CHRISTMAS AT MAGNOLIA HILL ©

By Nita Shoemaker

"Doesn't look like snow flurries to me," said Clementine from her post at the bay windows.

Addy Wampler set her teacup and saucer aside and left her comfortable recliner to join her friend.

Beyond the window, snow fell thick and steady from the night sky, covering the sloping lawn like a white blanket.

"No, it doesn't," Addy agreed. "I guess it's a good thing the kids aren't coming for Christmas this year."

Clementine let the drapery fall back into place. "Hmph. You don't believe that any more than I do."

"Of course I don't. But it was their turn to visit their in-laws. I had them last year."

Clementine walked back to the fireplace. "Would you like more tea?"

Addy forced a smile before she turned from the window. She mustn't let Clementine see how disappointed she was that neither of her children was coming to Magnolia Hill for the holidays.

"Yes," she said. "That would be nice. Maybe we could have one of those Macadamia nut cookies, too. Do you need help in the kitchen? I imagine Livvy has gone to bed by now."

Clementine chuckled as she left the room. "I can find the cookie jar all by myself. I'll be right back."

Addy rested her hand on the high back of her chair. Clementine had been her best friend and companion for more than forty years. Forty years. Had it really been that long since a young, widowed Addy Wampler trod the dusty streets of Wampler Springs on her way to sing in the church choir? Yes, of course it had. She had literally set the sleepy town on its ear - first by giving shelter to a battered Negro woman who couldn't speak, then deserting the choir to sing in honky-tonks with the likes of Hank Williams.

The former act had been one of kindness. The latter... what could one say? She had been under the influence of a handsome guitar picker named Billy Hayes.

She sighed and slumped into the recliner. Next month she would be seventy years old. Her once-red-hot singing career was over. No one from Nashville had called to ask her to appear in the Christmas Special. The kids and grandkids weren't coming for the holiday... and the weatherman had missed on his forecast, as usual.

She and her ex-husband, Billy, were still friends. He could have - should have -called to wish her Merry Christmas, but he hadn't. He was probably partying in a Hollywood canyon. The silly old coot.

"Here we go," Clementine announced as she carried a tray into the room and put it on the table between them. "I figured one cup of tea was enough since it's getting late. Any more and we'll be running to the bathroom all night."

Addy glanced at the grandfather clock across the room. Ten-thirty. Yes, it was getting late--too late for the kids, or Billy, to call.

She had taken her first sip of tea when the doorbell rang. The two women looked at each other, then at the closed door to the hallway.

Addy rose to her feet, teacup clicking against the saucer. "Who could that be on a night like this? Is Henry still up?"

"He was in the great room fussing around. Said those girls from the cleaning service could learn a lesson or two about how to do a proper job."

"Well, we'd better go see. He may have locked himself out on the front steps." She set down her cup and saucer and headed for the door, Clementine on her heels.

The scene in the front hallway stopped them in their tracks. Her butler, Henry, stood by the open door. In the portal stood a young woman, hardly more than a girl. Snow clung to her hair, her shoulders and shoes. The frayed, quilted coat she wore didn't quite meet over the limp t-shirt covering her belly - her very pregnant belly.

"I'm sorry to bother you," she said through chattering teeth. "Can I use your phone?"

Addy hurried forward. "Come in, child," she said. She gently took the girl's elbow and led her into the hallway.

"How did you get to the house," Henry asked as he shut the door against the frigid Ozark Mountain air.

"The gate down by the main road was open." The girl's voice trembled from the cold. "My car quit on me, and I started walking. Your driveway was the first one I seen. I thought I might get help at the house by the gate. I rang the bell and knocked, but nobody came. When I seen the lights from the house, I came on up here."

Addy glanced at Clementine. "Well, it's not a good night to be stranded on the road. Do you have family around here?"

The girl gave a shaky jerk of her head. She was shivering from the cold. "I drove North from Arkansas. I ain't got no one there I can call."

"Well, the first thing we have to do is get you into dry clothes," Addy said. "Then, we'll figure out what can be done about your car." She turned to Henry. "Will you call the gatehouse and check on the guard?"

