A Family for Christmas

by Marlene Bierworth

  “Santa? Can’t we hire a Santa?” asked Robert.

  “And you miss out on all the fun? Thought you might enjoy playing the role.”

  “It was your husband’s role. I don’t want to presume on…”

  “You are not presuming – I am inviting you to join in a special Christmas family tradition at my son’s wedding.”

  “When put that way, how can I say no?”

  “You can’t. There’s a place in town where you can rent a Santa outfit.”

  “Let’s go there now. We could use a break from staring at this computer screen,” said Robert. He pushed the lid down and placed the laptop in his carry-bag. “Just let me bring this upstairs and we’ll be off.”

  Robert held Sandra’s hand all the way to town and somehow it felt right. Once in the store, the fun began. Who’d have imagined there were different outfits showing diversity in culture from all over the world to rent.

  “Really? Which one do you like, Sandra?”

  “I think we should stick to the traditional one we all recognize in America,” she said as she gazed at the labels. “What’s your size, Robert?”

  “Medium fits most times.”

  She yanked a hanger off the rung and when she held it up, he roared laughing. “That is a super-huge medium.”

  “Remember, you will need to fill in the tummy with a pillow.” She pointed to the inside pocket sewn in solely for that purpose.

  “Well, don’t they think of everything? No thin Santa’s in Pineville this year.”

  “Go try it on. Grab a pillow on your way in.” Robert took the costume and made his way toward the dressing room. At the door, a worker handed him the padding, and he waved it in the air for Sandra to see. A grin covered his face and her heart warmed toward the man who’d played along with her hair-brained idea. She wondered how she’d react to see him up front giving out gifts to her son, just like her Braxton used to do at home and at the church Christmas party. Would it hurt – just a little? Too late to worry now. It had been her idea. Perhaps it would provide a final closure and if not, she’d suck it up and brave the storm. Robert was a gem to agree. She only hoped Trevor would agree. She’d need to ask him before they paid for the rental.

  While she waited for Robert’s transformation into a jolly old St Nick, Sandra texted her son. Trevor. Had a wild idea that Santa could make an appearance and pass out the wedding gifts to you and Angie. Robert has agreed to play the part. Do you mind or is it too close to home for comfort?

  The text came back as Robert stepped from behind the curtain, fully garbed and bulging in the middle. She read it as she chuckled. It’s a good idea, Mom. Who better than Robert to replace an old memory with the new? We do have new, right? It’s written all over your face. Go for it! XO.

  She felt a load lifting from her shoulders in the stark realization that unconsciously, she’d held reservations for moving forward to protect her son. Tears spilled down her cheeks as freedom rolled into her soul.

  Robert rushed over. “Sandra – are you all right?” She stood laughing and crying at the same time. “I thought I looked pretty good.”

  She leaned against Robert and showed him the text. Honesty was important to her, and she’d not beat around the bush with this man who had the ability to seal the holes in her heart in just a few days.

  When he finished, he pulled her out to arm’s length and smiled. “Thank you for showing me. A man my age needs to know where he stands with a woman he’s pursuing. And, even more so, with her son, who no doubt is all about protecting his mother.”

  Sandra scanned the man wearing the costume and pulled at the long white beard that hung from elastics over top of his ears. Punching his pillow-belly, she said, “Let’s rent it.”

  “You can pick it up on the morning of December 24th. It will be clean and ready for you,” said the clerk as she handed him the paperwork.

  The two hurried from the building and on the sidewalk, Robert asked, “How about a milkshake?”

  “I know the perfect place – The Hop Shop. It’s a hangout for kids but I’m feeling a little young at heart right now,” said Sandra, as she grabbed his hand and started across the road at the crosswalk.

  The next two days flew by in a whirlwind. Robert rented a car and they drove around the area, checking out suitable accommodations for guests. The last few replies had arrived and the grand total was ninety-eight attending the festive event. A good response considering the time of year. Reaching out beyond what Pineville offered for hotels and motels made the choices tougher.

