Page 88 of The Clause in Christmas
“Yes.”
“I’m sorry to call you so late. I’m the night receptionist at Snyder Sobriety Center, and it’s just come to my attention that no one has contacted you regarding your mother’s belongings. Seeing that it’s almost Christmas, I thought you’d want to be notified as soon as possible.”
“My mother’s belongings?” Cassie wavered slightly, and Luke gripped her hand a little tighter.
“Yes, your mother left all of her belongings behind. We haven’t been able to reach her, but you’re listed on all her forms.”
“I don’t understand.” Cassie pressed a hand to her forehead in confusion.
Luke’s stomach flipped as the pieces clicked into place.
“Is my mother no longer at your facility?” Cassie didn’t seem to notice the snowflakes collecting on her phone screen, so Luke gently brushed them aside, careful not to disrupt the call.
A rustling of papers filled the speaker before the receptionist spoke again. “Let’s see...your mother checked out on December 20, during her seventy-two-hour trial period.”
Cassie’s lower lip trembled and she squeezed her eyes shut.
Luke wanted to do something—anything—but he didn’t know how he could help. Wrapping his arm around her, he slowly led her up the front steps, out of the cascading snowflakes. He sat on the top step, easing her down beside him.
“Ma’am? What would you like us to do with your mother’s belongings? Would you like to pick them up?”
“Um,” Cassie started, her voice shaky. “No. That’s okay. You can keep them. Or give them away. It doesn’t matter.”
A brief pause preceded the woman’s response. “Very well. Thank you for your time. And have a merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas,” Cassie said hoarsely before the call ended.
Leaning her head against Luke’s shoulder, Cassie cried in his arms.
Luke didn’t tell her it would be okay. Or that it would all work out in the end. He simply held her, letting the tears fall.
If life had taught him anything, it was that some things were out of your control. And when the difficult times arose, having someone by your side made all the difference in the world.
Chapter 32
Waking up the morning of Christmas Eve evoked bittersweet emotions for Cassie. Although she had countless reasons to celebrate, the news of Donna’s departure from rehab left an ache in the pit of her stomach. She’d tried calling her mother, but each attempt went straight to voicemail.
However, there was a silver lining in the darkness.
Since Donna left rehab within the seventy-two-hour window, except for the deposit, the fee would be credited back to Cassie’s account. Leaving Cassie with more money than she’d ever had in her entire life. Such news would have elicited excitement, were it not for the painful situation surrounding the sudden windfall.
Throwing back the covers, Cassie slipped out of bed, determined to break through the cloud of sadness shadowing an otherwise perfect day. She had plans to meet Eliza, Penny, Maggie, and Dolores at Sander’s Farm to prep the enormous barn for the Christmas Eve dance later that evening. Which was also the Calendar’s activity.
The dance!
It suddenly occurred to Cassie that she didn’t have a single thing to wear! Her thoughts drifted to the elegant, emerald green gown displayed in Penny’s shop. What were the chances it was still for sale now that Cassie could actually afford it? She made a mental note to stop by Thistle & Thorn on her way to Sander’s.
Her mood slightly lifted, Cassie padded into the living room to restock the fire, when her gaze fell on a beautifully wrapped package resting on the coffee table. Intrigued, Cassie removed the note tucked inside the red satin bow.
Merry Christmas Eve!
Don’t wait to open it.
~ Sprinkles
Grinning like a child on Christmas morning, Cassie tore away the red-and-green striped wrapping paper. Luke left her a present! And it wasn’t even Christmas yet.
Lifting the lid of the white gift box, Cassie’s breath faltered as a corner of emerald-green lace hid beneath the tissue paper. The thin paper rustled as Cassie flung it into the air like confetti, revealing the breathtaking gown underneath. How had Luke known?
