Alice
“Don’t get up yet. Let’s lay here for five more minutes and listen to the sound of the rain.” Stanley nestled close to me. He always made it difficult to part ways and step out of bed.
“Your bad habits are rubbing off on me, Stanley. Before we were married I used to get out of the bed no later than six-thirty. Now, look at me. It’s almost seven o’clock and we have a lot to do before we head over to Helen’s house later.”
“Like what? All we have to do is make a light breakfast, eat it, and get dressed. I can do all that within an hour.”
“You can, but I need extra time if I’m going to get this hair of mine to behave. Especially since it’s raining.”
I laid there a little longer to appease him. Stanley was highly skilled at sleeping through the night, waking up to pay his water bill, and going back to sleep again. I didn’t know how he did it.
My body never allowed me to sleep past a certain hour, even when I was tired.
“Hey, Stanley.”
“Yes, dear.”
“Do you miss your old life?”
“Is this a trick question, Alice?”
“Ha. No, it’s not a trick. I’m just curious. I always hear you reference what things were like before we were together. It made me wonder if you miss those times, that’s all.”
“No, I wouldn’t trade my current life with you for anything in the world, Alice.”
“Good answer.”
“It’s the truth! Yeah, sure, it was nice to toss my socks wherever they landed and not think about the consequences. But, that does nothing to cure a lonely heart.”
“You never spoke about being lonely when we were friends.”
“There was a lot I didn’t talk about, but that doesn’t mean it didn’t exist. When you and I became friends, I grew accustomed to coming over and visiting you once a week. During the weeks we didn’t see each other, I always missed you. That’s how I knew I was falling for you.”
“Well, if you’re trying to win extra brownie points with me this morning, you’re doing a good job.”
We continued staring at the ceiling while talking. It seemed like the longer we laid there, the harder the raindrops began beating on the shingles.
“I’ll bet everyone is moving just as slow as we are this morning with all that rain. Except the kids, of course. Emmie was probably up before daybreak just to see what was under the tree.”
I laughed to myself.
“Emmie outgrew the idea of Santa Claus being real at an early age. But, that sure didn’t stop her from waking up early to see what was under the tree. I used to spend the night on Christmas Eve just so I could be there to see her reaction to all the gifts she received.”
“I’ll bet. Alice, I guess I could ask you the same question you asked me. Do you miss your old life? I’m sure it must’ve felt different waking up without seeing Emmie on Christmas morning.”
“Yes, and no. I’ll always miss the extra time we had together. If you think about it, I had to step up and help big time when Cole’s wife, Laura, passed away. Emmie needed me, and I was happy to be there for her. But, I also knew the importance of Cole getting back out there and falling in love again. So, I’m at peace. This is the way it should’ve been all along if Laura hadn’t been taken away from us so suddenly. Now, that Payton is in our lives, she couldn’t be more of a perfect fit for Cole and Emmie. I’m happy for them. I really am. And, I’m happy that I get to share my life with you.”
“That makes me feel good to hear. I can think of a way you can show your appreciation.”
I swatted him with one of my pillows.
“Stanley, don’t you start. Let’s get up now before we get into trouble.”
“You know I don’t mind getting in trouble with you.”
“Stanley!”
“Alright, alright. I’m getting up now.”
“How do you want your eggs this morning?”
“The usual.”
“Scrambled with a side of ketchup. I’m on it. Oh, and, Stanley, one more thing.”
“What’s that?”
“Merry Christmas, love.”
“Merry Christmas.”
I’ll bet if my late husband, Paul, was looking down on me from heaven, he’d be very happy for me. He always used to say that we weren’t created to live life alone. Funny thing, when I met him, I never thought I’d get married. That was until I fell head over heals in love. My, how things have changed over the years. I’m no longer the young and vibrant teenager running around with a ponytail tied in a ribbon. My reflection in the mirror reveals more wrinkles and lines than ever. But on the inside, the desire to love and be loved is just as alive and vibrant as ever.
“Alice, the car is all packed up. The gifts are in the trunk, and your dessert is on the back seat. We have a forty-minute drive ahead of us. We better get on the good foot so we’re not late.”
“Okay, but before we leave, how do I look?”
“Absolutely terrible, now get in the car and let’s go.” He chuckled.
“Stanley, you’re no help at all.”
“You know I think you look stunning no matter what you put on. I never understand why you ask me those kinds of questions.”
“I like to hear your opinion, that’s why.”
I glanced over at the back window of my little crossover, which was filled to maximum capacity. All I needed was a reindeer's nose on the hood and antlers sticking out the windows, and the look would’ve been complete.
“We should’ve called Cole and asked if he and Payton wanted to ride with us. We could easily scoop them up along the way,” Stanley said.
“And where do you suppose they would fit? We barely have any room left in the car. Besides, I spoke to Cole briefly, and he said Payton was still feeling under the weather but starting to come around. I think they were buying themselves a little extra time before heading to Helen’s house.”
“Is Payton still sick? She wasn’t feeling well the last time we were over their house. If you ask me, it’s time she pays her doctor a visit.”
“Mmm hmm.”
“Would you care to explain?”
“Explain what?”
