Page 58 of A Christmas Duet

“Muffins,” Daisy said, as she withdrew them from the oven. “With fresh fruit and yogurt.”

Hailey couldn’t remember eating this well in months. Her sister was a marvel in the kitchen and was quickly spoiling her. Hailey would find it hard to return to granola and protein bars once she got back to Portland.

Everyone gathered around the table as Daisy brought in their meal. Hailey enjoyed the yogurt and fruit while the muffins cooled. Her first bite was like a taste of heaven. “These are fabulous.”

“Morning glory muffins,” Daisy said. “They were some of…” She paused and swallowed hard, causing both of her parents to pause. “My favorites,” Daisy continued.

Hailey knew her sister was thinking about Charles and reached under the table to squeeze Daisy’s knee, letting her know she understood and sympathized.

After the meal, their father carted in several armloadsof chopped wood and built up the fire, warming the house as their mother began clearing the table. “I’ll do the dishes. Remember what your father told you girls growing up. Those who cook shouldn’t have to wash the dishes.”

“You cook, Mom. Does Dad clean the kitchen when you’re finished now that us girls are out of the house?”

Their mother chuckled. “Hardly. He quickly forgot ever suggesting such a thing.”

Hailey and Daisy finished clearing the table.

“You remember Cord Kitchen, don’t you?” Julia said as Hailey set the dirty plates in the kitchen sink.

“Sort of,” Hailey said, as her mother loaded the dishwasher.

“I do,” Daisy piped in, subtly shaking her head to let Hailey know Cord Kitchen was a zero, not a hero. “Does he still live with his mother?”

“Okay, maybe not Cord,” Julia said with an exasperated sigh. “Why do I get the feeling that you girls have no interest in marriage?”

“You’re wrong. I would love a husband and family,” Hailey informed her mom. “The thing is, I’d prefer to find him on my own.”

Her mother pretended not to hear. “I have several friends with single sons. A few are divorced, of course. Nevertheless, they would make wonderful husbands if you’d like an introduction.”

“No, thanks,” Hailey said, wanting to set the record straight right away.

“Sorry, Mom,” Daisy said, sharing a smile with Hailey.

Their mother’s sigh revealed her disappointment. “All right. I guess I’ll have to leave you both to find your own husbands.”

That was the best news Hailey had heard in a long time. Sitting around the house wondering what had happened with Jay made Hailey anxious to the point that she found it difficult to hold still. Nothing seemed to interest her for long. She worked on the jigsaw puzzle and wasn’t able to locate a single piece. Next, she attempted to read and couldn’t get past the first page of a book by her favorite author.

Their mother put in a DVD to watch a Christmas movie and settled in front of the television. It was a film Hailey had always enjoyed, but even that didn’t hold her attention for more than a few minutes. She needed to know what had happened with Jay.

Because she had no cell service, he couldn’t call to tell her, she reasoned. If he had any news, he would have connected with his mother, though.

Finally, when she couldn’t stand it any longer, she decided to drive into town and talk to Thelma to see if she had heard from Jay. He had tried to hide how anxious he was about this meeting. Hailey hadn’t been fooled.Everything that was important to him hung in the balance. The need to know made it impossible for her to remain in the cabin any longer.

“I’m heading into town,” Hailey announced, surprising her mother.

Everyone looked up and froze, startled by the vehemence with which she spoke. Before her family could question this sudden desire to drive into Podunk, Hailey had her coat and purse and was out the door.

On the drive into town, she fretted, eager for any news and hoping it had been good. She hoped Jay would be able to return soon. She wanted little more than to spend Christmas with him. How quickly he had become close to her heart. It felt as if she’d been waiting for him her entire life.

When she arrived in town, she hardly remembered the drive. Luck was with her, and she was able to park in front of the Cantor Store. The first thing she did was turn on her phone to check for messages and texts, in case Jay had reached out earlier.

Nothing. Disappointment swept through her like a flash flood. This waiting was hard; she could only imagine how his mother must feel, not knowing herself.

Unless she already did.

Hailey walked through the sliding glass doors and immediately looked toward the cash register. That was where she’d always found Thelma on previous visits.

Only Thelma wasn’t there.

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