She could see her breath on the air as she scrolled to find Candace’s number, but before she could finish, the phone bleeped with a message. She knew it was from Jack. Happy Christmas, Beautiful. I miss you. Try to call me if you can. If I don’t answer, it’s because I can’t. My thoughts are with you all the time these days—can you feel them? I’m sending them straight into your heart. Yours always, DOP
Moved by the lonely beauty of the beach and the longing that loneliness induced, she canceled Candace’s number and pressed the speed dial for Jack’s.
With a thumping heart, knowing she was more than foolish, she listened to the ringing tone. A small part of her just wanted to hear his voice and leave a short message. That small part knew it would be wiser to call Candace instead. But the larger part wanted to speak to Jack and feel cherished on that dull, colorless day. I’m only going to wish him a Happy Christmas, she thought.
At last he answered, and his voice, now as familiar as her favorite cashmere sweater, resonated with sunshine. “I was hoping you’d call.”
“Happy Christmas, Dog on Porch,” she said, feeling warm all over.
“Where are you? It sounds windy.”
“Down on the bleakest beach in Norfolk. The only place my mobile works.”
“I’m in the garden. It’s really hot. I’m glad you called. I miss you.”
“I miss you, too.” And she meant it, the fire in her heart now rekindled. “You sound so close, like you’re right here with me.”
“I am, in thought.”
“If I close my eyes, I can feel you.”
“I wish you were here. February is so far away.”
“It’ll come quickly.”
“It had better. I can’t wait too long.”
“Why is it that time goes fast when you’re having fun and slow when you’re miserable?”
“Because there is no such thing as time. It’s simply a way of measuring one moment to the next. It’s all in our minds.”
“You’re turning into a philosopher.”
“I’m morose these days, my darling. I need you here to make me laugh.” His voice sounded so flat, she felt her heart flood with compassion.
“Don’t be morose. You’re in a beautiful place, with your lovely daughters. It’s Christmas.”
“That’s why I’m morose. Beauty often makes one melancholy. It’s all transient. Nothing lasts.”
“There’s always the promise of something better around the corner.” He didn’t reply, so she continued, determined to make him happy. “Your daughters are growing up, but think of the pleasure in watching them blossom.”
“Right now I’m dwelling on the past, not the future. The past is solid. It’s happened. No one can take it away from me.”
“Focus on the present, Jack. The present is the only reality. Yesterday is gone, tomorrow doesn’t exist but in your imagination. Now is really here.”
“No, I’m focusing on February and what I’m going to do to you when I see you.”
“You are funny.”
“I’ve embarrassed you,” he said brightly, and she smiled, knowing she had cheered him up.
“Yes, you have.”
“I’ve never made a secret of wanting to make love to you.”
“Perhaps you should have.”
“And miss out on your embarrassment? I’d love to see you right now. I bet you’re blushing.”
“I’m not telling.”
“You’re lovely to kiss.”
“Thank you.”
“I bet you’re lovely to kiss all over.”
“Really, Jack, stop!”
“This is working. I’m feeling better already.”
“So it’s true, the secret of happiness comes from one’s state of mind.”
“I suppose it does. Before you called I felt so depressed. But now, with the simple thought of taking your clothes off, my misery has lifted and I’m in a better mood than I have been in in days.”
“Don’t get too excited. You might get into trouble.”
“Anna and the children have gone to church.”
“Why aren’t you with them?”
“I’m not feeling like snuggling up to God today.”
“Okay. I’ve never heard that excuse before.”
“Let’s just say He’s not in my good books at the moment.”
“Now, why’s that?”
“For a number of reasons. But I don’t want to ruin my mood by discussing His shortcomings. Let’s talk about making love again. Where was I? Oh yes, I was unwrapping you like a Christmas present . . .”