  “Definitely a three star,” said Sandra, as they peered at the Rest Acres Motel.

  “I’m thinking two. Not sure I’d even want to recommend it to folks.”

  “Maybe some will want a more inexpensive deal. Let’s see if they have openings, take a few pictures to post, and at the bottom of our email list it as a two-star choice. It might be better than sleeping in the street. We still need six more rooms.”

  “I’d almost rather help the guest out with a few bucks to upgrade. Too rough, and I don’t like the area.”

  “Fine, let’s continue on a few miles. I think there is a Best Western in the next town,” Sandra said. “We can come back here if we’re desperate.”

  Two miles later, along the main street of Canterville, they found enough rooms for the remaining guests. With a sigh of relief, they got into the car for the last time to head back to Heritage Inn. “My hometown is an hour away. I considered commuting when I got the job, but now that I met you, I’m really glad I didn’t.”

  “An hour? Why don’t you invite your girls for the party on Christmas Eve? They won’t care about witnessing the wedding, but they might want to come early enough to see their father dressed as Santa Claus.”

  “I’d love for you to meet them, but not at your son’s wedding,” said Robert. “You don’t need two reasons to be an emotional wreck.”

  Sandra laughed. “You may be right.”

  “Let me call them and see if we can come for supper on the weekend. It will take the kitchen queen at least three days to plan the menu but she loves to entertain. Her sister always brings a couple dishes.”

  It suddenly hit Sandra that her unofficial boyfriend wanted to bring her home to meet the family. Her insides curdled and she wondered if that’s what young people experienced bringing their love interests home to meet Mom and Dad. She’d always known Braxton’s parents and felt no awkwardness with her in-laws, so these nervous jitters attacked her like foreign objects.

  “I think I’m nervous to meet your girls,” said Sandra as Robert pulled onto the highway. “Did you feel that way meeting Trevor?”

  “I came for the job and met a Christmas angel. Suppose it made getting acquainted with your family easier. Worked my way into Trevor’s heart with all my ingenious wedding plans.”

  “Are they Daddy’s girls? I’ve heard fathers have a special attachment to their daughters.”

  “Can’t compare. They’re all the Good Lord blessed me with.” He reached across the seat and patted the top of Sandra’s hand. “It’ll be fine. My decision for a wife does not balance on their approval.”

  “A wife? You won’t introduce me that way, will you? You’ll scare them half to death.”

  “How so? Their mother’s gone five years now, and I never promised to stay single forever.”

  “But you promised for a period of time?”

  “I told them I’d let them know when I found someone who would measure up to their mother’s standards. Someone she’d approve to nurture her grandbabies.” His grin was playful.

  “I suppose that might be a good ice-breaker,” said Sandra.

  “Relax. You’re all tense. My family does not pull enough weight to stop me in my tracks. I’d prefer their blessing on my future, but I am my own man and they will accept my choices.”

  “That’s easy to say sitting here with me, but face to face with your own flesh and blood has to make a difference. I won’t come between a
man and his children.”

  “I’ll give them a heads up so you won’t be a surprise. That’s my final offer. I’ll call tonight and let you know tomorrow.” He chuckled. “Maybe we can rustle up some more of those cookies. Be a sure hit with the grandchildren. My Mildred couldn’t bake if her life depended on it.”

  *****

  Robert gripped the steering wheel when the arguments from Sandra ceased and they both fell silent. He felt the sweat in his hands against the leather and chided himself for succumbing to the pressure. Truth was, he had no idea how bringing a woman to dinner would sit with the family. He could only hope his guest’s presence would squelch the constant memory-flashes they always dragged into present-day conversations. Lately, he felt they forced the reminiscing, like a desperate custom they didn’t know how to break. Mildred had been the glue that kept harmony flowing between the four of them. To some extent, they were Daddy’s girls, but probably more miniature replicas of their deceased mother.

  At the inn, Robert and Sandra parted with a simple wave. “See you at supper.” He was hard pressed to keep from showing the tension he felt about making the call home. In his room, he grabbed his cell and settled in the comfy chair. May as well get it over with. He’d try Cynthia first. She was usually in a good mood this time of day.

