The Inn at Misty Lake: Book Two in the Misty Lake Series (13 page)

15

On Christmas Eve the house was full, much as it had been just a few weeks before, but for Susan, nothing could match the excitement, the enchantment, the joy of Christmas Eve. By five o’clock it was dark already and the tree, set against the inky black windows, sparkled and twinkled brightly, as if it knew tonight was the night to give its all. Dozens of packages, carefully wrapped in glittering paper and topped with dazzling bows and ribbons, created a sea of color underneath. Next year, Susan thought, the tree and packages wouldn’t be safe for a minute from the curious little fingers of Joe and Karen’s son or daughter. The idea warmed her heart and brought a smile to her face. The same would be the case at her parents’ house, she knew, with her niece or nephew. Again, a smile spread on her lips but a tiny pain tugged at her heart.

There had been a few moments earlier in the day as she and Sam were hustling with their last minute preparations, when the melancholy threatened, but she had brushed it aside. Yes, she missed her family, and yes, Christmas would be different, but it was still Christmas and, she figured, there was no point in thinking about what could be or what should be. Instead, she’d focus on what was in front of her and surrounding her with the kind of love families provide on Christmas. Even if they’re not your own.

She had called her parents and would again on Christmas. They had passed the phone around and she’d talked with everyone. If her heart had ached a little, that was okay, she told herself. If it hadn’t, she’d have been more upset. As it was, she looked around her at the decorations, the food, the people she was coming to think of as family, and she was thankful. She had taken a big risk six months ago leaving behind her family, friends, career, everything she knew, to try something different. Crazy, even. So far, she couldn’t be happier. And she had one person in particular to thank for that.

She spotted Riley across the room with Joe. It didn’t take a genius to figure out he was doing his best to get Joe worked up about the baby again. As she watched, Joe paled and clutched at Karen’s arm. Riley threw his head back and laughed while Karen patted Joe’s hand and reassured. When Karen turned and said something to Riley, he was the one who paled. Curious, Susan paid closer attention as Riley began backing away, eyes zooming around as if hoping for rescue. Karen took a determined step towards Riley. Slowly, soothingly, she took his hand and placed it on her belly. Even from a distance, Susan could see every muscle in Riley’s body tense. His eyes grew wide as Karen kept his hand in place. Susan’s laughter bubbled over at the sheer terror on Riley’s face. But then she saw him relax and slowly, ever so slowly, a smile spread across his face and lit up his eyes. She watched as he mouthed ‘It moved’ over and over.

Sweet, she thought. Riley and his brothers may act tough, but Susan knew they were almost as anxious as Joe for the baby to be born. The first McCabe grandchild was going to be loved—and spoiled—to pieces.

One who would be responsible for a big part of that spoiling approached Susan and caught her in a hug.

“I know I already hugged you and wished you Merry Christmas, but I expect you might be feeling just a little homesick right about now and I thought another hug might help.”

“Thank you, Mrs. McCabe, it does help.”

“Come sit down with me and tell me all about Christmas Eve with your family,” Anna coaxed as she led Susan to the sofa.

Susan sat and clutched a cheery red pillow bedecked with dozens of tiny, glittery snowflakes to her chest. One of her favorite finds at It’s a Lake Thing, she thought idly as she turned it over in her hands.

“Will they have a crowd tonight?”

“Just my parents, my brothers, and my sister-in-law. We don’t have any other family around. Sometimes the Munsons, our neighbors for as long as I can remember, come over, but Mom said they’re in Florida this year visiting some family. They don’t have anyone close by either so we spend holidays with them sometimes.”

“That’s nice, I always think the more the merrier at the holidays. Family or friends, it doesn’t matter.”

“I guess. Holidays were so different when I was a child, before…before everything. We were always at my grandparents’ house, my grandmother did all the cooking, everyone was so happy, there were games, and laughter…it was Christmas. What Christmas was to me, anyhow. Then after, my mom started having the holidays at our house. The first couple of years were rough, even as a kid you notice the strain, the sadness, but it got better and we gradually made a new normal.” Susan didn’t realize she had stopped talking and was staring into the darkness until Anna put a hand on hers.

