The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Chapter One

Gina had walked into Brandsteatters and Charlie's heart had stopped beating.

"Oh, what is she doing here?" Charlie mumbled.

"It's Christmas. She's probably shopping," Jeff answered.

"She's Jewish, Mutt!" Charlie said exasperated at his best friends kid brother.

"Well, excuse me," Jeff snapped back.

Charlie looked around for someplace to hide.

"What are you doing?" Jeff asked.

"I don't want Gina to see me here," Charlie whispered.

Jeff couldn't help but chuckle at the scene before him.

"Gina! Hi!" Jeff called out.

Charlie quickly turned his back and stepped behind Jeff as if he could hide his bulky frame there.

"I'll get you for this, Mutt!" Charlie threatened.

"Hello Jeff," Gina said not noticing Charlie. "Is Ginger here with you? I would like to say hello to her also," Gina said sweetly.

"No, Ginger is at home. I'm here with Charlie," he said stepping out of the way so Charlie was exposed.

"Charlie! Why you hide behind Jeff?" she asked.

"I no hide." Slipping easily back into the way he would talk like her.

"I mean, I wasn't hiding. I was looking at these," he said grabbing the nearest thing on the shelf and holding it up for display.

Jeff chuckled again and Charlie looked down to see what he was holding.

A package of nylon stockings. He quickly put them back on the shelf, his face turning red.

"And who were you thinking of buying those for, Charlie?" Jeff teased.
Charlie shot him an 'if looks could kill' glance.

"You have a girlfriend Charlie?" Gina asked somewhat sadly.

"Who me? Naw, I don't need a dame around. I'm too busy," he offered.

"Busy? Doing what?" Jeff asked. Enjoying getting Charlie's goat.

"Isn't Ginger expecting you home soon? Charlie asked between clenched teeth.

"Actually, no. She wanted me out of the house so she could wrap my presents," Jeff responded, grinning like a young boy in anticipation of Christmas.

Gina gave Jeff a pleading look.

"I think I'll just go over to the candy counter and get Ginger a box of chocolates. Come by and see us sometime Gina. And you have a happy
holiday."

"Yes, happy holidays to you and Ginger and the rest of your family also," she offered.

Gina and Charlie stood in silence for what seemed an eternity. He slid his thumbs in his belt loops them took them out. Gina fidgeted with
her scarf.

"How have you been?" they both said in unison.
They laughed nervously.

"You first," Charlie offered.

"I have been okay, fine. You?"

He smiled. "I've been okay, fine too. How is Emma? I bet she has grown," he stated.

"Yes, she is very big now. She misses you very much. She ask about you, but I not know if I should bring her by," Gina said as she
dropped her head.

"Are you kidding? I would love to see her. I just didn't know if you would want me around is alls."

"You come by, Charlie. It be okay, fine."

Charlie grinned from ear to ear.
"Gina, hello. Fancy meeting you here," Homer said. "Hello. Who's your friend?"

"I'm Charlie Hailey and who the he..I mean who are you?"

"I'm Homer Koch. Gina and I have been keeping company. Are you a friend of the family?"

"Yeah, I was good friends with her late husband. It was good to see you Gina. I need to be going. Tell Emma hi for me, okay." He dropped
his shoulders and headed out of the drugstore.

"Hey, Charlie. Wait up." Jeff called after him. "So how'd it go?"

"She's got a boyfriend. Homer Koch," he sighed.
"You think I should move out of River Run?"

"What? That's crazy thinking, Charlie."

"Didn't you ever consider it when you and Ginger were apart and she was seeing Arthur?"

Jeff frowned. "Yeah, I guess it crossed my mind. But if I had left she would be married to Arthur and I'd be. Well I'd be miserable. Just like you are."

"I'm not miserable," Charlie defended himself.

"If you say so."

"I do say so."

They walked in silence the rest of the way to the Metcalf-Kahn home.

Chapter Two

When Jeff and Charlie reached the house, Charlie made a bee-line up the stairs taking two at a time.

