Page 88 of My eX-MAS Emergency

“Thank you, Calista,” Rosemary cried. “You have given me the greatest gift this year. Merry Christmas, dear.” She suddenly sounded twenty years younger.

“I will be in touch,” Arthur said. “I would be ready to report to the hospital for your next shift.” He winked.

I felt like Tiny Tim and wanted to shout, God bless us, every one! Instead, I said, “My mom loved to say this during Christmas to anyone who visited us during the season. I feel like she would want me to share it with you. It’s her favorite quote from Mother Teresa.”

Before I could say another word, Rosemary quoted, “It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.”

I stood stunned, once again reminded that Rosemary was my mother’s mother. Surely, some of Mom’s goodness came from her.

Rosemary softly smiled. “It’s my favorite quote too. Somehow along the way, I forgot what it meant. Thank you for reminding me.”

My visit reminded me of something too. That people like my grandparents and Ebenezer Scrooge truly can change. That is the miracle of Christmas. It was my miracle.

TRISTAN

TRISTAN, STILL DRESSED AS SANTA, punched in the security code to enter his parents’ home. He dispensed with knocking and barged right in. Never had he been so livid in all his life. Tristan stomped across the pristine home, his boots thudding against the wood floors. He could feel the wrath radiating off him like a heat wave. The quiet house was devoid of any feeling or holiday spirit, even though professionals had decorated it to the nines. No amount of pine boughs hanging from staircases and mantels could make him feel merry at the moment.

Tristan found his parents in the kitchen sipping wine, probably congratulating themselves. Little did they know that on his way over, he had gotten in touch with the Cavanaughs. While he hated contacting them while they recovered, he knew they could help Calista. When he explained the situation to them, they were more than happy to help the woman they believed had saved the life of their child. They were planning to threaten the hospital over this grave injustice. If Calista’s suspension wasn’t rescinded, they would go to the press. No doubt Aspen General didn’t want that kind of coverage.

It didn’t matter whether Calista lost her job or not; he was going to be looking for a new one.

“Son.” Frasier noticed Tristan first. “We didn’t hear you come in.” He set his wineglass on the marble countertop nearest him. “To what do we owe the pleasure?” He sounded unnaturally chipper.

Tristan narrowed his eyes at his parents, dressed well even though they were probably staying in for the evening. Something about their smugness ticked him off even more. He clenched his fists until the veins in his hands appeared. “You are both such pieces of work.”

“Why would you say such a thing?” Cordelia sounded aghast.

Tristan folded his arms, shaking his head. “You know exactly why. How dare you get Calista suspended.”

Cordelia tsked. “We have no such power … but … as a concerned citizen of this community, I must agree with the hospital’s decision.”

“And how do you know that the board already made that decision?” Tristan challenged them, knowing he was calling them out on their lies.

Cordelia cleared her throat and stood straight as a pin. “We know people.”

“I’m sure you do,” Tristan gritted out. “And I know damn well that you convinced those people to suspend Calista.” He held up his hand. “Don’t even try to deny it. If you do, I will not only be resigning as CEO, but as your son as well.”

Cordelia and Frasier’s faces fell as they realized the severity of the situation. Frasier’s mouth hung open as he tried to process the words Tristan had spoken. Cordelia’s eyes widened and her face turned pale, as if someone had physically struck her. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. She was clearly shocked by Tristan’s ultimatum.

“Son,” Frasier spluttered. “You’re talking nonsense. Granger Outfitters is in your blood. We are your blood.”

“If I am your blood, why would you purposely hurt the woman I love?”

“Calista,” Cordelia spat her name. “She always has been trouble and she always will be. Can’t you see that?”

“No, Mother. You know what I see? A woman who will do anything to help others, no matter the cost. She jumped into a car last night to deliver a baby, a car that later burst into flames. Few people would do what she did. She’s incredible, but your pride refuses to let you see it.”

Cordelia scoffed. “You’re just blinded because she’s beautiful.”

“You think so little of me.”

“Of course not,” Cordelia defended herself.

Frasier came around the island in the middle of the kitchen to get closer to Tristan. “Listen, son, we are only trying to protect you. We don’t want to see you get arrested again. Think of what that would do to your reputation and the company’s,” he couldn’t help but add.

Tristan sardonically laughed. “Heaven forbid this town realizes the Grangers aren’t perfect. Here’s a news flash for you. Half of this town knew Jonathon was doing drugs and cheating on his wife.”

Cordelia’s face pinched unnaturally. “Don’t speak about it.”

---