The Gift of Christmas Present by Melody Carlson Read Free Book Online Page B

tree over by the fireplace. Your ceilings are so tall that you could have a ten-foot—”
    â€œI do not want a ten-foot tree, Felicity, any more than I want a ten-inch tree. What is it about no that you don’t understand?”
    Felicity frowned and set her cup down with a clink. “I would think you’d do it, at least for your grandchildren. Give them some memories—”
    â€œFelicity,” Mrs. Daniels began in a very stern voice. “I know you well enough to know that it’s not for the children. If I opened my home to a Christmas party, as you call it, it would only be to impress your family and friends. If you want to have a Christmas party, have it at your own house.”
    â€œBut I would do all the work—”
    â€œAnd I would foot the bill.”
    Felicity’s face puckered up now. Whether she was going to cry or explode was anyone’s guess, but Christine suspected by the way she was glaring at her that she’d already overstayed her welcome.
    â€œCan I get you anything else?” she asked as she prepared to make a hasty exit.
    â€œNo, thank you, Christine, this is fine,” Mrs. Daniels said in a surprisingly polite voice.
    Christine returned to the kitchen but lingered by the door, hoping to hear a few more snippets of conversation. And to her pleased surprise, the long dining room worked almost like an echo chamber. Sure, she felt a bit guilty for eavesdropping, but then, whether they knew it or not, she was actually part of this family. Didn’t she have some right to know about the goings-on here?
    â€œWell, fine,” Felicity said in a sharp voice. “If that’s the way you’re going to be about it.”
    â€œThat’s right.”
    â€œWell, I suppose you won’t want to trouble yourself to come over for Jamie’s birthday either? Poor kid, it’s bad enough having a birthday in December, but I suppose you’re going to let your injury keep you from—”
    â€œI still plan to come over for Jamie’s birthday. Isn’t the party on Friday?”
    A few more words were said, and then it sounded like Felicity was leaving. After a bit Christine returned to the living room to pick up the tray of tea things.
    â€œLooks like we’ll need to do a little shopping tomorrow,” Mrs. Daniels said as Christine loaded up the tray.
    â€œShopping?”
    â€œYes. My grandson is having his seventh birthday on Friday. Do you have any idea what a seven-year-old might like?”
    â€œI used to baby-sit for a couple of little boys who just loved Legos. And they collected all these amazing sets, like clipper ships and space shuttles. They’d play with them for hours.”
    â€œLegos?” She nodded. “Might be just the trick.”
    So, on the following morning, after the basic routine was completed, Christine drove Mrs. Daniels to the toy store at the mall. Of course, the parking lot was packed, and after driving around several times, Christine finally decided to drop Mrs. Daniels at the door.
    â€œI don’t see why you don’t just park in the handicapped space,” Mrs. Daniels complained as Christine helped her out of the car.
    â€œYou don’t have a permit,” Christine said for the third time.
    â€œPermit shermit.”
    â€œI’ll be back in a few minutes.”
    Christine found Mrs. Daniels waiting at the door, clearly aggravated by the potbellied man clanging a bell as he solicited donations.
    â€œDo they think they’ll make money by irritating the shoppers?” she asked as Christine held the door open for her.
    They circumvented the crowded “Take Your Photo with Santa” display, complete with stuffed reindeer, elves, and fake snow, as they made their way toward the nearby toy store. The sounds of children laughing and shouting, and some even crying, mixed with the tinny sound of Christmas music being played over the PA system. After working