“I need to set them straight. Those girls need a firm hand.”
“I tend to work with a softer approach. Not good with tough love,” said Sandra.
“Well, they’re all here. So today is a good day to build the foundation.”
“Agreed.” She snuggled closer and leaned on his shoulder. “You feel good Robert.”
The Fredricks clan showed up at four-forty-five. Robert had slipped away to don his Santa costume. A mountain of gifts sat around the Christmas tree in the dancing tent, and two decorated chairs, resembling thrones, sat waiting for the bride and groom. Maintenance had arranged benches to face the stage for this portion of the day. Sandra sat in the reserved section on the front row, and Cindy, Franny and the four children moved in beside her. The benches behind filled up with guests, sipping on beverages and eager to see the couple open their gifts.
Angie and Trevor appeared, and the crowd clapped. Before they sat on their designated spots, they approached Sandra.
“Pictures are exhausting,” exclaimed Sandra.
“Memories, my dear. You’ll appreciate the sacrifice tomorrow.” Sandra stood and turned towards the group beside. “Angie and Trevor; may I present, Cynthia and Franny, Robert’s daughters.” She leaned over and pointed to the children. “The grandchildren; Jamie, Timothy, Sassy, and Skip are patiently waiting for Santa.”
“Aha. Santa is your surprise?” asked Trevor.
“Adds a holiday touch, don’t you think?”
“And a bit of Dristoll family tradition.” Trevor winked his approval.
“I think its perfect. All these people willing to come here on Christmas Eve to celebrate our special day. Family and friends are irreplaceable.” Angie turned to her guests.” We hope to get to know you better when we return from our honeymoon. We’ve grown close to your father these past couple weeks.”
“Thank you for inviting us. It’s a beautiful resort and a grand location to celebrate your vows.” Franny said. She affectionately touched Sandra’s arm. “And in one short visit to the Christmas Cave, your mother has managed to chip away some ice that’s been lodging in my cold heart far too long. I am looking forward to getting to know your family.”
Cindy merely offered a hand of greeting. “So nice to meet you, Angie and Trevor. I wish you luck.” The tag at the end of her greeting held a touch of bitterness and Sandra grieved in silence. This woman needed rehabilitation as much as her husband.
The couple took their place and almost immediately the room filled with a jolly, “Ho, Ho, Ho; Merry Christmas!” The crowd’s attention changed direction and all cheered for the man in red as he waved and made his way down the center aisle.
He grinned at Sandra before starting his duties. “Now what do we have here? Presents for the bride and groom,” he said while moving gifts and shuffling under the tree. “I see tags for all the girls and boys, too.” He stood and held his belly tight as he roared another, “Ho, Ho, Ho. Santa never forgets the little people.”
Anticipation for receiving the gift with their name under the tree, kept the children’s attention for forty minutes while the newlyweds unwrapped their wedding gifts, leaving a hill of torn paper, bows and ribbons off to the side. Skip noticed green garbage bags and staying low, left his seat and made his way to the pile. He began to stuff the garbage into the bags while Angie opened her final gift. By the time people wanted to take pictures the area was clean. Santa took note and Skip was the first to receive one of the remaining packages under the tree. “To my very special helper, today.” He smiled at his grandson. “Tell the folks your name.”
“Skip,” the boy mumbled.
“Well, you are definitely on Santa’s good-boy list. Watch for a special present under your tree tomorrow morning. But make sure you don’t peek. Dreams and wishes come true this time of year.”
Skip was Franny’s oldest, and recognized his grandfather under the disguise, not fooled at the man’s attempt to alter his voice.
“You into magic, Santa? I got big requests.”
“More into miracles, boy. The Good Lord never sleeps and Christmas is a year-round event. Keep your chin pointed to the hills where redemption draws nigh.”
Later when she was alone with Robert, she complimented him on his performance, especially the encouragement he offered his grandson.
“He’s a deep thinker. Good head on his shoulders. Franny did a good job raising him without a father.”
“I’m sure you filled the role whenever possible.”
“The boy and I are close. Even when he messes up, he runs to me.” He winked at Sandra. “He likes you too. Didn’t I tell you he was smart?”
Sandra grinned. “I’m relieved the speeches and meal went off without a hitch. I think people are enjoying themselves.”
“What’s not to enjoy? A walk on the beach, the lighthouse, a romantic fire pit, and dancing in the great outdoors on Christmas Eve. Our own piece of heaven here on earth. That’s what we’re blessed with today.”
“Trevor and Angie are having a good time too. I haven’t seen my son so happy in years.”
“Being in love does that to you,” said Robert as he scanned the area.
“Looking for your brood?”
“Yeah, have you seen them lately?”
“I think they headed for the lighthouse a while back.”
“Mind if I run and catch up? Give you a chance to rest up before the band comes back with the next set of tunes. I plan on dancing your feet off tonight.”
Sandra laughed. “Go on. I’ll stretch out and relax by the fire.”
She watched him head for the water and yawned. It had been a very long day. Slipping off her low heels, she carried them and walked toward the fire pit.
