The Christmas Scarf(9)

“So did you soothe Timmy’s nerves? He doesn’t really have many lines, but he’s worried about them. He takes his part so seriously.”

“I think so. I told him I’d be there for him.”

“Like I said. You’re a miracle worker.”

Missy stood up. “Well, let’s get a bit more practice finished before we declare me that, how about it?”

“I’ll round up the kids, if I can tear them away from your mom’s cookies.”

Missy watched as Dylan headed over to the table of cookies, swiped one for himself and led the kids back to the stage, joking and laughing with them as he got them back into their places.

They wound up the practice with the traditional singing of Silent Night, which was how the pageant had ended for years, with all the audience joining in.

“Okay, kids. I’ll see you all tomorrow. You did great. Tomorrow we’ll do a dress rehearsal.” Missy watched as the kids gathered their jackets and jostled each other, laughing and calling to each other.

“That went well.” Dylan stooped to pick up a prop.

“It did. I hope the dress rehearsal goes as well tomorrow.”

“A handful of moms have promised to come help wrestle them into the costumes.”

“Oh, good. I’m sure we’ll need the help.” Missy picked up a star that had fallen from the background and stuck it back into place. “I’d better hurry home. I promised Mom I’d help her haul the cookies to the park and set up the snack table.”

“Guess I’ll see you there tonight, then.”

“Yes, I’ll see you tonight.”

~ * ~

Missy found her mother in the kitchen, boxing up the last of the cookies. “Mom, it looks like you made enough to feed the town for weeks.”

“I’m not the only one bringing cookies tonight and some of these are for the Christmas party at the nursing home. Remember our old neighbor, Mrs. Greene? She’s lived at the nursing home the last few years and I’ve been going to the party each year. You’ll go with me this year, won’t you? I’m sure she’d love to see you. I help out a bit with the music, too.”

“Of course I’ll go. I’d love to see her, too.”

“Living at home alone just got a bit too much for her. She seems happy at the nursing home. She’s made friends, of course. Plays bridge twice a week with a group there. I try to get by to see her as often as possible.”

Missy watched as her mother boxed up the last of the cookies, humming a Christmas carol under her breath as she bustled around the kitchen. Her mother was one of the most giving, kindest women she knew. Always giving of her time. Or her baking. Her mother loved to bake for anyone and everyone.

It felt so right to be in the kitchen again with her mom, listening to her humming a song and standing there among the mountains of cookies in her predictable but ridiculous Christmas sweater.

“Here, Mom, let me load up.”

They wrestled the boxes of cookies into the car and over to the cookie table at the park. People were beginning to gather. Christmas lights lit up the gazebo in the center of the park. Kids dashed this way and that. A few rushed by her with calls of “Hi, Miss Sherwood.”

“The kids seem taken with you.” Her mother nodded towards a set of twins who raced by and said hi.

“They were great. I really had a good time working with them on the pageant today.”

“I’m glad you’re here to help out.” Her mother wrapped one arm around her and hugged her. “And I’m really glad you’re home for Christmas. It hasn’t seemed like a real Christmas without you.”

“I’m glad I’m home, too, Mom.” She wondered what her mom would say when she learned the move was permanent. She just had to find the right time to tell her. Explain how she hadn’t been able to make it in Nashville. Oh, and she needed to find a job.

~ * ~

Dylan scanned the park, looking for Missy. The park was crowded with townsfolk laughing, sipping hot chocolate, and munching on cookies. He saw the mayor head to the gazebo for his annual Christmas speech.

“Hey, you.” Missy sidled up beside him in the crowd.

“There you are.” Dylan smiled at her. “I couldn’t find you in the mass of people. Comfort Crossing sure does like their tree lighting.”

“I admit I’m kind of excited. Haven’t been to the tree lighting in years. It was always one of my favorite nights growing up.”

“Glad you made it back this year.” He was pleased she’d come home this year. She was helping him with the pageant, right? That’s why he was so happy she was back in town. That was all it was.