Page 19 of Wishing Stone

He didn’t have to specify that the order would be placed online or that he would be getting it via curbside pickup. I never had to worry about him taking the proper health precautions to ensure Krystina and my mother’s safety. He was a protector and fiercely loyal to us all. Knowing he was always careful and keeping watch over those I loved most gave me peace of mind. Plus, Vivian appreciated having him around because he could get to the cobwebs on the tall ceilings that she was too short to reach.

I pictured Hale’s lengthy frame and absently wondered why Krystina hadn’t called on him to help her assemble the ridiculously tall Christmas tree she’d purchased.

That’s it!

Suddenly struck with an idea on how to cheer her up, I rested my fingers on the computer’s keyboard and began to type.

TO: Hale Fulton

FROM: Alexander Stone

SUBJECT: Re: Supply Order

Hale,

Thanks for keeping me apprised of the supply order. I will also be needing quite a few things, but it’s nothing you’ll need to go to the city for. However, I don’t want you to wait until next Friday to get what I need. This weekend would be preferable. I’ll get a list together and send it to you later today. You should be able to find most, if not all of it, locally.

Once you pick up everything I need, deliver it straight to the storage shed out back near the pond. Make sure Krystina doesn’t see you. I’ll explain why later. You should also plan on assisting me for a few hours on Monday and Tuesday afternoon. Possibly Wednesday, too. Get with Samuel, clear your schedules, and meet me at the shed at 2 P.M. on Monday. I’ll give you more details when you get there.

Alexander Stone

CEO, Stone Enterprise

Sitting back, I smiled to myself, trying to decide how extravagant I wanted to get. Pulling up the local Christmas superstore website, I began to browse. Krystina often accused me of going over the top and spoiling her, and I had a feeling this time would be no different. After all, doting on my wife was one of my favorite pastimes.

Once I compiled the list of things I needed, I emailed it to Hale. Drumming my fingers on the desk, I tried to envision the way I wanted everything to play out next week, only to decide that there was no reason I had to wait to enact this plan I’d concocted. There were things I could easily do to implement Operation Cheer Up Krystina before next week.

Picking up the desk phone, I buzzed my assistant.

“Laura,” I said when she answered.

“Yes, sir.”

“I need you to set up a conference call between Vivian, Matteo, and me. Once you have them both on the line, let me know.”

“Shall I tell them what this is regarding?”

Leaning back in my chair, a small smile spread across my face as I remembered the night that changed the course of my life.

“Just tell them it’s about a menu—a menu from not so long ago.”

8

Alexander

Five hours later, I pushed through the solid maple front door to my house to be enveloped in the mouth-watering aroma of garlic and sage. Just as I finished hanging my coat in the front hall closet, Vivian bustled across the foyer toward the dining room carrying a set of cream-colored table lines. She paused when she saw me come in.

“Good evening, sir,” she greeted.

“Vivian,” I replied with a nod. “How are things going? Is everything thing set for tonight?”

“I’m just putting the final touches on everything.”

“Good, good. Where is Krystina now?”

“She’s with your mother. She’s been with Helena for oh…” She paused contemplatively. “I’d say about a half an hour now.”

“Perfect,” I said as I glanced down at my watch. “It’s just after five now. I’ll plan on bringing Krystina to the dining room at six. Will that give you enough time to finish your preparations?”

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