A Christmas for Eve
Chapter 1
*Click*
Looks like a white Christmas is in the forecast for Chicago. The current temperature is 34 degrees and that will be our high for today. Get your snow shovels out, there is a 90% chance of snow by this evening.
Gary slapped the radio off and returned his arm to its original resting place, wrapped around his wife.
She smiled against his chest and sighed happily. "Snow?"
"Yup."
"Sorry," she said half heartedly.
One corner of his mouth lifted in a half smile. "No, you're not. You love snow."
She shrugged. "I can't help it. It's just so peaceful.....magical."
"Not when you're slippin' and slidin', tryin' to get from one place to another in a hurry to stop some mishap."
She raised up and opened her mouth to respond when they heard the all too familiar call.
"Meow! *thump*
Gary groaned. "Go away!" he said before turning to face Bailey. He threw his leg over hers and buried his face in her neck.
"Make him go away," he mumbled against her skin, causing her to giggle.
"Meow!"
"He's still there," he said as he kissed her neck.
"Go away, Cat!" Bailey ordered.
"Meow!"
"I don't think he's listening," she said sadly.
"Well, we tried," Gary sighed as he unwrapped himself from her arms and climbed out of bed.
"Didn't anyone ever tell you that patience is a virtue?" Gary asked as the cat trotted by and jumped up on the bed, curling up in a ball in the spot Gary had just vacated.
"That cat thinks he owns this place," Gary frowned.
Bailey laughed as she stroked the cat. "What's on the schedule for today?"
"Hmm," Gary muttered as he began to scan the headlines.
"A girl breaks her ankle at the skating rink when the blade on her rented skates breaks. Parents sue. A fight at a department store sends two to the hospital. Looks like the usual stuff........." Gary's voice trailed off as he began reading another article.
"Gary, what is it?" Bailey asked as she got out of bed and walked over to where he was standing.
He began to read the article out loud. "Michael Martinez was hospitalized after he dove into the Chicago River to try and rescue a teenager who jumped off of the Michigan Avenue bridge. Martinez was driving across the bridge at approximately 9 P.M. last night, when he witnessed a young girl, approximately 16 years old, with long blond hair, jump from the bridge. He pulled his car over and ran down the steps to the river's edge before diving in. After several tries, he
located the girl and pulled her out of the freezing water and began giving her CPR. Emergency services were called but the unidentified girl was pronounced dead at the scene. Martinez was hospitalized for exposure." Gary looked up to see a pained expression on Bailey's face.
"Bailey?"
She shook her head. "Oh, I'm sorry. I...I just hate these kinds of stories."
"Don't worry. I'll take care of it," he said as he ran his hand softly over her hair.
Bailey smiled at his confidence. Sometimes he amazed her with his ability to handle dire situations.
She covered his hand with hers. "I know you will."
Chapter 2
"Okay, sweetie. It's time for bed," Bailey said as she picked Gene up and grabbed his bottle.
"No!"
"No? That you can learn. What about Mommy? Can you say Mommy?"
"Dada."
Bailey couldn't help but laugh.
She carried Gene upstairs and dressed him for bed before she sat down in the rocker to give him his bottle. She sang softly to him as she rocked him to sleep.
~Little toy trains, little toy tracks
Little toy drums coming from a sack
Carried by a man dressed in white and red little boy don't you think
it's time you were in bed
Close your eyes, listen to the sky
All is calm all is well
Soon you'll hear Kris Kringle
and the jingle bells
Bringing little toy trains and little toy tracks
Little toy drums coming from a sack
Carried by a man dressed in white and red Little boy don't you think
it's time you were in bed~
Once he was asleep, she placed him in his crib and covered him with a blanket.
The phone rang and she hurried to answer it before it woke up the baby.
"Hello?"
"Hi, Hon. It's snowing," Gary said as she answered.
"Is it?" Bailey asked as she walked to the window and peered out. "How's it going?"
