CHAPTER 11 | Merry Christmas, from two of Santa’s elves
CHAPTER 11
Merry Christmas, from two of Santa’s elves
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O ne hour, several gallons of cocktails (and mocktails), and a cheese board later, Max paraded out of the kitchen with the biggest turkey anyone had ever seen. The bird weighed approximately three tons and was the perfect golden hue. He placed it at the edge of the counter where he artfully carved it, lining up the slices on a platter better than Martha Stewart. Evan came out a moment later with the ham, studded with cloves and smelling like a sweet and savory dream.
Ginny carried out several bowls of potatoes and vegetables, with Helen helping with the various cranberry sauces. Ginny tried to swat the older woman away. “Would you stop, Helen? You’re not on the clock.”
“Pfft, but I’m a party crasher. It’s the least I can do.”
Alice popped up and smacked a kiss on Helen’s cheek. “You’re not crashing, and Ginny’s right, you’re not on the clock. Unless you want to get me a ginger ale.” She winked and Helen sighed.
“I can’t wait to retire.”
Mona walked out of the kitchen with several baskets of CeCe’s freshly baked rolls. They were the size of softballs and glistened with their buttery glaze. “I’m sorry to hear you’re retiring, Helen. Hopefully you’ll have some time to join us at the community center for Pickleball. Harold and I are getting pretty good.”
Alice took the baskets from Mona and placed them at the end of the buffet. “Hush, Mona. I’m trying to talk Helen into delaying retirement.”
Helen grunted. “You need to let this go, kid.” Alice opened her mouth to argue, but Helen placed a finger over her lips. “Ho, ho, ho.” She winked and stomped off toward Trudy, who was gesturing her over with a bottle of wine she’d stolen from the bar.
The kids all lined up first, greedy expressions on their faces. “Can I have the wishbone?” Henry asked, leaning into Mona’s side. He knew where to get what he wanted; his grandmother was helpless to stop him.
“Hen, let’s get everyone served first.” Max was all business, ensuring everyone had plates. Evan assisted until Max shooed him away. “Go check on your wife, we’ve got this.”
Evan didn’t need to be told twice, side-stepping the line to get to CeCe’s booth. As he strode to the table, he beamed. “Babe, I’m so proud of you. You stayed put all afternoon.” He kissed her forehead and muttered some endearing words before catching her gaze.
“You know me,” CeCe said through clenched teeth. She leaned into the contraction, struggling to keep her tone even.
Misunderstanding her pain for annoyance at being kicked out of her own kitchen, Evan offered, “Can I make you a plate? You seem so comfortable here, I’d hate to move you.” He tucked a loose lock of hair behind her ear, the look in his eyes nothing short of besotted.
CeCe made to sit up, turning so her feet hit the floor. Mallory joined them before she could stand, holding her hand out. “I’ve got this. What do you want?”
At first, CeCe protested, but Mallory shot her a look that stopped her objections. “Just a little of everything?”
Mallory nodded, but added, “Only the pregnancy-approved foods. Got it.”
“You’re the best, Mal.” Evan sat with CeCe and leaned down to kiss her belly. “This might be my favorite Christmas yet. Everyone’s all together, the diner is cozy, the snow is gorgeous, and the meal looks perfect.”
“Watch it, mister,” CeCe chided. “I only cooked a few things. It can’t possibly be perfect.” She frowned, and this time it was for more than unwanted contractions. CeCe reveled in any opportunity to be in the kitchen. Missing out on the final touches of this feast zapped what was left of her Christmas cheer.
The buffet line was under control, so Max grabbed a napkin and set of utensils for CeCe. Following Mallory, he handed it to his friend. “Easy, CeCe. I know you’re pregnant, but now you’re hurting my feelings.”
She raised an eyebrow at her boss. “Did you remember to put the Dijon mustard in the gravy?”
Max covered his heart with his hand. “Wow, it’s like you forgot I went to culinary school. Ouch.”
Mallory slid the plate over to CeCe, who immediately tucked in. Apparently being in labor did nothing to squash her appetite. “Thank you,” she said through a mouthful of roasted parsnips.
“Yeah, yeah,” Mallory muttered, walking away to find Beckett and Maybelle. There were a few things the little carrot top could eat, and she was eager to have some quality time with her favorite duo. Plus, she needed a distraction from a potential medical emergency happening on her watch. Keeping CeCe here went against everything she learned in school, yet she felt stuck.
“You’re sure she’s all right?” Beckett asked, mashing up a square of sweet potato on his plate before handing it to Maybelle.
