The Christmas Portrait Surprise by Phyllis Clark Nichols

Author:Phyllis Clark Nichols
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction
ISBN: 9781736915752
Publisher: Phyllis Clark Nichols
Published: 2021-10-05T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

Thursday morning, December 19

Cedar Falls

Granny Grace

I locked the back door, walked to Evie’s car, and glanced at the empty back seat as I got in. “Why, Evie, you’re looking absolutely lovely this morning. I should have borrowed that Christmas sweater for my trip.”

“You can still borrow it.”

“Thank you, but I think I have everything I need. I do appreciate your being my chauffeur for the luncheon. I know it was a special trip and out of your way.”

“Oh, Grace, it’s only three miles, and I do love this beautiful drive in the countryside.”

“After all these years, I still enjoy the drive myself, especially if I’m coming home. Bless John’s heart, he knew my old truck heater is close to breathing its last breath of warm air, and he and his buddy picked it up and took it to the shop yesterday afternoon. Maybe by the time I get back home, I’ll be driving around in a sauna.”

“That sounds inviting on a cold morning like this one. You can take me for a ride the next time. And you’re right. John is the best.”

“He’s like a son to me, and I’m glad you don’t mind. I see Kate and Laramie aren’t with you. Kate still got the mullygrubs this morning?”

“She’s still pouting a bit, but she and Laramie were in the kitchen finishing up the strawberry salad when I left. Kate sent me to the grocery store early this morning for everything she needed. Mindy’s picking them up and bringing them to Susannah’s. They worked last night on some Christmas-gift projects. I had no idea when I married into this family that homemade Christmas gifts are the ones everyone expects, but I’m learning, and I cherish the idea.”

“One of those family things. I heard the kids gave you the ornaments they made for you. That’s a family thing too. We do take care of one another, just like you giving me a ride this morning. Susannah Hope won’t have to worry about my running over her shrubbery again.”

I looked out the car window to see the eastern hemlocks lining the lane. Their needles were covered with heavy frost. I wondered how many wreaths I had made from hemlock branches and how many layered strawberry salads Diana Joy had made. “So Kate’s making the strawberry layered salad, is she?”

“If you can call it that. Sounds more like dessert to me with a pretzel crust, Jell-O, frozen strawberries, cream cheese, and whipped topping.”

“Oh, that was Diana Joy’s favorite, and she made it every Christmas. I’ve been making it for Kate since her mama wasn’t here to make it for her. I’m surprised. I didn’t know Kate knew how to make it.”

“Honestly, I’m not sure that she does, and I wasn’t much help. But Laramie called Mindy, and I think she walked them through it. I have so much to learn about this whole cooking thing as well as the handmade presents.”

We passed by the winterberry bushes that grew on the fence line. Still had plenty of berries on all the branches.

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