Page 22 of Savoring Christmas
“Amen to that,” Harold said. “My daughter said something to me the other day that really stuck with me. Even though she misses her mother terribly, she’s grateful to have loved her so much that the pain of losing her is so acute. It’s the same for me. If we hadn’t had such a good relationship and so many happy times, I wouldn’t miss her so much.”
Thelma patted his hand. “I know exactly how you feel.”
For the second time that night, Mia fought tears. She’d offered this class hoping to find community, although not fully believing it would provide so much more. She’d been wrong.
It was then she noticed movement at the cafeteria door—three small faces, just like Tuesday night. Mia leapt to her feet, gesturing for them to come in. “There you are. We were wondering when you’d all get here.”
As soon as they stepped into the kitchen, Cannoli trotted forward, tail wagging in wide sweeps.
Daisy’s eyes went wide. “You have a dog!” she exclaimed, dropping to her knees to pet her. Benji and Molly joined in, crouching to scratch Cannoli’s ears. The little dog basked in the attention, leaning into their hands with a happy sigh.
“She’s so cute,” Molly whispered.
“Her name’s Cannoli,” Mia said, smiling at the instant connection. “She’s very spoiled.”
Logan and Harold got up to add more chairs to the table, while Abby and Thelma helped the kids wash their hands. Soon, all three children were at the table with huge portions of pasta. They’d just started digging in when their mother appeared, holding a broom. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know they’d come in here.”
“We were waiting for them,” Logan said. “And you too, Patty. Come sit and eat with us. We all made fresh pasta for the very first time. And there’s loads of it.”
“Yes, and it doesn’t make good leftovers,” Mia said.
“I guess so. If you really do have extra,” Patty said.
“C’mon, Mom, it’s so good,” Benji said.
Harold poured the adults wine while Thelma got water for the children and Mia dished up another plate for Patty.
The table buzzed with chatter and the scrape of forks. Benji was deep in conversation with Harold about baseball. Molly attentively absorbing every word Abby said about dogs. Daisy had been staring at Kris for several minutes, her fork paused halfway to her mouth. Finally, she leaned closer across the table, her small voice cutting through the conversation.
“You look like Santa.”
The table fell quiet for a beat, then erupted into laughter. Cannoli perked up at the burst of noise, her tail thumping against the floor.
Kris’s eyebrows shot up in mock offense before his eyes twinkled. “Do I, now?”
Daisy nodded solemnly. “Uh-huh. Therealone. That comes to the store every year.”
“Well, that’s the nicest thing anyone’s said to me all week,” Kris said, his grin wide as he tapped the side of his nose. “But I can’t possibly be Santa. I’m a postman.”
Daisy giggled. “That’s what Santa would say if he was trying to hide. He probably delivers mail in the summer when he’s not making toys.”
The adults exchanged delighted glances over her head. Kris leaned back in his chair, stroking his white beard thoughtfully. “You know what, Daisy? You might be onto something there. I do know an awful lot about getting packages to the right houses.”
Logan caught Mia’s eye from across the table, sending her a shy smile. She sent him one back.
After dinner wound down,Mia’s students all pitched in to help tidy the kitchen, and soon everyone was gone except for her and Logan. Cannoli padded quietly to the door, tail wagging as if she sensed it was time to head home.
“Can I walk you out again tonight?” Logan asked.
“Sure. Thank you.” Mia gathered her bag and clipped Cannoli’s leash on, the little dog trotting obediently beside her. They headed out together. The air hinted snow might arrive soon.
“Tonight was fun,” Logan said as she locked the door behind them.
Mia glanced up at him. “It was. I didn’t know if this was a good idea but I’m having a great time, and it seems like everyone else is too.”
He chuckled. “I confess I had the same thought.”
“Why did your brothers want you to take my class?”