Mallory’s heart clenched at the sight, how effortlessly her husband took the lead with Maybelle. She was one lucky lady, and she planned on showing Beckett how lucky when they managed a moment alone.
“She’s going to be peachy. Let’s eat.” The lie slipped off her tongue so easily, Mallory could almost believe it.
At the table across from them, Alice, James, Addison, and Chloe animatedly discussed the happenings in New York.
James speared a carrot with his fork and asked, “So, Chloe, you’re still enjoying the nonprofit?”
Chloe sipped from her wine and nodded, cheeks pink from the libations. “Yes, I really do. I won’t lie, there’s moments I wonder why I gave up serving and bartending.” She chuckled at Addison’s expression. “But I knew I needed something beyond waiting tables. It was a good gig, but I was never around for Addy’s events, and the hours were killing me. Now I get to help people and have more time for this one here.” She tipped her head toward Addison before sneaking a roasted potato from her plate.
Addison pretended to be outraged by the food theft, but that didn’t last long. She reached out and smoothed back Chloe’s collar, pulling her close for a chaste kiss. “I won’t lie, I’m loving your new schedule. Although I do miss the hook-up for free dim sum.”
“Did the restaurant close?” James asked, already frowning at the loss of his beloved dumpling spot in New York. It had been a favorite place of his and Addison’s when they both lived in the city. He’d loved it for the food, and Addison had loved it for her favorite waitress. After one too many visits without making a move, Addison had left her phone number on a receipt, and the rest was history.
Chloe shook her head. “No. Believe it or not, restaurants can continue operating when one of the servers leaves.”
Alice grimaced. “Let’s hope, otherwise Helen retiring will end the diner as we know it.”
“You need to let it go!” Helen barked from three tables away. She winked before turning back to a very fascinating story Mayor Josh was telling about a time in college when he sweet-talked his buddy out of a speeding ticket.
Meanwhile, the kids had taken over the corner booth. Otis and Henry were involved in a ham eating contest while Josie and Madeline made a Jenga set from a collection of sugar packets.
Mona and Harold shared a table with Trudy, Mayor Josh, Helen, Donna, and Steven. While none of them were where they expected to be this Christmas, they could not deny they were in a pretty good place. Plus, Mona was enraptured by Josh’s storytelling abilities. Harold privately wondered if the kid was old enough to vote for himself, let alone run the town.
Max turned up the music, so Bing Crosby could serenade them over dinner. Ginny took his hand and ushered him back to his seat so he could enjoy the fruits of his labor. “This is all delicious. I think you and Evan outdid yourselves.”
Anthony and Natalie slid across from them, their plates stacked embarrassingly high. “No arguments here. I only wish I would have worn my sweatpants so I could eat more.” Natalie wore a red dress that fit her curves and flared out just below her knees. Despite the falling snow, she’d worn a favorite pair of kitten heels to finish off her festive ensemble.
“Yeah, right. I’m calling BS on that one, Nat. Your sweatpants haven’t seen the light of day in eons.”
Natalie pursed her lips a moment before agreeing. “Yeah, you’re right. There’s also no way I wouldn’t take any excuse to show off my festive dress.” She shimmied in her seat, earning a stolen kiss from Anthony.
“You’re gorgeous,” he assured her, reaching under the table to squeeze her knee.
“This is the perfect send-off to this place,” Ginny said through a mouthful of ham. Max let out a shuddering breath but nodded. “I don’t want to be a wet blanket,” she assured the table, hoping her voice didn’t waiver, “it’s just that we’ve had some wonderful moments here. I know we’ll reopen again, but it won’t be exactly the same.”
Max quipped, “Yeah, the booths won’t be lumpy and the counters won’t be cracked.”
Anthony gestured with his fork. “I personally love the lumps.”
“I’m with Ginny,” Natalie said, nudging her husband aside so she could steal his dinner roll. “This is perfect.”
“You’re all right. It’s a little bittersweet, but it’s also time. Not everything can stay the same. Isn’t that right, Representative Snyder?”
Everyone laughed and went back to discussing the food.
Natalie had managed to stay distracted for a few minutes, and Ginny, Max, and Anthony didn’t notice how often her gaze kept sneaking off to CeCe’s booth. She was nibbling on her dinner, and Evan didn’t seem concerned. When her gaze reached Mallory, both women rolled their eyes. Apparently they were the only two worried about the mother-to-be.
By the time everyone cleaned their plates, it was time to bring out the desserts. Max joined Evan at their table, and asked, “Can I borrow you a minute to grab all the pies and cookies?”
CeCe held up a hand. “I want to help. I went to all that trouble and, frankly, my feet are asleep.”
