yess!”

  “Alright, the plans are in place and all that’s left to do is deliver Christmas cookies first thing in the morning.”

  “Do we have time to stop by Grandma Helen’s house after we drop off the cookies? I told her I would help with baking the desserts.”

  “That might be a little tricky because I have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow at ten. Maybe Dad can help us out.”

  “I’m home for the next several days. I don’t see why we can’t make it a family affair. Let’s drop off the cookies, hang with you for the appointment, and then stop by Helen’s after,” Cole said.

  “Oh, I wouldn’t want to drag you two along to the doctor’s office. You’ll be bored out of your mind.”

  “Nonsense, Emmie and I can entertain ourselves while we wait. Besides, I’m curious to hear what the doctor has to say, anyway. I was thinking how strange it is that whatever you have, neither of us have caught it. We’re around each other all the time. It doesn’t make sense.”

  “Maybe I need to work on my immune system, I don’t know. Either way, I really can give you an update when I get back, Cole. After the appointment, I have to rush over to the store. With Natalie gone, I’ll need to get there as quickly as possible to make sure the doors are open for customers until at least five o’clock. Long story, I’ll catch you up to speed later, but basically she had to take off early to be with the family.”

  I gave Cole a look to signal that I would talk to him about it later. I don’t know what was worse, the pressure of knowing that I had a hectic day to look forward to on Christmas Eve, or the pressure of not telling Cole the real reason for me scheduling the doctor’s appointment. My gut was telling me it was the latter. Ultimately, I still really believed that I just had a week long stomach thing. Eventually it would go away. But, after getting such a bizarre reading on the pregnancy test, I didn’t think it would hurt to ask the doctor to give me an official test to be sure. The lady taking my appointment didn’t need to know all the details. I could casually mention it. After sharing my past history, they’d probably rule out pregnancy, anyway.

  Around eight o’clock the next morning I was still wandering around in my flannel pajamas wishing I could go back to bed. The aroma from the freshly baked cookies made me want to hide in the bathroom, but I knew I had to push through it and put on a smile for Emmie. I splashed my face with cold water, patted it dry, and looked up in the mirror to see Cole standing in the doorway.

  “You almost scared the daylights out of me. Make some noise the next time or something.”

  He laughed.

  “I’m sorry, I thought you heard me.”

  The smell of the cookies grew stronger as he stood with the door ajar.

  “Come on in and close the door.”

  “Uh, sure. You realize that Emmie is awake, right?”

  “I’m not inviting you in here for alone time. I can’t take the smell of the cookies and you’re standing there with the door wide open.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry. Let me get the door for you. Payton, this is exactly what I was talking about last night. You have not been feeling like yourself for a while. If you can’t bear the smell of cookies something is wrong. You need to see the doctor like pronto. I’m taking you to the appointment this morning and I’m not taking no for an answer.”

  “Cole, I’ll be fine, I promise.”

  “I’m still not taking no for an answer. And, can we talk about why you’ve been so resistant lately? Is there something you don’t want me to know?”

  “No.”

  I waited another moment.

  “Maybe,” I said.

  Cole took a seat on the edge of the bathtub and waited in silence.

  “It’s not that I don’t want you to know. I just don’t have anything to tell you at the moment. Other than, I took a pregnancy test with Abby, because I was wondering if I was…”

  He leaped up faster than I could get the words out of my mouth.

  “Pregnant?” Cole finished my sentence.

  “See, that’s what I was afraid of. I didn’t want to get you all excited if it’s nothing. I honestly don’t believe there’s a chance. But once Abby planted the thought in my head, I couldn’t shake it loose.”

  “Well, what did the test say?”

  “I think it was negative, but there was a faint plus sign that was appearing so it kind of freaked me out a little.”

  Cole removed the washcloth out of my hand and held me.

  “Payton. All that matters to me is you get checked out to make sure you’re okay. I’m already complete with you and Emmie, no matter what the result is.”

  “Thank you, babe. In that case, I’ll gladly accept your invitation to escort me to the doctor’s office….and to the store after….and to my mother’s house…and you can help with the green bean casserole I plan to bring tomorrow as well.”

  “Whoa. Slow your horses. Let’s start with Emmie and I dropping off the cookies and then swinging back around the house to pick you up. We may also want to take a raincheck on the Christmas lights for this evening.”

  “Let’s see how I feel first. A change of scenery might do me some good.”

  Cole opened the door again and turned around to blow a kiss.

  “Payton, you know you can always talk to me about anything, right?” he asked.

  “Yes.”

  “Good, so promise me the next time something is bothering that pretty little head of yours you’ll…”

  “Cole!”

