Making Spirits Bright (35 page)

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Authors: Fern Michaels,Elizabeth Bass,Rosalind Noonan,Nan Rossiter

Tags: #Fiction, #General, #Anthologies (Multiple Authors)

BOOK: Making Spirits Bright
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“I don’t mind,” Sarah insisted. “I miss tucking little people in ...”
Asa smiled and watched them go.
Samuel rocked slowly back and forth in the rocking chair, sipping his drink. “I think I need to warm this up a bit,” he said. “Would anyone else like some more?”
Maddie looked in her empty mug. “Hmmm, I might ...”
She looked questioningly at Asa and he declined. “I think I’ll wait.”
Samuel disappeared into the kitchen and, when he returned with two fresh mugs, Sarah was just coming down the stairs. “Asa, don’t you think those pajamas are a little big?” she asked.
Asa smiled. “Yeah, they are ... but when they come in a package, it’s hard to tell how big they are. Besides, he’ll grow into ’em.”
“Well, big or not, he was asleep before his head hit the pillow,” she said.
“I’m not surprised,” Asa said, yawning. “He was up at the crack of dawn.” He looked over at Maddie. “This morning seems like forever ago, doesn’t it?”
She nodded and leaned back on the couch, and Samuel handed her the warm mug. “Mmmm ... thank you,” she murmured.
As they sat gazing sleepily at the fire, an odd sound came from the room above them and Sarah looked over at Samuel. “I think you’re going to have to tell them ...”
Chapter 8
 
“Close your eyes ...” Sarah said as Samuel came down the stairs.
“I thought this was—” Asa started to say, but before he could finish his sentence, he felt four small feet pressing on his lap. He opened his eyes and, standing there, looking up at him with gentle brown eyes, was a black Lab puppy. Asa reached out and lightly stroked the pup’s silky ears and it plopped its bottom down on his lap and continued to gaze at him. Maddie watched the reaction they had to each other and smiled. Asa looked at his parents, his eyes shining. “I don’t know what to say ... I
never
expected this.”
“Well, every boy needs a dog,” Samuel said softly. “Especially Noah ...
and you
...”
Asa picked the pup up and brought it to his face. It leaned forward and licked his salty tears and Asa smiled and pressed his cheek into the soft black fur. “Noah is going to love him,” he said with certainty. Maddie reached over to pet him and, when she cupped his head in her hands, he climbed over onto her lap and curled up in contentment. “Hey!” Asa teased softly, leaning down to look in the pup’s eyes. “Don’t get any ideas there, mister!” But the pup just sighed and closed his eyes.
“I can’t believe you did this ...” Asa said with a smile. “Where’d you get him?”
Samuel looked at Sarah. “Well, we saw an ad in the paper when we were here last month and, when I called, we found out that the owner lived right in Eastham. She has the mother—a beautiful black Lab named Chloe—and she said she didn’t even realize she was pregnant until she was nearly five weeks along. The woman isn’t sure who the stranger in the night was ... but she suspects a big yellow Lab named Tucker that lives up the road.”
Sarah added, “And she’s probably right—there were eight pups and they were all yellow—except for this little guy.”
Asa looked at the pup and grinned. “Well, he must be the pick of the litter.” Samuel and Sarah nodded, obviously pleased ... and relieved ... by Asa’s positive reaction.
“We have a leash, bowls, and food. In fact, he’s probably thirsty.” Sarah looked at her husband. “Do you know where those bowls are?”
Samuel nodded. “They’re up in that box ... which happens to be wet. I’ll get them.” When he came back down, he dropped a new red leash and collar in Asa’s lap. “He’s not housebroken yet ...
and
he’s probably due to go out ... so, let the fun begin!”
Asa smiled. “I knew there had to be a catch ...”
He slipped the collar around the pup’s neck, clipped the new leash to it, and looked at Maddie. “Want to come?”
“Oh ... I don’t know. I’m kind of comfortable right here,” she said, leaning back on a cushion and stroking the sleepy black head on her lap. “
And
... it’s kind of cold out there ...”
“Oh, don’t be a wimp,” he teased. “Besides ... I’ll keep you warm.” He stood up and put on his coat.
Maddie handed the pup to him and bundled into her coat and scarf. When they stepped outside, Asa put the pup down on the snow-covered ground and they watched as he gingerly picked up his oversized paws. Finally, curiosity got the best of him and he plowed his nose into the fluffy white stuff and then resurfaced with snow covering his head; then he shook it off, sneezed, and started racing in circles, sending snow flying everywhere. Maddie and Asa laughed at his antics and he looked up at them and sneezed again. They walked along the edge of the yard and listened to the surf thundering in the darkness. “I didn’t realize the house was so close to the ocean,” Maddie said.
Asa nodded. “There’s a great view from upstairs and there’s a path, or I should say, there
used to
be a path that wandered through the brush out to the beach. It’s probably overgrown now ... but we can look for it tomorrow.”
Maddie gazed at the vastness of the sky, glittering with stars ... and shivered. Asa put his arm around her and pointed to the brightest light. “Do you know what that is?”
Maddie laughed and guessed, “The Star of Bethlehem?”
“No, silly,” Asa said with a smile. “It’s Jupiter ... and the smaller light up to the right is Venus.”
Maddie nodded slowly. “I had no idea that planets looked like bright stars.”
“Yup,” Asa replied. “At this time of year, Jupiter and Venus are very bright.” Asa felt Maddie lean against him and he pulled her closer. “I
am
really glad you’re here,” he said softly. Maddie felt her heart skip a beat ... and didn’t know what to say. He felt her shiver again and asked, “Are you ready to go in?” but she shook her head. They stood in silence, looking at the sky ... until the pup at their feet had had enough and let out a little bark. Asa picked him up and said, “What’s the matter, too much planet gazing for you?”
 
