Judy Christenberry - Christmas Gifts - Cinderella and the Cowboy / The Boss's Christmas Baby / Their Little Christmas Miracle

She remembered that night. He’d come home drunk and had taken her to the bedroom and had sex with her. The next morning he didn’t remember anything he’d done. Then he’d claimed she’d betrayed him when she turned up pregnant.

The only reason she’d stayed with him was that she wanted her son to have what she never had. She shivered at the memory.

She’d been five when she’d been taken away from her mother by Child Services, never to be returned. The emotions of that day flooded her again, swamping her with sadness and fear. She’d never known her father.

More than anything, she wanted her children to have family, someone who would always help, offer comfort. She’d have to be their family now. Because of Reggie she didn’t think she’d ever remarry.

After hugging her little girl and promising her a future, she put Jenny on the bed and surrounded her with pillows. Then she stowed the child’s belongings.

She went to the kitchen after unpacking for Brady and surveyed the full pantry and freezer, packed with any cut of beef she wanted to cook. The refrigerator was her final review. Jack was right. They had anything she’d need to cook dinner tonight.

Half an hour later, Brady ran into the room. “Mommy! They have lots of puppies. They don’t have their eyes open yet. And they wiggle a lot!”

“I’m glad, Brady. Now you need to hang up your coat and go wash your hands so you’ll be ready for dinner.”

“But, Mommy, can I have a puppy?”

Elizabeth whirled around and stared at her son. “What did you say?”

“Jack said I could have one.”

She turned and stared at Jack. “You told him what?”

“I suggested he could pick out a dog if you didn’t mind.”

“No! No, he can’t have a puppy! Brady, go wash up.”

“But, Mommy—”

“Go, Brady!”

The little boy went into the bathroom on the bottom floor. Elizabeth knew his heart was broken, but she had no choice.

“Why can’t the boy have a dog?”

Not that it was any of his business, she thought, but she told him anyway. “Because I can’t take a dog with us when we leave.”

“You sure Tom is going to let you leave?”

Elizabeth looked at him then. What did he mean by that? And did she detect a note of sarcasm in Jack’s tone? Somehow, she didn’t think he was in favor of them being there.

Until she got the lay of the land, she thought it best to simply avoid the subject with Jack. Instead she asked him to get Tom to the table for dinner. He merely gave her a nod and walked out of the room.

She’d made a beef and cheese macaroni meal with a salad and hot rolls. It wasn’t elegant, but it was quick, hot and filling.

Just as she put it on the table, Tom came in, holding on to Jack’s arm.

She smiled warmly at the older man. “Good evening, Tom.”

“Are you all moved in already?” Tom asked as he sat down.

“Yes, we are, in very spacious quarters.”

“Good, good. You’re family. And I’m thrilled to have you and the kids here. Where’s the baby?”

“She’s napping. She’ll be up for abottle at eight, after dinner.”

“It occurred to me that we’ll need to get a crib. Jack can go with you to buy one and whatever else you need.”

She shook her head. “I can’t afford to buy anything right now. We’re all right. I have her surrounded by pillows.”

“Nonsense, Elizabeth. I’ll pay for the crib and other things you need. My son did a poor job of taking care of you and your babies. It’s my job now. I’ll provide for you. You and Jack can shop tomorrow.”

She fought to hold back her tears, blinking rapidly. “Tom, I really appreciate your offer, but we won’t be able to take much with us when we leave, so there’s no reason to buy them.”

Tom frowned. “Honey, I’m not planning on you leaving. Like I said, you’re family. The only family I have left. Jack, here, has been like a son to me since Reggie went away. I was too easy on my son. I didn’t make him learn good and bad. I wondered why God took him and not me. Now I know I still have purpose here on earth. I have you, Brady and little Jenny. God left me here to do what my son should’ve done.”

She gave up the fight and let the tears fall. “Tom, I promise I didn’t come here for you to take care of us. I can get a job when school starts again.”

“Do you like teaching school?”

“It’s not bad.”

“Wouldn’t you rather raise your kids?”

“Yes, but—”

“How about cooking?”

“I enjoy cooking, and will be glad to cook for you and Jack, Tom. That…that would be like having a family.”

“That’s what we want, too.” Tom leaned forward and patted her hand. “You just take care of the house and those kids and let us know if you need anything, okay?” Before she could reply he continued, “And while you’re at the store, me and Brady can get to know each other.”

She swiped at her tears. “I don’t know what to say, Tom. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Now, no more tears, young lady. We’re going to wear happy faces around here from now on.”

Elizabeth couldn’t help but smile.

Her smile lasted through dinner and the cleanup. Jack insisted on helping, despite her protests, and she thought maybe she’d won him over.

“What time’s breakfast in the morning?” he asked as they finished up.

“Brady usually gets up about seven. Is that okay?”

“Fine. And after breakfast, you and I will drive into Oklahoma City to do some shopping.”

“We don’t have to, Jack. I don’t think Tom will even notice if we don’t buy much.”

Jack shot her a look that wiped away her smile. “I may be Tom’s friend, Elizabeth, but I’m also his employee. I do what I’m told to do.”

ELIZABETH didn’t accept Jack’s warning. When she got up the next morning, she fully intended to blow off the shopping trip.

She hurriedly dressed and slipped downstairs to make breakfast. Pancakes were bubbling on the griddle when she heard steps on the stairway. From the sound, she figured it was Jack coming down the stairs. But she was surprised when he appeared with Brady in his arms.

“Brady, did you forget to get dressed?”

The little boy giggled. “Jack said I could come down in my pajamas.”

“I see.”

“It’s okay, isn’t it?”

She ignored Jack’s question and smiled at her son. “Hop up in your seat, sweetie.”

“Okay, Mommy,” Brady said.

She flipped the pancakes onto plates and brought them to the table, already set with butter and syrup.

“These look good, Elizabeth,” Jack said.

She didn’t respond, choosing to pour milk for Brady instead.

“I’d like some milk, too, please,” Jack said.

She poured another glass.

As she turned back to the stove to flip the four new pancakes, Tom’s door opened and the man came to the table.

He looked better than yesterday. Sprier, brighter. “Good morning, Tom. How are you this morning?”

Jack greeted Tom also.

Brady grinned at his grandfather. “Good morning, Grandpa!”

“Brady, that’s the best greeting I’ve heard in a long time.”

“Mommy made pancakes for us.”

“I can see that.”

Just then Elizabeth put aplate down in front of him.

They all ate in silence. Elizabeth didn’t get upset that they didn’t rave about her pancakes. She knew they were good.

When breakfast was over, she sent Brady up to his room to get dressed. Tom went back to his bedroom when he finished.

Jack got up and filled a cup with coffee and sat back down again.

“Do you want more pancakes?”

He looked up in surprise. “No, I’m full. But they were wonderful.”