Eastbound from Flagstaff by Annette Valentine

Author:Annette Valentine [Annette Valentine]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Morgan James Publishing
Published: 2020-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Running, walking, running on an empty stomach to the Mallorys—all too late I’d decided my living gift was madness. Four blocks with the pup wrapped in newspapers and a blanket, its small body bouncing irreverently against the tin of Leo Peppermint Sticks, I realized if I fell on the icy sidewalk, both the animal and I would surely be injured. I was determined to stay upright.

I arrived at the Mallorys’ front door and tapped lightly in hopes Charlie might be in his chair by the fireplace, even at this ungodly hour on Christmas morn. My lungs felt like they’d cracked, and steam billowed from my nostrils and mouth.

Before I could tap a second time, he was there with a smile on his face. “Merry Christmas to you. And this is the mutt, huh? You owe me one, Simon.” He peeked in at the blanket-shrouded puppy with its two frightened eyes staring back at him. “Please, get inside here. Handsome scarf. I like that.”

“Merry Christmas, Charlie.” I was breathless.

“The women are in the kitchen. It’s your surprise. Want to just go on and take her back there?”

The pup was whimpering. I couldn’t keep her quiet.

“I think we’d better.” I took off my coat and other outerwear and held tightly to the pup. “Let’s go.”

I walked quietly down the hallway with the bundle in the crook of my arm and waited until I was in the kitchen doorway to surprise them. “Merry Christmas, one and all!”

Rachel and Celeste screamed in delight. Virginia covered her mouth with her hands.

“A puppy!” Rachel said. “Yippee! A puppy! Can we keep it?” She took it from me as if it were her firstborn and, without warning, kissed me on the cheek.

I felt my face burn with embarrassment. “Well, yes, it’s yours and Celeste’s. For all of you. And wait, there’s more.” I went back to the front room for the candy tin and returned. “I hope you’ll enjoy this. You have been family to me. This isn’t much, just a little something.” I handed the Leo Peppermint Sticks to Virginia.

Charlie squeezed my shoulder. “I just have to know one thing, Simon. Did you come to last night’s service for this,” he said, pointing at the pup, “or because you wanted to hear my sermon?” His solemnness had me going for a second before he burst into laughter.

“I think we should name her Sissy,” Rachel said, scratching the dog’s ears.

“That’s a ridiculous name,” Celeste said. “She’s no Sissy. Let me think. Give her to me.” She pried the puppy from her sister’s grasp.

Virginia’s breakfast preparations made my stomach growl. “And that dog’s had more to eat than I have in the last twelve hours. Hate to break this up, but I need to get on back and let y’all have your Christmas.”

“Just happens I’m going over to the church to check on the nativity outside,” Charlie said and looked at me. “I’ll get the automobile out and run you over to Pasadena. Meet me outside in two minutes?”

“If you insist.

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