“I did. Are you surprised?” asked Robert.
Sandra laughed. “Not at all. You are very creative in planning weddings, so I’m not surprised your gifting includes other areas.” She turned to Franny. “Do you enjoy making crafts at the store?”
“I do,” she said, glancing timidly toward her sister as if needing to seek her permission to speak. “Suppose I inherited some of my father’s talents.”
“I like to draw,” said Timothy. “If you like, I’ll make you a picture after lunch, Miss Sandra.”
“Thank you, I’d love that. My son used to do that when he was a boy, but I haven’t had a homemade picture hanging on my refrigerator for many years.”
“Are you sad your boy is getting married?” the boy continued.
“Not at all,” Sandra said. “Angie is a wonderful woman and they are happy. I could never stand in their way even if my selfish heart wanted to.”
Robert heard her gasp, suddenly realizing how close that comment hit the hearts around the table. She bit her lip, and he covered her hand with his and squeezed. He’d learned to recognize Sandra’s habits and hoped to reassure her he understood the blunder. The grin he added as a bonus, hoping that would tell her how proud he felt to sit beside her.
Cynthia noticed and pushed her chair back. “Franny, help me clean off the table. Father, you can take the children in the living room and play one of your famous games with them.”
The children squealed and ran for their Pappy, dragging him into the other room, leaving Sandra to debate whether to follow or offer to help the girls. She opted to enter the lion’s den.
“May I help?” she asked as she picked up her plates and headed for the sink.
“I never allow guests to help in the kitchen,” Cynthia said. “And you needn’t fear I’ll harm my sister. We’ve made a temporary truce until our emotions settle down. We can talk as reasonable adults despite your first impression of us.”
Franny avoided Sandra’s eyes and flicked away in embarrassment. “Sorry, but we’re kind of used to having our father to ourselves. We don’t want to share him with you, or any woman for that matter. Nothing personal.”
“Your father is a grown man who needs companionship. And he assures me he doesn’t bring women home every week for your approval.”
“Heaven forbid! You are quite enough,” said Cynthia. She looked at her sister. “I thought you were the one so adamant against someone replacing our mother?”
Sandra raised a hand to her throat. “Oh, my. You surely misunderstand. I would never try to replace your mother. We are all adults and the best relationship I can endeavour to have with Robert’s family is friendship – a good one, mind you – one that will open doors to communication and love at this stage in our lives.” She inched closer to the girls who stood together, pretending not to listen. “We need to build our future on the foundation of our pasts. Robert and I don’t feel threatened by our first loves.”
Cynthia was the first to turn away but not before Sandra noticed a tear in her eye. “I still don’t ask guests to help clean up.”
“I respect that, but I am a firm believer that a second invitation to lunch disqualifies me as a guest. I hope you will ask me to come again.” Sandra turned to join the noisy games in the other room “I suggested to your father you may enjoy coming to the reception on Christmas Eve, since he will be working. Consider yourself invited. I’ll put you at our table, and if you want to bring the children, the social convenor at the resort has a wonderful afternoon and evening planned for them.”
“Short notice, isn’t it?” asked Franny.
“The bride and groom are laid back and will not think twice about adding more chairs and plates. Besides, I’d love to introduce you to my son and his wife. Come early. Santa Fredricks is paying us a visit between four and five. I believe he has a gift for all the guests.”
“I might think about it,” Franny said almost as a rebuke to her sister. “Never been to Heritage Resort.”
“Please do. Text your father with a number when you decide.” Sandra offered a kind smile and walked out the door, sighing relief. In leaving the tension behind. She hoped that first impressions on both sides would not be the last.
All hope fell in ruin an hour later. While passing the kitchen after using the restroom, Sandra overheard the girls battling with their father. When they accused Sandra of being a gold digger out to steal their inheritance, the tears spilled like a leaky faucet down her cheeks. Money? Could it really be all about money? Hurrying to the hallway, she grabbed her belongings and fled for the car. She’d been a fool to think she’d come close to winning their favor. Looking in the rear-view mirror, she saw Robert standing on the step watching after her with a forlorn and confused expression. Torn loyalties – she’d not let that happen.
