Page 12 of No Time for Traditions

“The farmhouse was built over half a century ago. It’s in need of lots of repairs. If anything, by the time Scotty grows up, it will be a huge burden.” Marty crossed his arms and sighed. “I don’t want Scotty to feel like he has to live in some old house because it’s family property he inherited, and I’m sure your uncles feel the same way about their grandkids.”

Well, that answered Brittany’s question. About Scotty and her cousins’ kids. She had to admit that her dad had a point.

“I wish there was some solution other than selling the place.”

“Trust me, so do I.” Marty looked over Brittany’s head toward the kitchen window that faced Grandpa Barnes’s property. “I promise, we’ll be selective. I don’t want just anybody living next door, and neither do your uncles.”

“Paw Paw!” Scotty ran full-force into Marty’s legs.

“Hey, buddy.” Marty nuzzled Scotty’s head as Sarah came in behind him carrying a gift bag.

“Look what Say Say bought me.” Scotty left Marty for a split second and grabbed the bag from Sarah. He pulled out a wooden rectangle and blew in one end. A train whistle sound pierced their ears.

“That’s so cool.” Marty bent down to Scotty’s eye level.

“Want to take it outside and see how loud it goes?”

“Of course, I do.” Marty stood and followed Scotty to the front porch.

“Hey, sweetie. Did you get your work done?”

“Yeah.”

Sarah busied herself around the kitchen, pulling food from the fridge. She started talking, but everything sounded mumbled to Brittany. Her mind raced to all the people who might buy the farmhouse. Would it be someone she liked? Or even someone she knew? She hadn’t lived in Hillside since before college.

“Brittany?”

Brittany jumped and noticed Sarah standing beside her, holding her forearm.

“Are you okay, sweetie?”

“Yes.” Why did she lie? No, she wasn’t okay. Her favorite house was going on the market, and stupid Greg had helped. Hazelnut-scented, pearly toothed Greg, who drove her crazy in more ways than one.

It was official, Brittany was losing it.

* * *

Brittany sat as stillas Sarah’s porcelain holiday figurines while Sarah cooked lunch. While her body barely moved, her mind raced a marathon. As she stayed planted on the edge of the table, thoughts of Greg flooded her brain, each one leading back to how she found him attractive, even against her will. Brittany tried to focus on his negative qualities, but he hadn’t teased her since she’d come home.

The only thing she currently couldn’t stand about Greg was his involvement with the sale of Grandpa’s house.

“Brittany, are you sure you’re okay?”

Brittany blinked and noticed her mom staring at her from across the kitchen. She should’ve known she couldn’t hide her feelings from her own mother. Although Brittany wasn’t an outgoing person, she talked a lot amongst family and would never act glum surrounded by Christmas unless something were wrong.

“I’m not, Mama.” Brittany leaned her head back and turned her focus to the popcorn ceiling. A soft glow came from the corners where twinkle lights matching the ones in the living room lined the crown molding.

A moment later, Sarah’s hand was on hers. “Please, tell me what’s wrong. Is it work?”

“No, actually, I might get a promotion.”

“Sweetie, that’s wonderful.”

Brittany dropped her head and faced her mom. “It’s about Grandpa Barnes’s house.”

“Oh, Daddy told you.” Sarah stroked Brittany’s hand and offered a sympathetic frown.

“Only because I made him, which makes it even worse. Greg told me.”

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