Page 22 of A Baxter Family Christmas
“But it’s more than that.”
“I know.” He pressed his gloved hand against her bare cheek. “It’s not Amy you’re afraid for. It’s yourself.”
“Yes.” Tears blurred her eyes and she moved her scarf further up her face. She grabbed hold of his hand. “Erin and I were never very close. Not for so many years.”
“Until the end.”
“Right.” Ashley leaned her head on Landon’s shoulder. “To hear her heart beating in the chest of someone else.” She looked up at her husband again. “I’m not sure I can take it. I might start crying and never stop. Not till New Year’s Day.”
Landon nodded. “I get that. Completely.”
Ashley peered at the snow-covered barren branches. “Christmas is hard enough, you know? My dad should understand that.”
“I do.” Landon pulled her closer.
Despite the cold air, in his arms Ashley felt warm. “You don’t think I’m wrong to miss out?”
“Not at all. It’s your choice, Ash.” He stood and she did the same. He turned and faced her and slid her scarf down with his hand. Then, like a scene from a movie, he kissed her. With the lights from the house dim in the background and the world still around them. “I love you, Ashley Baxter Blake.”
“I love you, too.” This time she let the kiss linger. “How come you always understand me?”
“Because.” He lifted her scarf back into place and smiled at her. “You’re my other half. God gave you to me. My greatest gift.”
Landon took her hand and they headed slowly back to the house. As long as she lived, Ashley would remember this moment. It was forever etched in their hearts and minds. A winter night when just the touch of his lips and the sound of his voice soothing her soul was all she needed.
God was with them. And no matter how great the losses of the past, everything was going to be okay.
It really was.
CHAPTER EIGHT
The Christmas show was two weeks away, and Connor wondered how Bailey and Brandon ever pulled off a single performance as directors. Practice that night was slated for seven o’clock. Ten minutes ago. And still all forty-five kids were racing around the auditorium.
Connor tried to imagine the night ahead. Bailey hadn’t been feeling well, so Brandon had returned from his meetings in L.A., and tonight he was in charge of rehearsal. He took a spot at the center of the stage and did the special CKT clap. The one the kids instantly recognized as a sign for them to be quiet.
A laugh came from somewhere in Connor’s memory. He had been on this very stage doing that very clap just a few blinks ago. At least it seemed that way. The boys and girls responded with the same clap and Brandon grabbed the nearest microphone. “Okay, everyone find a seat in front of the stage! We only have six more rehearsals. Tonight has to count.”
Maddie walked in just then and hurried to the seat beside Connor. Suddenly Brandon’s words rang in his heart. Yes, tonight had to count. Maddie had definitely been keeping to herself. They hadn’t talked since the awkward Thanksgiving call. He’d tried texting her a few times but she hadn’t responded.
He hoped tonight would be different.
While Brandon talked about the order of events for the night, Connor’s sister entered the auditorium from the back and took the seat on the other side of him. “Whoever named it morning sickness never carried a child.” Bailey slumped in her chair. “If I run out, you’ll know why.”
Connor felt horrible for her. “Brandon doesn’t need Maddie and me for the next fifteen minutes. We can get you something. Decaf, maybe?”
“I can’t stomach it. Not for the last few weeks.” She closed her eyes and then her face lit up some. “What about hot tea? Chamomile? Would you mind?”
“Not at all.” Connor motioned to Maddie. “Come on. We have time if we hurry.”
The Coffee Shop, a few doors down from the theater, was a favorite downtown Bloomington spot for shoppers and theatergoers. Connor waited until they were outside before he slowed his pace and glanced at Maddie. “It hardly felt like I was back at school at all.”
“You got home last night, right?”
“Yes.” Connor hesitated. If he could only figure out what was wrong with her. “Finished my finals yesterday morning.”
“How do you think you did?” She smiled at him, but she was definitely more guarded now. Whatever he’d done to upset her, apparently he’d overstepped his bounds.
“Pretty well. Half A’s, half B’s.” He stayed at her side as they navigated the busy sidewalk. “What about you?”
