Page 5 of Threads of Kindness
Roman raced into the room, followed closely by John.
“I’m talking to Judy,” she wiggled her phone, pressed to her ear. “Susan called while you were at the hospital—Julia is sick and they don’t want us to be exposed to the crud, and they’re staying home today. Do you mind if I run over to Judy’s this morning to help her get ready for the potluck?” Maggie’s voice radiated her enthusiasm.
“On one condition,” he said.
Maggie cocked her head to one side and raised an eyebrow.
“That I get to come with you and help, too. You were in such a funk this morning. I didn’t want to make it worse by telling you I was feeling letdown as well.”
Maggie turned back to the phone. “Did you hear that?” she asked Judy. “Would it be okay if John also came along?”
“Jeff and I would consider it our own little Christmas miracle.”
“Okay—you two hang tight. We’ll be there soon.”
CHAPTER 3
Judy reached over and put her arm around Maggie’s shoulder. “You’re right; this was a smart idea.” The two women stood, their backs to the elaborately carved front door of the Olsson House, and surveyed the scene in front of them.
A crystal vase filled with evergreen boughs, white roses, and sprigs of holly heavy with red berries soared four feet from the top of the round mahogany console table in the center of the foyer. Scattered around the base of the vase were bowls of wrapped mints, mixed nuts, and open boxes of chocolates.
“Right before a party starts, I always go to my own front door and pretend I’m a guest walking inside. I want their first view to be welcoming.” Maggie placed her hand over Judy’s and gave it a squeeze. “I think the treats on your entry table tell your guests they’re welcome.” She glanced at Judy. “The identical trees on either side of that dramatic staircase of yours are gorgeous. I think people will have their pictures taken on the first step. I love that you decorated the trees with the hand-carved wooden ornaments that brought you and Jeff together.”
Judy grinned. “I brought my set home from the window at Celebrations after I closed last night. Uniting both sets here on Christmas Day seemed fitting to me.”
Maggie nodded. “I couldn’t agree more. I’m sure William Olsson is looking down from heaven and loving every minute of this.”
“I hope so,” Judy said. “Jeff says he frequently feels his uncle’s presence here.”
“Who knows—maybe the Olsson House has a resident ghost.”
“Just like Alistair at Rosemont? Do you now believe in him?”
Maggie shrugged. “I’m becoming more convinced as time goes on.”
“I’m not sure if I want to share our house with a ghost.” Judy cocked her head to one side. “Is it as festive as Rosemont, do you think?”
“Absolutely! You can smell those live trees in the main parlor and the dining room from here—it’s heavenly. And when you step into those rooms, the effect is magical.”
“Thank you,” Judy said. “I was so busy working at the shop during the Christmas retail season, I put off thinking about this party until a week ago. Once I started to plan, I realized I was way behind the eight ball on everything. I think I had a full-blown panic attack last night, worrying that I’d forgotten something major.”
“Is that why you and Jeff weren’t in church for the candlelight service?”
Judy nodded. “I was beside myself.”
“Well … you’ve done it, my dear—you’re ready. My advice is to grab your phone and take pictures of your setup, so you remember next time how you did things.”
“Oh gosh,” Judy said, “I’m not sure there’s going to be a next time. I figured you’d take over the Christmas potluck next year.”
“I’m happy todo that. I love to host. But you may discover you enjoy it, too. We can always share duties and alternate years.” Maggie checked her watch. “It’s time for John and me to scoot. We need to go back home to change and grab the dish we’re going to share.”
“Gosh, I’ve occupied you here most of the day. I hope that hasn’t interfered with what you planned to make. We’re going to have plenty of food—you don’t have to bring anything.”
“I’ve got a honey-glazed ham, so all I have to do is slice it and put it on a platter. I also have the smoked turkey breast that Susan was going to contribute. I picked them both up from the same retailer and was going to take it to Susan this morning. Since they’re quarantining at home, I’ll plate that and bring it as well.”
“Sounds wonderful,” Judy said, giving Maggie’s waist another squeeze before releasing her. “I can’t wait to get this party started.”
Maggie smiled. “Your first guests should arrive in the next twenty minutes. You’ve already checked off everything on your to-do list. Don’t review it again. Enjoy how beautiful your home looks, take a deep breath, and import a sense of calm to face the day.”