  “Yes, honey.”

  “I love you. I really do. But, if you don’t hurry up and close that door!”

  He closed the door quickly, but on the other side I could hear him chuckling away.

  “Payton, have you ever heard the old saying ‘if it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it’s probably a duck’?”

  “Yes, but what does that have to do with anything?”

  “Based on the way you’re acting, we might just have a little duckling in the making. I’m just saying.”

  “Cole Miller!”

  “I love youuuuu.”

  His voice faded off into the distance and I proceeded to slowly continue getting ready for the day.

  Helen

  “Jolene, we need to come up with a plan. I refuse to have chaos in my kitchen t
omorrow just because you want to have a food contest. We need to stick to a solid schedule of who’s going to be in the kitchen at what time.”

  “Well, good morning, to you, too, Scrooge.”

  “I’m being serious. The grandkids are going to be here later on to help with the baking, and the rest of the food needs to be in the oven bright and early tomorrow morning. That barely leaves time for you to make your rum cake and whatever else you had in mind.”

  “Helen, don’t worry about me. I function at my best during the midnight hour. By the time you wake up on Christmas morning, I will have already prepared a feast to die for. And, I’ll still have time left over to freshen up and look nice before my guest arrives.”

  “What guest?”

  “Wouldn’t you like to know?”

  “Actually, I would. You didn’t mention anything to me. Surely, it has to be someone from back home. You barely know anybody around here.”

  “I didn’t mention anything because I just invited him the other day. Aren’t you the one who always says the more the merrier?”

  “Well, yes, but I’d still like to know who you picked up off the street to bring into my house, Jolene.”

  “There’s no such thing as a stranger in Pelican Beach. And I didn’t meet him in the street.”

  “Where did you meet him then?”

  “At a local bar.”

  “You have to be kidding me. A bar?”

  “Oh, Helen, it’s not a big deal. I invited David, the new owner at the inn and his bartender, Frank, that’s all. I’m not sure if Frank will come, but I know David is spending the holidays alone this year.”

  “Who?”

  “The new owner at the inn you used to own. He seems like a nice guy and he’s out here on his own with no family around, so I extended an invitation. Were you aware that he owns other inns in different states? I don’t know how the man does it. I told him about making the place a little more… you know… small town friendly and less commercial. Other than that, things seem to be working out rather nicely at the inn.”

  “Jolene Ferguson, I could wring your neck. Why on God’s green earth would you invite the new owner of our former business to our house? Of all places!”

  “Why wouldn’t I? You and Will have always been about hospitality. Plus, I thought it might be fun to hear him talk about how things are going. Maybe y’all could compare notes about your experiences. You know, chum it up about the business and whatnot.”

  Just listening to Jolene speak made my blood pressure rise. She was right back to stirring up trouble, and she did it so effortlessly. I was starting to think it was a natural part of her DNA.

  “Take a deep breath, Helen. Don’t lose it on her. Don’t do it,” I said out loud.

  “Is it really that big of a deal? He’ll be here for a couple of hours tops.”

  “Yes, it’s a big deal. Payton and I weren’t too fond of his way of doing business when he bought the inn. He came in with these grand ideas, including laying off the staff to bring in his own people. We sent him on his way the day he tried to sit down and negotiate an earlier closing date. He thought he could just throw a little extra cash around and have his way. I was fine with never seeing the likes of him again, and now you’re bringing him to my house for Christmas.”

  “I didn’t realize you had an issue with the guy. You and Will normally welcome everybody, no questions asked. If it’s that big of a deal I’ll go down to the inn and cancel our plans.”

  “You can’t do that. You’ll make the family look bad. I mean, what could you possibly say to him at this point? ‘I’m sorry, but I need to take back your invite to dinner because the former owner doesn’t really like you that much’.”

  I took another deep breath.

  “Look. What’s done is done. Let’s just welcome him in here for a couple of hours, like you said, and then he’ll be on his way.”

  “You know, Helen, I spent some time talking with him and he seems like a nice guy. He kind of reminds me of George with his mannerisms and all. Maybe it won’t be as bad as you think.”

  “Jolene, he reminds you of George? Really?”

  “A little,” she murmured until her voice trailed off.

  “He sure is handsome, I can tell you that.”

  “Ah, now the truth comes out. If I were you, I’d forget it. Don’t even go there if you know what’s best for you.”

  “Forget it? You must think I’m some old, shriveled up prune who doesn’t notice a good-looking man when I see one.”