The price of Addy's fame had been to fence her Ozark Mountain house and grounds. The gatehouse had a security guard and cameras that ran twenty-four-seven. With the estate being located fifteen miles from Wampler Springs, the guards had helped more than one motorist. Still, Addy was glad the guard hadn't been there to put this pregnant girl back on the road.

"Are you hungry," Addy asked as she led her guest toward the staircase.

Too cold to speak, the girl nodded.

"I'll get some sandwiches from the kitchen," Clementine volunteered. "Do you need help upstairs?"

"Thanks, Clemmy. We'll manage," Addy said.

The girl paused on the first tread and looked up. "How about if I help you?" Addy circled the girl's waist and was shocked at how thin she was.

Dear God. The child is all belly.

On the way to the upstairs bedroom, Addy introduced herself. "I'm Summer Grey," the girl replied.

"This is usually my son and daughter-in-law Dawn's room," Addy said as she opened one of the bedroom doors. "She keeps a lot of her clothes here, so I think we can find something for you to wear." Her son's wife was pretty, plump as a dumpling, and liked her clothes on the roomy side. Addy thought her chubbiness was adorable, but she would bite her tongue before she said as much to Dawn, who was sensitive about her weight.

Addy found a thick robe and a pair of slippers in the closet, and in the dresser was a fleecy nightgown. She turned with the bundle of clothes in her arms.

"You should get out of those wet things." Addy said with a smile, then noticed the tears leaking down Summer's cheeks. "What's the matter, child?"

Summer sniffed and rubbed her nose with her fist. "This is all so nice. You're being so nice. I guess it's been a long day."

Addy used her free arm to help the girl to a chair. "Well, in your condition, I guess all the days are pretty long, huh?" She handed her some tissues and laid the dry clothes across an ottoman. "You'll feel a lot better once you're warm and dry, and fed some of Livvy's famous sandwiches."

"Who's Livvy?"

"Livvy is my cook," Addy told her. "And the tall black man in the hall is Henry, her husband. He's my butler and driver. And the other lady is my good friend Clementine."

"You have a cook and a butler?" There was a touch of awe in her voice.

"Yes," Addy said. "I'm a lucky woman, wouldn't you say?"

Summer nodded. "I know your name from somewhere. I think I seen you before tonight, too. I watch a lot of country TV. Are you that famous singer?"

Addy chuckled. "Well, I was once a famous singer. Nowadays, I make a guest appearance now and then."

When they call me... which they didn't do this year.

The telephone jangled on the bedside table. "You can get dressed while I take that call," she said.

Addy hurried to the room across the hall and picked up the receiver. As she'd suspected, the guard had been away from the gatehouse to check on something he'd picked up on one of the security cameras - a herd of deer down by the lake. He had missed Summer making her way up the driveway. She thanked Henry and went back to the bedroom.

The trip downstairs was easier for Summer, but Addy stayed close by until they were safely in the library. Clementine was waiting with fresh, hot mugs of tea and plates of sandwiches and cookies. Addy introduced the girl and motioned for her to sit by the fireplace.

"I hate to cause you all this trouble," Summer said. Her eyes had locked onto the plates of food. "I really thank you."

Addy felt a pang of sadness. Poor thing. Stranded with strangers on Christmas Eve--and pregnant to boot.

"You're welcome," Addy said. "Please, help yourself. I think I could eat one of these sandwiches myself." She gave Clementine a knowing look.

"Me, too." Clemmy took the cue. She passed around some small plates, and soon, both she and Addy had modest helpings. They nibbled and made small talk about the weather and the holidays; Summer ate most of the sandwiches and two cookies. Addy wondered if the girl had eaten that day. Her pregnancy probably demanded more food than she had been getting. Addy was glad to see that she had stopped shaking. The warm fire and food had put a bit of color into her thin cheeks.

Addy also noted that Summer wore no wedding ring. Suspecting that they had a homeless mother-to-be on their hands, she asked, "Is someone expecting you tonight, Summer? Will they be looking for you?"

The girl dabbed at her mouth and stared down at her belly. "No, there's no one."

"No family? The baby's father?"

Summer shook her head and shyly glanced at Addy and Clementine. "My dad's a drunk. He kicked me out when he found out that my boyfriend didn't want the baby. I didn't have anywhere to go, so I just got in my car and started driving. I figured I could find some work."

