Happily This Christmas--A Novel

by Susan Mallery

  “The party is just getting started,” Carol said. “Why don’t I walk you back to the pool area?”

  “Thank you.” Alisha looked around the living room. “This is very nice. I see Garrick has finally gotten to the place in his life where he wants more than just a sofa and a giant TV. Good for him.”

  Wynn smiled rather than comment, then returned to the kitchen. There wasn’t much for her to do, but it beat watching the reunion between mother and daughter. Not that she cared that Joylyn would be happy to see her mom. And it was nice of Alisha to make the drive. And Wynn really didn’t care about her opinion about anything. It was just Alisha was a lot more impressive than she’d imagined.

  Garrick walked into the kitchen. “Everything is under control out on the patio. I came to see how I could help you with the food and stuff.”

  “Alisha’s here.”

  “I saw.” He looked at her. “Wait a second. Was that an observation, or was it one of those short sentences loaded with a ton of meaning and I’m about five seconds away from being in serious trouble?”

  She drew in a breath. “You’re not in trouble. I just thought she would be different.”

  “How?”

  “Less amazing.”

  He frowned. “How is she amazing? I’m not saying anything bad about her but she’s just, you know, a girl I dated in high school.”

  Wynn appreciated the words and knew he was right, but somehow she’d never expected Alisha to surprise her.

  “She’s very put together,” she said.

  He looked confused. “What does that mean?”

  “Her clothes.”

  The confusion grew. “She has on pants and a top thing.”

  Wynn held in a smile. “It’s a twinset and it’s lovely.”

  “But you look better.”

  Wynn glanced down at her cropped pants and the boat neck T-shirt she’d put on. A step up from her usual at-home uniform of jeans, but not by much.

  “Did you see her diamond earrings?” she asked.

  “No. Is she wearing earrings?” He shifted uncomfortably. “Wynn, I’m lost here. What’s going on?”

  She was being ridiculous. Alisha was nothing to Garrick—she hadn’t been for decades. There was absolutely no reason to get riled up about her. So what if she was perfectly dressed and more than pretty?

  “Sorry,” Wynn said, stepping close and putting her hands on his chest. “I had a moment of insecurity. It’ll pass.”

  He drew her against him. “You are the last person who should ever be insecure. You’re perfect.”

  She laughed. “I wish that were true, but I think we both know it’s not.”

  “You’re wrong.”

  He kissed her. She let herself get lost in the feel of his mouth against hers, then stepped back and smiled at him.

  “I have pulled on my big girl panties and I’m fine,” she said. “Let’s head out to the patio. We can get the first couple of games going, then we’ll bring out the food. After lunch, another game, then we open presents. Then anyone who wants to leave can, and the rest can stay and visit.”

  He touched her face. “See? Perfect, just like I said.”

  Before Wynn could answer, Yolanda strolled into the kitchen. When she spotted them, she waved her half-empty glass.

  “So I tried the punch and it’s, ah, kind of boring. I was hoping I could get a little something in my drink.”

  Wynn had to fight to keep from rolling her eyes. “You mean like alcohol?”

  Yolanda brightened. “That would be great.”

  “No.”

  Yolanda stared at her. “Excuse me?”

  “No. This is a baby shower, not a nightclub. I’m confident you can go a couple of hours without alcohol in order to support your friend at her baby shower.”

  Yolanda’s expression turned annoyed. “Whatever.” She spun on her heel and walked back the way she’d come.

  “See,” Wynn said, linking arms with him. “It could be worse. She could be your daughter.”

  “No, thanks. I’ll stick to the one I have.”

  * * *

  JOYLYN SAT IN the shade on the patio, letting the conversation flow around her. She was tired, but happy. The shower had been great. She’d enjoyed the games and the laughter. The lunch of high tea had been so special. She still couldn’t believe her friends from base had driven all the way out to Happily Inc to spend time with her. The day had been perfect. The only thing missing was Chandler.

  They were down to eight days, she reminded herself. He had his flight information, and if all went well, he would be with her a week from tomorrow.

  She touched her belly and whispered, “You’re going to see your daddy soon, little guy.”

  Holly was studying the notes she’d made, listing who had given what present. After church tomorrow, Joylyn was going to write the thank-you notes and get them in the mail. Real thank-you notes, she thought with a smile. Not emailed ones. Wynn was going to be so proud.

  “Here you go,” Holly said, handing over the pad of paper. “I double-checked and I got everything.”

  “Thank you for helping.”

  Her friend smiled at her. “What else would I do? You’re giving me a wonderful wedding. I’ll be grateful forever.”

  “Not me,” Joylyn corrected. “The town.”

  “I know, but you’re the one who made it happen. Rex and I are still in shock.”

  “It’s in a week,” Joylyn told her.

  Holly grinned. “We’re so excited. I can’t wait to see how everything turns out. Renee is extraordinary. I loved meeting her and seeing the space in person.”

  Holly had driven out to Happily Inc early that morning to spend an hour with Renee, going over final details. Joylyn couldn’t wait for the wedding itself. Not only because Chandler would be home the next day, but because she wanted to see her friend married to the man of her dreams.

