Page 85 of The Christmas Keepsake
Hollis tried to speak, but his throat was too tight. He took a breath and nodded, managing a quiet “Thank you.”
Matt cleared his throat, obviously trying to regain his composure. “Now, about the farm. If you want it, I encourage you to accept the offer.”
Hollis felt his eyes widen. “Really?”
Matt nodded. “Really. The construction crew won’t be the same without you, but it’ll survive. Hollis,” Matt said, “you’re fired.”
Hollis sat upright.
Matt broke into a wide grin. “You need to follow your heart. Pop is giving you the land, and I’m offering the crew’s help to build whatever you need for those plans of yours. We’ll set up kennels, fix the barn, build a little store. Whatever you want.”
Hollis was overwhelmed, and humbled. After days of feeling like his world was falling apart, everything seemed to be falling into place. Well, almost everything.
“I don’t know what to say.” Hollis thought of Duke, fighting for his life at the vet’s office. Of Buster, who had saved his friend despite everyone’s initial assumptions. He thought of the tree farm, of the dogs he could help, of the family surrounding him now.
And Mallory. Savannah had advised him to give Mallory time, but he didn’t want her to spend that time thinking he didn’t want her in his life. That he wasn’t going to fight for her and try to make things right.
That he didn’t love her.
“I appreciate everything,” he finally said, his voice steady and sure. “I appreciate your support and welcoming me into your home. Your family.” He leaned forward and gave them both a hug that lasted at least a minute. Then he pulled back and looked at them. “I’m sorry, but I have to go. I need to find someone.”
“Mallory,” Sandy said, knowingly. “I know exactly where she is.”
The Fathers Ornament
The Fathers Ornament is in the box labeled 15. Inside you’ll find a clear ball-shaped ornament with a handful of items inside. Hang it on the lower part of the tree, fifteen down from the Santa Hat Tree Topper.
Here’s the story behind it.
Daisy stayed just long enough for us all to believe that things had shifted, and she was finding her roots. She seemed comfortable and happy. The restlessness she’d always shown seemingly had gone.
Daisy even got a job at the local diner and read bedtime stories to Maddie at night, revealing her upbringing in the theater as she read in varied voices and used animated gestures. She attended Mallory’s school events too. At first, Mallory was guarded, always waiting for her mom to leave. But then her walls slowly slipped away. If I had any inkling that Mallory’s heart would be broken, I would have stepped in. I would have made sure she was protected. I didn’t though. I was just as wrapped up in this new life and the promise of that broken compass.
Things started to derail about five months later. It was early summer, following that Christmas reunion. I found myself standing in the doorway of Mallory’s bedroom one night, watching Daisy braid Mallory’s long, dark hair. They giggled like schoolgirls. I recall thinking they looked more like sisters than mother and daughter. Inwardly, I scolded myself and told myself I was being jealous. I had been raising Mallory and Maddie as my own.
The two didn’t see me, so it felt like I was spying.Daisy leaned in and whispered something in Mallory’s ear the way I’d seen Mallory do to Maddie many times, and they laughed harder. Hysterically, even.
Daisy snorted at whatever Mallory had told her. “Don’t let Mom hear you say that,” she warned.
Mallory’s brow wrinkled softly.
“My mom,” Daisy corrected, gesturing at herself. “Your grandma.”
It was an awkward moment made worse when they realized I was standing there watching.
“Are you spying on us?” Daisy hissed, jumping to her feet.
“Spying?” I repeated. “The door was open and…” I looked between them. “What are you doing?”
Mallory looked pale. She sat up straighter, looking as if she’d just been caught in a crime.
“We’re hanging out, Mom. And you aren’t invited.” With that, Daisy slammed the door in my face, leaving me with my mouth gaping and my heart aching.
“You know that you’re her mother,” I told Daisy the next day.
Daisy seemed taken aback. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You two were acting like schoolgirls yesterday. I’m guessing Mallory told you about a boy and that’s why you were giggling and whispering.”
