Chapter Seventeen
Nick and Holly stood on Rachel and Eddie’s front porch. Nick rang the doorbell, and Holly smiled as the bells chimed to the tune of “Angels We Have Heard on High.” Cupid sat on his haunches, waiting for someone to answer. His breath caused vapors to float out onto the cool night air.
“Are you sure your father is up for this?” Holly removed her wool hat. “Shouldn’t he be resting or something?”
“He insisted because it’s Christmas Eve. You know how he is. Besides, the doctors said he was fine. They gave him the green light.”
“All right. Good.” Holly fidgeted with her scarf.
“Holly!” Avery immediately wrapped her arms around Holly’s waist after opening the door.
“Merry Christmas, Avery.”
“Merry Christmas. I’m so glad you’re here.” She widened her eyes dramatically. “I’m starving.”
Holly laughed. “Okay. I can’t decide if I should be flattered or not, but it’s good to see you too.”
Dasher ran to the door and barked. Cupid barked back and chased his canine brother into the belly of the house.
“Hi, Uncle Nick.” Avery smiled up at him.
“Hey, kiddo. Merry Christmas.” Nick ruffled her hair.
When Avery skipped off, Nick leaned closer to Holly.
“Am I not cool enough to get hugs anymore?” he whispered as they entered the house.
Holly rubbed his back. “Don’t worry. You’ll get extra ones from me.”
A playful glint danced in Nick’s eyes, his lips curling into a knowing grin.
A familiar chuckle from the living room entrance made Holly turn.
“Well, I see we’ve bumped up this party to a ten.” Mr. Mason came forward and embraced Holly before placing a small peck on her cheek. “Merry Christmas.”
“Ignored again,” Nick joked.
Mr. Mason emitted a ho-ho-ho laugh and embraced his son, slapping him on the back for good measure.
“Merry Christmas, Mr. Mason.” Holly placed a hand on his arm. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m right as rain, dear.” Mr. Mason took her coat. “Don’t you fret about me.”
A figure moved into the foyer, redirecting their attention. It turned out to be Rachel’s husband, Eddie, who nodded at them. His sandy-blond hair sat in waves atop his head. His knit sweater fit snuggly around his biceps as he stuffed his hands in his jeans pockets.
“Nick, Holly,” Eddie called. “So happy you could make it. And, Nick, I could really use your magic touch with some of the dinner preparations.”
“I’m beginning to think that’s the only reason I’m invited over anymore,” Nick teased. He pushed up his sleeves. “But if that’s the price I’ve got to pay, get ready for some magic.”
“Where’s your mother?” Mr. Mason looked over Holly’s shoulder.
“She’s out with Rachel,” Holly replied.
“Rachel? I was wondering where she was. What are those two up to?”
“They won’t tell me. Probably some last-minute Christmas shopping.” Holly shrugged and giggled. “But it’s fine. I’m resolved to let the surprises come as they may.”
Mr. Mason elbowed her. “More time for us to bond. Speaking of which, I could use your assistance.”
Holly glanced over at Nick, who was elbows-deep in meal prep with Eddie.
“Absolutely.” Holly hooked her arm through Mr. Mason’s. “Lead the way.”
He escorted her to a room on the ground floor she’d never been in. Judging by the bed, dresser, and desk, she deduced it was his bedroom. It was quite tidy, and Holly wondered if Rachel kept after him or if Mr. Mason was secretly a neat freak. Holly spotted bottles of his medication on his nightstand.
“What’s up?” Holly asked.
“It’s a little embarrassing,” Mr. Mason began, closing the door, “but I can’t get my fingers to work as they used to. I’ve been trying to wrap these presents, but my arthritis is getting in the way.”
“No problem. I’d be happy to help.” Holly sat at the small desk and rolled out some of the wrapping paper lying on the surface. “Now that we’re alone, can you tell me how you’re really doing?”
“I told you. I’m fine.” He gestured to the first gift. “This one’s for Avery.”
Holly glanced up at him as she wrapped the paper around a jewelry box. She could tell he was attempting to change the subject. “She’ll love it.”
Mr. Mason fiddled with one of his shirt buttons.
“You know,” Holly began as she finished taping the paper, “my father was also a stubborn man.”
