Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 63004 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 315(@200wpm)___ 252(@250wpm)___ 210(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63004 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 315(@200wpm)___ 252(@250wpm)___ 210(@300wpm)
“I had such a crush on my seventh-grade English teacher,” David said with a dreamy smile. “I wonder what she’s up to now?”
Dad cleared his throat. “Okay, away from that disturbing train of thought. Do you plan on teaching in Colorado?”
Vivianne nodded. “Yes. I can’t ever imagine myself leaving Colorado. I love it here too much.”
That seemed to please my father.
Our dinner came, and we fell into an easy conversation. My mother and father had listened to my request and didn’t ask Vivianne anything too personal, sticking to topics like school and hobbies she enjoyed.
Once the dinner plates were cleared and we were eating dessert, Mom brought up Christmas.
“You boys will both be able to come home for the whole break, I hope? Will you be heading back home for Christmas break, Vivianne?”
It was the first mention of home, and Vivianne flinched, but it was so small that I was positive only I had noticed.
“No, I’ll be staying here in town.”
Before Mom could reply, Dad cut in.
“I hope you boys will be home at least for a good few days. I’ve got some repairs I need help with in the main barn.”
David spoke first. “I’ll be there for sure the whole break, so I can help you, Dad.”
I was instantly torn. I wanted to go home and see the rest of my family; my younger brothers, Michael and Jason, were still in high school, and I wanted to spend as much time with them as possible…but I also wanted to be with Vivianne.
Clearing my throat, I set my napkin down. “I’ll be home the week of Christmas, and I can help with the repairs as well. But I’ll most likely come back here to spend some time with Vivianne.”
My parents looked at each other, then at Vivianne.
“I know you said you work two jobs, Vivianne, and couldn’t take time off,” Mom started. “But I’m organizing an event on Christmas Day for some local kids. This will be my second year doing it, and let me tell you, it’s a lot more work than I thought. It’s for kids from a local orphanage who otherwise wouldn’t have a Christmas like most. They always try to do a little something for the kids, but it’s not much.”
“What do you do for the kids, if you don’t mind me asking?”
My mother smiled. “Well, it’s on Christmas Day to make it special for the kids. Last year we just had the kids come over to open presents in the indoor arena at the barn. This year, though, we’ve invited the younger kids to come and have Christmas breakfast with us. The older kids are staying back during the Christmas breakfast so they can deliver dolls that they have made throughout the year to give to the younger kids.”
“How sweet of them,” Vivianne stated.
“Yes, it is. But the work for the event starts well before that. With fundraising for the gifts and such. The week before Christmas Day, we cut down some trees and set them up in the indoor arena of our horse barn. Then we decorate them with a theme and put the presents for the kids from the orphanage under the trees. They come and spend the day opening them.”
“Santa was played by Dad last year,” I said with a laugh.
“Hey, I think I did a great job.”
Mom patted my father’s hand. “You did an amazing job, sweetheart. Anyway, I work with the orphanage to gather the kids’ Christmas lists, and we purchase two gifts for each of them. It’s not much, but it means so much to the kids.”
“Wow, that is so kind.”
Nodding, Mom went on. “We couldn’t do it without the help of the residents of River Falls. They all donate, and this past summer we held a small rodeo at the ranch, raising money for it as well. Our community is amazing.”
“Sure is,” Dad and David both added at the same time.
“Anyway, the boys all help, of course, but you can imagine it’s rather hard finding people who want to help around the holidays, and especially on Christmas Day.”
Vivianne nodded.
“I have a proposition for you. Would you be willing to come home with Ladd during Christmas week? We have a guest room available for you to stay in, and I’d compensate you for your help with the Christmas Day event for the kids. That is, if your two jobs would allow you time off.”
Surprised, Vivianne stared at my mother before turning and looking at me. I took her hand under the table and squeezed it. She blinked a few times, and I swore she was trying to keep tears at bay.
“I, um…well, it’s slow during Christmas week. So I don’t think it would be a problem getting off.”
A wide smile grew across my mother’s face. “Then it’s a yes? We’d love to have you, and I would greatly appreciate the extra hand.”