Don't Promise (Don't 3)

She slid the casserole dish with leftovers onto the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. “Oh, I thought we could carol with the neighbors tomorrow night. Then Sunday night is the pageant at church. Monday, we need to get the ornaments to the hospital.” She paused and pulled a calendar off the wall. “Ok, then that means Tuesday we do cookies so we can deliver them on Wednesday. Thursday is wrapping and then Friday is Christmas Eve and we’ll get the luminaries ready.”

“Wow, did you leave us anytime to sleep?” I joked as I pushed the wine away.

“You know how Christmas is here. Busy, busy. I’ve got three classes this week at the studio, but they are in the morning. You should come with me.”

I hadn’t done yoga in at least a month. I missed it. “I think I will, but don’t criticize my tree pose.” I would have to find something loose-fitting to wear to class.

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” She smiled as she returned the calendar to the wall. “Let’s go see how your father’s team is doing. Playoff season around the holidays always confused me. It’s not really fitting with the holiday spirit all that extra competition.”

I giggled and carried my wine into the next room as a prop.

4

Kaitlyn

I woke up Saturday morning stretched across my bed, noticing the empty space next to me. The sheets were cool. No note from Cole on the pillow. I frowned then peeled myself from under the covers and decided it was too cold to get out of bed just yet. I pulled my phone off the bedside stand, and sent Cole a text.

Good morning. Miss you.

I probably miss you more. It was lonely last night.

I typed to Cole.

There’s only one thing I want for Christmas.

What’s that, pretty girl?

You.

Two seconds later the phone rang.

“Hi.”

“How’s my baby this morning?” he asked.

I ran my fingers over my stomach. “She’s perfect.”

“Or he,” he corrected.

I laughed. “Or he.” I pushed an extra pillow under my head. “How is Grayson this morning? Any better?”

“Actually his fever broke around 3 am.”

“That’s great.” I smiled. “So does that mean you’re going to try to fly out today?”

“I’ve been on the phone with the airline all morning. We might have to try stand-by. I’m not sure that’s the best thing to do with a kid who could still be sick.”

I pouted. “I understand. That would be miserable.”

“Baby, I’m going to be there. I promise you.”

“I know. It’s just I hate doing everything without you. And I don’t know how much longer I can keep up the charade. I threw a glass of wine in a fern last night. I only have so many baggy sweaters.”

He laughed. “Wear those before I get there, please.”

I groaned. “Just get here.”

“I will. I have some things to take care of here.”