Ginger walked out of the kitchen wiping her hands on a dish towel.
"Hi honey," she said as she raised up on her toes to kiss her husband.

"What's wrong with Charlie?"

"He saw Gina at Brandsteatters. I brought these for you," he said handing her the box of candy.

"Jeff! Christmas is still a few days away," she giggled.
"It's not a Christmas gift. It's just a gift for the woman I love."

He kissed her again.

"Mmh," Ginger moaned as she pulled away from him. "What happened with Charlie and Gina?"

Jeff shrugged his shoulders as he took off his coat. "I don't know. Charlie was bumbling and fumbling around. It was kinda funny," he
laughed.

"Jeff!" Ginger said shaking her head. "Go on."

"I left them alone and a few minutes later, Charlie high tailed it out the door and I followed him. He said Gina had a boyfriend and then asked me if he should move away from River Run. I told him it was crazy thinking."

"Charlie wants to move away? This is so sad. We need to get those two back together," she said forming a plan in her mind.

"We? I'm not getting into the middle of all of this. It's none of my business. I tried to talk to him tonight and he didn't want to hear it."

Ginger put her hands on her hips. "What if Coach had thought we were none of his business, buster?"

"Aww, honey," Jeff cooed.

"Don't aww honey me. Those two love each other and you are going to help me get them back together or it's going to be a long cold winter.
And I'm not talking about the weather."

Jeff raised an eyebrow. He knew he had lost this argument.

Chapter Three

Gina opened her door and was surprised to see Ginger standing there.

"Ginger! Hi. You come in?"

"I brought you these. It's some home made candy and cookies. And here is a gift for Emma's birthday."

"Oh, thank you. Can you stay for a while? Sit and have a cup of tea?"

"I would like that. Where is Emma?" Ginger asked.
"She is sleeping." Gina pointed to a small bed in the corner of the room.

"My word. She has grown a foot since I saw her last. She's just beautiful," Ginger gushed.

"Thank you very much." Gina blushed at the compliment given her child.

"We seem to have lost touch with each other lately. I hope we can get together more often this new year," Ginger offered.

"I so busy sewing. No time for, how you say? Restoration?" Gina said.

Ginger laughed. "Relaxation?"

"Yes, that is the word I look for."

"It doesn't help does it?" Ginger asked.

Gina handed Ginger a cup of tea. "I no understand what you mean," she said as she took a seat opposite of Ginger.

"It didn't help me. I worked and worked and I couldn't stop missing Jeff," Ginger finished and took a sip of tea.

She looked at Gina over the rim of her cup. She was pleased to see her words sinking in.

"I work because I am busy. So many people ask for me to sew things for them. That is why I work so much. I no miss anybody," she lied.

"That's what I said to everyone too. Funny thing was, I was only kidding myself. Everyone
around me could see I was miserable without Jeff. Thank goodness we finally got past our stubborn pride."

Ginger cocked her head and looked at Gina out of the corner of her eye.

"Believe me, I've been where you are and I wouldn't trade places with you for all the money in the world."

Gina took a drink of her tea. "You think I am having too much pride?"

"I only say this because I consider you a friend. but yes, you have too much pride. And pride cannot make you happy, nor can it keep you
warm at night. And it certainly can't be a wonderful father to your daughter," Ginger explained.

"What if Charlie no want me?" Gina asked softly.
"Charlie not want you? He's eat up inside because you are dating someone. Charlie not wanting you. Well that is just crazy talk. He
loves you and Emma so very much. He's been lost without you."

"I no see Homer. We only went out a few times. He was no Charlie."

"You come to dinner tonight. For Emma's birthday. And we'll see what happens. You give Charlie a chance and he will take it. Okay?" Ginger invited.

Gina hesitated. "Okay, fine."

