Page 6 of Threads of Kindness
“I’ll give it a shot,” Judy said.
“Now, where did our husbands get to? Do you have any idea?”
“If I had to place a bet, I’d say they’re in the library watching a football game.”
“That’s a safe one.” Maggie chuckled. “I’m gonna drag John out of there. The sooner we leave, the sooner we’ll be back.” She headed to the library. “Oh, don't forget to change into your party dress, either. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve had to rush upstairs to change and fix my hair as the first guests arrived.”
CHAPTER 4
John’s car crept down the street toward the Olsson House.
“Look at all these cars,” he said. “Every parking spot at the curb is occupied. Could some of these people be going to the neighboring houses, and not Judy and Jeff’s?”
“Judy told me she invited her neighbors. I think everyone who got an invitation is attending—and arrived on time.”
“The potluck started fifteen minutes ago, right?”
“Yep. If these cars are any indication, she’ll have double the turnout we had last year.”
“Well, the more the merrier,” John said.
Maggie chuckled. “That’s the spirit. I’m happy for them.”
“Do you want me to drop you at the curb while I continue to look for a place to park?” John asked.
“No, I’ve got a plan. Judy’s old house is up ahead on the left. No one is living there. We’ll park in her driveway.” Maggie pointed to the house as they drew abreast of it.
John parked and they walked back to the Olsson House, being careful not to spill any of the contents from the platters they were bringing to the potluck.
They reached the low iron fence that enclosed the yard. Maggie paused on the sidewalk, taking in the gracious three-story Victorian mansion, now transformed into a holiday jewel. Cedar boughs, tied with generous bows of burgundy velvet ribbon edged in gold, wrapped the porch railing like a festive embrace. Icicle lights traced the gabled roofline and framed the turret windows, where the soft flicker of candlelight shimmered behind the glass. Even in the pale sunshine of late afternoon, the lights glowed faintly, casting a gentle enchantment over the house.
The scent of woodsmoke mingled with the faint aroma of gingerbread, hinting at the warmth waiting inside. Judy and Jeff’s painstaking restoration of the once-dilapidated beauty had polished it to a high gleam, like vintage silver brought lovingly back to life. The house sparkled from every angle. Music and laughter spilled through the open front door, wrapping around them like a welcome, and beckoned them forward.
John opened the gate and stepped aside for Maggie to precede him on the walkway. They climbed the steps to the porch and paused in the open doorway. Small groups of people crowded the foyer. Frequent bursts of laughter interrupted the low buzz of conversation. Excitement hung in the air.
“What’s going on?” John asked Maggie. “It’s like people are waiting for something.”
“I don’t know. It’s Christmas afternoon—Santa has already been here and gone,” she teased.
“Maggie!” She heard her name over the din.
“John!” cried another voice.
They turned toward the familiar voices calling their names. Alex Scanlon, Maggie’s successor as mayor of Westbury, and his partner, Marc Benson, pushed through the crowd to reach them.
“Merry Christmas, you two,” Maggie said, leaning in to kiss Alex on the cheek and accept one from him.
“We’ve been looking for you. I was afraid you’d miss it.”
“Miss what?” Maggie asked.
“Lyla Kershaw is going to make a big announcement any minute now. Even Judy doesn’t know what it is,” Marc said, shaking John’s hand and taking the platter of ham from him. “Alex and I will take your dishes to the buffet table and be right back.”
“Thank you,” Maggie said, surrendering her platter. She pointed to an empty spot along the wall to the right of the door. “We’ll save a place for you if you want to join us for the announcement.”
“Will do,” Alex said, following Marc into the dining room where the buffet was set up.
Maggie and John planted themselves against the wall.