"I'm waiting at the bridge. So far no one's showed up......God, it's cold out here."
"I know. The snow doesn't help either, does it?" she asked in a sympathetic voice.
He laughed. "It's not your fault. Hon, I better go. I'll be home as soon as I can. Love you."
"I love you too," she said as she hung up the phone.
Gary ended the call and stuffed the phone in his pocket, then rubbed his gloved hands back and forth briskly, trying to generate some heat. He scanned the bridge in search of the jumper as he bounced up and down.
He desperately wanted to go home to the shelter of his house and the warmth of his wife's arms. Instead he shoved the sleeve up on his jacket to look at his watch. 8:50. Gary let out his breath, creating a cloud of smoke.
'Maybe she changed her mind,' he thought to himself as he pulled the paper from his coat. The headline remained unchanged and he replaced the paper before he spotted a young girl with blond hair, walking along the bridge. She stopped and peered over the railing.
Cautiously, Gary began to approach her. He saw the girl wipe her face and close her eyes before turning her face upward.
Gary stepped on a slick spot and slid. "Whoa!" he cried out as he caught himself.
The girl opened her eyes and looked at him warily.
He smiled sheepishly. "Rough night to be out on the streets, huh?" Gary asked.
She narrowed her eyes and didn't say anything.
"It's kind of late for you to be out here by yourself, don'tcha think?"
The girl took a tentative step backwards.
Gary took a quick look over the railing of the bridge. "That's a long way down and I'm pretty sure that the water is too cold for a leisurely dip," he stated.
"I....I don't know what you're talking about," the girl replied as she pulled her windbreaker close around her.
"That's good, cause I was afraid you might be thinking of jumping."
She looked around. "What do you want?"
"I want to help," Gary said sincerely.
"Who are you? Superman?"
Gary laughed. "No, not quite. I'm Gary Hobson. Just a very cold and very tired man who wants to get home to his family."
"Go! Who's stopping you?" she yelled.
"That..that's not what I meant to..to say. I....I.."
"You're not very good at this," the girl said wryly.
"You'd think I'd be after all this time," he mumbled under his breath."No...no, I'm not. So I would appreciate some help."
The girl sniffed and wiped her nose on her sleeve. Gary was almost positive she was trying to hide a smile.
"You know, whatever it is that brought you here can't be that bad," Gary began.
The girl snorted. "Really? What do you know? You in your expensive leather coat and Doc Martin boots. What do you know?"
"You're right. I don't know. Why don't you tell me?"
"Why should I? What difference does it make to you if I tell you how awful the last few years have been? Or...or if I just go ahead and jump right now?" she challenged.
"Because...because," Gary stammered as he searched for the right words. "Because it may make a difference to someone else a few years down the road."
"What?"
"I know of someone who, when..when they were about your age, felt like you do and wanted to end it all too."
"You?" the girl asked as she cocked her head.
"No, my wife. Someone helped her and if they hadn't, I .....I never would have met her and my life wouldn't be complete. I would have missed out on the best thing that happened to me."
"Are you yankin' my chain?" the girl asked skeptically.
Gary chuckled. "No, it's the truth. Here, let me show you a picture," he said as he pulled his billfold out and walked over to her.
"She's.....she's.....things turned out okay for her? She's happy?" she asked as she looked at the picture.
"Well," Gary dropped his head as he returned his billfold to his pocket. "Yes, she's happy and she makes me very happy."
"Why did she want to...to..?" she asked as she waved her hand out towards the river.
"She was unhappy. She and her father had some problems."
"Did he hit her?" the girl asked.
"No, I don't think he did. He just wanted things for her that she didn't want, but she tried hard to please him. I don't think she felt like she ever measured up in his eyes. She had an accident and it ruined what he wanted for her and...and I'm not really sure of all the reasons, but she thought that ending her life would be easier than facing her father's disappointment. Thank God someone helped her."
"But I can't do it. I don't have anyone. I can't do it on my own any more," she cried.
