Web of Dreams (Casteel 5)

something."

"Did you?" Momma and I had gone shopping

for Christmas presents and spent nearly all our time

trying to find something "right" for Tony, since he

had so much. She decided to get him a solid gold tie

clip with diamonds on the ends. Then she had "Love,

Jillian" inscribed on the back. I'd had trouble thinking

of anything good enough for Daddy. Mittens and silk

ties, expensive after-shave lotions, suede gloves, a

new pipe holder . . . nothing had the right meaning for

a Daddy that wouldn't open the gift with me there

beside him.

Then I saw something at one of the department stores that was not as expensive as other gifts I could get him, but filled my heart with pleasure and warmth when I thought of him unwrapping it and gazing at it. It was a special photograph to be taken next to a Christmas tree. On the bottom, the photographer embossed "Merry Christmas." And you could have your name embossed and the date, too. I bought a

handsome light pine frame for it as well.

When I posed for the picture, I smiled as

warmly and as lovingly as I could, for I knew it would

be the smile that Daddy would see forever and ever,

especially when he was lonely and wanted to think of

me. I had it wrapped and left it on Daddy's desk at our

Boston home so he would find it as soon as he

returned from his trip.

I decided to buy Troy an erector set, since he

was so good with his hands. It was a toy, but he could

do something creative with it too. It even had a little

electric motor, so if he made a tiny Ferris wheel, it

would actually turn. He was very excited about it

when he opened the package and saw it. To my

surprise, he knew exactly what it was. He got up

quickly and gave me a big hug and kiss.

"Thank you, Leigh. Now look at my present to