Addy fought back a grimace. She was right. They might succeed in getting the car running, but where could Summer go on a night like this?

"Why don't you stay here tonight?" She suggested. "We have plenty of room, and we aren't expecting company. As soon as people go back to work, we can find out what's wrong with your car. We can probably find you a place at the local women's shelter. You will need some support when the baby comes."

"Oh, I couldn't impose on you like that," Summer protested. "If you could just dry my clothes, maybe the car'll start now."

Clementine shook her head. "Hon, you can't drive around in the snow at midnight and expect to find a hotel or motel. There aren't any. The nearest town is Wampler Springs, fifteen miles away."

Summer looked down, fidgeting with her hands. When she spoke, her voice wavered. "I don't have any money. I was going to sleep in the car." She put her napkin to her face. "I'm sorry… so sorry."

Addy's heart went out to the poor, cast-off girl. When her daughter had been young, her only worries had been about school, dates, and college. She'd had a family to care where she went and how she got there. Summer obviously had no one.

Addy knelt beside her chair and touched her shoulder. "You're staying, and that's all there is to it. You can celebrate the holiday with us. Livvy makes a great Christmas dinner. Right, Clemmy?"

"Right," Clementine said. "I'll take these dishes to the kitchen, and you can show Summer her room."

Addy settled Summer in her son's bed, and she was asleep almost as soon as her head hit the pillow. At Clementine's suggestion, Addy called the gatehouse and had the security guard check with the local police to see if there was an Amber Alert for a missing girl. She explained to him what had happened, making sure he knew she didn't fault him for missing Summer's arrival. Finally, as the grandfather clock struck one AM, she stretched out in bed and pulled the down comforter up to her chin.

* * * * * * * *

Addy awoke with a start and glanced at the darkened window. Something had aroused her from a sound sleep…but what? She listened for a moment, then rearranged the comforter. She was drifting off again when she heard the noise. A moan… coming from the bedroom where Summer lay.

She threw back the covers and found her slippers with her feet. Donning her robe as she hurried to Summer's room, she saw a sliver of light under Clementine's door.

"Did you hear something," Clementine asked as she stepped into the hall.

Addy nodded. "I think Summer must have had a bad dream." She opened the door a crack. "Summer? Are you all right?"

No answer. Addy glanced at Clementine and pushed the door open. A light burned on the nightstand, but the bed was empty. She turned at the sound of muffled sobbing coming from the adjacent bathroom. Pulling the front of her robe together, she crossed the room and went inside.

Summer was sitting on the vanity chair with a folded bath towel beneath her. Her nightgown was bunched up around her hips, her face hidden in another towel as she wept.

Addy bent over the girl, reaching out to stroke her hair. "Summer, what's wrong? Are you ill?"

She had a sinking feeling that she knew what was wrong. Addy's son had been born shortly after her water broke. Billy had been lucky to get her to the hospital in time for the delivery.

Summer looked up, her eyes huge and stark with fear. "It woke me up. I thought I was wetting myself - but it won't stop." She tried to hide her face in the towel again, but Addy pulled her hands away.

"Your water has broken," Addy said matter-of-factly.

Summer nodded and bent into the towel again. Her shoulders shook with sobs.

Addy let her weep. She felt like bawling out loud herself. What on earth was she going to do?

Well, it's not the end of the world. Women give birth in rice paddies every day. I'll just have to deal with it.

Addy looked at Clementine who was hovering at the bathroom door. "Clemmy, why don't you call and see if we can get some help if we need it?"

Clementine nodded and hurried away.

Addy bent over Summer and said, "Sweetie, I want you to sit tight. I'm going to fix your bed so you can lie down."

Summer shook her head. "I can't get back into bed. I'll get it all wet."

Addy patted her back. "Don't worry about that. I have some pads from when my grandchildren were young. You just wait here and I'll take care of everything. Okay?"

The girl gave her a stricken look. "This is so awful of me, and you're being so nice. When I woke up, I thought I'd dreamed about coming here."

"Well, this is the first time I've created a dream." Addy smiled despite the grave situation. "You just stay put and don't move."

Addy took fresh sheets and pads from the linen closet. She almost had the bed remade when Clementine returned and started helping her finish the task.

"Who did you call, and what did they say," Addy whispered.