"There's no one at all? No family or friends?"
"No, no one. I'm all alone. My mother died when I was eleven and my dad is a drunk and I ...he....my boyfriend...he said he loved me and would take me away from all of that and he just took me here and left me at some gas station when I went to use the restroom. I have no place to live, no money, nothing to eat. The only clothes I have are what I'm wearing. If I don't kill myself, I'll freeze to death out here," she hiccupped.
"What's your name?" Gary asked as he handed her his handkerchief.
She took it and blew her nose. "Eve."
"Eve, look. It's late. It's very cold. You look like you could use some food and a good night's rest. So, why don't you come home with me and we'll figure something out tomorrow," Gary suggested.
"Go home with you?" she asked warily.
Gary nodded his head. "If you can put up with my son. He's teething and has been pretty fussy at night. But the bed is comfortable and the house warm and I'm sure my wife has some food waiting."
Eve's stomach rumbled. "Your wife won't mind?" she asked hopefully.
"No, she won't mind. Come on. Let's get a cab and I'll give her a call to let her know we are coming."
Chapter 3
Bailey had already placed the pot of stew on the stove top and put the corn bread in the oven to reheat. She walked into the living room and turned the stereo down a notch before trying to straighten the house a bit. Gary would soon arrive home with their guest.
She had been so relieved when Gary called and everything was alright, but was a bit surprised that he was bringing a save home. Well, not really surprised. Just unprepared.
~~
Gary and Eve got out of the cab and made their way up the front walk. Eve stared in awe at the house. It looked like something right off of a Christmas card. Smoke was billowing out of the chimney, releasing the scent of burning wood. Icicle lights hung from every eave and gable, twinkling as the snow floated by.
Gary looked up at his home and a feeling of warmth seeped through his cold body. The house was aglow with lights and would look welcoming to any stranger. More so to this man who knew the open arms of his wife would be waiting on the other side of the door.
"This is your house?" Eve asked.
"Yeah," Gary replied simply as he held open the door for Eve to walk in.
~I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the tree tops glisten
And children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
with every Christmas card I write~
Christmas music softly played, the faint scent of pine lingered in the air mixed with cinnamon and spice. Eve's stomach rumbled in response.
Gary closed the door behind them. "Bailey? We're here," he called out, but quietly enough not to wake his son.
Gary took a couple of steps and Eve tentatively followed him. She looked into the living room and saw a huge tree in the corner, aglow with thousands of tiny white lights and ornaments of all kinds. A fire crackled and popped invitingly in the fireplace.
Bailey tossed the last of Gene's toys in the basket and made her way over to Gary and Eve.
When Eve saw Bailey, she knew Gary had made up the story about her attempted suicide. There was no way that the woman walking towards her, with the carriage of confidence and her friendly smile, could have ever been at such a low point in her life that she wanted to end it.
She looked up at Gary and noticed the look on his face. It was obvious he loved his wife. 'What if his story was true? Could I find someone as nice and handsome as Gary and have a home like this one day?' Eve wondered to herself.
Bailey extended her hand. "Hi, I'm Bailey. Gary's wife."
"Hi, I'm Eve," she replied as she shook the offered hand.
"I've got stew and corn bread reheating. Would you like some?" Bailey asked.
Eve's stomach rumbled again and Bailey laughed. "I guess that's a yes. If you want to wash up, the bathroom is right down the hall, last door on the left."
"Thank you," Eve uttered quietly.
As Eve walked away she looked over her shoulder and saw Bailey take a step closer to Gary and wrap her arms around him.
"What's this?" Gary asked as he nodded his head, indicating the music playing.
Bailey laughed. "It just happened to be the song playing when you walked in....Honest," she insisted.
"Sure," Gary said, unconvinced, before he placed a kiss on her mouth.
Eve continued on down the hall and thought to herself. 'Is this what it's like to have a happy home?'
