Page 19 of Yuletide Acres

I stir my coffee, eyes downcast. “She said her name was Merry.”

“Red curly hair, bossy as hell?”

My head shoots up. “Yes. You know her?”

Estelle nods toward Marissa. “That’s their Merry.” She leans back against her seat, a smile crossing her face. “That is just like her, too.”

“I’m not sure why she brought me here, though.”

“Yes, you are, dear.”

The server brings our food, and I’m thankful for the end to that conversation path. Granted, I now have confirmation that Merry is indeed the woman visiting my dreams. My only question for her at this point? Where did she get such a sadistic sense of humor?

“It’s odd,” I continue, taking a new tact, “because a woman I know in Eugene claims that she grew up in Yuletide Acres.”

“What’s her name?”

“We call her Old Mother Jane, but I don’t know if that’s real or a pseudonym.”

Estelle’s eyes mist as she sips her coffee. “I’m glad she’s still alive and well.”

“You know everyone, don’t you?”

“It’s not hard in a town the size of Yuletide Acres. But I wasn’t raised here. I hail from New York City. You can imagine the culture shock when I arrived. But this place grows on you.”

“Unless you’re escorted to the city limits by the mayor.”

“That won’t happen. I’ll see to it. However, now I know how you knew about Yuletide Acre’s pagan roots.”

I nod, laughing. “Yes. Old Mother Jane filled me in. Claimed that the history”—I make air quotes—“was just propaganda by some fundamentalist groups who believed that heathen founding fathers—”

“Mothers,” Estelle corrects.

“Mothers were not the reputation they should strive for. Personally, I think it makes the town even more fascinating.”

“I agree. Look,” Estelle leans across the table, grasping my forearm, “I’m not saying it will be a cakewalk, but I hope you don’t leave here without one hell of a fight.”

“Language, Grandma,” Marissa pipes in.

“So right. Sorry. A dollar for the curse jar.”

Marissa looks up at me, reaching for my other hand. “Don’t leave. You aren’t the only one who dreams about Mom. She told me you would come. I’m glad you’re finally here.”

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