Epilogue
FATHER’S DAY
“Make one of the chicken breasts without the hot sauce, please,” Josie called out to Malcolm as he stood at the grill.
One of Josie’s hands rested on her stomach, where their little boy was making himself known.
No need to make him even more active with some spicy sauce.
She'd been having enough trouble herself with indigestion lately.
Her father came to sit next to her. “Happy Father's Day, Daddy,” she said.
“Just don't expect us to come up here every Father's Day,” he said in a gruff voice that didn't fool her one bit. He loved being a grandfather and it was hard keeping him away from Sweetwater Creek.
“You just want me to bring the kids down to Florida so you can show them off to your friends.”
When her dad's face flushed, Josie knew she’d hit the nail on the head.
With Luz in her arms, her mother joined them. She'd been walking the baby around the yard, pointing out the different wildflowers. “You're going to spoil her,” Josie said. Luz was only five months old and probably didn't understand a word her grandmother was saying. Not yet.
“That's what grandmothers are for,” her mother said proudly. Josie didn't think she’d ever seen her mother this happy.
“Exactly what I've been telling my son,” Aurelia said, trailing behind Carol.
Malcolm's mother refused to hold the baby unless she was sitting down.
Said she didn't trust herself. The two grandmothers had become fast friends although they often competed with their outrageous gifts for Luz. Right now Luz’s dark curls were framed by a ridiculously frilly bonnet.
Over in the distance, Bryn and Emily were setting out bowls of coleslaw and potato salad for Father's Day.
In the corner of the yard, the men were playing horseshoes, the clank of metal filling the summer air.
Seated in a pack 'n play nearby, Alex cheered each time he heard the racket.
Sheldon seemed to be studying a stuffed turtle Trevor had given him.
He already was calling pine trees genus pinus, a botanical term Trevor had taught him.
When that kid began to talk, he would turn into a walking dictionary.
With Luz in her arms, Josie's mother left to check out the buffet table and Malcolm's mother sat down next to Josie. “How are you feeling, dear?” Aurelia asked.
“Happy beyond belief.”
Her mother-in-law nodded. “I know. I feel the same way.” Aurelia’s eyes swung to her son who had turned out to be a master at the grill. “Maybe you should never rule something out when the medical field says that it can't happen.”
Her dry comment made Josie laugh. “And so soon after the wedding.” Josie and Malcolm had been married on Valentine's Day, not seeing any reason to wait. Neither one of them could believe that she’d become pregnant so soon after that, but it had happened, defying all odds and everything the doctors had told them.
“Do you think you'll have room enough here for your growing family?” Aurelia glanced toward Josie's rental cottage where they’d started their marriage and their family.
“We talk about moving. But I kind of like this location.”
“Time will give you the answer. Malcolm tells me that his new business is going quite well.”
Josie settled back, fanning herself. “I'm so proud of him.” Who else would think of an app that would bring together donors who wanted to make a difference with an underserved population?
“Do you think he misses the library?” Aurelia asked.
“Malcolm comes to have lunch with me sometimes, and he brings Luz. Right now, he's also working as a consultant to Amblebury. Have you heard that Victoria's father has funded a library for the town?”
“Isn't that wonderful?” Aurelia had become very interested in everything going on in the area. When she visited, they could hardly pry her away from her lady friends at Victoria's Pantry.
“Yes, and it doesn't seem to take up too much of his time. The good thing is that he's able to spend quality time with Luz.” Josie ran one hand over her stomach. “But I don't know if he'll be able to handle two babies.”
“You'll definitely need some help. You know, I've been thinking,” Aurelia said, tapping her lower lip with a finger. “New York has gotten so busy for me. Maybe too busy with those crowded sidewalks. I've been thinking that I might relocate.”
Now, this was good news. Josie knew that Malcolm worried about his mother being so far away. “Do you have any place in mind?”
Her mother-in-law's eyes sparkled. “Oh, I'm looking for a quiet place. Maybe just a little bungalow. Close to a bakery that has great chocolate croissants.”
“Well of course.” Josie chuckled. “Malcolm will be happy to hear that.”
Aurelia looked lovingly over at her son. “I don't know if Malcolm will want to risk having me interfere in his life. I've done quite enough of that.”
Looking down at her ring, Josie smiled. “Sometimes a little interference is a good thing.”
Derek and Victoria had arrived with their new baby in the most elaborate stroller Josie had ever seen. Victoria maneuvered it into the shade of one of the trees, being sure that the netting was secure.
“Time to come and get it.” Steaming platter in hand, Malcolm marched toward the buffet table. Aurelia went to join her son.
Heaving herself to her feet, Josie ambled over to one of the picnic tables where Bryn and Emily had their heads together.” What's up?” she asked. “I get suspicious when you two are alone together.”
Emily threw her head back. “We're just saying that pregnancy becomes you.”
“I learned from the best. But I don't think I'll be able to keep up with you anymore on our morning walks. I can't push Luz in the stroller and carry this little guy.” She pointed to her stomach.
“We can slow our pace,” Emily assured her. “We’re known for our adaptability.”
“I don't know why you didn't tell me long ago that you were in love with Malcolm,” Bryn murmured.” Sometimes her friend could be so clueless.
“But things came together anyway,” Emily said briskly, exchanging a look with Josie. “All it took was a little help from Santa and some Christmas Wishes.”
“Magic, every time. But I had a little help from my friends,” Josie said thinking back over the course her life had taken in the past few months.
“Want me to fix a plate for you?” Malcolm said, coming to join her.
“That would be wonderful, sweetheart. Thank you.”
“As you wish.” Grabbing two plates, Malcolm turned toward the buffet table. His mother already had Luz in the highchair next to her.
Wishes. Wasn't that what life was all about? Wishes and a little help from family and friends to make them come true.
***
If you enjoyed The Blessings of Christmas.