Clementine paused in straightening the blanket. "I called 911. They said we're out of luck. The only ambulance in Wampler Springs got called out to a wreck."

Addy chewed her lower lip with her teeth. Her son, Chad, had come into the world on a snowy night like this. Thank goodness Billy had put studded snow tires on the car earlier that month, or they wouldn't have made it to the hospital. She remembered the miserably long ride with her arms wrapped under her belly. Somehow, she'd managed to keep the baby in place until the Doctor pried her arms away so he could deliver the child.

"How about if we get Henry to drive? Think we could make it to the hospital in this snow?" Addy feared she already knew the answer. She had an ominous feeling that things were going to go downhill like a runaway truck.

Clementine shook her head. "I asked about the roads. They're terrible. Wrecks everywhere. We'd need a vehicle with four-wheel drive, and we don't have one. I talked to the security guard, and he says he's going to have to pull an extra shift because his relief can't get through."

Addy blew out a frustrated breath and shook her head. "Well, let's get Summer in bed. Will you see if you can find another gown in the dresser?"

With both women helping, Summer was put to bed. She tensed as Addy drew the blankets up to her chin. "Are you having pains?" Again, she knew the answer.

Summer nodded.

Clementine sat down on the bed. "How long have you been in labor, child?"

"I'm not sure," Summer answered. "I think it started this morning, but the pains were pretty far apart. I thought it was false labor. The baby isn't due for another three weeks."

"Did the pains get closer together after you got here," Addy asked.

Summer nodded again, and this time, she closed her eyes and her jaw tensed.

Addy squeezed the girl's hand. "It's going to be fine. We're going to take care of everything. I'm going to ask Clemmy to make us some coffee. We'll get some fresh water for you to sip."

The two women huddled in the hallway. "We're in a tight spot," Clemmy whispered. "Now that her water has broken, that baby is going to be born - and we're going to have to deliver it."

Addy sighed. "Yes, it looks that way. I'm going to call the hospital and see if they have anyone who might be able to get here… maybe some young OB nurse with a lot of guts and a car that can make it through this snow."

"I'll make the coffee and get the water." Clementine went downstairs.

Addy went into her bedroom and fumbled through the phone book for the hospital's number. She wished they had more options, but it was the only game in town for forty miles.

After identifying herself, Addy explained the girl's presence in her home. "She's in labor and the ambulance was called out to a wreck. Is there anyone who could come out here… anyone with a vehicle that could make it?"

"Please hold, Miss Wampler," the receptionist said. "I'll look through my file."

Addy drummed her fingers against the nightstand; she knew their chances of getting help were slim. The longer she waited, the more her stomach clenched.

Dammit! I'll be seventy next month. Clemmy is only a year younger than me. We might be spry for our ages, but old women shouldn't be delivering babies on Christmas day!

"Miss Wampler?"

"Yes, I'm here."

"You may be in luck. We have an OB consultant registered. He's a retired Air Force doctor who used to have a practice. Nowadays, he comes in for consultations with the other doctors."

"Do you think he might come to my house?"

"Well, he doesn't live too far from you - about five miles away."

"You know where I live?" The receptionist sounded perky and young. How would she know anything about a washed-up country singer?

"Oh, everyone knows where you live! My folks have all your albums. They were disappointed because they didn't see you in the Christmas Special."

Addy grimaced. "Thank you for the kind words, and please give my best to your parents. Now, would you mind calling this doctor? Or give me his number and I'll call."

"Oh, sure, Miss Wampler, I'll call him. I'll call you back, okay?"

"Thank you, dear. You've been very helpful."

Addy hung up the phone and hurried back to Summer's room. Clementine had brought coffee for herself and Addy, and fresh ice water for Summer. She was giving the girl a sip.

Addy sat down on the bed and took Summer's hand in her own. "I think the hospital has found someone who can come here and make sure everything is okay."

Summer tried to smile, but she was suddenly in the grip of another pain. "Hang on, sweetie," Addy said. "You and the baby are going to be fine." Addy could tell when the pain lessened because Summer's grip eased a bit.

"How close are the pains, dear," Clementine asked.

"Pretty close." Summer groaned. "Too close."

The telephone rang and Addy snatched up the receiver.

"Hello?"

"Miss Wampler?" It was the perky receptionist.

