Page 43 of The Blessings of Christmas
Nathan's lower lip came out. “If we give it a lot of love, it’ll grow, like those flowers you brought home last summer.”
Kate had given Sarah a flat of zinnias that had gone without water too long. Sarah nursed them back to life. “But this is a tree, sweetheart. Trees don’t grow that quickly.”
Nathan didn’t look convinced.
“This is our Charlie Brown tree,” Justin chimed in. “Like the TV show.”
They seemed so certain. She hated to disappoint them. Sarah glanced over to Ryan, who lifted his shoulders. “Looks like the boys have made up their minds.”
“You’ve gotta have hope, Mom.” Something in Nathan’s voice pinched Sarah’s heart. Had she lost all hope after what had happened to her family? She sure hoped not. Did the size of the tree matter? After all, the Christmas tree was for the boys. And it sure wouldn’t take much time to decorate. “Okay then. Let’s take our tree home.”
When Ryan pulled the ripcord on the saw, the boys’ eyes lit up like Christmas bulbs. Sarah hadn't seen them this excited in a long time.
“At least I can drag this one to the truck without too much trouble,” Ryan said above the rattle of the saw.
“Are you kidding? Even I could carry this tree.” One disapproving look from Nathan and she shut up. Before too long, the tree surrendered with a graceful swoosh.
“Are you two going to help me?” Ryan turned off the saw and hooked it back on his shoulder harness. Both boys nodded, eager to get their hands on the tree.
“Good. I’ll take the bottom and you two take the top.” Ryan hoisted the tree and the boys fell in behind him.
The day was crystal clear as they trudged through the snow, the base of the skinny tree resting on Ryan’s shoulder while Nathan and Justin tended to the top. When they reached the truck, the tree fit perfectly in the back, its slender trunk extending just a bit. Ryan tied a red flag on it. Then they took off for home.
All the way back, the boys craned their necks to see out the back window to make sure the tree hadn’t fallen out of the truck.
“Don’t worry,” Ryan said with a chuckle. “That tree isn’t going anywhere.”
“Thank you,” she mouthed silently to him.
His smile widened. When he reached for her hand, she linked her fingers with his. Every so often, he brushed a thumb over her hand. The ride home wasn’t long enough for her.
Back at their bungalow, they took the tree through the French doors. The tree fit perfectly in the corner next to the fireplace. Watching Ryan position the tree in the large green and red stand, she knew she would remember this for a long time.
“Do you have the decorations?” Ryan asked.
“In the hallway. I brought them down from the attic.”
“I would've done that for you, Sarah.” She heard the frustration in his voice.
“It's not a problem, Ryan. I’m used to taking care of myself.” She watched him fume. “What?” The boys were in the hall and she heard them pop the top off one of the bins.
“I enjoy doing things for you,” Ryan said quietly.
She felt something unlock inside. “And I like it too. So I guess I’ll just shut up.”
“Here’s the angel, Mom.” Nathan rushed into the room. “For the top of the tree.”
The glittery angel with its outstretched wings would dwarf this poor tree. “It's getting late. We’ll save that for tomorrow, okay?”
Night had fallen so quickly. “Maybe we should decorate the tree tomorrow night. Grandma Lila can help us.” Sarah knew her mother would find that fun.
“Oh, Mom.” Their faces drooped.
They both looked tired. “School tomorrow. Ryan and I have to get up early and work.”
Standing in the doorway, Ryan hesitated.
“You'll come help us decorate, won't you?” she asked, remembering what he’d just said about helping her.