When Bailey saw that Eve had closed the bathroom door, she said to Gary, "Poor thing. She's so thin and dirty. Was she living on the streets?"
"Yeah, she doesn't seem to have anyone. I didn't know what else to do but bring her here," Gary explained.
"I'm glad you did. Come on, let's get you something to help warm you up."
~~
Eve walked out of the bathroom and followed the sound of voices to the kitchen.
Gary looked up and saw her. "I'm sorry. We just walked off and left you."
"That's okay," she said as she dropped her eyes.
"Why don't you sit down at the table and I'll get the stew, " Bailey suggested.
Eve followed Gary to the table and they both sat down. Bailey brought the pot of stew and the corn bread and placed it on the table.
"Would you like some hot chocolate?" Bailey asked.
Eve nodded.
Gary dished some stew into Eve's bowl and sat in down in front of her, then scooted the corn bread and butter towards her.
She filled a spoon and blew on it before taking a bite.
"Mmm, this is so good. Thank you."
The look on her face and the tone of her voice almost brought Bailey to tears.
Bailey brought the mug of hot chocolate to the table and set it down before she took a seat at the table also.
Eve tried hard not to eat too quickly. She remembered her mother teaching her table manners when she was little. Funny, she'd forgotten what her mother looked like, but she could remember how to act like a lady at the table.
When she ate her last bite, Gary asked if she would like some more. She really did but didn't want to seem too desperate. Desperate, who was she kidding? Gary had found her on a bridge, ready to jump into the river.
"It's okay. I think I'll have some more too," Gary said as he smiled at her.
Eve held out her bowl. Gary seemed so nice and so did his wife. She had begun to think that people like them no longer existed.
"Eve, are you sure you don't have any family that we can call?" Gary asked.
"Just my dad and I don't want to go back there. Please don't make me go back," Eve pleaded, her eyes wide with panic.
"We won't make you go anywhere you don't want to go, Eve. Don't you have any grandparents?" Bailey asked.
"I do on Dad's side of the family, but they aren't any better than he is," she shrugged. "I don't know about my mother's parents. They used to visit a lot, then one visit they got in a big fight with my parents and left. I never saw them again. They still sent me gifts and cards, up until my mother died, then they stopped. I liked them, they were always kind and my grandpa would give me piggy back rides. But I doubt they'd want to be bothered with me now," she said sadly.
"Eve, how old are you?" Bailey asked.
"I'll be 18 on the 24th."
"Christmas Eve?"
"Mmm hmm. That's how I got my name. My mom was so great. She really loved me a lot. But she worked all the time cause Dad never could keep a job. I don't know how she ended up with someone like him," she said before stifling a yawn.
"It's late and you're tired. Let me show you the guest room and get you something to sleep in. We can talk some more in the morning," Bailey suggested.
As they got up from the table, Bailey turned to Gary. "Just leave this and I'll clean up when I come back down," she said before she leaned over and kissed him.
"Mmm hmm," he replied as he smiled up at her.
"Good night, Eve."
"'Night."
Bailey took Eve upstairs and showed her to the guest room. "The bath is in there if you want to take a shower before you go to bed. Let me get you something to sleep in and I'll be right back." Bailey returned quickly with a nightgown and robe and a pair of sweats and socks. "I bought these today, they've never been worn. I hope they fit," she said as she laid some undergarments on top of the clothes. "We're right across the hall if you need anything."
Bailey walked into the bathroom and showed Eve where the towels and wash cloths were located before she turned to leave.
"Mrs. Hobson?"
Bailey turned to face her. "Call me Bailey."
"Okay, Bailey. Thank you."
"Oh, well, you're welcome. I'm glad we could help. Sweet dreams."
Eve watched as the door closed behind Bailey. 'Sweet dreams'. Her mother always said that to her. She looked around the room and sighed. She actually had a bed to sleep on and blankets to cover her body. She walked over to the bed and ran her hand over the spread and smiled. It was goose down and very soft.