  “We’re going to head back,” Cheryl said, coming to her feet. The other Marine wives nodded and stood as well.

  Joylyn hugged them all and thanked them for coming so far. As she walked them to the door, they all promised to figure out a way to get together when Chandler was back.

  She stood at the front door and waved until they were out of sight. Her college friends had left right after the presents had been opened. She’d overheard them complaining there wasn’t any liquor at the shower. Joylyn had silently shaken her head at the complaint. Hard to believe she was their same age—her life was so different from theirs.

  Better, she thought as she returned to the patio, her gait more waddle than walk. She was so lucky. She had family and friends and a wonderful husband and a baby due in the next few weeks.

  She sat back in her chair. Her mom was talking to Wynn and Holly. Her dad was picking up the dirty plates and taking them to the kitchen.

  He’d really come through for her, she thought. First taking her in when her mom had kicked her out and then totally being there for her through birthing class and her horrible moods. She winced as she remembered how bitchy she’d been when she’d arrived. Part of that had been missing Chandler and part of that had been how hurt she’d been at what her mom had done.

  She looked at her mother, wondering what combination of events had caused the other woman to toss out her own daughter. Had Joylyn really been that difficult to live with or were there other forces at work?

  Maybe things weren’t as good at home as she’d thought. Maybe the boys were getting into trouble or there was tension in the marriage. Joylyn wasn’t sure and knew this wasn’t the time to ask. While she was still hurt by her mother’s actions, she didn’t feel quite so raw when she thought about them.

  Her dad returned from the kitchen and walked over to stand by her chair. He looked uncomfortable as he cleared his throat.

  “I made you s
omething. I was going to bring it out when you were opening the other presents, but then I wasn’t sure. I didn’t want you to think I was trying to take over the shower or be more important than anyone else, so I waited. But I’d like you to see it.”

  She laughed. “Dad, I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

  “I know. I’ll be right back.”

  Before he left, he glanced at Wynn, who nodded and got up to follow him.

  “What is that about?” Holly asked.

  Joylyn shrugged. “They’re sure acting mysterious.”

  She had the brief thought that maybe they were going to announce their engagement, but then told herself it wasn’t that. Her dad would never do that at her baby shower. Plus he’d said he made her something. She had no idea what it could be. Her dad didn’t...

  Wynn returned with a gift bag in her hand. Before Joylyn could ask about it, her father stepped onto the patio, a beautiful, wooden bassinet in his hands. He carefully set it on the concrete, then stepped back and watched her.

  Joylyn stared at the incredible piece of furniture. The lines were simple but elegant. The light stain allowed the beauty of the wood to shine. There was a baby mattress in place.

  She got out of her chair and crossed to the bassinet, then ran her hands along the smooth wood. It took only the lightest push to get it to rock.

  “Oh, Daddy,” she murmured. “I don’t know what to say.” She looked at him. “You made this for me?”

  He nodded. “I wanted you to have something special. You’re my little girl.”

  She thought about all the time it would have taken him to build this for her. She thought about all the years they’d lost because a bitter woman had lied to her and she’d believed her. She thought about her own child and how much she already loved him, then she rushed into her father’s arms and hung on tight.

  “Thank you,” she said as the tears started. They quickly turned into ugly sobs she couldn’t control, but no matter how much she cried, her dad didn’t let go.

  “You’re welcome, Joylyn. I love you. I always will.”

  She nodded, unable to speak. Eventually the waterworks stopped enough for her to catch her breath and dry her face. When she had a little control back, Wynn handed her a bag.

  “Your dad got you this, too, but it seems a little anticlimactic.”

  Joylyn looked in the bag and saw Winnie the Pooh bedding.

  “It’s perfect,” she managed to say, trying her best not to start sobbing again. “I mean it, Dad. It’s wonderful.”

  “Good. I’m glad you like it, little girl.”

  Everyone took turns rocking the bassinet. Her mother congratulated her on the successful shower.

  “It was a special day,” her mother said, looking a little emotional. “I’m so glad I was here.”

  Joylyn hugged her. “Me, too, Mom.”

  “I hope you’re not too angry about me sending you to stay with your dad.”

  Joylyn didn’t know what she was feeling anymore. The anger had faded, but the hurt remained.

  “Having me stay here turned out really well for all of us,” she said with a smile. “Besides, I’m sure the boys appreciate not having to be quiet in case I’m resting.”

  Her mother bit her bottom lip. “They do miss you. I miss you, too. If you want, I can take some of the baby’s things with me so you have less to transport when Chandler gets home.”

  “That’s okay. Dad’s going to drive back with us. What we can’t fit in my car, we’ll get in his SUV. It’s really big.”

  Her mother looked at her. “Joylyn, did you want to come home now? I keep thinking you should be with your family when you’re so close to giving birth.”

  A month ago Joylyn would have jumped at the chance to leave Happily Inc, but not anymore. “I want to stay here,” she said easily. “I’m settled with my dad, and there’s Holly’s wedding next week and my last birthing class. I’m good, Mom, but thanks for thinking of me.”

  “You are still mad.”

