Little Christmas Miracles. Barbara Hannay

Santa will bring you a book, Richard,” Toby said with enthusiasm. Again Molly jerked.

      “Is anything wrong, Molly?”

      “No, no, nothing’s wrong.”

      “I don’t think Santa brings adults presents, Toby.”

      Toby stared at his uncle. “Really? I don’t think so. Mommy and Daddy always got something from Santa.”

      Elizabeth responded when neither of the other adults had anything to say. “I’m sure you’re right, Toby, if the mommy and daddy are true believers.”

      “Mommy and Daddy were. And I know Molly believes in Santa. And you do, Grandma, because you asked what Santa should bring me. So that only leaves you, Uncle Richard. If you believe in Santa, he’s sure to come see us.”

      “I see. Then I’m sure I believe in Santa, Toby, because I’m sure he’s going to come see you.”

      “And you, too, Uncle Richard. I want him to come see all of us, so we’ll all be happy.”

      Richard exchanged a look with Molly. He could read the gratitude in her eyes. “That’s very sweet of you, Toby. I’m sure we’ll all receive presents.”

      “Good. Grandma, what will he bring you?”

      “Oh, probably perfume.”

      “What kind do you wear, Grandma?”

      “Chanel No 5. It’s terribly expensive, so don’t even think of getting me any,” she said to Toby.

      “Okay,” he said with a sigh.

      “Is something wrong, dear?”

      “No, Grandma. Dinner is really good tonight.”

      “I’ll tell Delores you said that, Toby. She’ll be pleased.”

      “Grandma and I were talking about some fun things to do for Christmas,” Richard began.

      “You mean the horse and buggy ride? We can do that, can’t we?”

      “Yes,” Richard replied. “And I thought we should go to the North Park Mall and see the decorations while we shop.”

      Molly shot him a look but he ignored it. “We can all go.”

      “But how do I buy presents for you guys if you’re all with me?”

      “I’ll take you shopping for their presents, Toby,” Molly told the boy, but her eyes never left Richard.

      Refusing to back down, Richard said, “We can take turns going with you in the mall, while the others shop. I’d be glad for some all male time.”

      Toby’s face lit up. “You mean just you and me?”

      Richard smiled, continuing to watch Molly out of the corner of his eye. She seemed a little perturbed about that.

      “Okay. We don’t want to go tomorrow because the mall will be jammed on a Saturday. We can go Monday or Tuesday, if you want.”

      “That would be great!”

      “You know, I think maybe the three of you should go. I might get too tired at the mall,” Elizabeth said suddenly.

      Richard frowned. “You’re sure, Mom?”

      “Yes, Richard, I’m sure.” She smiled at Molly. “I’m sure the two of you can manage with one little boy.”

      “Of course we can, Mom, if you insist.”

      Richard looked at Molly. “So is Monday or Tuesday okay with you?”

      “Yes, of course, but I can manage with Toby if you have other things to do.”

      She even smiled at him, which made Richard suspicious. Suddenly she wanted him to avoid doing anything for Christmas with Toby? Or was it him she was trying to avoid? Either way, she was going. “No, I’m looking forward to shopping with you and Toby.”

      “Certainly,” she said, not meeting his glance.

      Yep, something was definitely going on.

      “Won’t it be fun to go to the mall with Uncle Richard?” Toby asked as he was climbing into bed.

      “I guess. But I’ll give you some money beforehand. Don’t spend more than I give you.”

      “I couldn’t, could I?”

      “Your uncle might offer you some money, but just tell him you have your own.”

      “Okay.”

      “Good. Now hop into bed so I can kiss you good night.”

      “Okay.” After he got into bed, he held up his arms. Molly bent down and hugged him.

      As he closed his eyes, Molly turned off the overhead light, leaving just the night-light burning, and hurried into her room. She wanted to finish wrapping the gifts she’d bought today.

      She was almost finished when someone knocked on her door.

      Immediately she began stowing the bags and packages under her bed. The knock came again. “Just a minute. I have to find my robe,” she called. As soon as she had everything out of sight, she hurried to the door.

      Richard was standing there. “Nice robe,” he commented, raking his gaze over her.

      Molly realized she’d forgotten to don her robe over her clothes. “Um, I forgot I was dressed.”

      Richard looked over her shoulder, but he couldn’t see anything suspicious. “What were you doing?”

      “I was reading.”

      “I don’t see a book out.”

      “I—I just finished it.”

      He braced a hand against the doorjamb and leaned in. “You just seem awfully nervous about something.”

      “Did you come to my room for a purpose, Richard? Or did you just want to harass me?”

      He immediately held up his hands, as if surrendering. “I just wanted to let you know that I told Mom your mother lived in Seattle. She was disappointed that you’d lied to her and Toby.”

      Molly closed her eyes. Then she opened them. “Fine. Thanks for letting me know.”

      “What was going on at dinner?”

      “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

      “Yes, you do. Toby kept kicking you. And you kept cutting me off.”

      “I didn’t want you to tell your mother and Toby that I had gone to the mall today.”

      “Why?”

      “Toby would be reluctant to take his nap if he thinks I’m going out without him. And your mother might think it was rude of me not to tell her I went out.”

      “That’s a plausible answer, but I don’t think it’s the real one.”

      And he was right. But how could she tell him she didn’t want anyone knowing about their quiet moments alone? Or, more appropriately, her reaction to those moments? “Think what you like, Richard. I’m tired and I’d like to go to bed now.”

      Suddenly his roving eyes caught sight of a piece of red material in the floor. “What’s that?” he asked.

      She looked over shoulder and then began closing the door. “I need to go to bed now.”

      She forced him out of the doorway and closed it in front of him. He thought about pounding on the door until she opened it again, but his mother or Toby might hear him. Slipping his hands in his slacks pockets, he strolled down the hall, looking over his shoulder to see if she’d open the door, but it remained shut.

      Finally he gave up and went into his room. He had a lot to