Magic of Christmas
Ch. 3: A Christmas Surprise
“You ready,” Abby asked as they pulled up in the massive Caldwell driveway.
“Not in the least,” Harper admitted. “You sure you don’t want to go back? We could maybe start our own Christmas traditions back home and…”
Abby squeezed Harper’s hand. “It’ll be fine.”
“No, I know. They love you, just like I love you so this will work and…”
“Harper, breathe.”
“Right.” Harper took a deep breath. “Okay let’s do this.”
The two of them got out of the car and made their way to the door. Just as Harper was about to knock Tipper opened the door.
“You’re home!” Tipper said gleefully. “I knew I heard your car pulling up, but why did you wait so long to get out of the car?” Tipper brushed it off, “Never mind, I’m just glad you’re back, both of you.”
Tipper first hugged Abby and then she reached out to hug Harper. She then held her daughter’s hand for a moment and that was when she felt it…the ring on Harper’s left hand.
“You’re engaged!” Tipper said.
“Surprise,” said Harper with a shy smile.
“Ted, Jane,” Tipper called out, “Get in here.”
Jane hopped down the stairs two at a time. “What’d I miss?”
“What’s going on?” Ted asked as he came from his office.
“It’s only the best news of the year,” Tipper said as she held out Harper’s hand.
“Oh my God,” said Jane, “Congratulations! Mom’s right, this is definitely the best news of the year, well next to my novel being released. You guys are coming to the reading tomorrow night, right?”
“Wouldn’t miss it,” said Abby.
“So, you finally did it,” Ted said sounding pleased. “How’d it go?”
Tipper looked at her husband, “Wait, you knew about this, since when?”
“Since July I think,” said Ted.
“And you didn’t tell me,” Tipper said sounding a bit disappointed.
Ted smiled, “And miss this reaction?”
“Tell me,” Jane asked, “How did it go, how did you propose, was it romantic?”
“We can hear that story later,” said Tipper. “Tonight, we are going out. This deserves to be celebrated. I’ll call Sloane. Oh, Harper, you should probably call Riley. She’s in town so maybe she can join us, if that’s okay with the two of you.”
Abby and Harper looked at each other. Harper’s friendship with Riley had been on the mend this year. There was still a lot to make up for, but things were getting better. It helped that Riley liked Abby and they were becoming fast friends, something Harper kind of unintentionally led to happen, but the three of them were making their friendships with each other work.
“Sure, that sounds fine, mom,” said Harper.
“Excellent,” said Tipper. “A friend owes me a reservation so I know the perfect place. And Abby, John is coming in tomorrow right?”
“That’s right,” said Abby, “He’s helping Jane with the book signing.”
“Perfect,” said Tipper. “Well, you two get settled and make yourselves at home.”
Tipper excused herself, having Jane follow her as she got busy planning their evening.
Ted smiled at Abby, “Welcome to the family, Abby,” he said as he went and hugged her.
“Congratulations, sweetheart,” he said to Harper as he hugged her as well.
“Thanks, dad,” said Harper.
Ted then excused himself and it was just the couple in the living room.
“So, this thing your mom is planning tonight,” Abby said, “Connor isn’t going to be there is he?”
“God no,” Harper replied. “After what happened last year, I set some boundaries with my mom. Connor is not invited unless I say it’s okay and I haven’t talked to him in a year, so we definitely don’t have to worry about him showing up, I promise.”
“I believe you,” Abby said genuinely.
******
Later in the evening, The Caldwell family was together. Sloan’s ex-husband had taken the kids for the night. A table was ready for them and Riley smiled at the family as she saw them. They exchanged their evening pleasantries and then Riley walked over to Harper and Abby.
“Not that I mind getting away from my parents for a bit,” said Riley, “but I’m curious, you said you had a surprise. What’s going on?”
“Oh right,” said Harper. She held out her hand so that Riley could see the ring on her finger.
Riley shook her head and smiled, “You finally did it,” Riley said more toward Abby. She then looked at Harper. “And you said, ‘yes’?”
Harper looked at the two of them with some confusion. “Wait,” said Harper, “You knew, since when?”
Riley and Abby smiled at each other. “Abby and I are friends,” said Riley, “We talk.” She wasn't about to tell Harper that she'd known since last Christmas.
“Right, of course,” said Harper.
Riley smiled at Harper. “Congratulations, Harper,” she said as she hugged her friend.
When they pulled back Riley hugged Abby as well. “I’m happy for you two,” Riley said when she pulled back. “So do we get to hear the story of how you proposed?”
Abby looked at Harper as they all took their seats. “Uh…”
Jane’s eyes widened, “Yes, yes, please tell the story. Was it romantic? Did you get down on one knee, Abby or were you more casual?”
The family, and Riley, who had in some ways become part of a chosen family, all gathered around the table and settled in for the evening. Abby let Harper take the lead since it was a proposal that she wasn’t expecting. As Harper told the story, Abby looked at their small group. It was everything she had dreamed of. Though Christmas 2020 was still a little sore spot, it was healing, and this Christmas was better. Abby was certain this would be the year when she believed in the magic of Christmas again. She smiled at Harper when she caught Harper smiling at her. The two of them squeezing hands under the table. They were together and Abby now had a family that she had longed for since the loss of her parents. She couldn’t have asked for anything more.
*****
END.