  “I’m not.” She drew in a breath. “We will have to talk about what happened, but not today, please. It was a perfect day. I love that you came to my baby shower. Can’t that be enough?”

  Her mother studied her. “You’ve changed. You’re more grown-up.”

  “Don’t you think it was time?”

  “I don’t want to lose you, Joylyn.”

  Joylyn thought about how her mother had let her walk away from her dad. How she’d taken the easy road, rather than make her daughter do what was right, which was so different from how Wynn had handled the situation with Hunter. Joylyn supposed everyone was flawed and made mistakes. She sure made plenty herself, so she couldn’t judge.

  “You’re not going to lose me, Mom. I’m right here.” Joylyn hugged her. “I’ll see you soon.”

  Alisha didn’t look convinced, but she nodded. Joylyn sank back in her chair and thought that she was pretty darned proud of herself for how she’d handled that. Maybe this acting more mature thing was going to work for her.

  * * *

  MONDAY AT ELEVEN, Wynn left her office for the final girlfriend lunch of the year. They would take off the last two weeks of the year to accommodate the craziness of the season. She drove home to collect what she’d made and to wait for her ride.

  Unlike the other lunches with a haphazard potluck menu, this meal was planned and everyone had a part. Silver provided a fun cocktail, while the food duties were shared. Wynn, who was still in a holiday baking frenzy, had offered to take care of dessert.

  She’d decided on a cookie-based treat, mostly because everyone loved her sugar cookies. After playing with a couple of frosting variations, she ended up with a sugar cookie fruit tart. The sugar cookie stood in for the crust and the frosting—a custard buttercream—was the filling. She topped each cookie with blueberries and raspberries, along with a bit of sugar glaze.

  She’d saved the largest bakery box from Joylyn’s shower and had put the tarts inside. Now she carefully carried them to the door and waited.

  Right on time a large black limo pulled up. The plan was to enjoy the cocktails and not go back to work afterward. The limo was going to take them home, so no one had to worry about driving.

  Natalie jumped out of the car and hurried up the front path to help with the box while Wynn closed the door behind herself and made sure it was locked.

  “Hi,” Natalie said cheerfully. “I’m ridiculously excited about our lunch.”

  “Me, too. I love our regular get-togethers, but this one is special.”

  Natalie glanced at the house next door. “I wish Joylyn had been able to join us.”

  “Me, too. I texted her this morning, just to confirm she was still tired. She said she was feeling too lazy to get herself together enough to come with us.”

  The driver held open the back door for them. Wynn took the box from Natalie so her friend could slide in.

  “She’s really pregnant,” Natalie added, when they pulled away from the curb. “That has to be exhausting.”

  Wynn was sure that was most of the reason Joylyn had elected to stay home, but she also had the thought that her new friend didn’t want to intrude on what was a special event. Wynn had told her she was more than welcome, but Joylyn had insisted she was not up to the day.

  They drove to the animal sanctuary and picked up Carol, then made their way to Weddings Out of the Box, where the lunch would be held. Drew was dropping off Silver with her supplies, and Cade had agreed to deliver Bethany to the lunch.

  When they arrived, they found Silver, Bethany, Renee and Pallas in the large open area where most of the weddings and receptions were held. A long table had been set up by the windows. A green, red and black plaid table runner topped a white tablecloth. Long, low centerpieces of red and white roses were accented with pinecones and greens.

 
A second table had been set up to hold the Secret Santa gifts.

  Wynn carried her cookies to the kitchen area. Servers were at work, getting the prepared food ready for the lunch. She returned to the main room and greeted her friends before adding her gift to the pile. The rules of Secret Santa were simple—the gift had to be inexpensive and fun. Everyone drew numbers out of a hat, and that was the order the gifts were chosen. If you were last and ended up with your own gift, you got to take a gift from someone else in exchange for yours.

  Wynn had found a cute wooden penguin at an estate sale. The little guy looked like he was about to burst into penguin laughter at any second, and she knew he would be right at home on anyone’s desk.

  “This is so fun,” Pallas said. “Merry Christmas, everyone. As you can see, we’re going to have a delicious lunch. We’ll start with Silver’s cocktail. I can’t wait to find out what it is. Then butternut squash soup with cheddar biscuits. Blueberry chicken salad with more biscuits, and Wynn’s sugar cookie tarts for dessert.”

  Everyone moaned.

  “That sounds amazing,” Bethany said. “I’m not sure my soup is up to the challenge.”

  “At least you got to bring something,” Natalie said with a pout. “I didn’t bring anything.”

  “You were away at a show,” Renee pointed out. “You got home at midnight last night. When were you going to make a dish?”

  Wynn patted Natalie’s shoulder. “Next year you’ll get the entrée.”

  Natalie brightened. “I’d like that.”

  “Cocktails,” Silver said, picking up a tray of champagne glasses. “This is called a Wallaby-Darned.”

  Carol laughed. “Seriously?”

  “That’s what they tell me.” Silver served each of them. “The basic ingredients are champagne, vodka and peach schnapps.”

  Renee leaned close to Wynn. “That explains why we all have rides home,” she murmured.

  Wynn laughed. “They sound delicious.”

  They took their seats at the table to talk for a bit before the meal service began.