Lauren and her parents had made the decision to hire a few part-timers for the Christmas season. Charlotte, Lacey, and Kiley were excited about their new jobs. Lauren, Beth, and Lee had taken the girls to a spa in Asheville for a weekend once Lee’s doctor’s gave her a clean bill of health. The bone-marrow transplant had been totally successful, and Lee had returned to her job at the post office. Three weeks ago, Brent Ludmore gave Lee a diamond ring, announcing their plans to marry in the spring. Madison secretly took credit for their engagement.

“Are you feeling all right, dear?” her mother asked Lauren.

“I’ve had too much coffee. Why?”

“Just asking,” her mother said, turning her attention to the three girls. “If I run into a problem with this newfangled credit-card machine, you’ll help me out?”

“It’s super easy, Mrs. Montgomery, but one of us will give you a hand if you need it,” Charlotte said.

“It’s time to open the doors. Christmas 2020, here we go.” Her father turned the OPEN sign over, Lauren hit the remote that turned on the lights in the display window, and the rush began.

Locals and out-of-towners filled the store until late afternoon, by which time they’d sold out of just about everything. Luckily, they had enough stock to carry them through the month and would continue selling their unique Christmas decorations year-round.

Later, when the doors were locked, the floors cleaned, and the shelves tidied, Lauren asked her parents if they’d have a cup of tea with her before she and John went to the guest house for the night. They were all worn-out, and a cup of tea was welcome. Charlotte, Kiley, and Lacey went to Beth’s house, as they’d planned a sleepover.

“You look worn-out, sweetie,” John said, as he wrapped his arms around her.

“I think we’re all ready to call it a day,” her father said. He was his old self again, his depression completely under control, and she couldn’t be happier.

Her mother made the tea, handing them each a mug, and sat next to her husband on the sagging sofa. John took a seat in the desk chair, and Lauren sat on his lap.

“I have an early Christmas present I’d like to share with you all,” Lauren said.

“I thought you didn’t like getting or giving gifts early,” John said, surprised. She’d told him about Eric and her distaste for his eagerness.

“This is a gift for all of us, and it doesn’t matter if I give it to you a bit early,” Lauren said.

She had their undivided attention.

“John, Mom, Dad, I’m going to have a baby.”

“Oh my gosh.” John kissed her so long and hard, she felt herself blush.