Page 6 of Even More Christmas Magic and Romance
I sucked in a quick breath. “Yes, go on.”
Dad let out a little groan. “But we’re not those same people anymore. We’ve both changed. Your mom has found her confidence. In my case, I think I’ve learned a lot. However, I might be the one responsible for your mom having a hard time.”
I tried to understand what he was trying to say. “Are you two more than friends?” I asked.
Dad shook his head. “No, but I’ve allowed myself to impose on your mother’s good nature, always calling about recipes and then asking for her help when I bought this house. It wasn’t right of me. She has Adam and her own life now.” He turned and took my hands. “Listen, I’m going to do the right thing. I’ll stop all my calls and let your mom and Adam get on with their lives.”
“Okay,” I mumbled out the one word because I didn’t know how else to comment. But at least I got my worry out in the open. I didn’t know if it would help or hinder, but I felt better anyway.
Dad took a clean handkerchief out of his pocket and patted down my wet cheeks. “Do you think we should get back in the kitchen? The rest of the family will be here soon.”
Ben had followed us into the dining room. He’d been sitting and watching my dad and me, but when I gave my dad a hug, Ben jumped up and pawed at my shoe. He wanted his hug too.
Dad picked up my little pup and handed him to me. “Things will work out,” he said with a smile.
Shortly after our talk, my brother, Jack, and his wife, Mitzi, arrived. Mitzi was holding their little boy, John the third, nicknamed Jackie. My brother was loaded down with baby gear. Their firstborn is adorable. He takes after his mom, with dark curls framing his chubby face. He’s over a year old now and is already walking. Our pup, Ben, lets the baby pet him as long as there’s no fur pulling involved.
Lolly and Gerald arrived a short time later. When we were all seated at the dining room table, there were smiles all around. I wished my mom was there too. However, maybe she needed the time to rest, relax, and figure out what she wanted.
Stanley helped my dad bring in all the delicious looking dishes of food. I was filled with excitement when I took in a deep breath of the yummy smells. Thanksgiving dinner is a special occasion, and I was overjoyed as I looked at the abundance in front of me. Stanley sat down next to me and took my hand. His touch was comforting, letting me know he’s always there for me. I mouthed back, “I love you,” hoping he knows I’m there for him, too.
All of us turned to my brother when he raised his glass in a toast. “To family and the loving bonds that can never be broken.”
I almost teared up again, but I held it together this time. I made a scene last Thanksgiving. I wasn’t going to make another one this year. Still, I knew I was very lucky to have people in my life who valued what was important, loving bonds that got us through the good times and the bad.
Six
THAT VERY IMPORTANT Friday has arrived, the Friday after Thanksgiving. It’s time to turn our house into a Christmas wonderland. That’s my way of describing the event called decorating our home. I love making every room look festive and fun.
Stanley knows the drill. After breakfast, he made several trips to the attic to bring down boxes of decorations. We were discussing which room to decorate first when he got a call from his mom. I don’t know Barbara Bickerman very well, but when she and Stanley Sr. visited a couple of times, she was always quiet. She was also very happy for Stanley and me.
After Stanley ended the call, he pocketed his phone and asked if we could talk. We sat down in the living room, and I waited for Stanley to begin the conversation. A long minute passed before he shared his information.
“Mom just told me she’s checked into a motel here in town.”
“What?” I gasped. Stanley’s announcement was the last thing I expected to hear. “Is she by herself? What about your dad?”
“She drove here alone. She’s talking about leaving my father,” he said.
I scowled back. “Oh no, I can’t believe it.”
What was going on with our moms? Both of them were acting out of character. I knew Stan Sr. was a difficult man, however, the Bickermans had been married for nearly forty years. Didn’t that mean something about how they felt about each other?
“Did something happen that made her want to leave your dad?”
Stanley shrugged. “I only know Mom said she’s had enough of Dad’s stubborn ways. She asked if she could visit us. I think she needs a chance to talk about what’s happened.”
“Of course,” I said. “When would she like to visit?”
“I’m not sure. Would you mind if I call her back and tell her to come over whenever she wants?”
“Stanley, I want to do whatever I can to help. If that means just staying out of the way when she’s here, I’ll understand.”
“I don’t know what’s best at this point. There were quite a few arguments between my parents when I was growing up, but they always got over whatever they were fighting about. Mom’s current situation is unexpected.”
I leaned into Stanley’s shoulder. “Call your mom back right now. Tell her to come over,” I insisted.
While Stanley was doing what I suggested, I remained on the couch. The thought of the Bickermans splitting up madedecorating the house seem unimportant. I decided to call my mom. When Stanley isn’t available, she can be my go-to for advice. I’d talked to her briefly before breakfast, and she assured me she was feeling better.
