Page 18 of Even More Christmas Magic and Romance (Holiday Hiccups #3)

Eighteen

WHEN BARBARA AND I returned to the living room, I felt a little uncomfortable. I’d been doing so well before my crying outburst. However, Mom came to the rescue by diverting attention away from me. She invited everyone to check out the snacks and get ready for a movie.

Stanley spoke briefly to his mom and then came over to where I stood.

He took my hand and asked if we could talk in private.

I looked over at the rest of the group. They were lining up at a sideboard where there was a display of tasty snacks.

The offerings included a veggie platter that Stanley and I brought along, tiny meatballs, mozzarella sticks, and a snack mix that included cereal squares, honey roasted nuts, chocolate bits and pretzels.

Mom and Adam provided drinks and popcorn.

When Stanley led me into the kitchen, I could see the strain in his face. I wasn’t making his concerns about pregnancy any easier with my behavior. “I’m sorry if I’m adding to your worries, Stanley,” I whispered. “On the plus side, I think I’m getting to know your mom.”

Instead of replying, Stanley put his hands around me and held me as close as possible with baby bump between us. “I’m the one who’s sorry. I should have made more of an effort to talk to my parents instead of getting you in the middle.”

I gently pushed him back. “They’re not just your parents anymore,” I insisted. “We’re all family now. Your mom and dad, my parents, we’re all in this together, Stanley.”

“Yes, but I don’t want you overwhelmed by problems. Right now, you need peace and as little stress as possible.” He sighed. “You don’t want our baby born on Christmas, right?”

I crossed my arms. “My mom reminded me of what you said about it. If the baby comes on Christmas, that will be a wonderful gift for all of us. As for a child having a birthday on Christmas, we’ll find a way to make that birthday special.”

Stanley smiled. “Would you have minded having your birthday on Christmas?”

I couldn’t give him a quick answer. I had to imagine what that would be like. As soon as I did, I saw little Glory relishing her extra big pile of presents under the tree and feeling like a very special little girl. The vision made me smile. “I would have been fine.”

I was still smiling when Barbara came into the kitchen. “Oh, I’m sorry, I’m interrupting,” she said with a frown.

I uncrossed my arms. “It’s okay. We were just discussing the possibility of the baby coming on Christmas day.”

Barbara’s face went instantly bright. “A Christmas baby? Do you know I hoped Stanley would be born on Christmas? But he was early. When I saw him, I didn’t care about a date anymore.

I just thanked my lucky stars for a beautiful, little boy.

” She paused and her eyes went glassy. “And Stan Sr. was such a proud daddy. He kept saying how blessed we were.”

Stanley blinked back. “I didn’t know Dad felt like that.”

Barbara nodded. “He was and is proud of you, but he doesn’t have the smarts to act like it. Maybe it’s the way he was raised. His father was very stern and demanding.”

Stanley looked down. “I never knew my grandfather very well, but the couple of times I was around him, he was a very stiff and gruff individual.”

Barbara bit her lip. “I think your father tried his best not to model himself after the man, but he hasn’t always succeeded.”

“No matter, he didn’t have a right to treat you poorly,” Stanley said.

“I agree,” I said.

Barbara clasped her hands nervously. “I guess I didn’t believe in myself enough to notice until now.” She stared at Stanley. “Anyway, I’m going back to your house. I want to get my car and return to the motel.”

“Aren’t you staying for the movie?” I asked.

“No,” Barbara said as she straightened up a little. “I’m thinking about calling the man who said I was his angel.”

Stanley smiled. “I bet he’d appreciate it. Would you like me to walk you back?”

Barbara nodded. “That would be nice.”

I watched them leave the kitchen and thought about my mother. After the divorce, her attitude had been a lot like Barbara’s. Neither woman seemed to have much confidence in themselves. Happily, Mom went for counseling, and it helped.

But Mom's lack of confidence wasn't the only reason for her divorce from my dad. As the years went by and their kids grew up, my parents didn’t have much in common.

Their views on almost everything were very different.

However, Barbara and Stan Bickerman share many interests.

Both their lives revolve around volunteer work and helping others.

Hopefully, in their case, a divorce might be avoided if they can clear up the emotional roadblocks that stand in their way.

I left the kitchen hoping for the best. As I walked into the living room, I caught a glimpse of Stanley and his mom leaving.

I noticed the rest of the group was sitting around with snacks in hand.

The food looked tasty, and I realized I was hungry.

I was on my way to the sideboard when my sister, Lolly, intercepted me.

“I’m glad you’re not crying anymore,” she said. “But goodness, I don’t blame you for getting upset.”

“Thanks, but I overreacted,” I said as I continued to the sideboard and the food.

Lolly took my arm and stopped my forward progress. “Sis, you sound like you’re being hard on yourself.”

I shrugged. “Lolly, I’m always letting my emotions get the best of me. You know that.”

“No, you’re not. I almost started crying too.”

I wanted to forget the whole crying episode and glanced at the plate of mini meatballs that Lolly and Gerald brought. I was sure they were delicious. “Lolly, why would you want to cry too? It’s not our business—”

Lolly tightened her grip on my arm. “Really, Gloria? The Bickermans are in love, really in love. Didn’t you see the look on Stan Sr.’s face? Didn’t you notice how his wife looked back at him?”

I didn’t want to think about Stanley’s parents anymore. I wanted to eat tasty snacks and mind my own business. I gave Lolly a little smile. “Barbara said she was overwhelmed, that’s all.”

Lolly let go of my arm. “I don’t understand your attitude. You’re usually the one who looks out for everyone.”

“And you’re the one who always tells me I’m too involved.”

“You’re right, and I’m sorry if I’m saying things I shouldn’t. It’s just that I’ve never seen two people look so in love before.” Lolly paused. “Except for you and Stanley, of course.”

“Well, what about you and Gerald and Jack and Mitzi? There’s lots of love there.”

Lolly pressed on. Since she got pregnant, she can be more assertive.

“That’s true, but I guess I’m talking about two people who have been married for a very long time.

From what I know, if those folks are still in love, it’s more mellow and toned down.

In the Bickerman’s case, it’s different.

The passion is still there, I’m sure of it. ”

I considered Lolly’s viewpoint, but I wasn’t convinced. “It’s a nice thought, but after talking to Stanley’s mom, I don’t think passion is enough. Barbara told me her love for her husband has been more of a hindrance.”

Lolly backed up. “In that case, I guess I don’t have any answers.”

I watched my sister’s expression collapse into that wilted look again. I had to offer something positive. “I’m with you. No matter what Barbara said, I don’t believe love is the problem.”

Lolly’s eyes brightened at once, and she grabbed my arm again. “For me, love is the foundation for my life.”

I thought about Stanley and how much I loved him. I loved all my family. “It’s the foundation for my life, too.”

Lolly let go of me and stepped back. “I almost forgot that we have a movie to watch.”

“What are we watching?” I asked.

“It’s a classic, the original version of Miracle on 34th Street.”

“Stanley and I rented it last year. We enjoyed it.”

“Too bad the Bickermans didn’t stay to watch it,” Lolly said.

“Why’s that?”

“For me, it’s a reminder that good things can happen even when we lose faith. And from what Barbara said to you, I think she’s lost faith in their marriage.”

I let out a little groan. “I think she’s lost faith in herself, too.”

By the time Stanley came back to movie night, the movie was almost over.

When we returned home, I found out that he and his mom had talked for quite a while before she returned to the motel.

I was too tired to ask any questions about their conversation.

I wanted to snuggle up next to Stanley and get a good night’s sleep.