“What does ‘Mmm hmm’ mean?”
“It means I’ll bet money Payton is pregnant.”
“Do you think?”
Stanley pulled on the interstate and drove right into a sea of red brake lights.
“Here we go. A whole bunch of hurrying up only to stand still in traffic. Thankfully, we only have to endure this for two exits and then we can take the back roads out to Pelican Beach.”
The wipers cleared off the remaining beads of rain on the windshield. In the distance there was a small glimpse of sunshine starting to break through with the darker storm clouds behind us.
“So what’s this about Payton being pregnant?” he asked.
“I don’t know it for certain, but I’m hearing all the tell-tale signs. I’d place a friendly bet with you in a heartbeat.”
“If she is, how about I cook you dinner for a week?”
“Stanley, are you trying to give me food poisoning? I think I’ll pass.”
“Ha ha, I don’t blame you. We’ll have to come up with something else then. All jokes aside, I think it would be wonderful if they had a baby, don’t you? Emmie would be such a good big sister.”
“She would but I don’t want to jinx it. Let’s just wait and see. Whatever you do don’t say a word. It’s just a feeling I have in my gut, that’s all.”
“Mum’s the word. Hey, Alice, can you do me a favor and reach for the pile of mail on the back seat? I was in a hurry yesterday and completely forgot I threw it back there. I think I saw a card from my brother Daniel if I’m not mistaken.”
”Sure, let’s see, we have value coupons, a real estate post card, and yep, a card from Daniel. Isn’t that sweet that he sent you a card? You two really ought to stay in touch more. It’s not like we’re getting any younger, Stanley.”
&nbs
p; “I feel like it’s my fault. Somehow I let the miles and my quiet nature get between us. Open up the card for me and see what it says.”
We were still inching along with a half a mile left to our exit. I opened the card and showed Stanley the cover.
“Big Brother, it’s been a while since we’ve seen each other. I hope this card finds you and your bride well. I’m happy you two found each other. I would love to plan a visit to come see you soon. We have a lot of catching up to do. Merry Christmas. Love, Daniel.”
“That’s nice. I’ll have to call him and arrange something soon.”
“We have plenty of space. Tell him he can come and stay at the house with us any time.”
“Will do. Remind me to call him before we ring in the new year. For now, I think we’re about to catch a break with this traffic. Let’s get to Helen and William’s house sometime before Christmas is over.”
“Sounds good to me.”
Payton
“Cole, I think we may have created a monster by getting Emmie a new cell phone for Christmas. She’s already set up all her social media and now she’s taking selfies for her profile pictures.”
“I’m sure the newness will wear off after a while. I already told her the parental restrictions are coming down the pipeline, including turning the phone in at night before bed,” Cole said.
“Poor thing. You know I’m just teasing about the monster part. Emmie’s always been such a good kid. I’m sure she’ll comply with the rules without a problem. I just hoped to see her open some of her other gifts before we leave for my parents’ house, that’s all. Speaking of my parents, what are your thoughts about us sharing the news with everyone at dinner?”
Cole was buried in his closet but managed to pop his head out to respond.
“Isn’t there some kind of rule about waiting before you tell other people?”
“Typically, but we already told Emmie.”
“Yeah, but that was kind of hard to avoid. She was hanging out in the waiting area at the doctor’s office and there was no way we could endure a whole car ride in silence after finding out the big news.”
“It was hard to contain myself yesterday. But what makes you think today will be any different? What am I supposed to say when everybody digs into dinner and I barely eat anything?”
“Maybe you’ll have more of an appetite later on.”
I just stood there and stared at Cole.
“Okay, maybe that won’t work. Last night all I had to do was heat a plate of food and you were practically running to the bathroom at the smell.”
“Exactly. Besides, do we really expect Emmie to keep such a big secret from the family? Your mother already looked suspicious the last time she was here. If I make up a story and tell everyone I still have a stomach bug, no one is going to buy into it. I’m still in total shock and disbelief, to be honest. When the doctor told us we were expecting, the news hit me like a ton of bricks. Good bricks, of course, but wow!”
“You looked as if you had seen a ghost.” Cole laughed.
“I’ll bet. It’s so surreal, I still don’t know what to make of it all. And, the look on Emmie’s face when we told her was priceless. One would’ve thought she was about to become a mother.”
I slipped on my leather riding boots over my jeans. At least now it made more sense why my jeans were feeling snug. We weren’t big on formal attire for the holidays, so simple jeans and a cute top would do. I never understood why some of us Floridian women wore boots in the winter. It’s not like we were expecting a heap of snow outside. Regardless, I still joined the masses and gave in to the latest fashion with one caveat. I always had a spare pair of flip-flops in my purse, just in case.
“Emmie is excited for sure. This morning she asked if I thought you would be okay with taking pictures of your belly on her cell phone. This way she could document your growth. I told her she needed to check with you on that one.”
“Does she plan on posting the pictures online when I start looking like a great enormous whale?”
“Something like it.”
I took a swing at him, but he grabbed me by the waistline and kissed my belly.
