Little Christmas Miracles: Her Christmas Wedding Wish / Christmas Gift: A Family / Christmas on the Children's Ward

“Oh, you!” Delores exclaimed, slapping his arm and laughing.

Richard laughed too and then escaped the kitchen.

He knew his social life the past year and a half had left a lot to be desired. Now that things had settled down at the firm, he’d start rectifying that, right after the holidays. He’d find himself a nice woman, pretty and kind. A woman like Molly.

But the last thing he needed was his mother and Delores playing matchmaker.

Richard was in his home office working before dinner when the door opened and his mother came in.

“Do you have time for a little chat, Richard?”

“Of course, Mom. Are you having any problems?”

“No, of course not. Everything is lovely.”

“Good, glad to hear it.”

“But the subject of the dog did come up.”

“How?”

“I told Toby that I thought we should get him a suit for Christmas. Needless to say, like most little boys, Toby was polite but not enthusiastic. I told him he would get other presents, too. He immediately guessed it was a puppy.”

“Did Molly encourage him?”

“Not at all. In fact she deterred him. Even when I told her I wanted to get Toby a dog, she suggested I talk it over with you first.”

“She wants to make me the bad guy, I guess.”

“No. She just said you should have some say in the matter since you live here, too.”

“I could move out if you want me to, Mom. I only moved back home so you wouldn’t be alone after Dad died.”

Elizabeth shook her head. “I love having you here, and with Toby living with us, I need you to be here. He needs a male presence in his life.”

“Okay. So did you agree to talk to me about a dog?”

“Not at first. After all, it is my house.”

“It is.”

“But she said you loved me and tried to take care of me. She didn’t think I should lose you just to please Toby.”

“How kind of her.”

“She was right, Richard. I was getting carried away,” his mother said. “But I still want Toby to have his dog. So I wanted to talk it over with you.”

“Okay. What do you want to say?”

“Albert loves dogs and he says he could help us train the dog so it wouldn’t make a mess in the house.”

“Good for Albert.”

“He said your father wouldn’t let him have a dog.”

“I can believe that. He was a very controlling man as we both know.”

“So if he can help us, why can’t Toby have a dog?”

“I never said he couldn’t, Mom.”

“Oh, Richard, you are such a good son!”

“You might change your mind if the dog relieves himself on one of your pricey oriental rugs.”

Elizabeth laughed. “A rug is replaceable. And it will make Toby so happy.”

“What kind of dog do you want to get him?”

“I don’t know. Do you have an idea?”

“One of the attorneys at the office has a dog that just had a litter of puppies about three weeks ago. I think they’re chocolate Labs. They’re good with children.”

“Perfect. Can you call him and get him to sell us one?”

“Sell? I’m his boss!”

“I know, but—”

Richard laughed. “I’m just teasing you, Mom. I’ll give him a call right away. Do you want him to keep the puppy until Christmas Eve?”

“Absolutely. I want it to be a surprise for Toby. Can you go get it after he goes to bed?”

“Of course, Mom. Did you ever consider getting me a puppy?” Richard thought of how much he’d wanted one when he was little.

“Yes. I pleaded with your father, but…he didn’t like animals in the house. He didn’t even want one in the yard. I’m sorry, son.” She looked genuinely contrite.

“It’s okay, Mom. I grew up just fine without a dog.” He reached out for her hand. “I’m just glad we can give Toby one.”

“I can’t wait to tell Molly that you agree.”

“I’m sure it will surprise her.”

“Son, you’re too hard on her.”

“Not all that hard. By the way, I know the doctor told us she had no family in Florida, but did you know she has a mother in Seattle?”

“Oh, no, dear, you’re wrong about that. Her parents died in a car crash when she was seven. She told Toby that. And she was raised in a foster home.”