“Is that right?” Mr. Mason cleared his throat and handed her another box. “This is for Nicky. Don’t tell.”
“Yeah, he was.” Holly refused to allow him to take the conversation on a detour. “And when he got sick, he hid it from us.”
“Holly, dear. Really. I’m fine. I think I just got a little winded, caught up in the excitement of Christmas.”
“I was really worried about you.” She stood and squeezed his shoulder. “You’re family to me. You’re important.”
Mr. Mason rested a hand on top of Holly’s. His gaze was soft as he nodded. “You’re important to me, too. I promise I won’t hide it from you if I’m not feeling well enough.”
“Okay, you better not.” Holly pulled him in for a hug.
There was a knock at the door, and one second later, Nick appeared in the doorway with a suspicious face. “I hate to interrupt whatever mischief you two troublemakers are up to, but Holly, your mom’s here.”
Mr. Mason clapped his hands once and smiled. “Goody. Now the party can begin.”
“I’ll help you with the rest after dinner,” Holly whispered to Mr. Mason.
“You’re a star, Holly. Thank you.”
Nick stepped aside and let his father out of the room, hanging back until Holly approached him.
“What was that about?” Nick tugged Holly closer.
“Oh, you know. The usual Christmas hijinks.”
Nick shook his head. “Maybe I don’t want to know.”
Holly patted his bicep. “You’re a wise man.” She made her way to the kitchen, where she could hear her mother talking to Mr. Mason.
“It’s so nice you caught up with Emily,” Mr. Mason said. “Did you know that she and I went to school together?”
“What a small world.” Vivian turned to see Holly approaching. “Hi, honey.”
Holly stopped between her mother and Mr. Mason. “How was your outing with Rachel?”
“Lovely,” Vivian answered.
“I had lots of fun,” Rachel added. “Your mom is the best shopping buddy. I don’t know if I’ve ever laughed so hard in my life.”
“She finds my observations funny—” Vivian explained. “I’m just calling them as I see them.”
Rachel simply pointed to her. “She’s a hoot. I’m telling you.”
“Where is Kim?” Vivian asked.
“Lucy invited her over,” Holly explained. “I think they might be planning something. I figured I’d stay out of the way of their bonding and let them have their fun.”
“You know when I first met Kim back in New York, I think she was afraid of me.” Vivian raised her brows and nodded.
“What?” Holly giggled. “No, she wasn’t.”
“I guess intimidated is the right word, then.” Vivian waved a dismissive hand. “She was pretty quiet and kept looking at me like I was going to yell at her.”
“Maybe she just didn’t want you to think she was corrupting your daughter,” Holly said.
“Or,” Nick began, “maybe she knew you were the only person who could convince Holly to leave the city, and Kim didn’t want to lose her.”
Vivian’s eyes went from Holly to Nick. “Well, I’m delighted it was you who led her from the city, and for good reason. She’s much happier now.”
“All right, chatterboxes.” Eddie approached, holding a roasted turkey on a platter. “Dinner’s ready. Everyone, grab a seat.”
“It smells delicious,” Holly said. “Can I help?”
“Sure. You can bring the mashed potatoes over.” Eddie gestured to a serving bowl on the counter.
Nick emerged from the far end of the kitchen with a casserole dish full of stuffing, which he placed on a hot plate in the center of the table. Rachel opened a bottle of red wine.
Avery hovered nearby. “Mom, can I sit next to Vivi?”
“Only if you behave.” Rachel shot her daughter a playful warning look.
“Okay.” Avery’s giggle implied the opposite.
“It might not be Avery who has to be told to behave,” Holly said as she took a seat. “I suspect my mom’s been slipping her a piece of candy or two before dinner.”
Vivian and Avery exchanged a secretive look as they sat beside each other. The rest of the group found their places and began filling their plates.
“Your house is beautiful,” Vivian said to Rachel and Eddie. Her quick change of subject hadn’t gone unnoticed. “So big. I bet I could fit all my brothers and sisters in it.”
“Oh?” Rachel passed the bowl of mashed potatoes to Nick. “How many brothers and sisters do you have, Vivian?”
“I’m the second of ten.” Vivian beamed.