“No matter how much time passes, there’s something about holidays, Christmas especially, that makes you remember. I guess it’s because everyone is usually so happy. Those kinds of memories have a way of sticking with you when some of the not-so-happy ones fade. And that’s how it should be, I think.”

Susan nodded, grateful for the wise words.

“I was sorry to hear your aunts weren’t going to be here tonight, I’m guessing they have an abundance of Christmas stories to share. Is Rose feeling better?”

“She is. I visited this morning, she’s still got a bit of a cold, but she’s a lot stronger than she was a couple of weeks ago…a few days ago, even. I’ll admit she gave me a bit of a scare. I’ve never seen her so weak and run-down. And she just didn’t seem to have the same fight in her that I’m used to seeing. I couldn’t quite figure it out, but she and Kate were carrying on like normal this morning so she’s definitely on the road to recovery.”

“It must be nice for them to be in the same apartment building. They’re able to see each other, to check on each other, without having to go outside.”

“Yes, most of the time,” Anna laughed. “Sometimes when I visit most of what I hear is how impossible the other one is. I guess that’s sisters for you. But it’s a nice place and it’s a good thing they both moved in when they did. There’s a waiting list now for the building. It’s the only senior apartment building in town or within a number of miles so there’s quite a demand. They’re having a little Christmas Eve party tonight. Hopefully Rose feels up to going.”

“I hope so.” Susan caught sight of Riley pulling Sam under the mistletoe and leaning her back for a dramatic kiss in front of Jake.

Anna watched Susan watch Riley with the eyes of a mother who wants only the best for her child and who has just determined that’s what is headed her child’s way.

“I hear things are moving along nicely with the bed and breakfast.”

Focusing her attention back on Anna, Susan answered, “They are. Riley is doing a wonderful job. If I’m not able to stop by for a day or two I’m always amazed at the progress.”

“That’s good to hear. He’s quite something, Riley.”

Susan couldn’t miss the leading tone in Anna’s voice. “Yes, he is,” she answered tentatively, somewhat unsure of where the conversation was headed.

“He’s always been one to throw himself into a project and not give up. He’ll work hard until you’re happy with the way everything turns out.”

“I’m sure he will.”

“You know, he’s never brought a girl around for Christmas. Not a one. Now, I realize he didn’t exactly bring you as this is your home and you’d be welcome at our home tomorrow regardless, but I can tell that’s kind of how it is for him.”

Aha, Susan thought. Now Riley’s mom was getting to the reason for their chat. She remained silent and waited.

“He’s dated a few girls off and on but nothing serious.” She let the idea hang for a moment before continuing. “And you? I realize I’ve never asked if you left someone behind in Chicago.”

“Um, nope. No one left behind.”

“I see.” Anna was beaming. “You know what a small town Misty Lake is…I have some friends who like nothing better than to report to me on my children’s comings and goings, so it’s only fair to tell you I’ve heard you and Riley have been out together a number of times.”

“I don’t know if I’d say a number…”

“No matter. I just want you to know that I think it’s wonderful. Riley is a special boy—man, I suppose I should say although he’ll always be a boy to me—and I love seeing him happy. You make him happy, Susan.”

“Well, I don’t know…I think maybe I drive him crazy sometimes.” Susan was starting to sweat. She didn’t think she could have this conversation, didn’t think she could handle discussing Riley with his mother. She looked around desperately, wishing someone would come over to talk to them, wishing Gusto would demand her attention, wishing Karen would go into labor, wishing the Christmas tree would spontaneously combust…

“Pardon me?” she realized she hadn’t been listening as Riley’s mother had continued to talk. She ordered herself to focus and to stop picturing a flaming Christmas tree.

