Page 3 of Soldier's Chrismas Hope
And besides, it would be nice to go to the other park,even if it was a bit of a hike. The one they lived near now was more decorative than anything. There wasn’t any play equipment, and it was small enough that any kids wanting to yell and play got mean looks from the adults sitting on the uncomfortable wrought iron benches.
She hadn’t worried about that when her ex insisted they spend a fortune on this tiny condo. Edward didn’t want children, so she hadn’t thought it would be an issue.
Don’t think about that.
“Good night,” Pixie said, kissing Nora’s cheek. “I love you.”
“I love you too, Pixie girl,” Nora told her. “To the moon and back.”
That earned her a smile. She knew that Alma used to tell the kids she loved themall the way to infinity,and she didn’t want to step on that memory, but it was nice to have anI love youtradition of their own.
Pixie rested her little head on the pillow, and Nora climbed out of the bed and slipped out the door, closing it behind her but leaving the little angel nightlight on.
She felt good as she headed back to the kitchen, and she decided to put the kettle on before she finished up with the groceries. That way, she would have a nice cup of tea made and be ready to curl up with her own book when she was finished.
The radio was still on from earlier and she found herself missing the days when she’d lived in Tarker County and they played all Christmas music, all the time, during this part of the year.
Her parents had moved them around constantlygrowing up, but there was something about the Pennsylvania countryside that had stuck with Nora, even after years of living in the city.
Her phone rang before she could give it any more thought, and she pulled it out of her pocket to find that it was a familiar contact.
Raining Cats & Dogs Vet Clinic
She swiped the screen with her heart in her mouth. It wasn’t like her work would have many good reasons to be calling her.
“Hello?” she said.
“Nora,” said a male voice she recognized right away. “How are you? How are the kids?”
“Hi, Tony,” she said, touched that her boss would ask about the children before talking about work. “They’re holding up really well. I’m proud of them.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” he said. “They’re very lucky to have you.”
“Thanks,” she said, biting her lip afterward.
“Listen,” Tony said. “You know Margie and I care about you and we’re grateful to you. You’re the best vet tech we’ve ever had.”
“Thank you,” Nora said, waiting for the other shoe to drop.
“We’re wondering if you’re ready to come back,” Tony said.
And there it was. Nora blew out a breath, unsure how to explain the situation. She had been taking leavewithout pay for almost six months now because the kids really needed her.
She was living on savings and the bit of money Edward had left her. Of course that wouldn’t last too much longer, and she knew she had to get back to work as soon as possible.
But John-John was still hurting so much that she couldn’t imagine trying to park him in some preschool all day, or disappearing on him by leaving him with a sitter. She knew in her heart that this time spent building back the little boy’s sense of security would pay off for the rest of his life.
But she also sensed that things were about to get a whole lot harder if she didn’t figure out some kind of solution.
“The thing is,” Tony went on. “We can’t go into the holiday season without a tech here to help out. People have parties and their pets get into foods they shouldn’t, parents bring home puppies and kittens for Christmas that need their shots. And we can’t afford to have two techs. So, if we hire someone else, we won’t be able to bring you back. We can give you a week to think it over…”
“No need,” Nora told him, forcing herself to remain calm. She could let herself break the minute they were off the phone. “You and Margie have been more than patient. I’m so sorry to have left you with an empty position for so long. You need to have your staff back in time for the holidays. When I’m able to get back to work, I’ll find something.”
“Are you sure, honey?” Tony asked.
“I’m going to send you contact info for someone great that I went to school with,” she told him, thinking suddenly of her best friend, Leslie. “She’s really wonderful, and she’d be a great person to consider for the job if you’re interviewing now.”
“Think about it a little more,” Tony offered, his voice deep with concern.