Trevor and Angie were at the front desk with Charles when Sandra entered the foyer of Heritage Inn. Plunking the keys on the counter, she said, “I’m back,” and continued toward her room. Once inside, she collapsed across the bed, emotionally exhausted and feeling like a rejected teenager. and. Sandra never heard the tap on her door or the young couple approach her. Trevor touched her foot, and she bolted around, teary eyed and embarrassed.
“Mother, what’s the matter?” Trevor asked, kneeling on the floor beside her.
“Nothing a good swat up the back of my head won’t fix.”
“Where did you go today?”
Sandra looked at Angie while grabbing the North Pole gift box from her bedside table. “To the Christmas Cave – not in hopes to find the answer to Mrs. Claus’s choice of a lonely heart – but to remember the old and use the trip as a stepping tone toward the future.”
“With Robert?” asked Angie.
“That’s the irony of it. Guess who owns the store?”
“He’s the one the match maker hooked you up with?” Trevor asked.
“She messed up this time,” said Sandra. “His daughters hate me and I’ll never put myself through that humiliation again.”
“Back up,” Trevor said. “Was Robert and his girls at the store?”
“Undoubtedly a twisted version of what the matchmaker intended in her note. I won’t find any peace with that family.”
“Take a deep breath and tell us the story. It can’t be all bad,” said Trevor.
“None of it matters. I won’t stand accused of bewitching their father with plans of wasting his fortune away.” Sandra bounced to her feet and began to pace. “I’ve never been so wrongly accused in my entire life. I don’t care about money.”
“Of course, you don’t. I’m here to provide for you,” said Trevor.
“I’m not a popper! Your father left me a sizable inheritance,” Sandra said. “And living under your roof is out of the question. You are just starting out in life and I don’t plan on staying single forever. It’s not in my blood to stand by and watch others live life; not while God gives me breath.”
“Is that a new spark of independence I hear in your voice?”
“Yes, and don’t sound so surprised. In less than a week the mother-son role will drastically change, but regardless, it’s important for me to have someone who will appreciate my loving interference.”
“We could buy you a puppy,” suggested Trevor with a grin on his face
“You think this is funny? It was stupid to fall for the first man who gushed magical words into my empty heart. Everything felt so right with Robert – until today.” She sniffled again and plunked herself onto the rocker.
“He will return, mother, and you can talk, get all your questions settled.”
“We don’t need him to come back. I can finish this wedding up for you.”
“Angie paid the man to do a job. Your part in this thing is to be the groom’s mother, not the wedding planner.”
Sandra sighed. “Why did the matchmaker’s magic work so well for you? The woman produced a false hope in this old gal.” She chuckled aloud. “Although, I should be grateful. That family ha
ve huge issues. Besides the girls trying to keep their mother’s memory alive and the treasury intact, I witnessed Cynthia’s husband play the final blow against his wife and her sister, Franny. Much healing is needed there.” Her voice softened, and she murmured. “Listen to me, thinking everything that crosses my path is all about me when the Miracle Maker could have planned it this way all along. I made some headway with Franny, encouraging the girl to face her sin and make amends with her sister Cynthia. Hopefully, that part will eventually work out.” Sandra stood to her feet. “Shame on me. I promised to pray, and I will.” She looked at her son, a sudden weight lifting from her shoulders. “So, what trouble did you get into today?”
And just like that, the peace returned to her heart. Her greatest desire was to follow God’s leading, and if he’d chosen to engage help from Mrs. Claus and Sandra Dristoll in bringing two lost women to their knees, what more could she ask for?
