Christmas on Grey Mountain Chapter 12 Alex Ross stopped the sleigh in the back of Laura’s farmhouse. The sleigh was large and could seat several passengers comfortably. Hank and Jack Wilks had redesigned it from an old work sleigh. The young Morgans pawed the ground. Jill, Debra, Amy and Susan hopped out of the Sleigh. “You gals mind your pints and quarts and we’ll see you on Christmas Eve.” He told them. “We will dad.” Jill told her dad. Amy looked around, “No matter where you go in these parts you find beauty.” She took a photo of the snow cover field and the large snowman in the front of it. The old woolen scarf rapped around its neck the flapped in the light breeze. An old wooden rake was stuck in its hand and an old ball cap sat on its head. Other than the snowman and the cornstalks only the tracks of the snow birds and small animal dotted it. Suddenly a large buck walked out of the woods. The wind was blowing towards the sleigh and its passengers. Amy took three photos before the deer looked up and saw them. He slowly turned back towards the woods and walked slowly back into the wild brush. “Well that is a bit strange.” Alex thought. “I should learn to always keep my camera with me.” He chuckled. “Pa, you will learn.” Amy smiled. The girls got their bags just as Laura opened the door, “Will you four get in here somebody is anxious to meet you!” She shouted. Laura came over to the sleigh, “We have some hot chocolate and spiced Cider in the main parlor along with one of my Christmas cakes and other baked goods. So come on in and make yourselves at home.” “Thanks Laurie, I had craving for a slice of one of your cakes last night.” Jessie Ross said. Hank came out to help Alex feed the horses has Jessie got out of the sleigh. The size of her belly showed that Jessie and Alex had wasted no time in providing Amy with a younger brother or sister. The bump was still small but there was no mistaking what it was. Susan looked at Hank with a twinkle her eye as she teased “So you are the man that gave Laura that nice ring.” “Yah that is me.” He laughed. Jessie and the girls went into the Kitchen. Gabby looked at the girls with an anxious smile, “I’m Abigail Vane but everyone calls me Gabby.” Jill laughed, “Well Gabby that dress looks good on you. I want that pattern.” “I made it a couple of days ago from a turn of the last century pattern. It is an outdated design but I think it will look new to a lot of people.” Susan nodded, “It does look fresh. Debbie, so does yours and Barbaras, were they hand made?” She asked. “On a manual machine mostly but there is a lot of hand sewing too. The cloth came from a collection that my great grandmother left to my Grandma.” Gabby explained. “Well I like it. It is homespun isn’t?” Susan asked. “Yes on a hand loom according my Grandma.” Gabby beamed in pride.” Great then I know what I am going to be doing the next few days.” Debra laughed. Peggy came in and looked at the girls, “Landsakes, we have that main parlor to finish decorating. You girls will have plenty of time to gossip later.” She laughed, “Jessie, you have a biscuit in the oven already.” “Peg, it was a surprise to me too, but a nice one. Amy has a little brother on the way,” “How far along are you?” Peggy asked. “Three months.” He will arrive in late summer.” “Sorry about our dawdling Miss Vane, we’ll be there straight away.” Debra replied. The girls and Jessie hung their coats and ski-caps in the mudroom. Susan chuckled, “Well work before play applies here too.” They went into the parlor and the four new girls eyes widen at how big it was and how beautiful it looked. The huge tree was completely decorated and the aluminum icicles hanging on it twinkled in the bright winter sunshine. The sugarplum Fairies appeared to dance around the tree from the tip to the base. Gold and Silver garland draped balcony railing accented by strands of Christmas lights. They could see that several wreathes were leaning on the rail waiting to be hung. Coils of popcorn strings lay in the balcony floor. The scent of fresh pine and holly filled the room. The strong love that The West and Vane family could be felt by all that entered the house. Jessie drank in the character of the room. , She her sisters Janine and Gina had spent many winter evenings in that very room when visiting Laura, Julie and Tiffany. She remembered how it looked just a few years before; it had been cold and dusty. Dead chimney sweeps had lain on the floor. She remembered holding Laura tightly as her friend shed tears over what had happened to her childhood home. On an easel was a pastel painting of the Farm house and the front yard. Jessie smiled when she saw. It still had a little work but she could see that Debbie had reach the point that Jessie’s tutoring was no longer need. She walked over to the upright piano. Tom West had been her instructor. He had been a gentle and patient man and Jessie missed him as much has his family. The whole family believed in things that Jessie couldn’t even comprehend but over time she learn to accept those things. She not only accepted them, she had made them a part of her own beliefs. Amy though a Science major next year had also woven them in to her beliefs. She was brought out of her musings by Susan’s soft voice, “Oh my Gosh, It looks so pretty in here.” Susan said. “I’ve seen some of my dad’s pics of this place when he visited here and it looks like nothing has changed since then.” “I can’t believe it. It’s just as I remembered it.” Jessie said. “When we were remodeling the inn and brought out the true character of each room it was like discovering a bit of magic. Girls, this