  “Honestly, I think just the opposite. I’ve seen how you look at men when we go out.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  I paused and looked at the clock on the wall. It was almost ten thirty on Christmas Eve and I was no closer to starting my baking than I had been before Jolene entered the kitchen.

  The sooner I accepted this was who she was, the better off I’d be. I always felt like she dangled just enough bait to get me going and before I knew it I was in too deep. Not this time. Today, I was going to turn on my Christmas music and carry out my plans for dinner.

  “It doesn’t mean anything, Jolene. I think we should stop while we’re ahead. I’m going to put on some music, put on my apron, and get to work in the kitchen. If you need me, you know where to find me.”

  The grandkids were scheduled to arrive in an hour. Will and I sat and ate lunch to the sound of rain slapping against the window pane. The views of the dark clouds moving across the water was enough to make me want to curl up with a blanket. But, there was no time for that now. Instead, I spent a few minutes trying to get Will to indulge in small talk, just as I had done every day since his dementia diagnosis.

  “What’s the matter, Will? You don’t feel like eating your pickles today?”

  “No.”

  “Well, I better check your temperature and make sure you’re feeling alright. You never skip out on your pickles and chips.”

  He stared past me looking out of the window, instead.

  “It looks like we’re going to have a wet Christmas this year. It’s too bad. I know everyone in town was looking forward to seeing the Christmas lights tonight.”

  “Mmm hmm.”

  “You know, the grandkids will be here soon. I think I’ll put Maggie and Emmie in charge of helping me with my cobbler and Aiden can decorate the cookies. I have this funny feeling he’ll help out for a few minutes and then disappear on me. Maybe he can keep you company. I know you two love watching your sports.”

  “Yes.” Will agreed.

  “I have an idea. If you’re feeling up to it maybe we can do something different tonight since it’s Christmas Eve. Instead of going to bed early, maybe we can stay up and have some fun. Remember when you and I used to put the kids to bed and stay up in the living room all night long? One would’ve thought we were up wrapping gifts, but not us. We used to dance the night away to our favorite songs, like I’ll Be Home for Christmas and Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree. Oh, boy, how I miss those days, Will, don’t you?”

  Again Will nodded his head and continued to listen to me babble. I didn’t mind. The doctor told me it was a good idea to share fond memories from our past. As long as it was helpful, I’d continue to do whatever I could for Will.

  The phone rang.

  “Hello?”

  “Hey, it’s me, Rebecca.”

  “Well, there you are. It’s nice that you finally decided to call your mother. I don’t know whether to welcome you back or if you’re still out of town, or what.”

  “I’m back. I’ve just been busy. I figured I’d check in to see if there’s anything you want me to bring to dinner tomorrow.”

  “Not so fast. I can’t imagine you being so busy that you don’t have time to check in and say hello. How’s my grandbaby? I haven’t seen him in so long he may not recognize me anymore.”

  “Okay, Mom. Don’t you think you’re being a little dramatic? John William didn’t forget you. He’s just been spending some
time with Ethan’s parents before the holidays, that’s all.”

  “I told you they’re invited to dinner, but I guess you were too busy to mention it to them.”

  “I did, but they have plans. It’s not a big deal, really. So, is there anything you want me to bring?”

  “Payton is bringing her green bean casserole, and I think Abby is bringing another side dish. If you just pick up plenty of drinks for the kids that will be fine.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes, I’m sure.”

  “Okay, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Rebecca hung up the phone before I could say another word. I wanted to ask her to come clean and be honest about whatever was bothering her. But, apparently, whatever grudge she was holding would have to wait until after Christmas.

  “Will, I don’t know about your youngest child. I know I gave birth to her, but she has a stubborn streak that could’ve only come from your side of the family.”

  Jolene walked in just in time to hear what I was saying to Will.

  “I beg your pardon. We’re not stubborn, are we, Will? We might be a little crazy, but we’re not stubborn.”

  “Crazy is an understatement,” I mumbled under my breath.

  “Cousin Will, it’s time for your afternoon nap. I have your chair all set up and your favorite station is on. Let me help you up from the table so we can get you squared away,” Jolene said.

  Will waved his hand at her to get out of his way. He may not have been a man of many words, but he liked his independence whenever possible.

  “Alright, off you go then. I see the both of you woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning.” She followed him out of the kitchen.

  I shifted my attention back to the window that Will was staring out of. I could easily envision the younger version of ourselves running around in flip-flops and decorating the back porch with white lights everywhere. Our first Christmas at the cottage was a dream come true. Abby and Payton were knee high to a duck, and Rebecca was on the way. Now look at us. Our kids are all grown but we’re still upholding family traditions that are rooted in love.