Page 140 of The Blessings of Christmas
“I told him he had to come.” Uncle Vinny claimed credit for his twin’s appearance.
“My goodness, sure smells good in here,” Mama said, glancing around.
Quickly she introduced Derek to her parents. “We saw you in the paper,” Mama told him while Derek blushed something awful. “Vincent saved a copy for us.” Mama never called her brother-in-law Vinny.
Daddy offered his hand and Derek took it. “Did you get my note?” Daddy asked.
What was this?
“Yes, sir. I did.” Derek spoke to Daddy with such respect. She could see he was gaining points with Daddy. “I can’t tell you how much your Christmas gift means to this clinic. And I’ll be happy to discuss its future with you, whenever you’re ready.”
What was this about? Her head spinning, Victoria slipped behind the serving table. As guests were served, she rushed back and forth to the kitchen, refreshing the steaming serving pans. Finally, she got to sit down with her family. But this time, Derek was beside her, taking her hand whenever it was free. As usual, Uncle Vinny kept the conversation going until everyone was full of turkey and dressing.
Looking at Miss Charlotte cuddling with her uncle, Victoria wondered if Miss Charlotte had changed her mind.
When it was time to open presents, Santa came out of Derek’s office. “He never told me,” she said, laughing. With Phyllis helping him, he handed out gifts. The patients opened the beautifully wrapped gifts. Victoria didn’t think she’d ever felt this happy watching other people open presents. Then Santa disappeared and Derek reappeared ten minutes later.
The crowd became quiet when Dr. D. stepped up to speak. He talked about the past year and how the patients had enrichedhis life. His voice grew thick with emotion that brought tears to her own eyes.
Victoria loved his passion. She lovedhim.The realization swooped over her and left her trembling. Concentration became impossible. How she longed to finger those dark brows, smooth the frown from his forehead and trace his full lips.
But not now. Back to Derek’s speech, which obviously held everyone’s attention. Even Friskie’s tail had stopped thumping the floor. “And perhaps the greatest gift of all,” he said, “was a check I received last week that will allow us to expand services and ensure that your health remains a priority at the Open Hearth Clinic.”
Phyllis and the other staff were dabbing their eyes. Victoria looked over at Daddy and mouthed a silentThank You.
The kitchen that afternoon was heaped with dishes that took forever for Phyllis and Victoria to clean up. “What’s the first thing I’d like you to buy with my father’s Christmas check?”
Derek glanced around. “A dishwasher?”
“How did you guess?” She cuddled in his arms. Everyone had disappeared. They had the kitchen to themselves.
“I can read minds,” he whispered, dipping his head with kissable intention.
She had to laugh, breaking away from his lips. Victoria wanted the whole story. “So you always knew?”
“What would that be?” Looking dazed, he lowered those outrageously long lashes.
“That you were my Christmas challenge?”
His sigh reverberated through her body while his hold on her tightened. “I didn’t know, Victoria. But after a while, I sure hoped.”