is room where Robin Masters, Laura, Gina, Tiffany, Tasha, Jennie, Julie and I had sleepovers, toasted marshmallows, and ate popcorn. Speaking of popcorn, where are the popcorn strings? They should be draping the balcony.” Alex walked in with Pete. Laura’s eyes took on a mischievous glow and a whimsical smile crossed her face when she realized that Alex and Jessie were standing under the mistletoe. “Alex and Jessie you are standing under the mistletoe.” She said in an innocent voice. They looked up and Jessie eyes widen, “Well I know why it is so big,” she laughed, “Well dingo, are you going to kiss me?” Amy unsung her camera, “Wait I want to capture this!” They waited as Amy fumbled with the settings on the camera. At last she nodded. Jessie and Alex kissed and Amy snapped the photos. Susan looked at Jessie, “Did you girls bring your dates here?” “Well Sue Bee, Quince and Barney would join Greg and Pete in giving mine Jessies, Julies, and Tiffys boyfriends the evil eye.” Laura laughed. “Aunt Laurie, what did you gals do?” Gabby asked. “We gave their girlfriends the evil eye.” Julie laughed. “Well it didn’t work with me.” Meg chuckled, “I stole Pete’s heart anyway.” “It wasn’t from want of trying either.” Jessie laughed. Amy nodded, “When a woman’s heart is stolen nothing can prevent them from being together.” They each took a slice of cake and a cup of spiced cider and sat down to eat. Laura felt a warm feeling inside. Jessie sat down and watched them as they decorated. Meg came over to her, “Doc Greer says that you’re not having any complications so far.” “Not yet and the thought of Pete delivering this guy helps keeps me calm.” Laura replied. “Well I’ll be there too just in case. Greg and his brood are moving here too.” She told her. “Well that is good news. So all the West and Vanes are together again. This last year and half has been one of homecomings.” Jessie said. “Yup with one new family member come fall.” Laura laughed. “So that Viking is making an honest woman of you.” Jessie teased. “Yeah, Pete is making me a rolling pin to match his size.” Laura giggled. “But will you be able to lift it?” Jessie asked with a twinkle. “What’s all this about a rolling pin?” Alex asked. “It’s great for making a man listen.” Jessie laughed. She noticed the chess set and the ash tray filled with pipe ashes. She looked at Laura, “Who has taken up the pipe?” she asked. “Would you believe that Pa and Uncle Mike made it to this reunion?” Laura asked. “I can believe that. The other night I thought I smelled Paul’s aftershave in the upstairs parlor.” “How are your guests taking all these noreasters?” Sue asked. “We’ve had few to ask to be taken down to the Appleton Train station but most are loving it. We have been busy as bees.” Jessie replied. “Good thing you have all the help you need.” Sue replied. “It is good to have friends that think that it isn’t a chore to come visit.” Tiffany said. “Not many consider it a chore in these parts. Those four girls deserve a few days break from there.” Alex replied. “Well we wanted to get to know Gabby and the rest of our neighbor’s kids.” Jill said sipping her cider. Tommy and Adam entered the room. Debra and Jill looked at them and smiled She looked over at Debbie, Barbara and Gabby, “Jill it looks like they are giving us the evil eye.” She chuckled. Jill laughed, “Yes they are.” Debra lifted her cup, “To Friends and Family, May we always be full of joy.” Sue and Meg looked at their sons, “Well are you going to introduce yourselves?” Meg laughed. “Adam West and this is Tommy Vane my cousin.” Adam laughed. Terri looked at them, “So Adam still thinking about Andra?” “Who’s Andra?” Adam asked looking at Debra. He burst out laughing. “Terri, I haven’t thought about her since my talk with grandpa. Seriously these young ladies are older than me.” “Mate, let me be the judge of that for myself. You are a right handsome bloke. Has for whoever Andra is, she had better mind her pints and quarts around you.” Jill nodded, “The same goes for whoever you were seeing surfer boy. You’re what fifteen. I’m only seventeen. My cap is set for you.” she giggled. “I’ll be sixteen come March.” Tommy said. “Hey be careful with my cousin’s and Brother’s heart” Gabby teased. The all started laughing. Meg and Peggy looked at the teens. “Reminds me of when our youngin’s were dating.” Peg nodded. “See, it is never a chore for me to visit people. So many people don’t have this kind of bond on the holidays.” Jessie said. They all nodded. Laura thoughts turned to Lisa Webster spending the holiday season alone back in Kirk. A smile crossed her face, “Jessie, do you have Lisa Webster’s number?” she asked. “I do why?” Jessie asked. “Oh just wondering if she would like to come up here and visit us for the rest of the holidays.” Laura replied. “She’s all alone in her little place in Kirk. She is still having trouble opening herself to people. There is something magical about this place though and always has been. If any place could make her come out of her shell this place can.” Jessie continued. “Tiffany can you drive the sleigh?” Laura asked. “Laurie, I still know how. A trip down to Kirk sounds like a splendid way of spending the afternoon. I know Lisa pretty well too. I did some pr work for her program right before Halloween. We became good friends. She is getting close to retirement.” “Hey there are three of us pranksters remember.” Julie laughed. “How well we know!” Jessie giggled. “Well this prank is another one done out of love and friendship.” Peggy told them. “Lisa may refuse to come.” Jessie said, “She is a very private person.” “No she just looking