“Sure dad, we’d love to meet anyone to whom you’ve given your heart. She will always be welcome with us.”
After they departed Sally went straight home and told Jim everything. His less than startled response left her frustrated. This could end up being an unmitigated disaster and her loving husband seemed to be acting as if it was nothing more than a normal Christmas!
The next Tuesday morning Christmas dawned crisp and glorious. A light snow had fallen overnight so and everyone was overjoyed to have a white Christmas. MJ and Pam had arrived on Christmas Eve afternoon. The four of them were seated in the living room and Sally was trying to keep Emily from tearing into the presents Santa had faithfully delivered the night before.
Hot apple cider was on the stove, the turkey was in the oven and everyone seemed to genuinely be enjoying the morning. But truth be told three of the four adults in the room were on pins and needles. For his part, Jim continued to look unconcerned. His lack of sensitivity was really beginning to irk Sally.
At 8 AM sharp that back door opened and Mike’s voice could be heard exclaiming, “Merry Christmas everyone! Come on babe, it’s time to join the family!”
Mike came around the corner first, grinning from ear to ear. Immediately behind him Martha strode into the room wearing a new engagement ring on her left hand. “Merry Christmas everyone!”
MJ and his bride were flummoxed. Jim was grinning from ear to ear. Sally fainted! Emily took control as she exclaimed, “Grandpa, Grandma, look at what Santa brought!”
“Santa indeed” thought Martha as she began to embrace her family.