 
Sarah was putting presents under the tree, but looked up when she heard them come in. “Did he go?”
Asa looked puzzled as he unclipped the leash. “Did he go ... ?” Then he realized what she meant. “Oh!” He looked questioningly at Maddie. “I don’t know ...”
She laughed. “I’m not sure either ...”
Sarah looked at the puppy, who had just discovered an interesting bow to tug on, and said, “Well, I hope so!”
Samuel called from the hall. “Asa, shall I bring out these boxes?”
“I’ll get them, Dad.” Asa found his father with his head in the hall closet.
“I’m looking for the gift I have for your mother,” he whispered. “I could’ve sworn I put it in here.” Asa pulled the boxes out of the way and brought them into the living room. A moment later, Samuel came in, smiling and hiding something behind his back. When Sarah wasn’t looking, he slipped it under the tree.
“What are we doing with this little guy tonight?” Asa asked, looking at the puppy who had now completely untied the bow.
“Well, we have a wrapped box with a top that lifts off to put him in in the morning, but tonight ... I think he should stay down here,” Samuel said.
“Well, I guess I’ll stay with him.” Asa looked at the time. “Is it really one o’clock?!”
“Yes, dear ...” Sarah said wearily as she took down Noah’s stocking and dropped an orange into the toe. “Do you have anything to put in this?”
Asa nodded. “I have a few things ...” He opened one of the cardboard boxes and pulled out some small, brightly wrapped gifts. “I have a couple of Matchboxes, some chocolate kisses, a chapstick, a set of jacks,
and
a limited edition Duncan yo-yo.”
Sarah smiled at her son’s thoughtful choices. “You’re pretty good ... for a beginner!”
“I also have an etch-a-sketch, but that won’t fit in his stocking.”
“It sounds like you’re going to have more fun in the morning than he is!”
Asa laughed. “Maybe ...”
Sarah handed the stocking to him and said, “I have a few more things, too.” She disappeared into the kitchen and came back with a package of red string licorice, new mittens, and a small conch shell. “This is so he can hear the ocean when he’s up in the mountains with you,” she said with a smile.
Asa started to fill the stocking. “I don’t know if this is all going to fit.”
Sarah sighed, “Well, do the best you can. I’m going up to bed. There are clean towels and washcloths in the bathroom. Asa, you know where to find things ... ?” It was more of a statement than a question. Asa nodded and then she looked at Samuel, dozing in the rocker. “Are you coming, dear?”
Samuel opened one eye. “Are you finally ready?” he asked, standing and stretching. “Good night, you two. Don’t stay up too late.”
Asa hung Noah’s stocking back on the hook and wondered if the fabric would hold. “I hope the kisses don’t melt.” He started unpacking the rest of the gifts while Maddie found some ribbon and a gift bag for the syrup and the little tree. She had several wrapped gifts, too, and while she was arranging everything, Asa scratched his head and tried to remember where he had put the bag from the Birdwatcher’s General Store. They did their tasks quietly, working around the little black mound that was asleep on a bed of shredded red ribbon.
When Asa finished, he considered putting another log on the fire ... but decided against it. He turned to Maddie. “Would you like a little more Glug?”
“Okay,” she said with a smile. “You also need to eat these cookies,” she added, nodding toward the plate on the coffee table.
“Yup, I’m going to take care of that. Do you want the eggnog?” She shook her head and Asa drank it down. “Mmmm ... nothing like warm eggnog.” He left a small piece of carrot on the plate and scooped up the rest to put back in the fridge.
When he returned, he switched off all the lamps so that the room was lit only by the Christmas tree and the fireplace. Maddie was sitting on the couch with the puppy in her lap. “Noah is going to be so excited,” she said as Asa handed a mug to her and offered one of the cookies. They each took one and Asa collapsed onto the couch, looked at the puppy, and said, “I wonder what we should name him?”
“I think you should let Noah name him,” she said. “My brother Tim has always had the job of naming our barn cats and he takes it very seriously. He’s come up with some pretty funny and appropriate names.” She paused. “I’m sure Noah will come up with something good.”
Asa watched the firelight dancing on the walls and reached for Maddie’s hand. “How come you always know the right thing to say?”
She smiled and shrugged. “Oh, I don’t always know ... but I usually just follow my heart.”
Chapter 9
 