"Yes."

Good news. Doctor Eversole is on his way to your house."

Addy was giddy with relief. "Thank you. Thank you so much. Will you call me in the next day or two and give me your address so I can send you and your folks an autographed copy of last year's Christmas Special on DVD?"

The receptionist giggled. "My name's Ginger Fulton. I'll do that. Thanks, Miss Wampler."

"You're welcome, Ginger." Addy turned to Summer. "A Doctor Eversole is coming, " she said as she hung up the phone. "We just have to be tough for a little while."

Summer swallowed and gripped her hand - hard. Addy's euphoria blew away like smoke in the wind. In spite of the good news, it would take the doctor precious minutes to get there. With the pains intensifying, it wouldn't be long before there was no pause in between. She would be having sustained pain that meant only one thing… imminent birth.

Clementine brought Addy a cup of coffee, sensing she couldn't leave the bedside. Addy took only small sips. She wouldn't have time to run to the bathroom at will. Summer needed constant care.

The minutes ticked by in a haze of worry for Addy and Clementine. Addy looked up after Summer's latest contraction. "Clemmy, I think we're going to need some nice, soft linens before long."

"I can arrange that. I'll need to leave for a few minutes."

Addy swallowed hard. "Go ahead. See what you can find. You might also look outside and see if anyone is coming."

Clementine was barely out of the room when Summer gripped her hand and gave a long, low moan. "I think..." she said between clenched teeth, "I think the baby wants to come… soon."

Addy arose from the bed, still holding her hand. She waited until Summer got a grip on her pain. "I need to check you, Summer. Maybe I can tell how close we are."

Summer barely moved her head in assent. She was tiring visibly. Giving birth was difficult enough in a hospital with drugs and resources at the ready. Under these conditions, it was a terrifying experience. Anything could go wrong. Addy thought back to her own near-miss when her son was born. She had gone into shock during delivery. She remembered waking up with lots of warm blankets around her.

I'll have Clemmy warm some blankets in the dryer.

Addy eased the sheet and blanket up and gently spread Summer's knees. She didn't need a psychic to tell her what she was going to see. She had been in the delivery room when her daughter had given birth to her first grandchild. She bent low and looked between the girl's trembling legs. Her worst fears were confirmed: she could see the top of the baby's head.

She patted Summer's knee and pulled the sheet and blanket back in place. "You're doing fine, my brave girl," she said and resumed her place on the bedside. "Do you know if the baby is a boy or a girl?"

Summer shook her head. "I didn't have no money to go to a doctor."

Addy's heart twisted in pity. She wished at that moment that she'd led a spotless life, but she hadn't. Too many nights singing in honky-tonks… too many days fighting to stay on top of the music game. She was totally unworthy of favors from Above, but in spite of her shortcomings, she offered a silent prayer.

Oh, God, this girl has nothing. Her drunken father drove her out of the house. Her boyfriend used her and begat a child - a child he doesn't want. She's with strangers, laboring to give birth on Christmas day. Please… please keep her and her baby alive.

* * * * * * * *

Addy raised her head, keeping Summer's hand clasped in hers. "I have two children," she said. The girl squeezed her eyes shut as she endured the relentless pain. "My son's name is Chad, and my daughter is named Marissa. Their last name is Hayes because Billy was my second husband. My first husband was Dan Wampler, and he was killed in the Korean War. When I started singing, I used his name. I guess it just stuck."

As she spoke, Summer seemed to relax a little between each contraction, so Addy kept talking, distracting the girl from her ordeal. She was telling a story about one of the local residents when she heard Clementine calling from the stairs.

"He's here, Addy. The doctor's here."

Addy smoothed the damp hair away from Summer's face. "You're a brave girl, Summer Grey."

She stood as the doctor entered the room. He was followed by Clementine and her security guard, Justin who had a large green duffle bag over his shoulder. The doctor carried two hard-sided cases.

Addy guessed he was almost six feet tall, with a medium build. His hair was white, and he had a neatly-trimmed moustache and beard. His most striking feature was his eyes: they were cobalt blue, and they twinkled. A memory whispered through her mind. Where had she seen such eyes before?

"Thank you for coming, Doctor Eversole," Addy said.