Eve took a quick shower and dressed in the borrowed nightgown, before she crawled under the covers and snuggled up to the extra pillow.
She hadn't prayed in a very long time because she didn't think God was listening. But earlier today, when she had been digging through the garbage for something to eat, she had cried out in desperation. "God, please help me!"
She watched the snow as it fell softly past the window. The flakes glittering as they caught the light from the street lamp.
Had God heard her plea today and sent Gary to help her?
She closed her eyes and sighed. "Thank you," she whispered before she drifted off to sleep.
Chapter 4
"What should we do? She'll be of legal age in a few days," Bailey said as she slipped her nightgown over her head, then pulled the covers down on the bed.
"I don't know. Maybe we could help her find a job," Gary suggested as he took his jeans off and tossed them on a chair.
"It will take her forever to save enough money for a place to..... Gary, maybe she could stay here for a few days and give me a helping hand. Since Gene's walking now, I spend all my time running after him and I don't know how I'm going to get everything done before Christmas. That way, it will give us a few days to talk with Eve and see if we can figure something out," Bailey said as she sat down on the bed.
Gary climbed into bed and turned off the light before pulling Bailey close to him. "She seems like a nice enough kid. If she can help you out, that's fine with me."
"At least till after Christmas. That way we can help her have a good holiday."
"It looks like she could use a break," he said before he kissed Bailey.
She snuggled up close to him and laid her head on his chest. "Good night."
" 'Night."
~~
"Gene, don't bang your bottle like that. You'll wake up Eve," Bailey said to her son.
"I'm awake," Eve said as she entered the kitchen.
"Good morning!" Bailey said as she looked up. "Did you sleep okay? I hope Gene didn't wake you."
"No, he didn't. I slept like a log. That bed was so comfortable," she gushed.
"I'm glad. What would you like for breakfast?" Bailey asked as she poured hot milk into a mug and added cocoa mix and stirred it.
"Oh, whatever. A bowl of cereal is fine."
"How about pancakes? I have some batter left over from when I fixed Gary's breakfast earlier," Bailey suggested as she handed Eve the mug of cocoa.
"That sounds good. So this is Gene?" Eve asked as she walked over to the high chair he was sitting in.
"Yes, that's our little guy."
"He looks like his dad," Eve commented.
"Yes he does, which I am very happy about. Those were definitely some genes that needed to be passed on," Bailey laughed.
"Your husband is very cute."
Bailey laughed. "He is, isn't he?" she said as she winked at Eve. Bailey poured the pancake mix into the hot skillet. "Speaking of Gary. He and I were talking last night and we wondered if you'd like to stay with us for a few days? I really could use some help around here, keeping things picked up and helping with Gene while I'm out shopping. If you agree, that would give us some time to help you figure out what to do next."
Tears began to roll down Eve's face. "You're so nice to me....But I don't want to take any more handouts."
"Oh, honey. It wouldn't be a handout. I really need the help."
Eve sniffed. "Are you sure?"
Gene had been watching the exchange between the two, bottle in hand, held by the nipple, still banging it against the tray. Suddenly the rubber tip popped out, sending the bottle flying across the kitchen and causing juice to splatter everywhere.
They both looked at the mess on the floor, then each other. "Yes! I need your help," Bailey sighed.
Eve giggled. "Okay, you've got a deal."
~~
"So, she's staying at your house? For how long?" Marissa asked.
Gary shrugged. "We don't know, but I couldn't just leave her out on the street."
"Of course you couldn't. She has no family at all?"
"Her father and his parents are alive but she says her dad's a drunk and she begged us not to call him. I got the impression he beat her," Gary explained.
"Do you think she's telling the truth?" Marissa wondered.
Gary scratched his head. "I don't see any reason for her to lie. She's just a few days shy of 18 so she can pretty much do as she likes," he stated. "She did mention her mother's parents. They kept in touch with her until her mother died. At this point they look like our best bet."