Anna smiled knowingly. “I was just saying that I can always tell when Riley’s thinking about a girl. He gets distracted and then he gets moody. It’s not a bad thing, mind you, just his thing. He gets over it quickly as it usually doesn’t take him long to decide if the girl is worth his trouble or not. Now with you, he’s past the moodiness so I know he’s made up his mind.”

“Oh?” Susan managed.

“Look how he’s smiling over this way. It’s not hard to figure out what he’s decided.”

Smiling? Right. He was probably just trying to keep from busting out laughing. Evil, that’s what he was, enjoying her obvious discomfort. Well, she’d show him. Gathering herself, she turned to his mother and leaned close. “Let’s just hope his decision is the right one. I’ve done some thinking myself and I’d hate to have to tell him he’s come to the wrong decision. Just between you and me, Mrs. McCabe, I’ve decided I’m quite taken with your son, but I don’t think I’m ready to let him know quite yet. Nothing wrong with keeping a man guessing, I figure. Especially a man who has been looking pretty darn smug for the last few minutes. I’ll tell him soon, but I hope you don’t mind if I make him squirm for just a little while.”

Anna drew back and studied Susan for brief moment before tossing her head and letting a laugh fly. “I knew I liked you, Susan. You’re going to keep Riley on his toes, that’s for sure. Good for you.” She laid a hand on Susan’s. “And I think you’d better call me Anna.”

Susan kept one eye on Riley as she meandered across the room, stopping for a quick word with Karen to make sure she was comfortable, checking to see if Frank needed a refill, and patting her dozing dog on the head. By the time she made her way to him, the hint of concern she had seen in his eyes when his mother had first laughed was now full-blown alarm.

Riley saw them talking, figured Susan was sitting through a round of questioning from his mother. It was funny, really. Wasn’t it usually the girl’s dad doing the interrogating? Not with his mom in the picture.  She’d probably know everything from Susan’s favorite movie to her views on politics to details of her first kiss within a few minutes. For as self-assured as she liked to be, he could tell, even from this distance, that Susan was caving to his mother. He decided to relax and watch the show.

When Susan leaned in and started whispering to his mother, and when his mother got that surprised look on her face, the one that he’d seen only a few times, that’s when Riley started to sweat. When they both looked his way and smirked he considered making a run for it. Now that Susan was in front of him, after taking her sweet time getting there, he wanted to appear unruffled.

“So, what were you two talking about,” Riley asked, struggling to keep his voice impassive. “Is my mom making up stories about me?” He gave a weak, forced laugh that turned into a cough.

“Making up stories? I’m betting there are enough true stories that she doesn’t need to resort to making things up.”

“Well, I’m sure she embellished.”

“Relax, McCabe. She wasn’t in the story-telling mood today.”

Now he was even more perplexed as he threw a glance his mother’s way then focused again on Susan. “I doubt you were talking about the weather…what gives?”

“Just girl talk, you wouldn’t be interested.”

Not interested. Right. It was eating at him and she darn well knew it. Well, he’d get it out of her, or his mom, eventually. Time to change the subject. “If you say so.” He gave a casual shrug and looked to the kitchen. “Let’s go get something to eat before Frank and my dad clean us out.”

Susan thoroughly enjoyed being with the McCabe family. They teased, debated, joked, and competed but above all, loved. And they treated Susan and Sam as if they had always been a part of the group. Later in the evening, when Shauna took control of the music that had been playing low in the background and insisted on a game of ‘Name that Christmas Tune,’ Susan was treated to a first-hand example of their competitive nature.

“Guys against girls isn’t fair,” Joe protested. “You know more Christmas songs than we do.” His brothers nodded their agreement.

“But you have one more player since Shauna’s running the iPod,” Karen shot back.

“It’s still not even. How about if we swap Dad for Mom?” Riley suggested.

“Well, thank you very much for your vote of confidence, son,” Sean said with a long, slow look at Riley.

Anna chuckled and settled the argument. “We’ll leave the teams as they are. You boys will just have to try your best.”