“Dad?” a small voice whispered. Asa opened one eye and tried to remember where he was. “Dad, are you down there?” Asa heard small footsteps coming down the stairs and sat bolt upright, shook his head to clear the cobwebs, and glanced next to him at Maddie and the puppy. He cleared his throat. “Noah, don’t come down just yet.”
“Why?” the small voice asked.
Asa suddenly realized that calling back and forth wasn’t going to work. He got up quickly and found Noah already halfway down the stairs. “Because Grandma and Grampa aren’t up yet,” he whispered, “and
you
are up kind of early ... it’s not even light out.”
“I just wanted to see if Santa came ...” Noah whispered back.
“Well, we have to wait for everyone to get up.”
“Can I go wake them?” Noah asked hopefully.
Asa sighed and ran his hand through his hair. “Don’t you want to go back to bed for a bit?”
“No!” Noah answered brightly.
“All right, you can wake them ... but don’t go jumping on their bed or anything. They were up pretty late.”
“Okay!” Noah said cheerfully, bouncing back up the stairs.
Asa shook his head, found his boots and the leash, lifted the sleeping puppy off Maddie’s still dry lap, and whispered, “Hey, you did pretty well ... for a beginner!” He stepped out into the early morning air and let the puppy take care of business. Then he brought him back in and looked around for the box his parents had talked about.
“Maddie,” he whispered softly. She looked so peaceful that he felt bad waking her. He sat down next to her and shook her knee. “Maddie ...”
She opened her eyes and looked around. “Is it morning already?” she asked.
“Not really,” Asa answered, “but Noah’s awake and I can’t find the box.”
Maddie sat up and tried to clear her mind. “I thought I saw a box on the back porch last night.”
Asa opened the door and looked. “You’re right!” He brought the box in and then went to the bottom of the stairs to listen for his parents. There was definitely movement coming from their room and he could hear Noah talking. “I think I have time to make coffee,” he said, putting the box on the couch and heading for the kitchen.
Five minutes later he heard his mother call softly, “Asa, are you ready for us to come down?”
“Just a minute ...” he said. He put the box on the floor, and lifted off the top, and Maddie kissed the puppy and gently put him inside.
“Just for a few minutes, little fella!” she said as Asa put the top back on.
“Okay ... ready!” he called.
They could hear Noah at the top of the stairs. “C’mon, Grandma ... Dad said he’s ready.”
“Okay, honey, just a minute.”
There were footsteps on the stairs again ... and then Noah was standing there, grinning from ear to ear as he surveyed the scene. “Wow! I guess he
was
here!” He looked at the empty eggnog glass and the plate with just a piece of carrot left. “He
really
was here!” he whispered.
Samuel looked at Asa sleepily. “Did he make us a pot of coffee while he was here?”
Asa grinned. “He did ... somehow he knew that was just what
you
wanted.”
Noah looked up at his grandfather. “Is that really what you wanted, Grampa?”
Samuel tousled Noah’s head and laughed. “I always—” but his sentence was interrupted by an odd sound.
Noah looked up in astonishment. “What was that?” he asked. It happened again ... and then one of the boxes under the tree moved. Noah’s eyes grew wide. “Dad, what’s in that box?”
Asa smiled. “I don’t know ... maybe you should open it.”
Noah reached for Samuel’s hand. “C’mon, Grampa.” Noah knelt down next to the box and started to unwrap it.
“Noah, I think you just have to lift off the top,” Samuel said.
As soon as Noah did, the puppy jumped up against the edge, knocking the box over, and Noah fell backward, laughing in surprise. The puppy, sensing an advantage, climbed on top of him and started licking his ears and face ... but Noah tried to roll away, giggling ... and finally sputtered, “Stop! Stop! I have to go to the bathroom!”
Asa laughed, too, and lifted the puppy off of Noah so he could escape and run to the bathroom. A moment later, he was running back ... and bowling his grandparents over with the biggest hugs they’d ever had.
He sat on the couch between them, and Asa put the little black pup on his lap. The puppy gazed up at him and Noah asked, “What’s his name?”