Rachel’s eyes widened. “Ten? That’s incredible. Your mother must be quite a woman.”
“Having that number of kids is pretty unheard of nowadays.” Mr. Mason chuckled. “I do remember a time when big families were the norm. I’m the youngest of four myself. Unfortunately, my older sister, Julia, and I are the only ones left. But we sure did have a blast growing up together. You were guaranteed friends when you had a big family.”
“That’s true.” Vivian laughed. “I do hope having lots of children might be in the cards for our newlyweds here.”
“Mom!” Holly lifted her wineglass to her face to hide her blush.
“What?” Vivian’s lips shifted into a faux pout. “All I’m saying is you could consider it.”
Holly fidgeted with her silverware. “You and Dad only had me.”
“Well, we knew to stop at perfection.” Vivian rested her elbows on the table and cupped her chin.
“Is that why I’m an only child?” Avery asked, beaming.
Laughter filled the room, with Rachel and Eddie exchanging a look, and the conversation moved to wedding preparations.
Magic was definitely in the mix regarding dinner. Holly couldn’t help but indulge. By the time they were done eating and the table was being cleared, she felt like she could only move in slow motion. Despite her stomach weighing her down, the meal had been so good she would do it all again. After managing to rise from her chair, she strolled into the living room to stretch her legs. A walk would definitely provide some relief, but her food coma was making her too sluggish to even consider conquering that feat.
Dasher and Cupid lay on the rug near the Christmas tree, chomping on some doggy treats. Holly gazed at the piece of art on the wall, recalling that Mr. Mason had told her it had been painted by his wife. She could see the brush strokes and imagined the care Mrs. Mason had taken to create just the right aesthetic.
It wasn’t until Mr. Mason cleared his throat that she realized he’d come to stand beside her.
“I do the same thing, you know,” he said.
“What’s that?”
“Find myself staring at it. Of course, in my case, it’s because I get swept up in the memory of her smile when she painted. The way splashes of paint would stick to her cheek.” He nudged Holly with his elbow. “How she’d tell me I was the best every time I’d bring her tea.”
“You do make a pretty good tea.”
He chuckled. “So, Holly, I have something for you.”
“I didn’t know we were exchanging presents tonight. Shouldn’t we wait for the others?”
“No, no. This is more of a ‘something borrowed’ than a Christmas present.” He winked and then turned, walking to a side table near the door. He pulled open one of the drawers and took out a wooden box.
Holly’s brow wrinkled when he handed it to her.
“It’s beautiful.” She ran her fingers over the intricately carved design on the top. “What is it?”
Mr. Mason flipped open the lid. “It’s a brooch. It belonged to my wife.”
The brooch was made of lovely silver and formed in the shape of a curved feather. Set along the shaft of the feather were seven tiny jewels. Holly suspected they were diamonds, but even if they weren’t, the brooch was gorgeous.
“It can be placed on clothing or pinned to a veil. My Eleanor wore it to our wedding. And Rachel wore it to hers. You don’t have to, so don’t feel obligated, but it would mean a lot to me—to Nicky, too, I can imagine—if you were to wear it to yours.”
“Mr. Mason. I don’t know what to say.” Holly had already felt like she was part of the family, but to be included in such a touching tradition solidified it. “I would love that. Thank you.”
Nick entered the living room, narrowing his eyes. “Seems like I keep finding you two whispering about something.”
Holly turned to face him. “Your dad loaned me your family’s brooch to wear on our wedding day.” She extended the box.
Nick touched the jewels delicately. “You’ll look stunning wearing it. I’m excited to see the whole ensemble put together.”
Holly could tell deep thoughts were going on in Nick’s mind. That familiar soft look appeared in his eyes whenever he thought about his mother.
Eddie entered the room, carrying a couple of pieces of wood. As he added it to the fireplace, Avery came in and settled between Cupid and Dasher, stroking them both on their heads. Vivian and Rachel chatted about international traveling and planted themselves on the couch.
“I’m going to put this in my purse,” Holly whispered to Nick as she closed the brooch box. “I’ll be right back.”
When she returned, Avery was seated between Rachel and Eddie as Nick updated everyone on the Christmas festival.
