Chapter 2 #2
“You’ll figure it out, Mom, don’t worry.
” Audrey squeezed Elaine’s shoulder, reflecting that she was glad that Shep had brought so much additional excitement and depth into her mother’s life.
“Shep cares about you. I think it’s sweet you want to get him a great gift, and I’m sure you will. But it’s not something to stress over.”
Elaine smiled and sighed before sipping her coffee. “You’re right. I just feel so… hyper about it.”
Audrey laughed. She understood how love could do that to a person. She’d certainly experienced her fair share of love-struck jitters when it came to her boyfriend, Evan McBride.
Evan was the handsome mayor of Coral Sands, and when she’d first met him, she’d found him to be grumpy and overly fussy.
Later on, she’d realized that might have been an unfair verdict, given the fact that she’d spilled coffee all over important documents he was carrying and he’d been reacting to that disaster.
As she and Evan had worked together making sure that The Birchwood House had all of the legal papers it needed to become a historical site, she had found herself more and more drawn to him.
His kindness had soon become apparent, as well as his dependability and surprisingly sassy sense of humor.
Since she’d been reeling from her recent divorce to her unfaithful, self-absorbed husband Clark, Audrey had been sure that it would be many years before she would even consider loving another man.
Evan had told her he’d be willing to wait for her, however, and his steadfastness had won her heart.
She’d decided to give dating a try after all, and now she couldn’t imagine not having Evan’s steadiness, care, and fun sense of humor in her life.
“Come on, let’s talk about other stuff to get your mind off it,” Audrey said, standing up and smiling at her mother. “I bet you’ll just wake up one morning and know exactly what to get him.”
“I don’t know about that.” Elaine shook her head, chuckling. “But okay. How’s your day going, honey?”
“It’s going well, and it’s about to be even better after I get us a couple of slices of this apple crumb cake.” Audrey grinned and got a couple of plates down from the cupboard.
“That does sound good.” Elaine sat back in her chair with a sigh. “Bakery does usually take my mind off my troubles.”
“How perfect that you’re dating a baker, then.”
“Oh no, now you reminded me about the gift again.”
Audrey chuckled as she cut slices of the cake.
Shep hadn’t made it—she and Elaine and Michelle had made it the night before, since baking at Christmastime was one of their traditions.
The cake was for the guests as well, but since there were so many delicious pastries from Townsend’s available, the cake was still only missing a quarter.
“I’ll do my best to distract you again,” Audrey said, sitting down with the slices of the cake. “Take a bite of that.”
Elaine did so and shut her eyes to savor the taste. “Mm. We make a mean apple crumb cake. That’s delicious.”
“I know. Soon we’ll have to make that peppermint Oreo pie we used to make when I was a kid. That was so good, and so Christmassy.”
“Oh, I remember that. And we would put little marshmallow snowmen on top and make it look like the whipped cream was a patch of snow.”
Audrey laughed, nodding. “Yes! So much fun. We’ll have to let Shep know about that—he could sell those at Townsend’s.”
Elaine groaned as the subject of Shep made her think yet again of the fact that she didn’t know what to get him for Christmas. Audrey chuckled and dug her spoon into the soft slice of cake.
“I saw Harper earlier today,” Audrey said, realizing she’d come up with a subject of conversation that was sure to distract Elaine properly.
“She was putting up a poster for a holiday event that they’re having at the shelter.
I guess she’s hoping to push adoptions during the Christmas season.
This event sounds like a ton of fun, and I think we should all go to support her.
” Audrey laughed. “She also suggested that we get a dog for the hotel, but I told her I think we’ve got enough going on in our lives without adding more chaos. ”
Elaine’s eyebrows lifted. “A dog at The Birchwood House? I’m not totally opposed to the idea, but I think you’re right. We already have a lot on our plates right now. But the adoption event sounds like a great idea! We should definitely go to support Harper. Michelle would want to go too, right?”
“I’m sure. I’ll ask her as soon as I see her.
” Audrey smiled and took another bite of her cake.
She chewed it thoughtfully. “I’m glad we’re going to support Harper and go to her event.
I worry about what she’s planning on doing for Christmas this year.
She’s not really on speaking terms with her family, especially not after her ex started dating her sister.
” Audrey grimaced, wishing her friend hadn’t had to go through the heartbreak that she’d experienced.
Harper was quick to make known her negative opinions of men, and even though Audrey didn’t share Harper’s pessimism about the male gender, she understood where her friend was coming from.
“Make sure she knows she’s welcome here,” Elaine said. “We’re going to be having quite the party here on Christmas, anyway. A house full of guests and plenty of room for more people.”
“That sounds great.” Audrey beamed at her mother. “I know it’s going to be a wonderful Christmas.”
“Oh no,” Elaine groaned, clearly thinking of Shep and the gift again.
Audrey laughed and ate another forkful of cake. She knew everything would turn out with her mother and Shep’s gift, and she was looking forward to opening up their home on Christmas.
It’s the season for giving, she thought with a happy sigh. Presents, sure, but also time and effort and love. I’m excited to see all of the wonderful things that are going to unfold here in The Birchwood House this Christmas.