Carol Marinelli – Little Christmas Miracles: Her Christmas Wedding Wish / Christmas Gift: A Family / Christmas on the Children's Ward (страница 20)

“A boyfriend?”

Molly shot him a puzzled look. “No.”

“No boyfriend waiting for you in Florida? I find that hard to believe.”

“A nurse doesn’t have a lot of free time, or the energy to do much when she does,” Molly said. She took a sip of tea, hoping that would end this ridiculous conversation.

“That sounds like my life. Since my dad died, I’ve been reworking our law firm, trying to bring it up-to-date and get back on top of the legal world in Dallas. I don’t have much free time, and no energy when I do.”

“Dear, I knew you were working long hours, but I didn’t realize how hard it was for you,” Elizabeth said. “I should’ve paid more attention.”

“No, Mom, I’m fine. We’re about to get to the point where I can take it a little easier.”

“You should take a vacation as soon as you can,” Elizabeth said. “I’ll be here with Toby, so we’ll manage just fine.”

“I’m not sure, Mom. You might need me.”

“Maybe we could get Molly to come back for a couple of weeks,” Elizabeth suggested, looking at Molly expectantly.

“I doubt I’ll get any more time off once I get back. My vacation is scheduled for July.”

“Oh, dear, that’s a long time away. You’re not having any fun at all during Christmas,” Elizabeth said.

“Yes, I am, Elizabeth. I’m enjoying myself immensely, I promise.” Molly gave the woman her best smile. She couldn’t let her think she was suffering. In truth, she wasn’t. She was getting to do things she’d always wanted to do. Most of all, she was getting to spend time with Toby and know she was helping him adjust to his new family.

“All right, dear. Oh, I know what we should do, Richard. We should all go to lunch at Antares, in the ball.”

“Mom is talking about the restaurant located in the ball on the Dallas skyline. You can see the entire area because the restaurant rotates while you’re eating.”

Molly swallowed. Her fear of heights made that prospect turn her stomach.

“Mom, I’m not sure—” Richard began.

Toby, however, was excited. “That sounds neat. Can we go, Grandma?”

“Yes, dear. I think we could do that Monday and then you three could do your shopping on Tuesday. Yes, that’s what we’ll do.”

Molly said nothing, hoping either she would work up enough nerve to go, or she could plead a temporary illness that would keep her at home.

Richard caught her eye, silently asking if she wanted him to halt the plans. She shook her head. She’d deal with it on Monday.

“I think you need to take Toby to buy a suit today, Richard. Maybe they have something that would fit him, with his casts on. We can have it tailored after he gets his casts off.”

Richard agreed. “What are you and Molly going to do?”

“Oh, we’ll make some plans, organize our shopping, that kind of thing. We might even go to some stores, if you’re not taking Albert.”

“No, I’ll drive my car. Is that okay with you, Toby?”

“Yeah. I like your car.”

“Okay. Then, if you’ve finished your lunch, let’s head out.”

Molly and Elizabeth sat there in silence for several minutes. Then Elizabeth said, “It’s a lot quieter when they’re both gone, isn’t it?”

Molly laughed. “It is, but honestly I miss the noise. Richard is being very good to Toby.”

“I think he loves him very much. He loved his sister and missed her when she…left the family. I know they talked once or twice, but he hated his father’s behavior. In Florida, you didn’t see him at his best. He was mourning Susan’s death and trying to take care of me. I’m afraid I’d become quite a burden.”

“But you seem to be doing very well now,” Molly said, not sure what had brought on the change.

“Yes, I changed my attitude. I had something to live for. Toby needs me. Richard didn’t need me, even though he would say differently, but I knew better.”

“Then, in spite of the tragedy, I’m glad Toby has come to you and Richard. I know he’s going to be happy here with you.”

“I hope so. But you’ve made a big difference, easing him into a role in our home. I know Richard is paying you a lot, but what you’ve given Toby is priceless.”

“Thank you, Elizabeth. Now, you need to rest for a while so I won’t have to lie to Richard when he returns.”

“I think I will, if you don’t mind.”

Molly stood as Elizabeth left the room. Then she gathered their dishes and took them to the kitchen so Delores wouldn’t have to come get them. She made several trips, before Delores returned to the kitchen.

“What are you doing, child?” the cook demanded.

“I’m helping out. I’m going to load the dishwasher so you have time to do other things.”

“Bless you, Molly. With Louisa not here, I’ll admit it’s a little difficult.”

“Well, Elizabeth sent the two men to get Toby a suit and she’s gone up to lie down, so I’m free. I’ll do anything I can to help you.”

“In exchange, I’ll give you my recipe for pancakes.”

“That’s a deal, Delores. I’ll be the belle of the ball in Florida if they taste your pancakes.”

The rest of the afternoon, Molly worked in the kitchen alongside Delores, helping her prepare dinner for that evening. When Richard and Toby came in, they discovered Molly sharing a cup of coffee with Delores, laughing together at some of the cook’s stories about Richard and Susan as children.

“What’s going on here?” Richard asked.

Molly smiled at him. “I’m getting some good blackmail material from Delores.”

“Delores, you wouldn’t betray me, would you?”

“This little girl worked with me all afternoon. I’m giving her my pancake recipe!”

“You wouldn’t give it to Mom, but you’re giving it to Molly? And what do you mean, she worked in here all afternoon?”

“You know it’s hard with Louisa gone. Molly helped me out.”

“I thought you were going to make lists with Mom. What happened to that plan?”

“I sent her up to have a nap, and she hasn’t come down. Maybe I should go check on her.”

As if on cue, Elizabeth asked from the doorway, “What’s everyone doing in the kitchen?”

“I was just coming to check on you,” Molly said.

“No need. I’m here. But I didn’t expect to find all of you in the kitchen.”

“You’re right, Elizabeth. I can’t work with a crowd in here,” Delores said.

“My fault. I was hoping I could learn some cooking tricks from Delores. Thanks for letting me visit with you, Delores,” Molly said and slipped from the room. “Toby,” she called over her shoulder, “come show me and your grandma what you bought.”

That quickly cleared the kitchen, except for Richard. He looked at Delores. “She was helping you?”

“Yes. She said she had the afternoon free and knew Louisa was gone. She did the lunch dishes and then helped with the preparation for dinner.”

“That was nice of her.”

“Nice? That was really sweet of her. You can’t find a sweeter person than Molly. Richard, you shouldn’t let her get away!”

“Now, Delores, you know I’m kind of busy right now.”

“Yes, but that’s not important. Molly is what’s important.”

Richard just smiled and shook his head. Then he excused himself to find the ladies and get their compliments on his job of shopping with Toby. He’d gotten the boy a couple of pairs of slacks, a belt and several dress shirts to go with his suit. And he’d bought him his first tie, and a sweater to wear until his cast was off. It looked better than a jacket that was too big for him.

“Molly, can you tie a man’s tie?” Richard asked.