Page 4 of Easton Island: Old-Fashioned Christmas
“Too late. I’m already done.” Morgan slathered a thick layer of mayonnaise on the bread and placed it on top of the lettuce. She set the sandwich in front of him before pouring a glass of milk.
“Thanks.” He hung his jacket on the hook and settled in at the kitchen bar. “How is the party planning going?”
She licked her finger and ticked an imaginary box. “Running like clockwork.” Morgan told him about Ronni and Greg finding the Christmas decorations. “As soon as I saw them, I dragged them upstairs and started decorating. It turned out exactly as I’d envisioned.”
“I can’t wait to see it.” Wyatt started to say something and abruptly stopped.
“What were you going to say?”
“Nothing. It can wait.” He avoided her gaze and looked away.
Morgan immediately sensed something was wrong. “Wyatt, you’re not telling me something. Now that I think about it, you don’t randomly drop in for no reason, at least not without calling first.”
“I’m sorry, Morgan. I have some bad news.”
Chapter 3
“Bad news?” Morgan echoed.
Wyatt cleared his throat. “Remember when I mentioned how Dad was dealing with complications from his knee surgery?”
“And he was having trouble getting around. Yes.”
“They’ve decided not to make the trip to Easton Island for Christmas and have asked me and my siblings if we could celebrate the holidays on the mainland, at their place.”
“I see.” Her heart plummeted. Not having Wyatt around would be a major bummer, but family was more important. “I understand. Your parents are getting older. You want to spend as much time with them as you can making memories.”
“And getting all three of us kids together is nearly impossible. I don’t know how many more Christmases we’ll have, so I told them I would.” Wyatt reached for her hand. “You could always go with me,” he said hopefully.
“I’m in the same boat with Grandmother. Last Christmas was my first one with her, and it wasn’t great because I was still mourning. I was hoping for a happier celebration this year.”
“And I don’t blame you. On the bright side, I’ll be back Christmas night. We can celebrate then.”
“We will,” Morgan assured him. “We have years ahead of us to make holiday memories.”
“Thanks for understanding.” Wyatt placed a light kiss on her forehead. “Have I ever told you that you’re the best girlfriend a guy could ask for?”
“Maybe a time or two,” she laughed. “Make it your best Christmas ever with your folks and siblings and tell them I’m sorry I couldn’t make it.”
“Will do.” Wyatt polished off the rest of his sandwich. “Have you been following the weather?”
“Every day. By all accounts, it looks like we’ll have a white Christmas.”
“More than a white Christmas…it’s looking like a snowstorm is heading our way.”
Her eyes grew round as saucers. “Seriously?”
“I heard about it at the station. The forecasters are monitoring it now as it starts ramping up.”
“Great,” Morgan groaned. “When?”
“Not until after your party.” Wyatt’s radio blared. “I gotta get going. Do you need help with the open house?”
“Thanks for the offer, but I’m all set.” Morgan walked him to the door. “Don’t forget to dig out your fancy duds.”
“Rustic holiday…jeans and a sweater,” he teased.
“Not even close.” She wagged her finger at him. “Christmas past. More along the lines of a days-gone-by holiday theme but dressy.”