"Does she know why they stopped communication when her mother died?"
Gary shook his head. "We really didn't get a whole lot out of her. It was late and we were all tired."
"If you could find out her grandparents' names and where they lived, I could do a search on the internet and see if I could find them," Marissa suggested.
Gary opened his mouth to respond, when the door to the office swung open and music from the bar filtered in.
~And then I heard some footsteps
coming down the hall outside my door
The same old Christmas trick my dad
had played since I was four
He stands outside my bedroom
yelling 'Ho ho ho ho"
because he knows I don't believe in
Santa Claus, no way
He knows I don't believe in Santa Claus~
Chuck burst into the office. "HO HO HO! Merry Christmas!!"
"Wouldn't that be Happy Hanukkah to you, Chuck?" Marissa smiled.
"Happy Holidays, then. Are you satisfied?" Chuck retorted.
"Happy Holidays, Chuck," Marissa replied cheerfully.
"What brings you by?" Gary wondered.
"I need to borrow your beige funnel neck sweater," Chuck stated.
"My what?"
"Your sweater. Emily thinks that color compliments my complexion and brings out the color of my eyes. I don't own anything in that color."
"Emily said that, huh?" Gary asked raising an eyebrow.
"Uh huh. So can I borrow it?"
"Chuck, my sweater would swallow you whole," Gary replied flatly.
Chuck looked him up and down. "Oh yeah, you're probably right."
"You a little nervous about something, buddy?" Gary asked, trying to hide a smile.
"To tell you the truth......." Chuck began. "Nah, I'm not worried. So, I'm spending the holidays with Emily's family. There's no need to worry. I can charm the socks off 'em. They'll love me."
"Of course they will. What's not to love?" Marissa said sarcastically.
"Exactly!" Chuck replied, ignoring her tone.
"Anyhoo, Emily and I'll drop by tonight with our gifts and I can pick up mine. You gonna be home or does the paper have you otherwise occupied?"
"If I'm not there, Bailey will be."
"Okay, then. I'll see you kiddo's later," he said as he headed toward the door. "Oh, Marissa. Santa will be dropping by your place tonight too."
"I have your gift all wrapped and ready, Chuck." Chuck grinned from ear to ear. "Swell! Ciao`."
Chapter 5
Gary stepped into his house that evening and was welcomed by the aroma of roast beef and the sound of his son's laughter. He took off his coat and hung it in the closet before he walked into the kitchen.
Eve sat on the floor, playing with Gene, and it looked as if she had him totally entertained.
"Looks like you two have made friends," he observed.
"Dada!" Gene cried as he reached for Gary, who picked him up.
"Hey, partner," he said as he hugged him.
"Hi, Mr. Hobson. Yeah, I think we have," Eve quipped.
"Eve, you can call me Gary."
She smiled up at him.
"How was your day?" Bailey asked after she had placed a kiss on his lips.
"Not bad. What did you three do today?"
Eve stood up and began excitedly relaying the things she had done. "We went shopping and Bailey bought me some new clothes and then we came back here and I got to rock Gene to sleep and give him his bottle, then Bailey and I baked Christmas cookies and watched 'While You Were Sleeping'. We were gonna watch 'Singin' in the Rain', but it was time for her to start dinner and so I played with Gene so she could do that."
"Whew! Sounds like you had a busy day. 'While You Were Sleeping'?" he asked as his eyes twinkled devilishly.
"Don't start. I hadn't watched it yet this season and Eve had never seen it."
"Ahh, I see. A new convert," he teased.
"I loved the movie. It was so funny and romantic, and I really liked Jack. I don't know why Lucy ever fell for Peter in the first place," Eve commented.
"You have done well, Jedi Master," Gary said as he dodged the dish towel that Bailey tossed at him.
"Behave or I can take your gifts right back to the store," Bailey warned.
Gary stooped to pick up the dish towel. "Mmm hmm. Speaking of gifts, Chuck and Emily are coming by tonight to drop off their presents."