Sandra’s mood remained upbeat, even when she noticed Robert wander into the dining room. With the guests already cleared out, and the staff finished cleaning up after the supper meal, she sat alone in semi darkness, gazing onto the blue-blackness of the lake. Early star-risers burst in the heavens, providing the comforting night light to end her day. She sensed rather than watched Robert approach the table. When she turned toward him, she offered the best smile she could muster, designed to still his turbulent heart. She could see hurt oozing from his eyes as he tried to hold her gaze. Confusion displayed in his sluggish stance and etched deep into his features. Sandra longed to brush the pain away with healing words and perhaps another kiss on his wet cheek.
“Sit down, Robert, before you fall down,” she said. “I’ll get you a coffee.”
When she returned to the table, he wrapped his hand around the mug and closed his eyes as if he could summon the warmth of the beverage to comfort his soul. “I don’t even know where to start.”
She touched his arm. “Let me pray and God will start the conversation.” He nodded, and she closed her eyes. “Father, we are at your mercy. Robert and his family need your guidance, unconditional love and peace. Be with his girls as they sort through their problems and be with us as we take a step back to figure out your plan for the future.”
At Amen, they opened their eyes, and this time he felt worthy to look at the woman who held his heart in the palm of her hands.
“Franny speaks up for you and Cindy is mellowing. I saw a side of them today that I never knew existed. Greed. Why would they question my loyalty to them? It hurts, and I told them so. Mostly I chastised them for the selfish remarks that you overheard.”
“They had a bad day,” Sandra said. “Perhaps that dredged up all the cold heartless comments. I can only hope, for I am not a gold-digger.” She paused to take a sip. “Why would they come down so hard on us; it was just a visit? It’s not like we’re engaged.”
“In my heart I am, and I told them that too. They will not run my life, and if you’re gracious enough to consider traveling the healing trail with my family, I still want us to be us.”
“And how do you define us?”
“A work in progress, but one that has a sure foundation. We can work through this together – I know we can.”
Sandra bit her lip. “I can agree with a work in progress but like I said before, I will never make you chose between me and your girls.”
“And for that I’m grateful. You won Franny over – she just doesn’t realize it yet, and Cindy is a mess waiting for your kindness and love.”
“Meanwhile, we have a cake and meal tasting appointment with the Chef tomorrow. We’ll meet the kids there at two in the afternoon,” said Sandra.
“Your son must hate me.”
“On the contrary. He’s quite an easy-going fella. No drama on my side of the family. We settled that one with the owls during their love story.”
“The owls – you promised to take me,” said Robert. “Would now be a good time?”
“Now is a perfect time.”
In the room designated for viewing inside the barn, they stood and watched the night adventures of the doting owls. Mr. And Mrs. Owl entertained them with their antics, and while Robert held her hand through the entire spectacle, she told Trevor and Angie’s love story.
Robert chuckled. “You don’t believe in all that match-making stuff, do you?”
“I had a front-row seat. Hard to deny while watching love bloom because two lonely hearts followed their destiny.” Sandra opted not to tell of the gift she received from Mrs. Claus, unable to witness his unbelief in the fanciful set of circumstances that had led her family of late.
“Suppose one can’t deny that set of events. I’m happy for them.” He squeezed her hand. “Hope it rubs off on us.”
“Maybe it will. Christmas isn’t over yet.” Sandra’s eyes twinkled with mischief and Robert smiled as she turned her face toward him.
Robert bent close and his lips sought hers. Trevor and Angie had shared a similar moment in this same location, and her heart leapt within to think the magic of the famous barn owls still flowed. Maybe she could discover a second-chance love. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer. It felt so right.
The next couple of days saw all the details completed, and on Wednesday the props for the wedding began to arrive in truckloads. After storing them safely, they picketed and roped off the beach area that would serve as the chapel. Saturday night was Christmas Eve and Sandra would inherit the gift of a daughter. There was no awkwardness between them. All appearances suggested the young woman had welcomed her mother-in-law to step into her deceased mother’s shoes. Sandra could not be happier.
