Epilogue One
MOM / MARY
* New Year’s Eve *
A s much as I loved the Christmas Eve Eve Ball, I also loved the casual New Year’s Eve dance at the Holly Valley Town Hall. It was much more informal, with the large room open for dancing, and several smaller rooms set up with tables and chairs to create lounge areas.
It was a wonderful chance for the entire town to get together one last time before hunkering down for the worst of winter.
The next few months would be extra dark for me, since my boys would be gone. But knowing that they were coming home permanently soon put an extra spring in my step as I danced with Nicolas.
“It’s been a crazy season,” he said, twirling me around once more as the song ended.
“Goodness, yes. One of the best Christmases ever, I think. Plus a wonderful anniversary.”
Nicolas led me back to our table in the corner. “I’d like you to stay off your knee for a while, sweetie,” he said, kissing me quickly when he thought nobody was looking.
He gave me that sweet smile that still made my heart race even after all these years. Then he gave a nod to his friends who were gathered by the back door. “I’ll be back in a little while,” he said.
Every year he took off with his buddies for a special whiskey that one of them had discovered this year. Last time I sat around and talked with my friends for the entire evening since I could barely dance. But there was no way I was going to miss out on any opportunity this season.
As soon as Nicolas was gone, I darted over to Jacob and Sierra. “May I steal my son away for a dance?”
“Of course,” she said, with her cute pixie grin that I was already so fond of.
Jacob led me to the center of the dance floor, as we tested out a few old-fashioned ballroom moves.
“I’m afraid we’re going to have to have a little chat about Sierra,” I said as we drifted farther away from her.
Instantly Jacob looked nervous. “What? I thought you liked her.”
“I do,” I laughed. “I think she’s absolutely wonderful. I just wanted you to know that if there’s anything I can help with to keep the two of you together while you’re away for a couple of months, please let me know.”
He made a noise like an angry bear as he glared at me. “Mom, you nearly gave me a heart attack.”
“Just keeping you on your toes.”
He laughed, spinning me around. “You know, you’ve been extra saucy lately. Maybe that new knee is evil, or a bad influence or something.”
My head fell back and I laughed uproariously. “Yes! Let’s go with that. Demonic knee. I love it.”
When the song ended, I gave him a hug. “I know that you boys are going to be getting married and starting families soon. I’m right here to help with everything, so please keep me in the loop. Okay?”
Jacob’s arms tightened around me. “Okay. Thanks, Mom.”
I ruffled the back of his hair. “It’s the least I can do for the youngest and most precious.”
“Now why won’t you ever say that in front of the other two?” he chuckled.
I walked him back to Sierra, then gave her a hug. “Happy New Year, my dear.”
“Happy New Year, Mary.” She hesitated, then added, “Thank you for being so welcoming. This town already feels like home, and you’re a big part of that.”
My arms tightened around her in another quick hug. “We’re lucky to have you. I’m right here if you need anything while Jacob is away.”
“Thank you.”
Watching the two of them glide back out to the dance floor made my heart swell. After seeing my boys single for so long, I was so happy for each of them that I thought I might actually explode from joy.
Andrew sidled over and held out his hand. “Shall we?”
I peeked over his shoulder to give Robin a wave, then she went back to taking photos of some of the dessert trays.
“New Year’s article?” I asked as we began to dance.
“Yes, and also she likes to have interesting photos in her back pocket in case she ever needs them down the road.”
I nodded as we did a slow spin right in front of the band. “Robin’s a very smart girl. And a hard worker.”
“Definitely.”
Frowning, I shook my head. “A woman that puts her career first isn’t going to be a very good wife and mother.”
Andrew’s head fell back as he laughed. “Don’t you pull that stuff on me, Mom. I’m not falling for it.”
“Dammit,” I muttered.
He blinked in surprise. “Since when does Mrs. Mary King curse?” he asked, incredulous.
“I’ve just been informed that my new knee might possibly be evil, and I’m going to run with it,” I giggled.
He shrugged. “What the hell, you only live once, right?”
I gave his bicep a smack. “Only I may curse. You don’t have an evil knee. You still need to watch your mouth around me.”
He rolled his eyes. “Yes, Mom,” he whined.
“I really am delighted that you found Robin. I hope that you two have a great time traveling. And please be sure to tell her that whenever she’s around Holly Valley, we’d like her to park her camper on our property so that we know she’s safe.”
“She’ll love that,” Andrew said, his eyes softening. “You know how lousy her family is. It really means a lot to her that you’ve been so sweet and welcoming.”
I nodded, patting the back of his shoulder. “If she ever wants to talk it through, I’m right here. I realize it might take some time to worm its way out.”
