Page 41 of The Merriest Christmas

Yours, Seaver

It was just four lines, yet the promise was there.He'd be back.But I couldn't help wondering what "later" meant and how long he'd stay this time.I knew I shouldn't care either way.But my heart hoped he'd come back soon.

CHAPTER 7

Emmy

About 10 minutes later, Mom got a call.

"Chase," Mom said warmly, smiling wide and putting him on speakerphone."You're the first of my absent children to call and say Merry Christmas.That definitely earns you extra brownie points.How are things in New York?"

"Everything's fine," my third oldest brother said."Merry Christmas, Mom.I miss you."

"I miss you too, sweetheart."

"Hey, I'm here too," I said.

"Hey, Emmy."Chase sounded like he was smiling."How are things there?"

"As good as can be expected."

"Is that guy you almost un-alived okay?"

I rolled my eyes."Yeah, he's in the kitchen wolfing down pancakes.Pretty sure he's fine."

"Good.Oh hey Mom, I actually called to ask if you'd do me a favor," he said.

"Of course," she said back."What do you need?"

There was some rustling on the other end."Something's being delivered to the house today.It's for you.Can you go outside and see if it's there?"

Mom frowned."Sure.But Chase, I don't think anyone makes deliveries on Christmas."

"Trust me, they do.And they assured me it would get there soon.Can you check?Please?"

"Okay."

I frowned as I followed Mom to the door.She was right, of course.Packages didn't come on Christmas day.Most peoplehad off—and anyone who would make someone work through the holiday had to be at least a little heartless.

"What company did you say it was from?" I asked.

"Can't give away the surprise," was all he said.

Mom laughed at that."What exactly are we looking for?"

"You'll know it when you see it."

Well, that was cryptic.

As we neared the door, there was the sound of a car pulling up outside.

"Oh, I think it might be here," Mom said.

"I think you're right," he said.

"I hope you didn't do anything crazy.I told you kids to save your money.It's—"

She stepped outside then stopped short.

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