He shook her hand. "Keith," he said. "And it was no problem. I wasn't doing much besides sleeping." He grinned. "Just kidding. Doctors are used to odd hours."

He sat down where Addy had been holding her vigil. "So, we're having a baby," he remarked as he fixed his stethoscope around his neck. He checked Summer's pulse.

"I saw the top of the baby's head," Addy volunteered.

Without a word, he moved to the foot of the bed, his head disappearing beneath the covers for a few seconds. When he emerged, he waved for Justin to bring the duffle bag.

"Justin here tells me he's studying to be an EMT. He's going to help me set up some equipment."

Addy nodded. "Is there anything I can do? I thought we might need some warm blankets."

"Good idea. Why don't you bring those while Justin and I get to work?" He had already appropriated the night stand and an occasional table. Justin was digging into the duffle bag.

Addy and Clemmy went to the linen closet and pulled out some blankets. As they carried them downstairs to the laundry room, Addy was thinking about Doctor Eversole's memorable eyes.

"I've seen those eyes somewhere," Addy remarked as she stuffed blankets into the oversized dryer.

"You have?"

Addy shut the dryer door and pushed the "start" button.

"Of course, I've seen a lot of people in my soon-to-be seventy years." She shook away the feeling of recognition. "I think we should make some fresh coffee. I imagine the doctor and Justin will want some later."

While the coffee was perking, Addy and Clementine folded the blankets to hold the heat in. They were halfway upstairs with their load when they heard the thin, indignant wail of a baby.

"Oh my God," Clementine gasped.

"It's here," Addy almost shouted. "The baby's here."

They quickened their steps.

"How is she," Addy asked as she entered the room. "How's the baby?"

She dumped the blankets on a chair and hurried to Summer's bedside.

"Everyone is fine. Summer has a healthy baby girl. Why don't you sit with our new mother while I do a little mending job here?"

During the birth process, he had moved Summer down toward the foot of the bed. He sat on a chair facing her, suturing the damage done by the birth.

Addy heard the baby squalling in the bathroom, where Justin stood cleaning her up over the sink. Clementine went to help. In a few minutes, they emerged with Summer's newborn swaddled in a huge bath towel.

"I found some baby things in the kids' rooms. I'll get them." Clementine said.

Addy sank down on the bed beside Summer. "Are you ready to see your daughter?"

Summer smiled up at her and nodded. "I'm going to name her after you, Miss Addy. Is that okay?"

"Oh. Mercy." Addy reached for Summer's hand. "I would be honored, but don't name her Addy. My real name is Adrianne."

As Justin approached the bed, Addy stood and let him put little Adrianne in her mother's arms. He reverently drew back the folds of the towel to show Summer that her baby had all her fingers and toes. Tears filled Addy's eyes. Her namesake was perfect… and so small.

"Thank you for your help, Justin," Addy said. "And thank you for taking the extra shift tonight."

"You're welcome, ma'am." He answered politely, but Addy noticed he hadn't taken his eyes away from Summer and the baby.

The doctor finished his work and stood to stretch his back. "Good work, Summer," he said. "We're going to get you all comfy in bed so you can rest a bit. Justin has twin sisters who are nurses' aids at the hospital. One of them should be here pretty soon with some supplies. They're going to take turns helping you with the baby for the next couple of days."

"Will they be all right driving in the snow?" Addy wanted to know.

"Sure," Justin said. "Sis said the temperature is rising. The snow is already turning to slush."

Clementine returned with the baby clothes - and she was pulling a bassinette behind her. "It's a good think we kept your grandchildren's baby things," she said. "This was in the closet under a dust cover."

"Perfect." Addy felt like clapping her hands.

In short order, Summer was made comfortable, and the baby was tucked into the bassinette. Addy glanced at the clock. Almost seven o'clock. "Clementine and I made fresh coffee. Doctor, would you and Justin like some? We can fix breakfast, too."

Justin was sitting beside the bed watching Summer fall asleep. "I'll come down in a minute and get some coffee… and some juice for Summer if you have it."

"Yes." Addy smiled at him. "We have plenty of juice." Something told her that Justin was smitten.

"Coffee sounds good," Doctor Eversole agreed. "Breakfast sounds even better."

The three were walking downstairs when Addy again thought about Doctor Eversole's remarkable eyes. She stopped on the bottom step and looked at him.