“He doesn’t have one yet,” Asa replied.
Samuel smiled. “A handsome pup like that needs a handsome name. We thought maybe you could come up with one.”
Noah considered thoughtfully and gently stroked the pup’s soft ears. “He’s beautiful,” he said softly. “His coat is so shiny and black ... he’s as black as coal.”
He looked up at Asa. “How about ‘Coal’?”
Asa smiled and nodded. “I think Coal is a perfect name.”
“Coal is a great name, Noah,” Maddie agreed. “I
knew
you would think of something good!”
Sarah and Samuel both smiled and nodded and Noah looked around at all of them. “Why are you crying? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, sweetheart,” Sarah said softly. “We’re just happy ...”
Noah nodded. “Hey, Coal,” he whispered. The puppy barked and Noah grinned. “I think he likes it, too!”
Samuel stood and wiped his eyes. “Okay, who’s ready for coffee?”
Three cheerful “Me’s!” replied.
Sarah looked up at Samuel. “Can you put the oven on four hundred, too?” Samuel nodded and disappeared into the kitchen.
Noah hugged the newly named pup and whispered, “This is the best present ever!” Then, remembering he had gifts to give, too, he turned to Asa. “Dad, can I give Maddie her present?” Asa nodded and Noah handed Coal to Maddie and grinned. “That’s not your present ...” he said warningly.
“Are you sure?” Maddie teased as Coal nuzzled her hand. “I think he likes me.”
Noah grinned. “I’m sure!” Then he searched around under the tree, looking for the present wrapped in brown paper with chickadees on it. He found two. “Dad, can I give Maddie yours, too?”
Asa sat down on the floor next to Maddie and nodded. Noah knelt in front of her with the two gifts and Maddie held one in each hand. “Which one should I open first?”
“Mine!” Noah replied, pointing to the one that appeared to be a box. Maddie carefully pulled away the pretty paper as Coal happily tugged on the ribbon. Noah was grinning as she lifted off the top of the box and peered inside. She pulled back the tissue paper and there nestled inside was an intricately carved Christmas ornament of a female cardinal. She lifted it out by its ribbon and Noah said, “You can hang it ... or you could put it in the nest.”
Maddie smiled. “Noah, it’s just beautiful. Thank you!” She eyed him. “How did you know I like cardinals?” Noah just shrugged and grinned and Maddie handed Coal to Asa and stood up.
Noah held up one of the middle branches. “It’s right in here.”
Maddie reached inside the tree and gently nestled the cardinal into the nest. “You’re right,” she said admiringly. “She looks like she belongs there.” Noah nodded.
They sat back down and Maddie began to open her gift from Asa. She pulled off the paper and Asa said, “I know you got a copy of this for your mom ... but I had already gotten it, too. It must be good if we both picked it out!” Maddie smiled and held up a slim paperback for Sarah to see.
She nodded. “Oh, yes. One of our neighbors gave me
That Quail, Robert
to read a couple of years ago ... it’s a very cute story.”
Samuel came in with a tray of mugs and saw the book, too. “That’s such a good book ... even Noah would enjoy listening to it.”
For the next hour, they sipped coffee and opened gifts and by the time they finished, the floor was covered with tissue paper, wrapping paper, and shredded ribbons and bows. Amidst the strewn-about boxes were one sleeping puppy, three wool sweaters, books of all shapes and titles, L.L. Bean boots for Asa and a quilt-lined flannel work shirt, new soft scarves for Sarah and Maddie, mittens and a hat for Noah ... and a new jug of maple syrup that had made Asa laugh. When it seemed that everything had been opened and admired, Maddie reached into an unwrapped cardboard box and lifted out the tiny Norway spruce. She handed it to Noah with a grin. “I know it looks a bit like a Charlie Brown tree now, Noah, but if you plant it in a sunny spot, and take good care of it, it will grow to be as big as the Christmas trees in Rockefeller Center.”
Noah took the little tree carefully. “Wow! Thanks, Maddie.” He looked at Asa. “Dad, where should we plant it?”
Asa smiled. “Somewhere where there’s plenty of room!”

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