“I am grateful to you, and that’s as good as rent money. I enjoy more time with my husband since you pitched in to help. Tom wonders how he ever stayed ahead of the job before you arrived. If you play your cards right, he may even offer you a position.”
John appeared surprised. “Helping folks comes naturally. I don’t need money to show kindness. Besides, who knows – I may discover that I’m the right-hand man to the President and he is ravaging the countryside looking for me as we speak.”
Pam laughed. “John, you are an interesting character, and the Whitehouse could certainly use your sense of humor to brighten their day. So, here’s hoping their search extends to Cedar Springs.” She grabbed Denise’s hand. “Meanwhile, onward to the new treasures. John, why don’t you look around and enjoy the spirit of Christmas in this place.”
The women had their heads buried in a box when Denise asked. “Oh, by the way, did you get your parcel from the Post Office? Everyone is talking about it.”
“Figures that everyone knew before I did. Typical Cedar Springs.”
“The return address is the North Pole,” Denise said with a giggle. “You must know how curious that makes people.”
“I picked it up this morning, but I had John with me so I just dropped it off at the apartment. As you can see, I am not nearly as curious as you.”
“Who do you know up north?”
“Stupid question. I come from the south.”
“Wrong. Your parents raised you in the south. Maybe Santa delivered you to them in a basket. Did you ever ask?”
“That’s ridiculous. I only found out on my father’s deathbed that his deceased wife, the woman I called Mom all my life, was not my birth mother. But the woman exists somewhere! Of course, you already know that, don’t you, Miss Smarty?”
“True. I also know your dad never told you why she left or if the original family had its beginnings in San Diego. My theory with Santa still holds.” Denise appeared smug as she relayed her latest version of Pam’s life prior to Cedar Springs.
“Father was tight-lipped about his first wife, even at his deathbed confession. Said if I needed to know anything the woman would surely land on my doorstep as quick as she’d left. Then he died, and I was alone.”
“So sad. My dearest friend – all alone in the world.” Denise’s words dragged out and Pam couldn’t figure if she were playing with her, or if she really felt sorry for her lack of family.
Pam decided on the latter. “Not true. I have you and Tom. And look at all the many friends I’ve made in Cedar Springs. I consider myself a regular resident of the mid-west. Now and forever.”
“Forever is a long time.” Denise giggled. “And just to let you know, there is nothing regular about you, my friend. You add a touch of class to Cedar Springs with your California upbringing, and now we learn of well-wishers sending gifts from the North Pole.” She whistled playfully and nudged Pam.
“Enough with the crazy. I’ll open the gift tonight and call you.”
“Better yet, I will follow you home when we’re done at the center and check it out for myself.”
“Fine. Now can we get back to decorations?” Pam reached down and pulled out an angel tree topper. The figure sat casually in Santa’s sleigh. It appealed to her. “Now there’s a mixed up duo if I ever saw one.”
Both women laughed. Denise’s eyes twinkled with mischief, and Pam cried out, “You, Denise Jenkins, are hopeless.”
“What? Santa’s sleigh flies to the North Pole, and now an angel is along for the ride! Choosing that particular ornament gives us insight into your psyche. Maybe your subconscious mind picking this adorable messenger is divine providence – this angel sent here to Cedar Springs to guide you back to your roots.”
“You can spin a yarn, woman,” said Pam. “Save your far-fetched speculations for another sucker.”
“It’s the nature of the beast in me.” Denise laughed.
“Denise Jenkins, I am in Cedar Springs to stay. Perhaps someday I’ll search for my real mother. But not today! Now, let’s drop my sadly lacking heritage once and for all.”
“Drop what?” asked John as he came up behind us.
“Not this angel, that’s for sure,” said Denise.
“Are you ready for a sweet treat and tea before we head over for supper duty?” Pam asked.
Denise jumped to her feet and dragged them to the café portion of the store. “I have the perfect one. The baker’s new Cookie recipe is to die for.” She laughed and held her hands up in defense. “And you can’t blame me, Pamela Legend, that today’s theme is the entire North Pole collection, adorned with sprinkles and yummy gummies. I’m thinking the woman must know something we don’t know.” She pointed to Santa’s sleigh. “I think that one has your name on it.”
“Wrong! I’ll take that little green elf,” Pam said.
“Spoilsport.” Denise filled a serving dish with a small variety of cookies – including a sleigh, an angel and the elf – and handed the plate to her friend.
Pam turned to face John. He’d stopped goggling the plate of goodies and was following with keen eyes the escape of the baker as she disappeared behind the swinging doors that led to the kitchen.
“Now what are you thinking?” Pam asked.
John’s eyes returned to the platter and then to Pam. “I’m deliberating. Everything looks scrumptious. I want to go, find that baker, and force her to tell me her secrets.” When Pam and Denise appeared somewhat surprised, he announced with a shrug of