for something and doesn’t know what it is that she needs to fill that hole. I can convince her to come up here.” Tiffany said with calm assurance. “I hope so Miss Vane. The coach has taken the program back and now she is slowly taking her life back.” Debra said. Mary listened to them and at last spoke, “What she needs is someone to replace the one she lost. She can never do that. She needs to let Shannon rest in peace and move on. It’s not easy to do.” “All I can be is her friend and neighbor.” Tiffany replied. “That is just what she needs right now just a friend.” Peggy said. Tiffany went into Laura office and came back with a smile. “Lisa is excited to come up here. She said she was thinking about all us and wants to be with friends.” Pete smiled, “I’ll hitch up the team and drive you gals down to Kirk.” Alex nodded to Laura, “We need to be heading back shortly. The team still needs to rest even if they don’t think so.” “They can wait.” Jessie replied, “We can go back in the morning. I want to get caught up with Sue and Meg and get to know their kids.” “That suits me just fine, Jessie Roo. I just wish I had my camera with me. I can see this room would make a good desktop photo or our computers.” Alex said. “It’s in the sleigh next to our overnight bags.” Jessie laughed. “So you’ve sense Paul’s presence at the inn?” Laura asked. “Only in the new upstairs parlor. Never in Alex’s and mine’s bedroom or anywhere else.” “He is telling you that he is leaving you but will visit you from time to time.” Mary replied. Jessie nodded, “I know, since I let him go last May I haven’t felt any more pain at losing him. Now I feel only peace.” “You’ve finally move on.” Peg told her. Pete went out and hitched up Midnight and Lightfoot while Laura, Tiffany and Julie got ready to go pick up Lisa. They bundle up and got their purses. The trip to Kirk would take 2 hours each way. So they packed a thermos and some sandwiches. “We will be back in about four hours. You girls have fun. Faith, are you coming too?” Laura asked. “Yeah I want to get some real New England Christmas scenery photos. Jessie can use them for the inn. They could also be useful to Meg and Sue. Is the old Stone Mill up for sale?” Faith asked. “Not any more, Hank bought it last year.” Laura replied. “I will give to you for a reasonable price; Maybe St. Nicolas will buy it and give it to you.” “Hank, I want to make into my home and bookshop. Terri and I have been talking and we want to be closer to everyone.” Julie smiled, “Ric and I have been talking about that too. The commute isn’t that bad and Logan Harbor is changing to a more urban look. With the cannery row restoration and wharfs now a tourist magnet. Oh the character of the town and its people haven’t changed but with all the tourists there we are feeling crowded out.” “Mom and Dad!” the Debbie and Barbara shouted in unison, “We were going to asked you to move to Morgan’s Hollow!” “Well then that is settled.” Ric beamed. “My folk’s place needs work but I have plenty of photos to aid in the restoration.” “Well that is one less farm we have to buy. Pete, Greg and Tiffany, St. Nick is going to give you guys a nice Christmas I think.” Laura laughed. Gabby fit right in with the other girls. They had so much in common it was like they had been raise together. Gabby and her new friends getting along so well gave Meg peace of mind Has she watched them hanging the wreaths and popcorn garland, she remembered her and her friends doing the same thing. She recalled the Christmas that she finally noticed how handsome Pete was. “You know it was in this room that I fell in love with Pete.” She told them. “Here? But you two were raised together.” Gabby replied. Susan laughed, “I was raised with Amy and Demtri too but it has only been in the last couple of years that fell in love with them.” Gabby blinked, “You, Amy and this Demtri?” she asked in surprise. “Well Amy and I are just close friends now it will be Demtri I will be marrying.” Susan explained. “You don’t have to be lovers to be soulmates. But you do have to be lovers and soulmates to marry the man you love.” “Things are what they are.” Amy nodded, “You can’t explain everything.” “I’ve learn that lesson a few days ago.” Gabby replied. Amy tied down the last bit of Popcorn garland. “Peggy and Mary how does it look?” Mary smiled, “It looks perfect.” The girls started hanging the wreaths. Four of them were hanging them and the other was two shouting directions. When the all were hung Amy took more photos of the balcony. She smiled at the results on her camera. “Do they look good?” “They just need some minor work; I use the raw setting so that away I get every thing the camera sees. Some formats compress the information.” Amy explained. Amy opened her laptop and started working on the photos while Gabby showed everyone photos of her sewing work. Jessie went over to the piano and started playing Away in the Manger. A mystical look crossed her face as she looked to be in another place and time. Something happened to Jessie when she was painting or playing the piano. It took over her spirit. She switched over to Oh come Oh come Emmanuel and started singing. “O come, O come, Emmanuel And ransom captive Israel That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.” The others came over and joined her. One by one they dropped out until at last only Mary’s perfect pitch remained. Mary finished last verse and looked around, “Well I can’t be a one person choir.” Laura laughed and started playing Frosty the Snow man.
Posted on: Wed, 27 Nov 2013 13:07:15 +0000
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