Page 162 of The Blessings of Christmas
Attention grew as Christmas approached in the story. Would the Grinch really steal Christmas? How relieved the children were at the ending. The room burst into applause. Turning around, Josie saw that everyone in the place must have been listening.
“I guess they liked it,” Malcolm said sliding the book back into the shelf.
“You were great, and the kids loved you. This was a terrific beginning for the holiday program.”
Ana approached them with three children in hand and introduced them. Behind her stood a young mother, who looked very pregnant. Josie had noticed her sitting near the children, listening intently while Malcolm read. “And is this your daughter?” Josie asked.
“Oh no, this is Liliana.”
But the girl was shy and remained half hidden behind Ana.
“And when is your baby due?” Josie asked.
Ana glanced back at Liliana, who wasn't saying anything. The two had a quick exchange in Spanish. Turning back, Ana said, “Soon.”
“A Christmas baby. How perfect.”
Behind them, Phyllis was putting out sandwiches. “Why don't we sit down?” Malcolm said. “I think you need to get off your feet. I'll get something for us.”
So she settled at one of the long tables and Malcolm returned with two plates. Suddenly she felt incredibly hungry. Were those some new Christmas Wishes hanging from the Christmas tree? “Let's grab those on our way out,” she said to Malcolm, pointing.
In time, Derek appeared and motioned to her to come into his office. In his hand was a foam boot. “I think this might make things easier for you now.” Malcolm had entered the room and Derek fitted the boot on her. He also had something to put on her shoe that would equalize the length of the boot.
“Thank you so much.” She stood up. Yes, this was more comfortable. Not feminine, not pretty, just comfortable.
“And now I have office hours.” That day a nurse had come with him. Her name was Mandy and she had dimples when she smiled.
“Dr. Darling does maternity visits today.” Phyllis told them. “Mandy is a midwife. Derek only steps in if there is an emergency. But he likes to meet the expectant moms so that they won't be frightened if he's needed.”
“How wonderful. I've always thought that that would be a good way to have a baby. You know, the natural way.”
“That's how they do it in the jungle,” Malcolm said.
“Did you ever help with a birth?” she asked.
“A couple of times. But the village women did most of the work.”
That day there were three young mothers, including Liliana, taking turns to see Derek and Mandy. Malcolm and Josie got another cup of coffee. She wanted to stay a little while so that the clients here would feel more comfortable with the library staff. Or maybe she just wanted to spend more time with Malcolm. Ana came to join her. Josie glanced around. “Someof the girls look so young. Makes me feel old,” she whispered to Ana.
“Yes, a couple are very young. Especially Liliana.” Ana shook her head. “I don't know the whole story. But she insists that she cannot keep the baby. An unfortunate situation. She has relatives up north somewhere and plans to go there.”
“The poor thing. I can't imagine.” Josie was touched by Ana’s concern. She seemed to mother all the girls.
The door to Derek's office opened, and he came out. Malcolm went over to talk to him. One of Ana’s children pulled her away, and Josie wandered back to the Christmas tree. She plucked the Christmas Wish ornaments from the tree. Then on a playful impulse, she picked up an empty construction paper tree. What would she wish for? Let's see. Quickly she scrawled two things on the ornament and then jotted her initials at the bottom. There. That looked official.
“Ready to leave?” Malcolm asked, coming up behind her. She quickly crumpled the ornament in one hand. Panicked, she stashed it deep in the artificial tree.
Grabbing the other ornaments she’d collected, Josie turned. “All set. Yep.”
Waving goodbye to everyone, she followed Malcolm outside. One of Ana’s children followed them onto the porch, a very serious look on his face. He must have been about four years old. His big brown eyes were on Malcolm. “Hey buddy,” Malcolm said. “See you next time?”
Somehow, the little guy understood. A big smile wreathed his face. “Next time.”
The door opened and Ana whirled out, motioning to the boy. “Nacho, here you are. Come with me.”
Looking at the Christmas Wishes in Malcolm's hand, Ana handed him something. “Missed one.”
Somehow Josie made it down the steps in her new boot. They both piled into the jeep and took off. “How does that boot feel?” he asked as they drove away.
