Page 23 of Even More Christmas Magic and Romance (Holiday Hiccups #3)

Twenty-Three

IT’S FRIDAY NIGHT, the night the family gets together for a holiday movie.

Stanley and I are hosting. It should be much more peaceful than it was when the Bickermans were attending.

However, a couple of days ago, my Dad asked if he could bring along a friend.

I didn’t want to think about it at the time and told him it was okay.

However, my feelings flared up while I was helping Stanley prepare for company.

Before things got out of hand, I felt it wise to talk over what worried me.

I stood at the kitchen table, seasoning some popcorn, and casually glanced up at Stanley.

“So what do you think about my father bringing along this so called friend?”

Stanley was checking out the drinks in the refrigerator, but my question got his attention. He shut the refrigerator door and looked back at me.

“Gloria, we never discussed how you felt about your dad dating someone. Are you okay with the idea?”

I gave the popcorn bowl a couple of tosses and shrugged. “I guess I was so worried about my mom being upset, I didn’t think about my own feelings.”

As soon as I let the words slip out, a deep down sadness hit so hard my eyes teared up. Stanley came over and took my hand.

“Do you remember what you told your mom?” he asked. “Whatever you’re feeling, it’s okay.”

I took a tissue out of my pocket and dabbed at my eyes. “After all these years, my Dad and I have been getting along great. I feel our relationship is finally what I’ve always wanted it to be.”

Stanley gave my hand a gentle squeeze. “How did you want your relationship to be?”

“I’m sure I’m being immature, but I never felt like his little girl before.” I paused. “Now, I’m that girl but in a grown up sort of way.”

“Are you afraid that will change?”

“We’ve just started enjoying each other’s company. Now he probably won’t even have time for going shopping or having lunches together. Or we’ll do those things, but he’ll have to bring his friend along.”

Stanley’s voice turned soft and tender. “My dear Gloria, you and I are married, but that doesn’t stop you from doing those things with your dad. I’m sure he’ll still want those one-on-one times with you.”

I gave the popcorn bowl another more aggressive toss. Several kernels went flying out of the bowl. “I guess you’re right, but what if he’s involved with some woman who wants to take advantage of him?”

Stanley hesitated. “Maybe we should meet this friend of his before we start asking those kinds of questions.”

I nodded, hoping to cool an inner anger with Stanley’s rational approach. “I promise to reserve judgment until I meet this person. If she’s terrible in some way, then we’ll have to have another discussion.”

Stanley smiled. “I know feelings can be difficult, but they often have a way of working out if you give them a chance. Anyway, that seems to be what my mother is finding. As she and my father slowly explore aspects of their relationship, Mom says she’s not so afraid anymore.

Instead, she’s feeling more confident and capable as a person. ”

I thought about what Stanley was telling me.

As I did, a gentle wave of relief followed.

It was okay to be sad. I didn’t have to do anything about it at the moment.

For the time being, I didn’t have to figure out anything.

I could simply enjoy the evening with family.

If I had a problem in the future, maybe I’d be like Stanley’s Mom and work it out later.

The doorbell rang just as I was preparing myself to be nice to Dad’s friend, to wait and see what I thought about her.

Ben had been sniffing around the kitchen table, hoping for a fallen popcorn kernel, but when he heard the doorbell, he was off to greet whoever came calling. I looked up at the clock and realized people weren’t supposed to arrive for another fifteen minutes.

“I’ll get it,” I announced as I followed Ben to the door. When I opened it, my dad was waiting on the porch. He turned and smiled at me. I stepped out enough to glance around for his friend.

Dad spoke up. “It’s just me. Daphne couldn’t come.”

“Daphne? Oh yes, your friend,” I mumbled.

“She’s still a friend, but not—” Dad hesitated. “Well, let’s just say she felt we should stay friends and nothing more.”

I stepped back and waved my dad inside. “I’m sorry.”

Dad kind of shrugged. “I guess it’s for the best.”

Stanley joined us and greeted my father. “Let me take your coat.”

Dad took off his jacket, handed it to Stanley, and picked up Ben. “How’s this little guy doing?”

Instead of being happy that I didn’t have to worry about a woman in Dad’s life, another surge of anger surfaced.

Dad was petting Ben, but I could see the unhappiness in his eyes.

How dare some woman named Daphne reject him as a romantic partner.

My father has become a most caring, thoughtful person. It didn’t make sense.

Dad didn’t seem to notice my rush of deep annoyance. He walked into the living room and stopped in front of the tree.

“Gloria, Stanley, what a magnificent Christmas tree!” he said in a slightly louder tone of voice.

In spite of my ruffled feelings, I had to smile. “Thank you. Stanley and I were very happy to find such a beautiful one.”

Stanley came up behind me and put his hands on my shoulders. “Your daughter spotted that tree before I had a chance to look around. She certainly knows her stuff.”

Dad turned and smiled at me. “Gloria is and has always been amazing.”

Dad’s eyes were two pools of adoration as he looked at me.

It made me realize how much he loved me and that I’d been foolish to ever think otherwise.

Then I thought of his friend, Daphne, and how she’d tossed him aside.

My feelings came out in a burst of tears.

“I love you, Dad,” I cried as I rushed over to hug him.

“So forget this Daphne person and know she missed out on the best of men.”

Dad hugged my pregnant body carefully and kissed my forehead. “It’s okay. She was right to remain a friend. I don’t think I’m ready for a serious relationship.”

I took a couple of deep breaths and returned to some semblance of calm. “Really, so you’re okay?”

“I’m fine,” Dad said. He took a clean handkerchief out of his pocket and handed it to me.

“Now I got here a little early to see if I can help with anything.” He hesitated.

“Oh, and I better go out to the car and bring in the snack I brought. I saw a recipe for cheese fingers that looked good.” He gave me a wink.

“I know you’re watching your sugar so I avoided anything too sweet. ”

As if the baby could hear his remark, I felt a little kick. It brought me back to my intention not to stress out. “Sounds great,” I said as I dabbed away my tears.

After the rest of the family arrived, we snacked and watched an old version of “A Christmas Carol.” I could tell my dad was feeling the holiday spirit. He happily joined in during our conversations and piled his plate high with snacks. By the time he left, his eyes looked normal again.