A Forever Christmas. Missy Tippens

sons need more of his time if they’re going to get over Lindsay’s leaving.”

      A frown was his only response.

      She swallowed and decided to plunge in. “I’d like to help him see that time with his children is more important than making extra money for gifts. And I need your help.”

      “And you’d like to do this because…?”

      “I, uh…I’ve seen parents of one of my students make a similar mistake.”

      “You do realize his working overtime has as much to do with him looking out for his employees as it does with him buying nice gifts?”

      “Well, no. I didn’t know that. But either way, the outcome is the same. Hunter misses his dad. He’s sad. Withdrawn.”

      Harry rubbed his chin. “Have you talked to Gregory about this?”

      She recalled the awkward conversation and the not-so-satisfying result. “Yes. But he ended up angry with me.”

      He studied her. “I’m still trying to figure out your motive, here.”

      “I guess it’s the teacher in me. I see a problem with a child, and I try to fix it.”

      “You know, as long as Gregory thinks you’re trying to fix him, he’s not going to cooperate.”

      She had a feeling he wouldn’t cooperate simply because she was Sarah Radcliffe. “I just want to present opportunities for him to spend time with his boys. That’s all he needs. The rest will happen on its own.”

      Harry nodded. “Makes sense.” He continued to nod as if assimilating all she’d said. “Okay. I’ll help. As long as you don’t hurt my son.”

      “No. Of course not.” She wouldn’t let herself get involved enough for either of them to get hurt.

      “Well, what did you have in mind?”

      “I was hoping I could pick the boys up at school and day care tomorrow to take them to buy a Christmas tree.”

      “How will that involve Gregory?”

      “We’ll need him to bring the truck to haul it home. And then he’ll have to help put it up. And decorate it.” Just telling of her plan made a grin twitch at her lips.

      One side of Harry’s mouth lifted into a crooked smile. “Leave the details to me.”

      

      The next afternoon, Sarah arrived at the Jolly Time Day Care Center after picking up Hunter from kindergarten. Hunter remained silent as they drove to pick up Chase, but he hadn’t complained.

      “Come on, let’s go get your brother.” She held out her hand to him, trying to act as if she wasn’t anxious. After all, she hardly knew these children. And they didn’t really know her.

      “What are we going to do?” Hunter asked, ignoring her outstretched hand.

      “That’s a surprise. I’ll tell you once we get Chase.”

      “Hi, Miss Sawah,” Chase called as soon as they walked in.

      “Hi, Chase. I’m here to pick you up today.”

      She was relieved to see the day care center was bright, cheery and clean. The children seemed happy and well cared for.

      “I’ll get my book bag.” He ran to his cubby while she provided her driver’s license to the worker and signed Chase out.

      “So why didn’t Granddad pick us up today?” Hunter asked.

      “Well, I asked him if I could take you shopping for a Christmas tree.” She clapped her hands together, hoping they’d get excited.

      Chase didn’t disappoint. He hopped up and down, clapping his hands as well. But then he noticed his brother’s lack of reaction.

      Hunter stood stock-still. “I thought Dad would take us.”

      She hadn’t expected Hunter’s reaction. Had assumed he’d be thrilled. “Well, would you mind if I take you? I thought we’d pick it out, then call your dad to help us take it home and decorate it.”

      He shrugged. “He won’t come.”

      “Why don’t you let me worry about that part, okay?”

      He shrugged again. “Okay.”

      She buckled them in the car seats provided by Harry and drove to the tree farm outside of town. She’d always bought trees shipped in from North Carolina, but this was a cut-your-own tree place, her excuse to get Gregory involved. She’d call him to ask him to come help. How could he resist?

      “There’s one!” Chase yelled as soon as they walked up.

      “That’s tiny,” Hunter said.

      “Let’s keep looking and see if we can find one you’ll both like.”

      They tromped through row after row of Leyland cypresses and Virginia pines. The boys couldn’t agree on a tree at all. Hunter liked the tall fat ones. Chase liked the short, scrawny ones. As the light started to fade, she looked at her watch. Time to call Gregory.

      “Gregory Jones,” he answered, sending her pulse into overdrive.

      “Hi, Gregory. This is Sarah.”

      After a two-second pause, he said, “What’s up?” He sounded wary.

      “Well, I have your boys with me, and—”

      “What? Why do you have my boys with you?”

      Her pulse continued to race. Only this time it wasn’t due to the familiar sound of his voice. Now she feared she’d made a mistake. “I asked your dad if I could bring them to get a Christmas tree. But they can’t seem to make up their minds. And now I’ve realized it won’t fit in my car trunk, so—”

      “Hold up a second. I’m still trying to figure out how you got my kids out of school.”

      “Your dad gave permission for me to pick them up. I showed my driver’s license.”

      “And took them tree shopping.”

      “Yes.”

      He sighed. “So now they’ve picked out a tree?”

      “Well…no. Not exactly. They can’t seem to agree. Hunter likes tall and fat. Chase like short and skinny. So, what do you say you come with your truck, help pick one out, and then haul it home?” She smiled, because she was doing a great job of sounding cheerful. Maybe he would get in the spirit.

      “But I have an appointment in…forty-five minutes and need to make a quick shopping trip on the way. Just get them to strap it to the top of your car.”

      Chase started jumping up and down, excited that his dad might be coming. Hunter fidgeted as he tried to listen to the phone call. Of course, they hadn’t heard Gregory’s response.

      Hunter tugged her arm down to move the cell phone closer. “Hey, Dad!” he yelled.

      “Hey, Dad!” Chase echoed.

      She put the phone back to her ear. “The boys really want you to come help pick it out. I know it would mean a lot to them.”

      He sighed—an angry sigh. “I had set aside a day this week to go get the tree. It’s on my calendar.”

      Her heart pounded. What if she’d gone too far? What if he wouldn’t come? “We’re here already. Come on over and help. It’ll be fun.”

      “Pleeease,” Hunter yelled. And of course, Chase echoed. She almost said the same, but instead prepared to watch her plan crash and burn.

      “Okay. But make them pick one before I get there. I won’t have time to shop.”

      She smiled and gave the boys a thumbs-up.