Page 10 of A Buckeye Falls Christmas
Twenty minutes later, their little fivesome munched on club sandwiches and Maybelle enjoyed her clean onesie that was covered in tiny reindeer. “Tell me about your show in Toronto, James.” Mallory shook a baby bottle like she was making martinis, deftly swapping Maybelle’s pacifier for her lunch.
“You didn’t even break eye contact,” Alice remarked, pulling a piece of bacon free from her sandwich and eating the whole strip in one bite.
“Mal’s a natural, not that I’m surprised.” Beckett kissed her cheek, then turned back to James. “The show went well?”
James wiped his mouth with his napkin, resting his hand on Alice’s knee. He squeezed it twice before answering. “It went really well. It was my first time doing a show with all statues, but it was a lot of fun.”
Mallory whirled her arms in the air, making a corkscrew motion. “Were these the pieces you guys showed us last year in your house? The ones that looked all swirly.”
James’s face cracked into a megawatt grin that made him popular on social media. Even middle age didn’t blunt his attractive face; something his agent and wife both loved. “Yes, the swirly ones. I still painted the wood once it was warped and set, but it was a departure from my normal paintings.”
“Addy said it was one of James’s most popular shows. He already has three requests for the new year.” Alice beamed at her husband, clearly sharing his agent’s enthusiasm.
When they’d gotten together, James was at a professional crossroads. He’d ended his first marriage, which was great for him personally and disastrous professionally. Alice had been his muse, inspiring him to create colorful paintings that sold faster than he could paint them. In their private moments, when he was in the studio working and she was curled up in her writing nook drafting ideas, James felt a peace like he’d never known before. Alice simultaneously made life chaotic and calm, and he’d never change a thing.
“How long are you in Buckeye Falls for this time?” Mallory asked, snaking a hand out to snatch Beckett’s last French fry.
Alice cocked her head, mentally scrolling through her calendar. “Through January, then it’s off to Chicago for a book signing and then to New York so James can meet with some gallery owners.”
Mallory laughed. “You guys keep getting busier and busier.”
“Yeah, I don’t know how you do it.” Beckett agreed, handing his wife a napkin for Maybelle’s latest spit-up. “We have a farm and a baby, and I can’t even remember what day it is. Throw in jetlag, and I’d be all thumbs.”
James nudged Alice and winked. “You get used to it. Fortunately, Alice is basically a human alarm clock.”
Helen appeared with two to-go boxes and the check. “Here’s a mixed box of Christmas cookies, courtesy of your sister-in-law,” she said to Mallory. “And here’s the check. I don’t care who pays, but I’ll take it up at the register.” She backed away from the table after patting Maybelle on the head.
James snatched the ticket and tucked it in his shirt pocket. “Hey,” Mallory protested. “We invaded your lunch, it’s the least we can do.”
“Save the money for a new outfit for Maybelle.” Before Beckett or Mallory could thank him, Maybelle produced a sound that would make any fifth grader snort with laughter as she filled her diaper.
“Holy crap.” Alice coughed into her fist. “Is she for real right now?”
Beckett’s head fell back as he laughed, his red hair falling off his face. “This is nothing. You should come by after strained pears day.”
Alice pinched her nose and shuddered. “Hard pass.”
Mallory made to get up, but Beckett put a hand on her shoulder. “I’m up, you stay and relax.”
“I won’t argue with that,” she said, pulling Beckett down for a quick peck before he disappeared into the restroom with Maybelle and her atomic diaper.
Sensing the girls wanted a few minutes alone, James pulled himself to standing and held up his cell. “I’m going to pay Helen and call Addy quick. She’s been texting about one of the pieces from Toronto.”
Alice mouthedI love youas he waved at Mallory.
Finally alone for a moment, the women leaned in and started giggling. “You guys seem really good,” Alice said, relieved that motherhood hadn’t changed one of her favorite couples.
Mallory flushed but nodded. “I was about to say the same thing about you and Mister Fancy Pants Artist. You’re still loving the traveling?”
Alice nibbled her bottom lip while she pondered her answer. “Yes, we both love the traveling. But I’m only now realizing how much I’ve missed.”
Mallory waved off her friend’s concern. “Alice, you’ve only been gone three months, and we were so busy I couldn’t have seen you as much as I wanted to anyway. Between getting the farm bakery ready and everything with Maybelle, it’s been go, go, go.”
“Okay, you’ve assuaged my guilt. Thanks, Mal.” Alice reached across the table and took her friend’s hands in hers. “She really is a gorgeous little doll.”
Mallory shimmied in her seat and beamed. “She really is. She has my nose for sure, and her eyes are definitely like Ev’s.”
Alice giggled. “Clearly she inherited her father’s hair. What a little carrot top.”