Gina smiled. Feeling butterflies in her stomach at the hope she felt.
~~~~~
"Why in the hell did you invite Gina for dinner?" Charlie bellowed.

Then softer. "Pardon my French."

"For Emma's birthday. And if you're not here Emma will be crushed," Ginger explained.

"Gina's not bringing her boyfriend is she? Cause if she does." Charlie rubbed his forehead. "Alls I am saying is if she does I'm leaving."

"Gina no longer has a boyfriend. So you can calm down Charlie Hailey," Ginger stated.

Chapter Four


Later on that evening Jeff walked into the kitchen and put his arms around his wife's waist from behind and kissed her neck.

"Smells good."

"Me or the dinner?" she giggled.

"Mmm. Both."

"Thank you," she said turning and untying the apron from her waist.

"Can you finish setting the table while I go change?" she asked.

"Sure. Where's Charlie?"
"Upstairs dressing. He's been up there for an hour," Ginger whispered.

"What is he doing that is taking so long?" Jeff wondered.

Ginger frowned at him. "I don't know. Maybe he wants to look perfect for Gina," she said sarcastically as she snapped her apron at him.

Jeff flinched. "What'd I say?" He wondered out loud as Ginger walked out of the room.

Jeff sat the table and a few minutes later there was a knock on the door. He heard thunderous steps coming down the stairs. He turned in
time to see Charlie's foot slip and him slide down the last couple of steps.

"Are you okay?" Jeff asked laughing.

He reached out to help Charlie up.

Charlie slapped his hand away. "I can get up myself."

"What happened?" Ginger asked worriedly as she hurried down the stairs.

She was wearing a solid black dress and a single strand of pearls.

Jeff stood with his mouth open at the vision in front of him. "I am one lucky man," he thought to himself.

"What happened? What was that noise? she repeated.

"It was nothing," Charlie said. "Shut your trap Mutt. Flies will get in." he said as he put his hand
under Jeff's chin to literally close his mouth.

Ginger smiled at the reaction she received from her husband. She would have to thank him later, in private.

Snapping to, Jeff stated." Charlie fell down the steps. The big klutz."

Jeff goaded Charlie.

There was another knock.

"She's here!" Ginger said excitedly.

She hurried to the door and opened it. Gina stood there holding Emma and smiling.
"Hi, Gina. Hello there, Emma. Come here and see Aunt Ginny," Ginger said reaching for the child.

"Hi, Gina," Jeff said. "Here let me take your coat."

He reached out and took hold of the collar as Gina turned her back to him. Charlie hung back by the stairs. Too nervous to come forward.

Gina turned around. She had worn her hair down in curls and wore a crimson red velvet dress with an ivory lace collar.

"Oh Gina. That dress is stunning. Did you make it?" Ginger gushed.

"Yes, I make. I'm glad you like.

She saw Charlie standing by the stairs. His hands in his pockets.

Jeff walked toward the stairs and laid Gina's coat over the railing.

"Shut you trap there Charlie. Flies will get in," He teased as Charlie snapped his mouth shut.

"Hello, Charlie," Gina said shyly.

"Gina," Charlie responded. Nodding his head.

"Chaw-wee!!" Emma cried out and reached for him.

"Hey, sweetie. You remember Charlie?" he asked as he took her from Ginger's embrace. "Chaw-wee," she repeated and hugged him.

" She's beautiful Gina," Charlie said as he hugged Emma tightly. "Just like her mother."

Gina beamed.

"Dinner's ready. If you and Gina will be seated, Jeff and I will bring the food out," ginger said, speaking to Charlie.

Chapter Five


