Page 7 of Even More Christmas Magic and Romance (Holiday Hiccups #3)

Seven

AFTER STANLEY’S MOM arrived later that afternoon, we talked briefly. Barbara wanted to know how I was, and how the baby was doing. She seemed very pleased when I told her that all was well. I still don’t call my mother-in-law, Mom. I don’t know why.

After we chatted, I excused myself and went upstairs for a nap.

I was tired after Stanley and I decorated the living room, dining room and foyer.

I was particularly pleased with some changes we made.

This year the pine garland over the fireplace mantel was given a makeover.

Instead of berry clusters, pine cones and red bows, we went with more of a white Christmas look.

White, flocked velvet ball ornaments, white poinsettia flowers and wide white velvet bows made the greenery of the garland extra special.

White birch trees with white fairy lights sat on the mantel and highlighted a beautiful, white berry wreath.

In the dining room, a large, snow-scene tapestry hung over the buffet.

It was a perfect back drop for the two sparkling white deer and several glistening trees that stood on it.

Three white, ceramic, Christmas trees became a lovely center piece for the table.

The back window was adorned too. Like the fireplace, a decorated garland was swaged over the curtains.

A matching garland decorated the foyer banister.

All in all, I was quite taken with our skills.

The house was nearly ready for the season.

Plus, each year we were getting better when we worked together as a team.

I usually had a few comments concerning Stanley’s take on decorating, but not this year.

He has a knack for knowing what I find pleasing.

I just hope I haven’t curtailed his own creative ideas.

Feeling a sense of accomplishment, I climbed into bed thinking I’d be napping for twenty minutes. I ended up sleeping for an hour. I felt refreshed when I went back downstairs. I joined Stanley and Barbara in the dining room. The two of them were chatting over tea, coffee and scones.

Stanley got up when I walked in the room. He came over and kissed my cheek. He asked if I was hungry. My nod sent him into the kitchen to grab my favorite snack, veggies with hummus. I’ve been avoiding anything that’s sugary, and I find I enjoy savory foods.

Barbara gave me a sweet smile when I sat down at the table. “You have the best son in the world,” I whispered, not wanting Stanley to hear me. I’m sure my praise wouldn’t go to his head, but still—

Barbara immediately bit her lip and her eyes got glassy with sudden tears.

“Did I say the wrong thing?” I asked with confusion.

Barbara shook her head. “Of course not, Gloria. I agree with you, but Stan Sr. has never appreciated our son the way he should.”

I didn’t want to upset Stanley’s mom since she seemed so fragile. I tried to say as little as possible. Finally, I took a deep breath. “I’m sorry.”

Barbara sat up very straight in her chair. Her demeanor changed in an instant. When she spoke, her eyes turned dark and hard. “Stanley’s father is so ignorant at times. I don’t know how I put up with him for so long.”

Oh boy, I could tell from Barbara’s harsh tone that I was way out of my comfort zone. Instead of commenting, I did the most prudent thing I knew to do. I kept my mouth shut.

I didn’t want to say the wrong thing, but my silence seemed to have the opposite effect on Barbara. She bit her lip again and started to cry openly. Thankfully, Stanley was back with my snack. When he looked at his mother and saw her condition, he frowned.

“Mom, I hope you know I’m here for you,” he said as he went over to where she sat. He quickly gave her a hug.

“Me, too,” I chimed in. “Whatever you need, you can count on us.”

Barbara took a tissue out of her pocket and wiped away her tears. “I can’t believe I’m behaving like this,” she said. “Maybe I’m tired. It was a long drive here, and I had to get up very early.”

Stanley crouched down next to her. “Mom, what did Dad say when you told him you were leaving?”

Barbara scowled. “He didn’t say anything. He was still sleeping when I left.” She paused and gave Stanley a little smile. “But don’t worry. It’s not your concern.”

Before Stanley or I could respond, Barbara sat up very straight again. After a quick survey of the room, she looked at me. “Gloria, your decorations are so pretty. It’s nice to know Stanley married someone who cares about the holidays.”

“Thank you,” I said.

Barbara continued. “Stan Sr. can be oblivious to such things. I don’t know why I ever married him.”

Stanley stood up and took his mother’s hand. “Would you like to rest for a bit?” he asked. “We have a spare bedroom you could use.”

Barbara’s face suddenly looked very weary as she stood up. “Maybe that’s a good idea, but don’t worry, I’m not here to burden you two. I’ll be on my way in just a little while.”

“Would you like me to call Dad and let him know where you are?” Stanley asked. “He might be worried.”

Barbara’s eyes went hard again, but her voice was a little softer than before. “If you think that’s best, call him, but don’t expect him to be grateful for that call. The man has no idea about anything. He’s probably glad I’m gone.”

Perhaps Stanley felt confused by her statement. Like me, he didn’t comment. Instead, he accompanied his mom to the foyer and up the stairs to the spare bedroom.

I looked at my snack and pushed the plate away. I wasn’t hungry after hearing how unhappy Barbara Bickerman was. However, I don’t think Stanley’s father can be all bad, not with a son as good and true as my Stanley.

I got up and went to the kitchen. I wanted to get dinner started. Stanley was going to make meatloaf, mashed potatoes and a salad. If I got things going, his mom could have dinner with us when she got up. Hopefully, a good meal and some rest could buoy her spirit.

A few minutes later, Stanley joined me in the kitchen.

“Did you remember to call your dad?” I asked in a whisper.

Stanley smiled. “Mom’s door is closed so you can talk in a normal tone of voice. And yes, I did call my father. The conversation was short. I told him Mom was here, but he didn’t have much to say about it. After that, he hung up.”

I stared back. “When I’ve been around your dad, he always seemed to enjoy expressing himself. I’m surprised he didn’t have more to say about your mom leaving.”

“I’m sure my dad is pretty mixed up right now. When Mom suddenly left, he was probably shocked by her actions.”

I thought about my own father as I poured some water in a pot and put it on a burner to boil. “My dad changed a lot after the divorce. It took a while for me to understand that.”

Stanley came over and gave me a hug. “No matter what, look at us. We’re happy. So we have to let our parents do what they have to do, right?”

I gave him a hopeful look, trying to lighten the mood. “I agree.”

After that, I went back to peeling potatoes, and Stanley made meatloaf.

Both of us tackled a salad. Dinner was just about ready when I heard the fourth step on the foyer staircase let out its usual squeak.

That little squeak meant Barbara was up and about.

I looked at Stanley. “I hope your mom likes meatloaf.”

Stanley blinked back. “Uh, I forgot something.”

“What’s that?”

“Mom used to make a lot of meatloaf.”

“Great, so why are you making that face?”

“The reason she made it so often is because it’s Dad’s favorite.”

”I see,” I said as I quickly turned back to my mashed potatoes.

I said a silent prayer for a peaceful meal.

Maybe my prayers were answered. Barbara was very quiet while we ate.

When the meal was over, she wanted to take care of the cleanup.

I protested and suggested she and Stanley drive back to her motel room and get her stuff. I asked her to stay with us instead.

Barbara was a hard sell, but she finally agreed.

While she and Stanley were gone, I tackled the kitchen.

It felt good to put the dishes and pots in the dishwasher, to straighten up the counter, and wipe down the stove.

Being orderly helps me feel a sense of safety when there are radical changes in the works.