  Two rings and her jovial voice answered. “Hello, hope you’re having as good a day as me.”

  “As a matter fact, I am,” said Robert.

  “Daddy! So nice to hear from you. How are the wedding plans going?”

  “Great. The venue is doing half the job for me. It’s gorgeous here. And I have a volunteer assistant that is second to none.”

  “An assistant? I thought you worked alone.”

  “Usually do. This woman is the groom’s mother.”

  “Drat! One of those.” He could almost see her face screw up in horror. “I feel sorry for you.”

  “No, you’re confusing her with the bride’s mother. The groom’s side is much more agreeable.”

  “Are you staying straight through Christmas Eve?”

  “I am. Dressing up as Santa to deliver the couple’s wedding gifts.”

  “Whose idea was that? You’ve never got involved in the day before.”

  “It was my assistant’s idea, and I thought it would be fun,” said Robert.

  “Well, you could dress up for our Christmas celebration here,” Cynthia groaned. “You did slot us in on Christmas Day, didn’t you?” Her voice held a touch of mockery. She never understood his need for an outside job. “The kids would like it.”

  “Maybe I will arrive for lunch in a Santa suit.”

  “Dad, you sound like you’re always on the edge of saying something else. What’s the matter?”

  “Nothing is the matter. In fact, I’m a very happy man and I’d like to bring the reason home for dinner on Saturday – to meet the family.”

  “A woman? Franny will flip.”

  “How about you? You okay with me bringing a woman home?”

  “You didn’t elope, did you? I’d not be okay with that.”

  “I wouldn’t do that, Cindy.”

  “So, is it the assistant? The groom’s mother?” asked Cynthia. “You do realize that cupid hangs out at weddings, shooting arrows everywhere to target his next sucker.” Robert caught the hesitation in her voice. “I’m sorry, that was stupid.”

  “Things better between you and Joe?”

  “Deteriorating fast, and I can’t fix it – not even sure I want to anymore.”

  “Maybe I can talk to him on Saturday, see if he opens up to me?”

  “To the enemy? Good luck, Dad.” His daughter’s voice sounded bitter. “These days, I need to bribe him to come anywhere close to a family event.”

  “Will you phone your sister and give her the heads up about Saturday? You can probably soften the blow about Sandra better than me.”

  “That’s her name; Sandra?”

  “Dristoll. She’s a widow from Nashville, Tennessee, and the only woman who has ever sparked any interest for me since your mother died.”

  “Franny’s not ready for your woman, and I’m not sure I am either,” said Cynthia. “Dad, you shouldn’t bring her. There’s too much tension here as it is.”

  “It’s a sad day when your father is not welcome to bring a special friend to his daughter’s home.”

  “I’m sorry,” Cynthia said. “Against my better judgement, come test the waters, around noon. We’ll make it lunch. Gotta run. The kids are due off the bus.”

  Robert heard the phone disconnect and threw his cell on a nearby table. Maybe he was rushing this. Common sense advised him to go home and speak to the girls alone, but he didn’t want to. He felt the anger rising inside. When had his daughters started to dictate his life? He’d need to be firm with them. Sandra was worth all the trouble they would throw his way, and he couldn’t stand the thought of losing his chance with her because of a family who refused to move forward.

  Caution nagged at him while he prepared for the evening meal. And one glance at Sandra’s contented face, clinched his decision. He’d go home alone, just this once.

  Sandra took the news casually. “It’s probably a good idea. There’s no rush for me to meet your family. It’s not like we’re the ones getting married in another week.”

  Robert silenced his reply. He’d marry her tomorrow – that’s how sure he was. It’s just something a man knew in his heart. And waiting wouldn’t change the fact that he was falling in love at the speed of a runaway bulldozer launching over a cliff. She was his destiny, and he’d fight tooth and nail until it became a reality.