Jeff and Ginger walked into the kitchen and Ginger shut the door behind them.

Jeff grabbed her in a kiss. She melted into his embrace then quickly recovered herself. "Stop that," she said playfully, slapping at hisarm.

She peeked through the door. "I think it is going well so far," she whispered.

Charlie had helped Gina place Emma in the high chair and then he held out her chair for her.

"So far. It will all head south if that lug head opens his mouth," Jeff stated as he popped a piece of okra in his mouth.

"Jeff! Be nice. You're supposed to be helping me, remember? Besides, I don't remember you being able to put your feelings into words very
eloquently when we were apart. It took the help of others to get us to say the things we felt. And that is what we are going to do for Charlie and Gina,"
she said wagging her finger at him.

He smiled. "Have I told you how beautiful you look when you take charge?"

Ginger blushed prettily. "Stop that! Here, put these on the table," she ordered handing him a platter of baked lemon pepper chicken. As he
turned she patted him on the rear. He jumped in shock.

"Ginger!"

She smiled playfully. "Go on, take the food into the guests."

She picked up the salad and vegetable bowls and joined the rest in the dining room. She sent Jeff back to get the potatoes and rolls.

Jeff held out her chair and soon they were all seated and eating the fine meal Ginger had prepared.

"You make very delicious meal. I am how you say, full as a dog?"

They all laughed.

"It's hog, honey. Full as a hog," Charlie corrected.

Ginger held her breath.

Gina blushed.

"I, I'm so sorry. I stuck my foot in my mouth that time," Charlie apologized.

"Told you so," Jeff muttered under his breath.

Ginger kicked him under the table.
"Ow!" he cried out.

Ginger shot him a dirty look.

"How about dessert? I made an apple cake," Ginger asked quickly.

Gina and Charlie both agreed.

"Jeff help me clear the dishes," Ginger said through gritted teeth, the smile never leaving her face.

"I can help," Charlie offered.

"No, you stay here and entertain our company," Ginger suggested.

"Did you have to kick my left leg?" Jeff pouted.

"Oh my word! Did I hurt you?" Ginger asked, concerned.

Jeff wrinkled his brow and gave her a most pitiful look. "I think I may lose my leg."

"Jeff! What am I going to do with you?" she giggled.

"I could think of a few things," he said suggestively.

"We don't have time for that. We have work to do. Here take this," she said shoving the cake at him.

She grabbed the plates, candles, forks and whipped cream.

She walked into the dining room just as Linda walked through the front door.

"Hi, Linda. Come join us for birthday cake for Emma, " Ginger invited.

"Hi, Gina. Charlie. Emma! My how you have grown," she sighed. "I can't wait till mother and Al get here with Mikey. I probably won't recognize him."

"Evidently you don't recognize your other younger brother either. You could at least say hi, Linda," Jeff teased.

She cocked her head and looked at her younger brother. "When will he ever grow up?" she asked herself. She really hoped he didn't, it was part of his charm.

"Why, hello Jeff. I have missed you so today," she said as she gave him a big bear hug.
He pushed her off. "Okay, that's enough," he said blushing.

"They will be home for the holidays? The Kahns?" Gina asked.

"Tomorrow sometime. You'll have to come back by and see them Gina," Ginger offered.

Gina smiled. "I will love to see them."

Ginger lit the candles and they all helped Emma blow them out..
~~~~
Thank you very much for lovely dinner and gifts for Emma," Gina said in gratitude.

