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

“Is there anything else you think you would like for a present?” his mother asked the boy.

Toby immediately looked at Molly and she shook her head.

“Uh, I’d like, uh, some books.”

“That’s all you can think of?” Richard asked.

“Um, yes. Don’t you like books?”

“Sure, I like to read when I have some spare time. That hasn’t happened for a year or two, but I keep hoping.” He felt Molly staring at him.

“What’s wrong, Molly? Does that make me a bad person?”

“No, not at all. I just feel sorry for people who don’t read for pleasure.”

“Me, too,” he agreed with a wry laugh.

Molly looked away.

“Maybe Santa will bring you a book, Richard,” Toby said with enthusiasm. Again Molly jerked.

“Is anything wrong, Molly?”

“No, no, nothing’s wrong.”

“I don’t think Santa brings adults presents, Toby.”

Toby stared at his uncle. “Really? I don’t think so. Mommy and Daddy always got something from Santa.”

Elizabeth responded when neither of the other adults had anything to say. “I’m sure you’re right, Toby, if the mommy and daddy are true believers.”

“Mommy and Daddy were. And I know Molly believes in Santa. And you do, Grandma, because you asked what Santa should bring me. So that only leaves you, Uncle Richard. If you believe in Santa, he’s sure to come see us.”

“I see. Then I’m sure I believe in Santa, Toby, because I’m sure he’s going to come see you.”

“And you, too, Uncle Richard. I want him to come see all of us, so we’ll all be happy.”

Richard exchanged a look with Molly. He could read the gratitude in her eyes. “That’s very sweet of you, Toby. I’m sure we’ll all receive presents.”

“Good. Grandma, what will he bring you?”

“Oh, probably perfume.”

“What kind do you wear, Grandma?”

“Chanel No 5. It’s terribly expensive, so don’t even think of getting me any,” she said to Toby.

“Okay,” he said with a sigh.

“Is something wrong, dear?”

“No, Grandma. Dinner is really good tonight.”

“I’ll tell Delores you said that, Toby. She’ll be pleased.”

“Grandma and I were talking about some fun things to do for Christmas,” Richard began.

“You mean the horse and buggy ride? We can do that, can’t we?”

“Yes,” Richard replied. “And I thought we should go to the North Park Mall and see the decorations while we shop.”

Molly shot him a look but he ignored it. “We can all go.”

“But how do I buy presents for you guys if you’re all with me?”

“I’ll take you shopping for their presents, Toby,” Molly told the boy, but her eyes never left Richard.

Refusing to back down, Richard said, “We can take turns going with you in the mall, while the others shop. I’d be glad for some all male time.”

Toby’s face lit up. “You mean just you and me?”

Richard smiled, continuing to watch Molly out of the corner of his eye. She seemed a little perturbed about that.

“Okay. We don’t want to go tomorrow because the mall will be jammed on a Saturday. We can go Monday or Tuesday, if you want.”

“That would be great!”

“You know, I think maybe the three of you should go. I might get too tired at the mall,” Elizabeth said suddenly.

Richard frowned. “You’re sure, Mom?”

“Yes, Richard, I’m sure.” She smiled at Molly. “I’m sure the two of you can manage with one little boy.”

“Of course we can, Mom, if you insist.”

Richard looked at Molly. “So is Monday or Tuesday okay with you?”

“Yes, of course, but I can manage with Toby if you have other things to do.”

She even smiled at him, which made Richard suspicious. Suddenly she wanted him to avoid doing anything for Christmas with Toby? Or was it him she was trying to avoid? Either way, she was going. “No, I’m looking forward to shopping with you and Toby.”

“Certainly,” she said, not meeting his glance.

Yep, something was definitely going on.

“Won’t it be fun to go to the mall with Uncle Richard?” Toby asked as he was climbing into bed.

“I guess. But I’ll give you some money beforehand. Don’t spend more than I give you.”