Evan took her hand as she slid free from the booth. “I’ll help you up, but you’re not stepping foot in that kitchen. Stretch your legs, but relax. We’ve got this.”
CeCe whined, “But I hate being so helpless.”
Max snorted. “CeCe, you baked two pie crusts and made cheesy bites. You’ve already done too much.”
“Yeah, yeah.” CeCe huffed as she shuffled toward the kitchen door. Just as she stepped behind the counter, she doubled over, clutching her belly and letting out a low moan.
Mallory was on her feet and by her side before Evan registered what was going on. “CeCe, talk to me,” Mallory ordered.
Before CeCe could say a word, a splash of something wet hit the floor. Misunderstanding what had happened, Evan snatched a stack of paper towels. “Careful, babe. Looks like someone spilled something.”
Mallory scoffed, still shocked at her brother’s obliviousness after all these years. “Her water just broke, you idiot.” Raising her voice, she shouted to Beckett, “Need that car now, honey!”
Beckett was on his feet, running toward the exit with Maybelle in his arms, a trail of sweet potatoes sliding down her little chin. “It’s baby time!” he said to a very confused Maybelle.
“Did you say baby time? Is CeCe okay?” Helen was on her feet, keeping pace as Beckett weaved around the other guests.
“Yes, erm, I think? I don’t know, but I’m getting the car.” He nearly toppled over his own shoes as Maybelle reached out and snatched his glasses with her chubby hand. While ordinarily the cutest thing, he didn’t have the mental bandwidth to enjoy the interaction.
“Woah there,” Harold said, holding up a hand and stopping Beckett in his tracks. “What do you need, son?”
Beckett blinked, suddenly unsure what the hell was going on. “Uh, I need to uh ...”
Mona, ever a champ in a crisis, held out her arms for the baby. “We’ve got this, Uncle Beckett.”
Harold patted his shoulder and smiled. “Between the two of us, we’ve raised three kids. Go get the car.”
Helen nodded, pushing Beckett’s other shoulder until he started to walk.
Still speechless, Beckett handed Maybelle off to Mona. He quickly kissed the baby’s cheek before placing another kiss on Mona’s cheek. “Thank you.”
Evan’s blue eyes grew wild as reality dawned. “Holy crap,” he mumbled. “Is this? Are you? Are they coming, now?” With each question, his voice rose an octave. “Now? We’re having babies, now ?”
“Wow, I really thought he’d be better prepared for this,” Mallory deadpanned, bumping her brother out of the way. “Yes, Ev. Your wife is in labor.”
The ham eating contest and Jenga battles paused as the kids heard the commotion. “What’s going on?” Otis shouted to no one in particular.
Henry was more concerned with the fact that the desserts were on the buffet line, and he shrugged as he sauntered over for his fifth helping of food. Josie and Madeline’s level of concern was slightly higher, but it didn’t stop them from snatching a few cookies on their way toward the chaos.
“C’mon, buddy,” Natalie said as she took Henry by the elbow. “You guys sit tight while we get CeCe sorted out.” Natalie ushered the kids back to their booth before shouting, “I need a mayor!”
Both Anthony and Josh perked up at her request, nearly knocking each other over as they ran to the back booth.
“What’s up?” Josh asked, his eyes wide with excitement. “Do mayors deliver babies?” He rubbed his hands together, a blob of cranberry sauce falling from the cuff of his shirt.
Anthony didn’t bother hiding his responding shudder. “No, Josh. That’s not on the job description.” Turning to Natalie, he asked, “What do you need?”
“Call the highway patrol and tell them we’re speeding towards Buckeye Falls General in Beckett’s car. I don’t want anyone getting pulled over while CeCe’s in labor.”
Anthony pulled out his phone and nodded. “I’m on it.” Turning to Josh, he said, “Watch and learn, Joshy.”
Too stunned to reply, the younger man only followed Anthony as he strode away to make the calls.
Evan ran his hands through his blond hair again. His lips kept moving, but he wasn’t making a sound. “So this is really happening? I thought we had another few weeks before it was ... real?”
Mallory held CeCe steady while she found her footing. “Ev, I’d love to waste time going over the birds and the bees, but didn’t Dad cover that twenty years ago? Once your birds populate CeCe’s bees, you get a baby.” Ginny snorted beside them, but rallied quickly.
CeCe wheezed as another round of contractions hit. She bared down, gripped Evan’s arm with all her strength. “What your sister is trying to say”—she gasped for a fresh breath—“is that we’re about to have two more uninvited guests at this celebration,” CeCe said through clenched teeth.
