Page 30 of Holiday Sorrow
“I'm going first,” Kevin announced as both kids came barreling back into the room. “I got you, Dad.”
“No, I'm going first,” Lindsay said firmly, holding a big box out to Ashlyn. “I’m sorry I would have messed up our first Christmas altogether if Everett hadn't … you know. But I chose you a for-real gift, not the stupid prank I was going to pull. I hope you like it.”
“Already know I'm going to love it, because you put some thought into it,” Ashlyn said as she took the box and set it on the table so she could awkwardly, mostly one-handedly pull off thelid. “A planter basket with strawberry seeds in it?” she asked as she lifted it out.
“On one side,” Lindsay said. “I thought maybe when they grow, we could use them to make those strawberry cinnamon scrolls you made me last summer. I never tried any, and you went to all that effort for me. To show me you cared. I didn't want to see it then, but I do now. If that’s okay?”
“More than okay.” Ashlyn reached for Lindsay and pulled his daughter into a hug.
“I thought we could maybe plant something you like on the other side of the planter,” Lindsay added.
“Sorry, buddy, but I'm next,” Ashlyn told Kevin with a laugh when he went to hand over his gift. “I got you, too, Lindsay. I hope you like it.”
Handing over the gift box, she watched as Lindsay opened it and lifted out a Christmas ornament. There were painted angels around it, alternating larger and smaller ones, and it took him a moment to realize what they were.
“Fingerprints?” he asked.
“It took a bit of work, but I pulled a few strings and asked Jessica if she had any contacts who might be able to find a fingerprint on something Lara had touched. We got lucky, and they got one and scanned me a copy of it. I got Lindsay’s from the prints taken when she was a baby, and I added the wings, heads, and halos myself. I know how much you loved decorating with your mom, Lindsay, so I thought this might be a special decoration to add to your collection. Your fingerprints side by side with your mom’s, so you always remember she’s your angel and is watching over you.”
Bursting into tears, Lindsay wrapped her arms around Ashlyn’s neck and squeezed hard. “Thank you, I love it. It’s so much more than I deserve.”
“We all deserve to be loved and forgiven when we’re truly sorry,” Ashlyn said, tears beginning to tumble down her cheeks as well.
Kevin rolled his eyes, but as Grant watched his daughter embrace the woman he loved, Grant wasn't embarrassed to admit his eyes were also feeling a little misty.