Thanksgiving Eve

From: danielle@ccbooks.com
To: katherine@ccbooks.com
Subject: News!

Dear Katherine,

Danielle here. I have a confession to make. This afternoon, I left Spence alone in the bookstore with Lucy Chapin. Alone. Together. He didn't seem very happy with me, but I have a feeling about those two. Why not help them along? With all the snow that's coming down this afternoon and so many roads being closed, do you think it's possible she might need a ride home? He has four-wheel drive, so it could happen. My fingers are crossed, and my prayers are forthcoming. Lucy lives way out in the country and on a long drive like that, they would naturally have to talk to pass the time, and maybe--Lord willing--romance! Who knows? This could be Spence's last chance for love. Seirously He had rejected or scared off everyone else in the valley. No one will have him, poor guy.

How are you feeling? Bed-rest when it's mandatory can't be easy. I know how you like to be on the go.

Well, I'm off to put together the bean casserole for tomorrow's Thanksgiving dinner. Jonas and the kids are going to help me. It should be interesting. See you tomorrow, and let me know if you hear more scoop! Keep me in the loop. Take care!

Love ya,
Dani

From: katherine@ccbooks.com
To: danielle@ccbooks.com
Subject: More News!

Dearest Dani,

You and I are on the same wavelength with Spence and Lucy. Good things happen to good people, I firmly believe that, and I can't think of two nicer people. Okay, maybe Spence isn't nice in a cheerful sort of way, but he's a great big brother and a very good man. That qualifies as an important sort of nice in my book. We both know there's no one kinder than Lucy.

I have news! I think our prayers for him are working. Marin called a few minutes ago with some shocking scoop. You aren't going to believe this! Lucy was spotted at the grocery store with Spence (yes, our brother, Spence). They were shopping. Together. As in Spence was actually out with her. Can you believe it? Word is that he wasn't scowling too terribly. Could it be a sign of things to come? I can't wait to find out!

I'm going to spread the word so we have the entire family praying for those two. It will give me something to do. I'm happy to stay in bed and keep my feet up for the baby's sake, even if I'm bored of staying in one place. Oh well, another few weeks and the little guy will be here. How exciting! It's keeping me motivated to take good care of myself for his sake.

I love your bean casserole and so will everyone else. I can't wait to have the whole clan together tomorrow. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. Spence is going out to fetch Gran in the early a.m. so she doesn't have to drive in this weather. Give a kiss to the munchkins for me.

Take care!
Kath

October 26, 2008:

I put all my favorite things in this story: Christmas, generosity, books, snow flocked trees and the message of the season. One of my favorite books, Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, was an inspiration for the story. Christmases Past, Present and Future make an appearance. See if you can find them.

It was hard to say goodbye to this family I had spent so much time writing about and falling in love with. I hope the epilogue in Spence’s story leaves you with a fond last look of the family a few years down the road, full of happiness and always bound by love.