Courtney put the gifts she was carrying on the coffee table in the center of the room. Like everything else in here, it was old. When they’d first married, Shaun had told her the farmhouse hadn’t been decorated since before Ellis brought Mary home as his wife. They were too busy working in the summer, and in the winter nobody had the desire to be painting or wallpapering.
And yet there was something so homely about it. The threadbare couch was covered with quilts Mary had stitched over the years, and every table bore the rings and scratches from generations of Roberts who had farmed here. It was like a piece of living history – something Courtney never had until she’d arrived in Hartson’s Creek.
“I’m so sorry I missed church,” Courtney said, hugging Mary tight. “I overslept.” It was the truth, even if she still felt bad saying it.
“Oh sweetie, there’s no need to apologize.” Mary hugged her back. “I remember how hard it is being pregnant. Both times I slept more than I was awake.” She stepped back, wrapping her hand around Courtney’s. “Now you sit down next to the fire and warm up. I’ll make you a warm drink.”
“I can help.”
“Oh no you don’t. Now do as you’re told and put your feet up.” Mary’s voice was firm. “Ellis!” she called out. “Courtney’s here.”
“Is Carl here?” Courtney looked around for signs of their son.
“He’s on shift this afternoon, so he headed home to get changed,” Mary told her.
Courtney breathed out softly, relaxing back into the chair. The fire was crackling next to her, the occasional ember spitting out onto the hearth. It was a relief not to see Carl, as awful as that sounded. She didn’t have the patience for his pointed remarks today.
“Merry Christmas,” Ellis said, walking into the living room. He was wearing his best Sunday clothes, a tie knotted around his starched collar. He ran a finger under it, as though it was beyond uncomfortable. It was rare to see him in anything other than his work clothes – thick twill pants and warm sweaters in winter, or thinner pants and a short-sleeved open-neck shirt in summer. Like Shaun, he was wiry, his body slim and surprisingly lithe for a man his age. He reached down to hug Courtney, and she hugged him back.
“One hot chocolate,” Mary said, walking back in with a tray. “And I brought you coffee, honey.”
“Much appreciated.” Ellis nodded, passing Courtney her mug before taking his own. “Let’s drink to a peaceful Christmas.”
“A peaceful Christmas,” Courtney said, smiling at them both.
“Oh, I have something for you.” Mary put her own mug on the table and walked over to the tree. “I know we usually exchange gifts after lunch, but this one is special. An extra one.” She picked up a large rectangular package, the wrapping rustling as she carried it over.
Courtney grinned up at her. “What is it?”
“Open it and see.”
It was soft and light, whatever it was. She pulled the bow to release it, then picked at the tape until the paper came away easily. Beneath the wrapping was a folded quilt. She opened it up, her mouth dry as she took in the embroidered squares. Each one depicted a different farm animal, their name stitched beneath. The quilting fabric was yellow, neutral, for a girl or a boy.
“I wasn’t sure what your nursery theme would be,” Mary said softly. “But I figure animals always work, right?”
Courtney couldn’t stop looking at it. As with all of Mary’s needlework, it was intricately beautiful. She knew from experience that it must have taken weeks for her to make it look this perfect. “When did you find time to make this?” she asked her.
“I’ve had the squares for a while,” Mary admitted, her face reddening. “I guess I always hoped I’d have a grandbaby one day. And when we heard your news, I dug them out and found this fabric. Ellis helped me put it all together on the days when my fingers were a little clumsy.”
Tears spilled from Courtney’s eyes. “It’s so beautiful,” she said, her voice thick as she wiped them away with the backs of her hands. “I’m sorry for being so emotional. I didn’t expect this. It’s like an heirloom.” She looked up at them, smiling even though the tears still streamed. “Shouldn’t you save it in case Carl has a baby?”
Mary’s eyes softened. “Oh sweetheart, no. I want to give it to my first grandbaby. And as far as I’m concerned, that’s the little one growing inside of you right now.” She looked down at the quilt on Courtney’s lap. “You’re as much a daughter to us as Carl is a son. And we want to be this baby’s grandparents, if you’ll have us.”
“Of course I will.” She felt so blessed to have them on her side. “I can’t think of anybody who’d make better grandparents than you two.”
Ellis cleared his throat, looking to the side. It didn’t stop her from catching the way his eyes were watering, too.
“We should have some Christmas music,” he mumbled, walking over to the old stereo, and flicking through the CDs he had there. “It’s supposed to be a happy time.”
Mary caught Courtney’s eye and they both smiled. “Of course, dear,” Mary called out. “And I’ll go check on the lunch, make sure it’s doing okay.”
“I’ll help you,” Courtney said, lifting the quilt gently as she went to stand.
“Oh no you won’t. You sit there and be waited on for once,” Mary insisted. “This year we get to spoil you, and next year we get to spoil the baby.” She nodded, her eyes glowing. “I’ve waited a long time to see some new life in this place, and I can’t tell you how happy it makes me.”
Courtney nodded, her lips