Evan blanched, dragging his free hand down his face. “But it’s too soon.” Turning to Mallory, he asked, “It’s too soon, right?” He looked around at the other stunned faces, hoping someone would have something helpful to add to the chaos unfolding around him. “They’re going to be okay, right?” His voice finally broke, a single tear sliding down his cheek.
“Ev,” CeCe said, her tone sharp but concerned. Evan snagged her gaze and blinked, willing his heart rate to slow so he could hear through the pounding in his ears. “I need you now, okay?”
Evan nodded dumbly, his Christmas feast doing somersaults through his belly. He was about to become a dad, and he was simultaneously thrilled and petrified. Like any father ...
Mallory slid from nurse mode to sister mode, snaking her hand around Evan’s bicep and squeezing. “These babies are the bosses, little brother, and right now they’re making the rules. You need to help your wife and kids.”
That was all it took to snap Evan out of his panic-induced haze. “Holy crap,” he repeated. “We’re going to have some babies!” Turning to CeCe, he kissed her nose and grinned. “I love you.”
CeCe cracked a smile in between contractions, her own eyes brimming with tears. “I love you, too. Can we go now?”
Evan nodded, a loose curl falling on his face. “Yeah, babe. We can go.”
Outside they heard Beckett honk the horn. “That’s our ride,” Mallory announced, taking CeCe’s other arm and ushering the expectant parents toward the exit. Anthony held the door open, and said, “I just got off the phone with Jerry at the highway patrol. They have Beckett’s license plate and won’t pull you guys over. Congratulations.”
“Thanks, man.” Evan clapped his shoulder as they pushed through.
Behind them everyone cheered and offered their well wishes. Evan opened the backseat for CeCe, but was stopped from joining her by Mallory. “Hop up front with Beckett. I want to be here in case there’s any funny business.”
“Like what?”
“In case one of them tries to pop out, I’ll push them back in.” Mallory scoffed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Just get in the front seat, Ev.”
Beckett tapped the horn again, startling Evan into the moment. “Take shotgun, Lawless. I need you to navigate.”
Evan bent down to cup CeCe’s cheek, running his thumb over the soft skin. “Are you okay?” he whispered, his voice brimming with emotions.
“I’m fine. Just do as Mal and Beckett say.” She winked, and he finally got into his seat.
Mallory held CeCe’s hand and coached her through the contractions.
Anthony was true to his word. As soon as Beckett merged onto the highway, a police cruiser turned on his lights and led the way toward the hospital. “It’s good to know people,” Beckett said as he followed the police car. “I’ve never been in a police escort,” he marveled.
Mallory blinked. “Oh my God. Who has Maybelle?”
Evan snorted. “Real nice, Mal. You misplaced your baby and you’re giving me guff.”
Beckett punched Evan in the shoulder, still keeping the car steady in the snow. “She’s with Harold and Mona. They offered, and I was too worked up to argue.”
“Oh, phew,” Mallory said with her hand on her heart. “She couldn’t be in better hands.”
“Agreed, now hold on, because here comes our exit.” Beckett eased the car off the highway and angled it toward the hospital, which was just ahead. “Hang in there, CeCe. You’re killing it.”
“I love you so much, babe,” Evan said, tears falling down his cheeks.
“Love you”—CeCe let out a yelp of pain—“too.”
“Do something, Mal!” Evan shouted, pointing at his wife with a look of terror in his eyes.
“I’m doing everything I can, and so is CeCe. Beckett, pull up to the ER entrance. They’re expecting us.”
Beckett pulled up just as Evan threw his door open and ran into the hospital. “We’re having a baby!” he shouted, frantically looking around for help. The lobby was full of folks who had had their own versions of exciting Christmases. A young man held what looked like a broken arm to his chest, while an older woman coughed into a handkerchief. A tired-looking receptionist didn’t look up from her workstation.
“Hello!? I said we’re having a baby!” Evan linked his hands together and waved them side to side, as if rocking a baby to sleep. “My wife is having twins right now!”
Mallory ran in after him, fortunately able to be calm in high-stress situations. She strode up to the check-in desk and smiled politely at the receptionist. “Hi there, and Merry Christmas.”
The other woman looked up and smiled. “Merry Christmas. What seems to be the problem?”
Evan slammed his hand down on the desk, but Mallory cut him off. “My sister-in-law is in labor, she’s just outside. She’s a month early, carrying twins, BP is slightly elevated, but there was no blood loss and her contractions are less than two minutes apart. Water broke about fifteen minutes ago.”
