Christmas Secret by Violet Howe

Author:Violet Howe [Howe, Violet]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781732726970
Publisher: Charbar Productions

Chapter 13

By the time Christmas Eve arrived, Maddie was nearly bursting at the seams with excitement. She couldn’t wait to see her grandchildren’s faces as they opened their presents, and even though they’d be short a few family members, she still looked forward to having her home filled with laughter and her table surrounded by those she loved.

But that wasn’t the only thing that had her buzzing all over with overly-enthusiastic holiday spirit. That night, after the girls left with their families, she and Robert would celebrate their customary Christmas Eve late-night feast, and then on Christmas morning, she would finally get to reveal her wedding surprise for Robert.

It had been so hard to keep it a secret. In the weeks since she’d booked the trip, there had been many times she’d wanted to just blurt out the news so she could share the anticipation and planning with him. But each time she was tempted, picturing the Christmas morning scene she had in her head would convince her it was worth the wait.

Christmas Eve day was spent in the kitchen with Stevie and Jackson, preparing the feast they’d all enjoy that evening once Robert was off work and Alissa and Jed arrived. Little Joe was eager to help, and her heart was filled with joy and remembrance as he knelt on his stool beside her, just as Corinne had done when she was a toddler.

The passage of time and the expansion of family had made each holiday a little easier to get through, but it was still impossible for Maddie not to think of Simon and Corinne and the few Christmases they’d been able to share together. She cherished those early memories, guarding them fiercely in her heart, even as she made new memories each year with the family she’d created from the ashes of their absence.

It seemed odd not to be celebrating in the big old house where she’d had her last Christmas with Simon and Corinne, the first of many Christmases with her girls, and her first Christmas of what she hoped would be many with Robert.

Though this was their second year in the condo, they’d been in Europe for Christmas last year, so this was the first holiday season where not being in the house really hit her.

But while she missed the familiar surroundings, she kept reminding herself of the lesson she’d learned on that fateful journey back from Costa Rica. That the spirit of Christmas isn’t limited to one day or confined to a specific location. It can be celebrated any time anywhere. All that’s needed is love.

And she had plenty of that.

By the time the dinner dishes were done, the gifts were all unwrapped, and Stevie and Alissa had headed home with their families for the night, she and Robert were both exhausted and ready for peace and quiet.

“I think that went well,” Robert said as he wrapped his arms around Maddie’s waist. “Those kids are so hyped up they’ll be lucky to get them to sleep by dawn.

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