"Charlie, why don't you walk Gina and Emma home," Jeff suggested.

Ginger turned quickly to look at her husband. He caught her glance and smiled sheepishly. She walked over and put her arm through his. And
smiled lovingly up at him.

"Sure, if you don't mind, Gina," Charlie said hopefully.

"I no mind."

"Okay. Um just let me get my coat," he said as he pointed toward the upstairs.

Jeff nudged him. "Well, go get it."

"Oh yeah, I'll be right back."

"Be careful of the stairs," Jeff called out.

Charlie shot him a dirty look.

Jeff helped Gina on with her coat while Ginger and Linda bundled Emma up.
~~~~

Charlie opened his bureau drawer. Then shut it.
No, he couldn't give it to her. Or could he? He opened the drawer again, took the box out
and put it in his coat pocket.

He ran down the steps. This time making it safely to the bottom.

"Ready?"

"Ready."
Gina and Ginger hugged. Linda waved goodbye.

"Good luck, buddy," Jeff whispered to Charlie.

Ginger and Linda ran to the window and peeked through the curtains to see Charlie take Emma from Gina and put his hand on Gina's lower back
to steady her as she went down the porch steps.

"So it went well?" Linda asked excitedly.

Ginger shook her head vigorously. "I think I have a knack for this. Maybe I should invite Phil to dinner."

"Oh no you don't!" Linda said and left the room.

"Have I told you that you are just the sweetest man alive?" she said putting her arms around Jeff's waist and looking up at him.

He blushed. "I'm not sweet."

"Oh but you are. Thank you so much for helping me. Do you think it worked?" she asked hopefully.

"You've done your part. Now it is up to Gina and Charlie. Right now I am the one in need of your attention," he said twirling her hair around his finger.

"Why do you need my attention?"

"As I remember someone kicked my leg and I think I need a little TLC," he said giving her the little boy look that always melted her heart.

He knew she couldn't resist him when he did that.

"Well, I guess I do owe you a proper thank you for helping me and I should probably take a look at that leg," she said her head down, her
eyes looking up.

"I'll say," he said as he took her hand.

Chapter Six


Emma had fallen asleep on the walk home. It had started to snow and the walk had been a quiet one. Neither speaking, just enjoying the feel
of being together.
Gina had taken his arm as they walked and Charlie's heart was filled with hope.

When they reached Gina's room. Charlie held Emma up as Gina pulled her coat and hat off. She opened a drawer and got Emma's nightgown out then reached for Emma. Charlie reluctantly let her go so her mother could get her ready for bed.

"Just like old times," Gina said, surprising Charlie with her perfectly spoken phrase.

"Yes. It is. I can't believe it's been two years tomorrow since I delivered Emma right here in this room," Charlie said softly.

He picked Emma up after Gina dressed her and put her to bed. Tucking her in.

"You took her to hospital and save her life. You give her blood. I always be inde, inde," she struggled for the word."

"Indebted?"

"Yes, you say. Indebted for saving my Emma's life."

"I'd do it all over again," Charlie said honestly.

"Does she still live next door?" he asked nodding his head in the direction of his old room.

"No Caroline. She move away months ago."

"Good!" Charlie said relieved.

The room fell eerily quiet.

"Well, I better be getting back," he said as he walked over to Emma.

He kissed his fingertips then placed them on her brow.

He walked to the door and hesitated. "Gina?"

"Yes?" she said breathlessly.

He turned to look at her. She stood staring at him with her beautiful brown eyes. His mind went totally blank . No words would come but "I love you."

"Ahem. Happy Holidays." Was all that managed to get past his lips.

He turned to go.
"Charlie. You no go yet?" she pleaded.

She went to a drawer and opened it. Pulling out a cluster of mistletoe.

"Is it not custom to kiss underneath mistletoe?" she asked shyly.

"Yes, it is custom," he said his heart beating faster.

"Okay, fine. You kiss Gina under mistletoe?"

He smiled.

"Yes, I will kiss Gina under the mistletoe," he pulled her into his embrace.

Gina's heart raced. Her body came alive. She had missed Charlie so much.

"Charlie. Wait. Stop."

"What? What's the matter?"

"You forgive me?"

"For what, Gina?" He wrinkled his brow.

"For telling you I no marry you because you no Jewish."

He thought for a minute. "No I haven't forgiven you. But, I will. If and only if. You'll marry me now."
He pulled the box out of his coat pocket and opened it to expose a ring with a small emerald stone.

"I couldn't afford a diamond. I have been saving for a house of my own."

She put her hand to her mouth. "It is the most beautiful ring."

Charlie looked at her hopefully. "So does that mean you will marry me?"

"Okay," she said smiling.

"Okay." Charlie repeated. Letting out the breath he didn't realize he had been holding. He put the ring on her finger.

"You can't take it back now, you know?"

"Okay, fine."
He kissed her with all the love and passion for her that filled his heart.

"I'll still convert," he said, breaking the embrace.

"We will talk, no? And we can decide what we do for us and Emma. Which is best. I see Jeff and Ginger, so different and Mr. and Mrs. Kahn,
so different too. Yet so very happy. We are different also, no? But we can be happy too?'

"Oh yes. We can be very happy. This is the most wonderful time of the year," he said and kissed her again.