“Avery, honey.” Rachel rubbed Avery’s back. “That’s the twelfth time you’ve yawned in the past half hour. I think it’s time for bed.”
“No,” Avery whined. “It’s not fair. You guys always have fun without me.”
“That’s not true.” Eddie kissed the top of her head. “We do tons of stuff with you.”
“It’s Christmas Eve,” Avery argued. “Can I stay up a little longer and open one present?” She held up a finger, her eyes pleading.
“Once you open one, you’ll want to open all the others.” Rachel laughed.
“No, no, really. Just one,” Avery begged.
“No, Avery.” Eddie urged her to get up from the couch. “The sooner you go to bed, the earlier you can get up and open all your presents.”
“You know,” Avery said, placing her hands on her hips, “I’m almost ten, which is almost a teenager. And teenagers get to stay up way later than this.”
Rachel cringed. “Oh, no, please don’t talk about being a teenager yet. I’m not ready.”
“Neither of us are,” Eddie agreed. “But in any case, Avery, your yawns tell me you need some rest.”
Avery turned toward the stairs with a huff. “Fine.”
“Tell you what.” Nick flashed a smile at her. “You go on and get ready for bed, and I’ll come up and say goodnight.”
“Or you can come now.” Avery tilted her head.
Nick snickered. “Okay, I guess I can come now.”
Avery gave him a sheepish grin. “Can Holly come too?”
Nick lifted his brows as he turned to Holly.
“Absolutely, kiddo.” Holly held up her hand for a high-five. “Count me in.”
Avery slapped Holly’s hand. She then kissed her parents and grandfather on the cheek before racing up the stairs ahead of Holly and Nick. She hung a right at the top of the stairs, her arms swinging lazily as she entered her room.
Holly had never been up here before. The ceilings on this floor were high, just like they were on the ground level. Avery’s walls were a muted gray-green tone, contrasting nicely with her white furniture. Her bedspread had a lovely pastel floral pattern that gave the room a sense of being alive. In front of a couple of ruffled pillows sat five fluffy stuffed animals. On a small table in the corner stood the dollhouse Nick—ever the brilliant craftsman—had built for Avery.
Avery opened one of her drawers and yanked out some pink, flannel, anime-design pajamas. “I’m just going to change and brush my teeth.” She pointed to a rocking chair by the window. “You better call dibs before I get back.”
She skipped into the hall and headed toward the bathroom, leaving Holly and Nick staring at each other.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen her bossy side before,” Holly remarked.
Nick laughed. “She definitely knows what she wants.”
“That sounds like a Mason trait.”
Nick pulled Holly closer. “It’s a strong gene.”
“Oh, yeah?” Holly rose on her tiptoes and gave him a peck on the lips. “Hey, guess what.”
“What?”
She raised a brow, slanting her head toward the rocking chair in the room. “Dibs.”
Nick’s eyes widened as he chuckled. “Now who’s the one going after what she wants?”
Holly batted her lashes as she twirled out of his arms and planted herself in the rocking chair.
Nick groaned in jest as he stuck his fists in his pockets, seemingly accepting defeat.
Whistling a Christmas tune, Avery waltzed into her room, jumped into bed, and tugged the sheets up to her chest. She propped her head on the pillows so that she was slightly sitting up.
Nick sat on the edge of the bed, smoothing the covers. “Did you want us to read you a story?”
“I’m a bit old for that, Uncle Nick. I can read my own books. I’d rather talk.”
Nick gave her a sideways look. “What did you want to talk about?”
Avery folded her hands in her lap. “Are you more excited about Christmas or your wedding?”
Holly giggled. “Well, seeing as we’re getting married a mere week after Christmas, they pretty much go hand in hand.”
“But if you had to pick one?” Avery’s mouth twisted into a mischievous grin.
Nick glanced at Holly. She could tell he was holding back a laugh.
“I’d say since Christmas comes around every year,” Nick began, “that I’m more excited for our wedding.”
Holly flexed her feet to make the rocking chair swing. “My answer is the same.”
Avery slid more comfortably into the bed and put her palms behind her head. “Okay, good. That was a test, and you both passed.”
Holly and Nick burst into laughter at Avery’s snarkiness. With a sobering sigh, Nick got to his feet and leaned over to kiss Avery on her forehead.