  Sandra watched Robert’s rented car pull out of the resort parking lot and head for the highway on the way home to visit his girls. The man was like a bull in a china shop when it involved settling details. And he considered her a detail that needed addressed to his family. One week and he’d already professed an undying adoration. It wouldn’t surprise her if he returned with a ring. She smiled. Never had she met anyone who attacked a to-do-list like Robert. And he’d pointed out this morning, that she was at the top of today’s agenda.

  After a manicure and a pedicure at the spa, and being lovingly kicked out of Cook’s kitchen, she sauntered without purpose around the resort. Trevor and Angie were off doing the sweetheart thing, and she was as restless as a fly trapped in a jar. In her room, she grabbed a book she’d wanted to read. It was romance, and she immediately thrust it aside. She’d read everyone’s love story in paperback for an entire year but suddenly realized she wanted more than anything to live her own adventure.

  Her eyes scanned the room and landed on the box mailed from the North Pole. Smiling, she pulled out the ornament to view it again. On the back of the tag where Mrs. Claus had scribbled her message, she found the name of the store – The Christmas Cave. It resembled a cave with only the entrance in view and the rest hidden behind a mountain of trees. A sudden thought popped into her head. Hurrying to her computer, she googled the place. It popped up immediately and she sat back in her chair and grinned. The location was a short drive from Pineville and boredom won the debate. Maybe she’d find an ornament to give the kids for a Christmas present. And maybe she’d find the answer to the clue – somewhere where the past finds the future. Sounded vague but she’d concentrate on the past. Maybe Braxton would meet her there and release her to explore a future with another man. She laughed out loud. Magic from the North Pole played havoc with her common sense. Lifting her eyes heavenward, she petitioned the Miracle Maker for his guidance in matters of the heart.

  She wrote a note and pinned it to the corkboard in Angie’s apartment. Gone to investigate Mrs. Claus’ gift. Took the company car. See you when I get back.

  After claiming the keys from Charles, who assured her no one needed the vehicle today, she hurried toward the spare mini-van parked in the garage that the resort used for quick runs. The overcast sky provided ample warmth, but she tossed a light sweater onto the passenger seat. If s
he remembered correctly, the trip to the Cave was mostly uphill, tucked away in a small mountain town. If lucky, she might even get to see some snow. Pushing the knob for the radio, she settled back and allowed the GPS to lead her northward. Country tunes filled the car, and she sang along to all her favorite music while tapping her fingers on the steering wheel. The car climbed up the steady slope and wound in behind a mountain range.

  Arriving at your destination, came the audible voice from her cell phone. She wheeled the car into the parking lot. She killed the engine and allowed her mind to drift as she stared at the unique store. Two wrought-iron gates stood swung open to invite visitors to enter. The entrance peaked in a V-shaped roof and beyond the glass doors adorned with a Christmas wreath, she could see nothing. Years ago, Trevor had called it a bear’s cave and grew annoyed when he found none hibernating inside. Thick foliage surrounded the area, displaying colorfully decorated trees and bushes. She recalled being told that if old-man winter did not provide the real thing then the store used an artificial brand of snow to sustain the mood of the season.

  Slamming the car door shut, she moved forward, scanning the area for traces of Braxton. She only found him in her heart as she approached the gates. When the door opened, a jolly rendition of, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, filled the air. She closed it and locked herself inside a field of distant memories. In her mind, she saw the toddler, Trevor, dancing from display to display, and Braxton beckoning her toward the largest tree she’d ever seen in an underground store – which wasn’t saying much – she’d only ever been in this one magical space years ago.

  When the song ended, Sandra heard voices raised in anger at the back. The building was rightly called a cave, for it stretched deep and wide under the roof of a forested hill. It appeared no customers were in the store and the couple in the back were going at the verbal battle full force – but mostly the man. The emotional woman sobbed while a loud male voice pierced the air. Sandra felt inclined to leave before they spotted her, but instead slipped to a side display and distracted herself by reading catchy sayings on wooden plagues. One timely piece stated that men should have the final words in a discussion – Yes dear. The message reverted her attention to the confrontation that now reached a climax.