Page 109 of The Twelve Months of Christmas
“You’re very lucky to have such a close family,” Mia said to Alden. “Not everyone has that.”
“I guess not,” he said.
“I hope you don’t take it for granted.”
Maybe he did.
Arianna joined them. The lighthearted smile she’d worn earlier did a fade at the sight of her mother. “How are you doing, Mom?”
Mia waved away her concern. “I’m fine. Are you having fun?”
“I am,” Arianna said. “I like your family,” she told Alden.
“And I like your laugh. I don’t think I’ve ever heard you laugh before,” he said.
She gave a one-shouldered shrug. “Haven’t had too much to laugh about in the last year or so.”
“You don’t want to forget how,” said her mother. “It’s so nice of you to include us in your family’s party, Alden.”
“Hey, the more the merrier, that’s the Brightman family motto.” But shadows were spreading under Mia’s eyes and she looked ready to drop. The party probably needed to end for her. “How about we get you home, Mrs. W?”
“I was so looking forward to watching the fireworks,” she protested.
“Mom, you really look tired,” Arianna said.
Alden was suddenly inspired. “I tell you what. Let’s have a preshow.” He strode off across the lawn, calling to everyone. “Hey guys, time for sparklers.”
Within minutes he had both kids and adults assembled in a line a safe distance apart from each other and in front of the patio where Mia sat on her lounge chair. “And now it’s time for our preshow. Uncle Jack, start the music.”
His uncle obliged, and “The Star-Spangled Banner” began to play. He and his dad lit the sparklers and stepped aside to let the performers wave them in circles in front of them. It was kind of boring with them all just standing there, he thought, but Mia’s face was lit almost as brightly as the sparklers so he’d count it a success.
“Big ending,” he called, and they all finished, singing along, “O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.”
“Play ball!” hollered Dad, and everyone laughed.
Mia clapped appreciatively. “You are all very talented.”
“See?” Uncle Jack said to Aunt Jane. “I told you we should have gone onAmerican’s Got Talent.”
“You all have a talent for making people feel welcome,” Mia said to Alden as the performers scattered in various directions.
“Didn’t know that was a talent,” he said.
“It is,” Mia assured him.
“I think you’re a flatterer, Mrs. W. Let me grab Buster and we’ll get you to the truck.”
“I’ll get Sophie,” Arianna said.
A few minutes later they were on their way back to Arianna’s place, a tired Sophie whining, “I wanted to see the fireworks.”
“Be happy you got to play with a sparkler,” Arianna said in a tone of voice that didn’t invite discussion.
“Humph,” Sophie said.
From his rearview mirror Alden could see her crossing her arms over her chest and pouting. It reminded him of his former girlfriend. Sophie was only six. At least she had an excuse for acting like a child.
Once they were back and out of the truck, Mia said, “Don’t let me spoil the evening, you two. Stay up and watch the fireworks.”
