Season's Greetings : Christmas Box Set

Walking swiftly, I make my way to Bits and Baubles. The place is buzzing with activity. A family has the cocoa station full. Everywhere I look, I see baskets packed to the brim. Pride fills me. My Nona has built a nice legacy here. Crystal is bagging and ribboning like the gift-wrapping ninja she is while Ryan rings them up. The teens work part-time during the school year and full-time during holidays and summers. I spot Nona near the new tree she placed at the site of the Tangle of Tinsel—the code we created to talk about the accident.

“Just the person I was waiting for.”

“Why? Do you need me to grab something from the top shelf?”

“Smartass. How’s that sweet girl doing?”

“Good. She has a slight headache and some bruises, which isn’t bad considering.”

“I agree ... poor thing.” Nona sighs. “I’ve been thinking about her all day as people come in and out. She never even got her things to set up her new place.”

“Nona. I’m always happy to help, but you seem to be fully staffed today. What did you want me to do exactly?”

“I have a special task for you. Come into the back with me, please.”

I use my height to part people like a wave, and Nona trails behind me. We move into the back area, where crafting is done in front of the shelves full of inventory. On one of the six-foot-long white tables is ornaments, twine, brown paper, and tape.

“I have a special order I need you to wrap and deliver later tonight.”

My brow comes together. “Since when do we deliver?”

“You’ll see. I know how you beautify packages, so I called in reinforcements. You just wrap them up and set them to the side for them. I’ll send ’em back here when they arrive. For now. You’ve got a lot of work to do.”

“Yes, ma’am.” I salute. I’m not surprised that she wants to surprise someone. It’s just like her to create this for someone who truly needs it. Her kindness has always amazed and inspired me. Shrugging out of my coat, I sit down in the fold-out metal chair and get to work. After folding the delicate ornaments carefully in the brown paper, I seal it shut with a Bits and Baubles sticker. The door opens. I’m surprised to see the petite woman with graying, dark brown hair in a braid around her head and brown eyes that mirror my own.

“Mom?”

“Hey, Cal.” She gives me a hesitant smile. Being caught between my father and me over the years damaged our bond and their marriage. Too often, she took his side. I’m sure he felt the same. It’s a mistake she’s trying to make up for in recent years. I’ve missed our closeness. I might not be able to forget, but I can forgive.

“What are you doing here?”

“I heard you needed a master gift beautifier.”

I look at the pile on my left. “Have at them.”

She pulls up another chair and sits beside me, organizing her ribbons, tape, and string.

“How’s Romy?”

“You know about her?” I turn, astonished.

“Of course. Dad was the one who came over to handle the cleanup and put a new tree in place. I helped decorate it, though. He’s rubbish at it.”

I smile.

“You know your father adores Mom as much as anyone. She asked, and he was out the door like his pants were on fire.”

I snicker. “Sounds about right.” I swallow. “How’s he doing?”

She snatches my olive branch up with both hands, and we launch into small talk. “Do you know what all this is about?” She curls a red ribbon with her scissor’s edge and places it carefully into a brown paper bag with a handle.

“Not a clue,” I admit.

“Huh. Mom always has something up her sleeve, doesn’t she?”

Nona sticks her head inside of the door sometime later. “How’s the project coming along?”

“Almost done.” Mom ties a charming twine bow.