Page 35 of Unexpected Gifts

He held his breath, worried for Sophie, but she seemed to find enjoyment telling Abby about the origins of certain pieces.

“My mom loved this one.” Sophie held up a Christmas tree cut from construction paper and decorated with pieces of macaroni and a school photograph. “But it’s kind of hideous.”

“I’m sure your mother saw only your pretty face on it,” Abby said.

“Yeah, I guess.” Sophie’s mouth twitched into a sad smile. “She always loved all the ones we made at school.”

Walter and Jack had unpacked the entire box and sorted all the different parts into piles. His father was methodical about everything, including putting together a toy train. Luke hid a smile behind his hand, enjoying watching the man he admired most in the world transform into a little boy.

He’d picked a good one, too. From what Luke could tell, it must have cost a fortune. The train itself was a detailed, classic steam locomotive with a deep black and crimson exterior, gleaming brass accents, and intricate rivets. Its carriages were equally impressive, painted in festive colors such as rich burgundy and evergreen, with gold trim and tiny frosted windows showcasing miniature passengers enjoying holiday festivities.

Each mahogany track piece clicked together seamlessly. Small, detailed holiday scenes included a snow-covered village station with warm lights flickering from inside, old-fashioned lampposts, tiny evergreen trees dusted with snow, and even a miniature skating rink with figures in mid-skate. Some of the carriages were adorned with holiday touches such as wreaths, garland, and twinkling LED lights.

“Isn’t she a beauty?” Walter asked as he clicked together tracks.

Jack agreed, holding up the locomotive to inspect it more carefully. “This is the best train set ever.”

About fifteen minutes later, the train set was complete. “And wait for the best part.” Walter plugged it in and turned it on. “It comes with sound.”

Indeed, a small speaker embedded within the train softly played classic Christmas carols, synchronized with a gentle chugging sound and the occasional puff of smoke from the locomotive’s smokestack. Luke could almost feel himself sitting in the passenger car.

“Aren’t trains romantic?” Abby asked with a sigh as she plopped onto the couch with a mug of hot cider.

“They are,” Luke said. “A glimpse into the past.”

Sophie and Abby had completed the tree, and it looked magnificent. He complimented them both.

“Thank you for doing the lights,” Abby said. “I’d still be fighting with them if you hadn’t volunteered.”

“My pleasure.” It was true. There wasn’t much he wouldn’t do for the beautiful woman sitting next to him. How had he met her only two days before? Life was strange, how everything could change all at once. For better or worse.

He couldn’t help but think Abby’s presence in all their lives was for the better. Perhaps especially his.

The cookie decoratingparty had been a grand success. By the time all of the stars, reindeer, sleds, and trees had been slathered with frosting and candy, the children were worn out. Luke was feeling a little tired himself, and he still had chores to do back at the farm. Fortunately, his mother had suggested they wait to do their tree until tomorrow.

It was already dark by the time he and Lily were ready to leave Abby’s and return home. His mother and father had departed just moments before.

“Thank you so much for everything,” Abby said, helping Lily into her pink jacket. “I feel terrible you have to do this all again tomorrow at your house.”

“Don’t be. It was a great day,” Luke said.

“Sophie and Jack, can you thank Luke, please?” Abby asked.

Jack wrapped his arms around Luke’s legs. “Thanks, Luke.”

Luke placed a large hand over Jack’s head and looked down at him. “You’re welcome.”

“You can come play with my train any time,” Jack said.

“I might just take you up on that, although my dad may beat me here.”

“Thanks, Luke, for doing so much for us,” Sophie said.

Luke knelt to give her a hug. “It’s my pleasure. Anything you need, you ask, okay?”

“Okay,” Sophie said, smiling back at him.

Abby walked Luke and Lily out to his truck. Although it was dark, lights on the porch and in the yard made it easy enough to see. Once he got Lily buckled into her booster seat, he turned his attention to Abby. She hadn’t put on her jacket and stood with her arms folded, clearly cold.

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