Evan blinked beside her, shaking in his sneakers. “Thanks, Mal.” He fell against her side, his knees wobbly. Mallory wrapped an arm around his waist, keeping him from collapsing in a heap.
“Deep breaths, Ev. You’re about to meet your children.” She kissed his sweaty forehead and turned him in the direction of the car. “Let’s roll.”
A nurse joined them with a wheelchair and followed them out to the car. The police officer helped get CeCe settled before he went on his way. Beckett parked the car in the lot before running after the group, his shoes slipping on ice patches the entire way inside.
When he came back, Mallory was slumped on a chair by the elevators. Her braid was limp, whisps of hair flying out in all directions. “They won’t let me go up until she’s been given a room.”
Beckett fell to his knees, taking Mallory’s shaking hands in his. “She’s going to be fine, and so are those babies.” Kissing each of her knuckles, he added, “And you were spectacular with her. You continue to amaze me.”
Mallory didn’t respond, just took even breaths as she tried to slow her own racing heart. “I know, but I’m still terrified.”
“She’s a Lawson-in-law. You’re a tough group.” He adjusted his glasses, which were askew and smudged from the last half hour of excitement. Mallory detected small fingerprints courtesy of their daughter.
“Thanks for the ride, speed racer.”
“Anything for Lawless and my future niece and nephew.”
Mallory scrunched her nose. “How do you know it’s one of each? Evan and CeCe aren’t telling us a thing.”
Beckett shrugged. “It’s obvious, isn’t it? They struggled for so long to get pregnant. I just feel like the universe should cooperate and give them one of each.”
“I can’t argue with that logic.” Mallory pulled Beckett into her arms, burrowing her face in the crook of his neck. She took in a pull of his comforting cedar scent and promised herself that everyone would be all right. It was Christmas, and their little family deserved a miracle.
Three hours later, Evan joined them in the waiting room. He simultaneously looked elated and exhausted; both Mallory and Beckett heaved a sigh of relief. “So? What’s the verdict?” Mallory asked, leaping from her seat.
Evan’s trademark grin lit up his face. “We’ve got a healthy son and daughter. Mommy’s doing fine.”
Beckett punched the air and whooped. “I knew it!”
Mallory pulled her brother into a firm hug, tears already cascading down her face. “Congratulations.”
“What are their names?” Beckett asked, joining the group hug.
Evan pulled back and wiped his eyes with his sleeves. “Charlie and Eva.” CeCe’s father’s name had been Charles, and Eva was a clear nod to her father.
“Perfect names,” Beckett said.
“For perfect babies,” Mallory added.
For a moment, the trio stood and sobbed in a mixture of joy and relief. “When can we see CeCe?” Mallory asked.
“You took the words right out of our mouths,” Max said, striding in with Ginny, Natalie, and Anthony right behind him.
Evan’s grin grew at the sight of his friends. “What are you doing here?” he asked as Max pulled him in for a hug. The two men had known each other for over a decade, yet Evan didn’t think he’d ever been so happy to see his boss and mentor. He leaned into the embrace and felt the solid reassurance of another father. If Max could handle fatherhood, so could he.
Natalie huffed. “Like you could keep us away.”
Ginny nodded, pulling Evan into a quick hug of her own. “As soon as we got everything cleaned up, we were too restless to wait.” She turned to Beckett and Mallory. “Maybelle is at my dad’s place with the rest of the kids. Mona still has her own car seat from her granddaughter, so everyone is safe and happy. Alice and James send their best. They took Chloe and Addison back to their place.”
Max grimaced. “Although I’m already afraid Henry ate your folks out of house and home.”
Anthony was incredulous. “I watched that kid eat half a ham just two hours ago.”
“Forget Zippy, I think Henry can beat any eating contest.”
Everyone laughed, falling into their usual rapport.
Suddenly Evan shook his head and laughed. “Holy crap, I’m a father. I gotta go.” Turning to Mallory, he asked, “Can you call Sophie and Emily? I called Mom and Dad on the elevator ride.”
Mallory shot a thumbs-up. “I’m on it. Will you text us when CeCe is ready for visitors?”
Evan grinned. “Absolutely.”
“Congratulations, Lawless,” Beckett said again, cuffing his friend on the shoulder.
The others shouted their congratulations and well wishes, causing a scene in a fairly quiet waiting room.
Evan blinked back a fresh round of tears. “I love you guys. I love everyone today! Merry Christmas, Buckeye Falls!”
And with that, Evan hopped in the elevator to rejoin his wife and babies. In his thirty-six years on this planet, his sister had never seen him so happy. And for the happiest guy in town, that was certainly saying something.