Page 104 of Summer Weddings
The thank-you notes the children had written following his visit to the classroom were taped against another wall for everyone who came into the café to see. The worn look of those notes told her Ben had read them countless times himself.
“It’s beginning to look downright festive around here,” Bethany said as she stepped up to the counter.
“Christmas is my favorite holiday,” Ben declared. “How about a piece of mincemeat pie to go with your coffee? It’s on the house.”
“Actually I don’t have time for either,” Bethany said regretfully. She was on her way to church for choir practice and only had a few minutes. “I came to invite you to my house for Christmas dinner.”
Ben’s mouth opened and a look of utter astonishment crossed his face. “I thought… Me? What about Mitch and Chrissie? Aren’t they spending the day with you?”
“I invited them, too. I’m sure I’m not half as good in the kitchen as you are, but I should be able to manage turkey and all the trimmings. Besides, you might enjoy tasting someone else’s cooking for a change.”
He frowned as though this was a weighty decision. “I like my turkey with sage dressing and giblet gravy.”
“You got it. My mom always stuffs the bird with sage dressing, and my dad makes giblet gravy. I wouldn’t know how to do it any other way.” When he seemed about to refuse, she added, “If you want to contribute something, you can bring one of those mincemeat pies you’re trying to fatten me up with.”
Ben turned away from her and reached for the rag. He began to wipe the already clean countertop. “I… I don’t know what to say.” His eyes continued to avoid hers.
“Just say yes. Dinner’s at three.”
He gestured weakly. “I always keep the place open.”
“Close it this year.” She almost suggested he should spend the holiday with family, but managed to stop herself. Still, she felt close to Ben; shedidfeel he was family. Perhaps this was emotionally dangerous,but being with him on Christmas Day might help ease the ache of missing her parents.
“Folks generally spend Christmas Day with family,” he said. It was as if he’d been able to read her thoughts. “I don’t have any left,” he told her in a low voice. “At least, none who’d want me dropping in unannounced at Christmas.”
“I’ll be your family, Ben,” she offered, waiting for her heart to stop its crazy beating. He had no way of knowing how much truth there was in her words. “And you can be mine. For this one day, anyhow.”
“Won’t I be in the way? I mean, with you and—”
Bethany reached for his hand. “I wouldn’t have invited you if that was the case.”
“What about you and Mitch? You two are spending a lot of time together lately—which is good,” he hastened to say. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen Mitch look happier, and what I hear is that there’s a night-and-day difference with Chrissie. She used to be a shy little thing.”
Bethany had the feeling he would’ve rambled on for an hour if she hadn’t stopped him.
“Ben!” She laughed outright. “I’m asking you to Christmas dinner. Will you come or not? I need to know how much food to prepare.”
She watched his throat work convulsively. “No one ever asked me to Christmas dinner,” he said in a strangled voice.
“Well, someone is now.”
He met her look and his eyes grew suspiciously bright. “What time do you want me there again?”
“Dinner’s at three. You come as early as you like, though.”
“All right,” he said with some difficulty. “I’ll be there, and I’ll bring one of my pies.”
“Good. I’ll see you Christmas Day.” Having settled that, Bethany left the café.
“Bethany,” Ben called, “if you need any help making that gravy, you let me know.”
“I will. Thanks for offering.”
Not until she was outside, with the cold clawing at her face, did she realize there were tears in her eyes. She quickly brushed them away and hurried to the church.
* * *
Christmas was supposed to be a joyous time of year. It would be, Matt Caldwell thought, if Karen was with him. He glanced around the Anchorage church. The harder he tried not to think about his ex-wife, the more difficult it became to concentrate on the hymnbook in his hands.
