Page 4 of Christmas Wishes

"This is for you. A thank you."

She takes it from me and gives me a sad smile.

"You didn't have to do this, Gene. I enjoy visiting with your mother."

"Still…I can't tell you how much your visiting her has eased my troubled mind."

"It's awful that this is happening during the holidays, Gene, but I'm glad you're back. Let me get my purse and coat and then we can go visit your mother."

I watch her go to the back and let go of the breath that I've been holding since I walked in. I didn't know she could get more beautiful than she was, but she has. It's all I can do not to pull her into my arms and kiss her.

Looking around the shop something seems off, but I can't put a finger on what it is. She comes out dressed for the cold and ready to go. I wait for her and walk beside her, then open the door. Lilah flips the shop sign to 'closed' and locks the door behind us.

"Is your RV safe where you left it?"

"Yes."

"Where are you staying?"

"I'm not sure just yet."

I open the car door for her and close it once she's seated and has buckled her seatbelt. I go around and berate myself. This is a sad time in my life, yet I'm secretly sniffing Lilah's hair like a lovesick boy. It smells like peaches, okay?

Spring Brooks is about thirty minutes away from downtown Woodland Falls and I spend the time feeling happy and relaxed because Lilah keeps a running commentary on how things are in town and gives me all the gossip about the people as well.

I didn't know she was a gossip, but it's endearing. I've put this woman up on a pedestal and it's a good thing she's not perfect. Her voice soothes me and when I park at the facility I'm a little sad. I shut down the car but I don't make any movement towards getting out of it.

"How bad is it?" I ask her.

"I'm not a doctor, but…"

"I know, but I want your opinion."

She's quiet for a minute and I start to think she's not going to answer me, when she starts speaking in a soft, low voice.

"I think you need to prepare yourself. She's very different than when you last saw her two years ago, Gene." She hesitates. "She's frail and pale and sometimes I think she isn't breathing because it's so shallow."

Lilah reaches for my hand and envelops it in hers.

"This is going to be a difficult Christmas Gene, but I'm going to be right by your side."

Her eyes shine like tears want to come out, but she holds them back. My own tears are flowing down my face and I realize I need to brace myself for what's coming and the pain that I know will follow.

Thankfully I've got this angel next to me and if she's not careful I might never let her go.

Chapter 3

Lilah

Gene looks defeated next to me, tears rolling down his face. I've never seen him this way, so vulnerable. I reach across the console and grab his hand in mine. I squeeze it in what I hope is a reassuring gesture.

"I know it's difficult, but you can get through this. I'm right here with you."

My words come from the heart. I feel like there is a bond that's been growing between Gene and me for the past two years. I give his hand another squeeze and then reach for my purse. I have some tissues and I bring them out and gently mop the tears from his face.

"We should go in. If it's too late they might not let us see her."

Gene nods and gets out of the car. Before I can get out I see him outside my door and he opens it for me. We walk together towards the entrance of the facility. Snow is starting to fall and I see it land on his beautiful blond locks.

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