The song finished, and I escorted him back to Robin. Giving her a huge hug, I whispered, “Thanks again for everything you’ve done for the toy factory. But also for making my son smile like that.”
Robin blinked hard, her eyes glistening. “Thank you for…well, for everything.”
My hand squeezed her arm. “Always right here if you ever need me, honey. You make sure that Andrew puts my number in your phone before you go traveling anywhere, okay? I have friends all over the place.”
“Thanks, Mary.”
Scanning the room, I saw Daniel and Prairie sitting in a corner, trying to make out without anyone seeing them. I approached while pretending to be looking in all directions except theirs, giving them a chance to jump a few inches apart.
“Prairie, do you mind if I steal my son away for dance?”
“Sure, go ahead.” She was so pretty when she smiled so brightly. “I’m going to go steal a few more bites of that incredible potato salad.”
Daniel had always been a bit more reserved than the other boys, but he really was an excellent dancer. He must have picked it up after years of Christmas Eve Eve Balls.
“I think we need to have a word about Prairie,” I said quietly as we twirled around the room, surrounded by friends and neighbors.
His jaw stiffened as he stared at me. “Let me be perfectly clear about one thing before you say another word. She’s the love of my life. I’m going to marry that girl as soon as I know it won’t frighten her away.”
I began to laugh, and he relaxed. “Gee, you’re so serious. I just wanted to tell you that she’s lovely, and I’m super excited that she’s going to be our head painter for the Easter line.”
Daniel shook his head. “Don’t you think for one second that I won’t throw you and your brand new knee over my shoulder and carry you out of here like a sack of potatoes for scaring me like that.”
“You wouldn’t dare.”
He bent down as if to scoop me up and I held out my hands. “Mercy!”
He straightened up and we continued dancing.
“Seriously, Daniel, her designs are very similar to some of your grandfather’s old sketches.
The traditional Easter eggs are going to be a huge hit, and also the chicks and bunnies.
Plus, Prairie had a wonderful idea for a basket to put all the toys in, but we’re going to have to figure out the weaving. ”
“She’ll make it work,” Daniel said proudly. “My girl is extremely creative.”
“And very talented,” I added. “I like her a lot, Daniel. I know that her family is much quieter than ours, so I’m glad she’ll be meeting new people at the toy factory.”
“She really has an eye for art,” he said, looking thoughtful. “She even inspired me to show her my furniture sketches.”
I stopped, almost causing him to trip over my feet. “Since when have you been designing furniture?”
“Since forever,” he shrugged. “But it’s very different from Dad’s style, so I haven’t shown it to anybody.”
The other dancers around us laughed as I began swatting at his chest like an annoyed cat. “You silly boy. How could you keep something like that from me?”
“Settle down,” he said, grabbing my wrists. We began dancing again, as he looked at me sheepishly. “Dad is this huge designer who’s becoming known everywhere. I don’t want people to think I’m riding his coattails.”
“Okay, that’s fair.”
“I’m not sure what I was waiting for. I guess until I got a complete furniture line completed, and my own style square in my mind. But thanks to Prairie, I think I have all of my mental ducks in a row, so to speak. I should be able to design an entire line in a month or two.”
“For what it’s worth, I’m excited as hell.” The way his eyebrow quirked up at my choice of words made me giggle.
The song ended, and we went back to where Prairie was chatting with Mrs. McKenzie.
“Mrs. Claus,” I whispered with a wink, giving Prairie a big hug. “Happy New Year, honey. I’m so glad that you’re here. You are definitely a good influence on Daniel.”
Those lovely eyes absolutely gleamed. “Thank you, Mary. I really appreciate that.”
“If you need any art supplies while you’re designing the decorations for the Easter line, just let me know and I’ll set you up down at—”
“Holly Valley Crafts?” Prairie finished. “Daniel’s already done that.”
I patted my oldest son on the shoulder. “I’m not surprised. He’s good like that.”
Leaning in, I whispered loudly to Prairie, “Don’t tell him I said this, but he’s a good man. You’re a very lucky girl.”
“I am extremely aware of that,” she said with a grin.
Daniel took her hand as they headed back to the dance floor, and I strolled toward three large tables full of my friends.
One of the best things about living in Holly Valley for so long was that I knew everyone, and aside from one or two bad apples they were all wonderful people worth knowing.
Now that my three dear sons were coming home to three lovely young ladies, I felt that my life was about to enter a new chapter. I had gone from mother to soon to be mother-in-law. Soon to be grandmother. Plus the co-head of a toy factory.
With all of these fabulous changes floating around me at the end of an extremely busy holiday season, there was only one thing left to do.
“Ladies,” I announced to my dearest friends, holding out my empty hand, “please tell me there’s some champagne left. I need to hear all of your latest news.”