Page 103 of Once Upon a Holidate
“Here you go,” Holly said, handing over the pad of paper. “I double-checked and I got everything.”
“Thank you for helping.”
Her friend smiled at her. “What else would I do? You’re giving me a wonderful wedding. I’ll be grateful forever.”
“Not me,” Joylyn corrected. “The town.”
“I know, but you’re the one who made it happen. Rex and I are still in shock.”
“It’s in a week,” Joylyn told her.
Holly grinned. “We’re so excited. I can’t wait to see how everything turns out. Renee is extraordinary. I loved meeting her and seeing the space in person.”
Holly had driven out to Happily Inc early that morning to spend an hour with Renee, going over final details. Joylyn couldn’t wait for the wedding itself. Not only because Chandler would be home the next day, but because she wanted to see her friend married to the man of her dreams.
“We’re going to head back,” Cheryl said, coming to her feet. The other Marine wives nodded and stood as well.
Joylyn hugged them all and thanked them for coming so far.As she walked them to the door, they all promised to figure out a way to get together when Chandler was back.
She stood at the front door and waved until they were out of sight. Her college friends had left right after the presents had been opened. She’d overheard them complaining there wasn’t any liquor at the shower. Joylyn had silently shaken her head at the complaint. Hard to believe she was their same age—her life was so different from theirs.
Better, she thought as she returned to the patio, her gait more waddle than walk. She was so lucky. She had family and friends and a wonderful husband and a baby due in the next few weeks.
She sat back in her chair. Her mom was talking to Wynn and Holly. Her dad was picking up the dirty plates and taking them to the kitchen.
He’d really come through for her, she thought. First taking her in when her mom had kicked her out and then totally being there for her through birthing class and her horrible moods. She winced as she remembered how bitchy she’d been when she’d arrived. Part of that had been missing Chandler and part of that had been how hurt she’d been at what her mom had done.
She looked at her mother, wondering what combination of events had caused the other woman to toss out her own daughter. Had Joylyn really been that difficult to live with or were there other forces at work?
Maybe things weren’t as good at home as she’d thought. Maybe the boys were getting into trouble or there was tension in the marriage. Joylyn wasn’t sure and knew this wasn’t the time to ask. While she was still hurt by her mother’s actions, she didn’t feel quite so raw when she thought about them.
Her dad returned from the kitchen and walked over to stand by her chair. He looked uncomfortable as he cleared his throat.
“I made you something. I was going to bring it out whenyou were opening the other presents, but then I wasn’t sure. I didn’t want you to think I was trying to take over the shower or be more important than anyone else, so I waited. But I’d like you to see it.”
She laughed. “Dad, I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“I know. I’ll be right back.”
Before he left, he glanced at Wynn, who nodded and got up to follow him.
“What is that about?” Holly asked.
Joylyn shrugged. “They’re sure acting mysterious.”
She had the brief thought that maybe they were going to announce their engagement, but then told herself it wasn’t that. Her dad would never do that at her baby shower. Plus he’d said he made her something. She had no idea what it could be. Her dad didn’t...
Wynn returned with a gift bag in her hand. Before Joylyn could ask about it, her father stepped onto the patio, a beautiful, wooden bassinet in his hands. He carefully set it on the concrete, then stepped back and watched her.
Joylyn stared at the incredible piece of furniture. The lines were simple but elegant. The light stain allowed the beauty of the wood to shine. There was a baby mattress in place.
She got out of her chair and crossed to the bassinet, then ran her hands along the smooth wood. It took only the lightest push to get it to rock.
“Oh, Daddy,” she murmured. “I don’t know what to say.” She looked at him. “You made this for me?”
He nodded. “I wanted you to have something special. You’re my little girl.”
She thought about all the time it would have taken him to build this for her. She thought about all the years they’d lost because a bitter woman had lied to her and she’d believed her. Shethought about her own child and how much she already loved him, then she rushed into her father’s arms and hung on tight.