Every morning, she and Robert spent the first part of their day praying for Cynthia, Franny, the grandchildren and the disillusioned husband and father. According to Robert, he claimed their constant phone calls and texting revealed a certain level of remorse in his direction for the grief they caused him. And on the torn home front, his girls gave the impression amends concerning Franny’s betrayal was in the wind. All appeared on track, and God was being true to his Word by producing good fruits to come out of the ashes.
Before the first laborer showed up at Heritage Inn Resort, Sandra hurried to the door of her room to stop the banging. All set to rebuke the caller, she did not expect Robert to lift her in the air and swing her around. Angie and Trevor stood off to the side watching with broad grins covering their face.
“Robert! What are you doing? If I wanted to fly, I’d go on a plane ride,” said Sandra.
“I am flying high, woman. God has been a busy beaver answering our prayers. I received a text from Cindy and three adults and four grandchildren are coming. They will arrive in time to see Santa make his appearance and spend the evening with us.”
“Sounds like Franny is bringing a date.”
“It certainly wouldn’t be Cindy. She’s sworn off men – or at least she was last Saturday,” said Robert.
“Aha, but since then, God has been at work. Can’t underestimate the Miracle Maker.”
In his excitement, he hugged Sandra tight again and while scanning the inside of her bedroom his eyes fell on the small table-sized Christmas tree. He pushed past her and moved toward it. “Your own personal tree? Now that’s what I call a Christmas addiction.”
“I confess,” said Sandra as she trailed him inside.
He fingered the blue ball with the Christmas Cave tucked inside covered with white foliage. “Franny said you didn’t make a purchase when you came to the store.”
Sandra wished she could brush it off that easily. “She’s right; I didn’t.”
“But this is our store trapped in an ornament. Where else would you buy such a bulb?”
Biting her lip, she debated claiming she’d gotten it years ago when she’d visited with Braxton and Trevor. But that would be a lie, and she’d not build a relationship on deception.
“It’s a long story.” She hoped he’d drop it.
“Well, you can tell me ove
r breakfast. I’m famished and today is workday – physical and gruelling.” Robert moaned and Sandra laughed at his expression.
In the dining room, she once again launched into a string of chatter that had nothing to do with the Christmas Cave mystery gift.
All too soon, he wheeled her in. “So, about the bulb; I’m curious?”
“I’ve never met such a curious man,” she took a gulp of her second cup of hot coffee and it burned all the way down.
“You’re avoiding the subject,” said Robert, his lips curling up in a tease.
“Yes, I am, mainly because I don’t want you to consider me loco for putting stock in anything so foolish, and also, I don’t want you to claim it as an answer to your pursual of me.”
“Now I am curious. Spit it out and let me come to my own conclusions.”
“Okay, you asked for it. I told you about Santa’s wife being in the match-making business, right?”
“You did. As a result, I got a gig to plan the wedding. I must send her a thank-you card.”
“I have the address,” Sandra said, irritated that he made light of the possibility of what she labelled as a miraculous intervention.
“I’ve annoyed you, Sandra. I’m sorry. Continue with your story.”
“Before your arrival at the resort, I received a similar package from the North Pole. The Christmas tree bulb and a wee note attached hinting I might find peace there.” She frowned at Robert. “We both know there was no peace when I visited your store.”
“You mean, you went there to test out the Santa theory?” His palm cupped his chin as his elbow leaned closer, fully concentrating on every word Sandra spoke.
“That look already tells me you’ve fallen prey to the first fear I spouted. You think I’m crazy.”
“On the contrary. The facts speak for themselves. If one romance came to pass, then I’m eager to see the second part. Mrs. Claus seems to play favoritism to the Dristoll family.”
“So, you’re already thinking there is something in this for you?” said Sandra as Robert winked. “You are hopeless.” She cleared her throat and continued the tale. “When you said you’d meet with the girls alone, I wondered what to do with my day. I decided to visit a place where I’d known peace in my marriage and my life. My mission was to bask in memories and see if Braxton considered you a good pick for my future.”
A Family for Christmas Page 6
