The Ghosts of Christmas Present by Karen McCullough

Author:Karen McCullough [Karen McCullough]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Karen McCullough
Published: 2023-11-03T00:00:00+00:00

Christmas Eve began with Jenny announcing she planned to bake cookies that morning. She asked Lyndsay to help her. The guys, Jenny said, could use the time to wrap gifts. She’d left the wrapping supplies in the bedroom she and Josh were using.

Lyndsay admitted she’d never made cookies before and had no idea what to do. Jenny guided her through the mixing, stirring, rolling, patting, and baking processes with patience and a large helping of holiday cheerfulness.

The aroma coming from the oven as the first batch browned provided reward enough for the effort, even before Lynsday sampled the first. Biting into a chocolate chip cookie still warm from the oven had her almost swooning. No store-bought version had ever tasted that good.

After lunch, the men settled down to watch a football game while Jenny and Lyndsay wrapped the presents they’d bought.

Once again, Lyndsay relied on Jenny to show her how to do it. “It seems like you’re having to teach me everything about celebrating Christmas,” Lyndsay commented.

“Not a problem. I had to teach Josh, too. You guys never had anyone to show you.”

“True.”

Once the gifts were done, Lyndsay looked in on Marnie. A nurse was with her, but she retreated to the kitchen to sample cookies, and to give Lyndsay some privacy.

Marnie’s eyes were shut but they snapped open when Lyndsay took her hand. Marnie grimaced.

“Are you in pain?” Lyndsay asked. “Do you need something?”

“Need to say something.” Her voice rasped but it held something of her old spirit. “I did you wrong, girl. At the wedding. Yelling at you like that. Shouldn’t have.”

Her words left Lyndsay stunned, but thinking about what Jenny had said yesterday, she answered, “If any forgiveness is needed, you have it.”

“Plenty needed.” Marnie’s words came out rough and hoarse. “Not the best mother.”

“No,” Lyndsay agreed. “But I’m sure not the worst either.”

The woman gasped for air and Lyndsay didn’t want to tire her any further. She tucked her hand back under the sheet. “Rest now. All is okay.”

Marnie’s eyes slid shut.

Lyndsay watched her for a few moments longer while she processed the unexpected apology. Marnie had been wrong about some things, but Lyndsay herself had been, too. They’d both made mistakes.

As she stood, Lyndsay let out a long breath, and some weight of anger, shame, and guilt left her along with the air.

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