“I fully support whatever you decide. If you want to tell the family we’re expecting, I’m all for it. If you want to wait, I’m for that, too. I’m so happy to be a dad again, I could scream it from a mountaintop. I love you, Payton.”
“You always know how to make me smile, Cole. How about we play it by ear? If it feels right, then we’ll share.”
“I’ll follow your lead.”
He kissed me one more time before returning to his closet to rummage around. Cole was organized with most things in life, but his closet always looked like it was under an invasion or attack. I, on the other hand, amid all the joy, had something weighing on my heart that I needed to take care of.
“Can we be ready to leave in let’s say, fifteen minutes?”
“I can be ready in less than fifteen if you need me to,” Cole responded.
“No, fifteen is fine. I want to make an important call to wish a special someone a Merry Christmas.”
“Okay, I’ll be downstairs in fifteen,” Cole said.
In the hallway, I glanced over the banister to see that Emmie was dressed, ready to go, and still fully consumed by her phone.
“Emmie, give your eyes a break, love. I’m going to make a quick phone call and then we’re going to head out, okay?”
“Okay.”
I sat in the home office, took a deep breath, and dialed Natalie’s number. I was uncertain whether anyone would answer, and a little nervous about what to say. Were there ever really any words of comfort to offer at a time like this? Christmas was supposed to be a joyous time, yet Natalie had such a heavy burden tugging on her heart with her mother’s passing.
“Hello.”
“Hi, Natalie, it’s Payton.”
“This is Natalie’s aunt. Hold on a moment, I’ll go get her.”
They sounded so much alike it caught me off guard. I don’t remember Natalie talking about her aunt much, but she was always rather private to begin with.
“Hi, Payton.”
“Natalie, how are you?”
“I’m okay, I guess.”
We sat in silence for a moment before I continued.
“I can’t pretend to know what to say, Natalie. My intention was to wish you a Merry Christmas, but somehow those words don’t seem appropriate for a time like this. I just know that it was on my heart to call and check on you and to let you know that I’m thinking about you.”
“Thank you, Payton. I appreciate you calling. As my aunt reminded me, Christmas was my mother’s favorite time of the year. If there’s anything I know, Momma wouldn’t want us to skip out on celebrating her favorite holiday. I know for certain she’d frown upon it. Even through the tears, I’ll gladly accept your well wishes for a Merry Christmas, Payton. Mom wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“Natalie, you’re one of a kind. I know your mother is looking down on you and is so proud of the wonderful young lady she raised.”
“I hope so.”
“Oh, I know so. The offer still stands to call me if you need help with anything. I’m here for you if you need me.”
“I will. Enjoy your family dinner. Merry Christmas, Payton.”
“Thank you and Merry Christmas to you, Natalie.”
The cars were lined down the driveway at my parents’ house. That’s just the way Mom liked it. A house filled with family and laughter made for a merry occasion, no matter what time of the year it was. Their beautiful tree sparkled in the front window. I know Cole and I agreed to play it by ear, but just having everyone gathered together was enough to spark excitement about making our big announcement.
With all three of our hands weighed down with gift bags, Emmie wiggled a finger loose to ring the doorbell.
“Merry Christmas! Ho! Ho! Ho!” Wyatt answered with his Santa hat on.
“Merry Christmas, buddy. Long time
, no see. Where’s the rest of your suit?” Cole said.
“Man, it’s almost seventy-five degrees and we have a house full of kids who are way past the Santa thing. All except for Aiden, but I think he’ll live. Come on in, guys. Let me help you with these bags.”
“Merry Christmas, Wyatt.” Emmie and I exchanged hugs with Wyatt before laying our things down and settling in.
Mom greeted us with her arms wide open.
“There you are. I was starting to wonder what was taking you so long. Abby, Rebecca, and the guys are all in the living room. Sweet Emmie, the kids started a game of volleyball in the backyard if you want to join them.”
“Okay. Merry Christmas!” Emmie kissed Mom on the cheek and took off like something was after her.
“Payton, your skin looks absolutely radiant. Are you using a new beauty regiment? If so, I need you to share whatever your secret is with me.”
“I’m not doing anything besides putting on extra layers to hide the circles under my eyes.”
“Lack of sleep will do that to you,” Cole said.
The minute the words slipped out of his mouth, he looked as if he regretted it.
“Why aren’t you sleeping, Payton?” Mom asked.
“I don’t know. It’s probably exhaustion to be honest. The last couple of weeks have been a balancing act between the store, Christmas shopping, gift wrapping, you name it.”
“Well, as long as you’re taking care of yourself. That’s what’s most important. All the other things can wait,” she said.
“What’s that smell? I was expecting the usual aroma from your famous cooking to hit me when Wyatt opened the door. It smells different this year. Almost like a barbecue or something.”
“Don’t remind me. Jolene cooked a few dishes of her own. I’m not supposed to say anything. As if you wouldn’t notice. All I can say is proceed with caution. Maybe even have a bottle of anti-acid on hand just in case.”
“Helen. It can’t be that bad,” Cole said.
“Alright. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
“Well, I brought the green bean casserole. I’ll let it sit in the oven until it’s ready to be served.”
Christmas At Pelican Beach (Pelican Beach Book 4) Page 10