"That's right, they're leaving tomorrow for her parents'. I hope things go alright on their trip. She's a little worried about Chuck meeting her folks," Bailey commented as she took the towel from Gary.
"I can't imagine why," Gary laughed.
Bailey cocked her head. "You're in a frisky mood tonight."
Gary started to reply then remembered Eve was in the room.
"Dinner's about ready so if you....."
The doorbell rang, interrupting her.
"I'll get that," Gary said as he set Gene down and headed towards the door.
"Chuck! Emily! Hi. Here, let me help with those," Gary offered as he took some packages. "I wasn't expecting you this soon."
"I told Chuck it was too early and you probably would be sitting down to dinner," Emily stated.
"Why do you think I wanted to come so early? Mmm, is that roast I smell?" Chuck asked as he sniffed the air.
"We're not staying for dinner," Emily frowned.
"Hi guys! Merry Christmas!" Bailey greeted as she walked into the room, followed by Eve and Gene.
"Chuck, Emily. This is Eve. She's our house guest for a while," Gary introduced.
"Hi. It's nice to meet you," Eve said bashfully.
"Dinner's ready. Why don't you join us?" Bailey invited.
"We'd love to." "I don't think so." Chuck and Emily spoke at the same time.
"We are just dropping off the gifts," Emily insisted.
Bailey took her hand. " *And* you're joining us for dinner."
~~
Chuck shifted his weight on the sofa to make himself more comfortable. "That sure was a good meal," he commented as he rubbed his stomach.
"I'd have to agree, Chuck," Gary replied, smiling happily.
"So, how did Eve end up here?" Chuck asked.
"There was a story in the paper...."
"Ah, I see. How long is she staying?"
"I'm not sure. I guess until we can find some family or she can get on her feet."
Chuck didn't seem to be paying attention to what Gary was saying.
"I wonder what they're doing up there?" Chuck asked as he cocked his head, listening for some kind of sound.
"Who knows?" Gary replied, somewhat miffed about being ignored.
"They're awfully quiet."
"Probably because Gene is asleep."
"I don't like it when Bailey and Em get together and get all quiet. You don't think they're cooking up anything do you?" Chuck asked, ignoring Gary's comment.
"Like what? Some plot to get you and Emily married?" Gary asked.
Chuck's head snapped around and a blush crept up his neck to his face.
Gary threw back his head and laughed. "You know, the second time around is much better," he offered.
Chuck waved his hand in the air, dismissing Gary's comment.
They both turned their heads toward the doorway as they heard the laughter of the three women as they came downstairs.
Gary and Chuck were both shocked when they saw Eve. When she had gone upstairs with Emily and Bailey, her hair had hung limp and lifeless below her shoulders. Now, after Emily cut it, it rested on her shoulders in a bobbed cut that allowed her hair to swing freely.
"Well? What do you think?" Emily asked as she took her fingers and mussed the top of Eve's hair just a touch, to add some volume.
"Very nice," Chuck commented. "Emily's a whiz when it comes to hair and makeup."
"So, that is what you were up to? Chuck thought....."
"Em, we better get going. We still need to go by Marissa's," Chuck interrupted as he glared at Gary.
Emily looked at her watch. "You're right."
"Thank you for dinner. It was delish. Eve, it was a pleasure. And you watch out for this guy. He's trouble," Chuck said to Bailey as he put on his coat.
"Thanks, Chuck. You have a safe trip and a good holiday," Bailey offered.
"Merry Christmas!" Emily said as she followed Chuck to the door.
"Merry Christmas!" they called after them before Gary closed the door and turned to put his arm around his wife.
"Do you mind if I go up to my room?" Eve asked.
Gary shook his head and Bailey said, "You go ahead. Thank you so much for all your help today."
"You're welcome and thank you. Very much," Eve said as she hesitated a second before turning and trotting up the stairs.
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