I paused in the doorway. “Good morning.”
“Hey, darlin’. How’d you sleep?”
“Good.” I smiled. “Since when do you read the paper?”
“Oh, your dad brought it over for me.” He returned to the pages.
“Huh.” I closed the door behind me and turned on the shower. Maybe my dad would be the perfect person to keep Grey distracted while I tried to go shopping. I dreaded the thought of facing the Christmas Eve crowds, but I couldn’t let Grey wake up without a present under the tree from me.
My other obstacle was figuring out what that gift would be. I had already purchased a new drill, belt, and travel coffee mug for him. However, those were wrapped and stashed in the back of my closet. This had to be something special. Something that he would remember for the rest of our Christmases.
I darted into the main house in search of my mother. “Mom, you here?”
“What’s going on, honey?”
I found her in the dining room sorting cookies into tins. How did she find so many projects?
“I have to buy a present for Grey. All the ones I have for him are back home. Can I borrow your car?”
“Of course you can. But you know Dad and I got him a few things, so he’ll have something to open. I’m sure he doesn’t expect you to get him double the gifts.”
“I know he doesn’t. He would never expect that, but I have to. I have to make this Christmas perfect, and if he doesn’t have anything from me under the tree…” My words trailed off.
My mother placed her hands on my shoulders. “I think Grey’s gift is being with you. He doesn’t want anything else, Eden.”
I tried to figure out her meaning, but I didn’t have time for more of her cryptic life lessons. I had to get a gift.
“Can you ask Dad to give him a project for a couple of hours while I’m gone? He’s drinking coffee and reading the paper in the guesthouse.”
“Sounds like someone else I know.” She smiled. “I’ll tell Dad, but I’ve got a few things I could use a hand with. Hurry so you don’t miss lunch. Good luck.”
“Thanks.” I grabbed her keys off the hook and rushed out the door. I had two hours to find the most perfect Christmas gift ever created.
The mall was packed. I didn’t even want to attempt the parking garage, fearing I would be stuck there for hours without even making it into a store. I opted for a perimeter patrol and found an open spot at the far corner of the lot.
As soon as I walked through the automatic doors and heard the Christmas music, I knew I was in the wrong place. What was I thinking going to the mall to shop for Grey? Was I planning on getting him an Abercrombie sweater or a watch from a department store? I turned back around and headed for the car. I needed a Plan B.
I could smell the ham before I even entered the house.
“Eden, that you?” Mom called from the kitchen.
“Yes.” I peeked around the corner, worried Grey might be lurking nearby.
“Come on in. The guys are in the shed again working on the motorcycle. Why don’t you hide that in your room, and you can wrap it later?” She pointed to the bag I was carrying. “I told them lunch would be ready in ten minutes, so they’re likely to walk in here any minute.”
“Ok, thanks.” I hurried past her and down the hall. I stashed the gift under my bed. I was still doubting my choice. What if Grey didn’t like it? There wasn’t anything I could do now. Lunch was being served and the stores would close early for Christmas Eve. At least I had a new power drill for him back home.
I walked down the hall, listening to what had now become the familiar banter between Grey and my father.
“Well, we’ve hit all the spark plugs. I can’t imagine what else it could be?”
“There’s a reason the engine’s not running. Let’s take another look after lunch.” Grey sat in the seat opposite my father.
“There she is. How was your trip, pumpkin?” Dad grinned.
“Good.” I hoped he didn’t ask any more questions. He was supposed to be in on my secret mission.
Grey’s eyes lit up when I sat next to him, and I felt his hand squeeze my leg under the table. “I heard you had to make some deliveries for your mom. Everything go ok?”
“Mmmhmm.” I nodded.
“Lunch is ready.” My mother announced, and placed a platter on the table. “Eden, do you want to help me with the luminaries after lunch? I have the bags of sand in the garage and the bags ready to go.”
“Sure. No problem.” Our neighborhood always lined the streets with white paper luminaries every Christmas Eve. It was the responsibility of each neighbor to distribute their own and clean up the next day, but they were beautiful when they were all lit.
“What about the Turnwells? Do you think I should ask if they need help?” I hadn’t been by to visit Miss Peg like I promised Mr. Turnwell. My time was dwindling, and I needed to make a trip across the street to see her.