She felt a load lifting from her shoulders in the stark realization that unconsciously, she’d held reservations for moving forward to protect her son. Tears spilled down her cheeks as freedom rolled into her soul.
Robert rushed over. “Sandra – are you all right?” She stood laughing and crying at the same time. “I thought I looked pretty good.”
She leaned against Robert and showed him the text. Honesty was important to her, and she’d not beat around the bush with this man who had the ability to seal the holes in her heart in just a few days.
When he finished, he pulled her out to arm’s length and smiled. “Thank you for showing me. A man my age needs to know where he stands with a woman he’s pursuing. And, even more so, with her son, who no doubt is all about protecting his mother.”
Sandra scanned the man wearing the costume and pulled at the long white beard that hung from elastics over top of his ears. Punching his pillow-belly, she said, “Let’s rent it.”
“You can pick it up on the morning of December 24th. It will be clean and ready for you,” said the clerk as she handed him the paperwork.
The two hurried from the building and on the sidewalk, Robert asked, “How about a milkshake?”
“I know the perfect place – The Hop Shop. It’s a hangout for kids but I’m feeling a little young at heart right now,” said Sandra, as she grabbed his hand and started across the road at the crosswalk.
The next two days flew by in a whirlwind. Robert rented a car and they drove around the area, checking out suitable accommodations for guests. The last few replies had arrived and the grand total was ninety-eight attending the festive event. A good response considering the time of year. Reaching out beyond what Pineville offered for hotels and motels made the choices tougher.
“Definitely a three star,” said Sandra, as they peered at the Rest Acres Motel.
“I’m thinking two. Not sure I’d even want to recommend it to folks.”
“Maybe some will want a more inexpensive deal. Let’s see if they have openings, take a few pictures to post, and at the bottom of our email list it as a two-star choice. It might be better than sleeping in the street. We still need six more rooms.”
“I’d almost rather help the guest out with a few bucks to upgrade. Too rough, and I don’t like the area.”
“Fine, let’s continue on a few miles. I think there is a Best Western in the next town,” Sandra said. “We can come back here if we’re desperate.”
Two miles later, along the main street of Canterville, they found enough rooms for the remaining guests. With a sigh of relief, they got into the car for the last time to head back to Heritage Inn. “My hometown is an hour away. I considered commuting when I got the job, but now that I met you, I’m really glad I didn’t.”
“An hour? Why don’t you invite your girls for the party on Christmas Eve? They won’t care about witnessing the wedding, but they might want to come early enough to see their father dressed as Santa Claus.”
“I’d love for you to meet them, but not at your son’s wedding,” said Robert. “You don’t need two reasons to be an emotional wreck.”
Sandra laughed. “You may be right.”
“Let me call them and see if we can come for supper on the weekend. It will take the kitchen queen at least three days to plan the menu but she loves to entertain. Her sister always brings a couple dishes.”
It suddenly hit Sandra that her unofficial boyfriend wanted to bring her home to meet the family. Her insides curdled and she wondered if that’s what young people experienced bringing their love interests home to meet Mom and Dad. She’d always known Braxton’s parents and felt no awkwardness with her in-laws, so these nervous jitters attacked her like foreign objects.
“I think I’m nervous to meet your girls,” said Sandra as Robert pulled onto the highway. “Did you feel that way meeting Trevor?”
“I came for the job and met a Christmas angel. Suppose it made getting acquainted with your family easier. Worked my way into Trevor’s heart with all my ingenious wedding plans.”
“Are they Daddy’s girls? I’ve heard fathers have a special attachment to their daughters.”
“Can’t compare. They’re all the Good Lord blessed me with.” He reached across the seat and patted the top of Sandra’s hand. “It’ll be fine. My decision for a wife does not balance on their approval.”
“A wife? You won’t introduce me that way, will you? You’ll scare them half to death.”
“How so? Their mother’s gone five years now, and I never promised to stay single forever.”
“But you promised for a period of time?”
“I told them I’d let them know when I found someone who would measure up to their mother’s standards. Someone she’d approve to nurture her grandbabies.” His grin was playful.
“I suppose that might be a good ice-breaker,” said Sandra.
“Relax. You’re all tense. My family does not pull enough weight to stop me in my tracks. I’d prefer their blessing on my future, but I am my own man and they will accept my choices.”
“That’s easy to say sitting here with me, but face to face with your own flesh and blood has to make a difference. I won’t come between a man and his children.”
“I’ll give them a heads up so you won’t be a surprise. That’s my final offer. I’ll call tonight and let you know tomorrow.” He chuckled. “Maybe we can rustle up some