“Good night, kiddo.”
“Good night, Uncle Nick.”
Holly stood. “Sleep tight, Avery.”
As she approached the door, Avery sat up.
“Holly,” Avery called.
She turned, her hand on the doorframe. “Yeah?”
“I’m glad you’re going to be my aunt.”
Holly’s heart melted. “I am, too.”
Avery smiled and lay down again. Holly switched off the light and closed the door behind her.
In the hall, Holly glanced up at Nick and tittered. “So, we passed her test. How do you feel about that?”
“I feel like I could be pretty good at this parenting thing.”
“Yeah. One night tucking in your niece and raising a human from a baby to adulthood? Sure, that’s the same thing.”
Nick hugged her to him. “Are you saying I’m not ready to be a dad?”
Holly ran her hands up his biceps. “On the contrary. I think you’re going to be a great father. You definitely have the heart for it.”
“And you’re going to be an amazing mom.”
“No pressure.” She sniggered and gave him a quick kiss.
Nick gestured with his head. “As much as I’d like to freeze time and stay like this forever, we’d better go join the others.”
“After you.”
As they headed downstairs, Holly’s thoughts drifted to the future. They both wanted kids, and her chest flooded with warmth as she imagined the family she and Nick would create together. She wasn’t positive they would fulfill her mother’s wish of Holly having an abundance of children, but she could imagine two or three little carbon copies of her and Nick completing their unit.
All in good time. First, the wedding.
When they got downstairs, Rachel was serving coffee. Vivian was nowhere to be seen.
Holly scanned the living room, her eyes landing on Eddie. “Do you know where my mom is?”
Eddie poked the fire and regarded Holly over his shoulder. “She’s out on the deck.”
“What? But it’s freezing out.”
Eddie set down the poker and stood. “I think she wanted to watch the snow.”
Holly nodded and grabbed a throw blanket from the couch before heading toward the back door. As soon as she opened the door, Dasher and Cupid darted out, eager to play in the thick snow. Flurries drifted around her, and the moon illuminated the night sky. She wrapped herself in the blanket and approached her mom, who stood at the edge of the deck, resting her elbows on the railing and gazing out onto Rachel and Eddie’s backyard. Vivian let out a giggle as Cupid and Dasher playfully pounced on one another, kicking up flakes into their fur.
Vivian continued staring into the distance. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
Holly draped one end of the blanket over her mother’s shoulders. “You know you can watch the snow fall from inside.”
“I like the full immersive experience.” Vivian laughed. “Besides, it reminds me of your father.”
Though Holly’s skin tingled from the cold, she was warmed by a sense of calm that came over her. “Yeah. Me too.”
“I can remember the first time he brought me to Silverwood. I had never seen snow before, at least not in person. But movies and TV shows can’t prepare you for the magic of your first snowfall. Of the first time a tiny, cold snowflake drifts onto your cheek, melts, and becomes a part of your soul.”
“It’s hard for me to imagine growing up without having experienced snow.”
Vivian set a hand on Holly’s. “Because we brought you here every year since you were a baby. Silverwood has always been a part of your soul.”
Holly smiled and leaned her head against her mom’s temple. “Thank you for that.”
“Your father wouldn’t have had it any other way.” Vivian’s body shook as she chuckled. “He loved Silverwood. Loved being out in the snow. Hiking, sledding, snowball fights. He never did have the knack for skiing, though.”
“Is that why we never went?”
“Well, I was no good at it, either. I could climb a banana tree in my bare feet back then, but I couldn’t stay upright on skis for the life of me.”
“It’s a good thing my friends and I took lessons in high school, then.”
Dasher ducked his head into the snow while Cupid bounced in a circle around him, barking.
“Most of all,” Vivian continued, “your father loved Christmas. Loved everything about it, especially the Silverwood Christmas market. That’s why he built that sled.”
“Sleigh, Mom.”
“That’s what I said.” Vivian snickered, obviously knowing she’d said the wrong word but being stubborn about it. “He put all his love for Christmas into that sleigh. I know he would be so happy and proud that you made it part of the annual Christmas celebration.”
Holly snaked her arm around her mother and squeezed her tightly. “I’m glad you think so, Mom. I think he would, too.”