He smiled and asked, "Is something wrong?"

"I have the oddest feeling that I know you from somewhere, Doctor," she said. "I just can't put my finger on it. It's your eyes," she explained. "I remember the color."

The smile stayed in place. "Maybe if you called me, Keef, instead of Keith, it might come back to you."

Awareness shot through her like a lightning bolt. "Keef! Of course!" She reached out and grabbed his hand. "We were in the first grade. You were my first boyfriend. We used to sit together in church -- we sat in the choir during those long, boring sermons."

He laughed out loud. "Hello, Addy."

She held onto his hand and led him to the kitchen. "What happened to you after you left Wampler Springs? My folks told me your dad was in the timber business, and that's why you moved… that he'd bought a new mill somewhere."

"Yes. That's true. He followed the timber. I always said I wouldn't be like him. I'd settle somewhere and stay put." He shook his head. "Then, I had the bright idea to take my doctoring to the Air force. When I retired, I finally put down some roots. I guess the two years I spent here kind of imprinted on me like a Canadian goose."

Over coffee, they caught up on old times. Addy noticed that he wasn't wearing a wedding ring. "So, are you married?"

"Are you?"

"Divorced. I married Billy Hayes. We have two children and five grandchildren. Answer the question."

He grinned. "No. I never married. When you've had the world's most famous country singer for your girlfriend, other women just can't measure up."

Addy grinned back at him.

"I have all your records," he said. "And I watch all the specials on Nashville TV. I was surprised that I didn't see you this year."

"Well, there comes a time when the industry forgets about you. I'm not a spring chicken anymore."

He gave her a pointed look. "You're in terrific shape. I don't think you've gained an ounce in forty years. I should know. I've seen all your TV shows."

"Thanks, but I'll be seventy next month… and if I say that one more time, I'm going to be sick."

He laughed. "You don't look a day over forty, and you can be sick at will. There's a doctor in the house."

Addy laughed with him.

They were still laughing when her cook came into the kitchen and looked at them like they were crazy people.

* * * * * * * *

On Christmas day at Magnolia Hill, the household gathered in the great room. A huge tree glimmered in the corner. Henry built a cheerful fire in the fireplace, and Livvy brought in a bowl of eggnog. Justin carried Summer and the baby downstairs. Doctor Eversole stayed, not only for breakfast, but for Chef Livvy's famous Christmas dinner, too.

Addy and Clementine cleaned up the kitchen so that Henry and Livvy could drive into town and spend the rest of the day with their children. Justin was taking Summer back to her room when the phone rang.

"Merry Christmas, Addy," a cheerful voice said in her ear. Billy. With all the excitement, she had forgotten about him.

"Merry Christmas to you, too, Billy. How are you?"

"Doing great. I called the kids yesterday. Sent them a load of presents a couple of weeks ago."

"Me, too," Addy said. "They're with the in-laws this year."

"I know. Otherwise, I would have come to Magnolia Hill for the holidays."

"Maybe next year." For some reason, she didn't want to have a long conversation with Billy. He reminded her of the past… about the days when they had been so immersed in the music business that they hadn't had time for each other. Those were sad thoughts, and sad thoughts seemed sacrilegious after last night's events.

"Say, I've been getting some calls about you," he said.

"You have?"

"Yeah. People are asking why you weren't in the Christmas Special. Seems some of the other performers are asking, too, and they're peeved at the producers.

Addy frowned. "Oh. Well, I hadn't heard that."

Funny. Not being invited to Nashville doesn't sting as much as it did yesterday.

"Another thing I heard is that you're some kind of local heroine… that a homeless girl gave birth at your house. The producers of Up-to-the-Minute heard about it, too. They want to do an interview for their prime time show."

Addy almost dropped the phone. "You're kidding! It just happened last night - early this morning."

"Well, gird your loins, because they're going to call. Is everyone all right? The girl and the baby?"

"Yes. Yes, everyone is just fine. As a matter of fact, the doctor is still here. I invited him for Christmas dinner."

"Good," Billy said. "So, do you want to do the interview? I think you should, 'cause I've got a bit of good news."

Billy was still her business manager, but with the direction her career had gone in the last few years, she wondered if she needed a manager. The rest of the family business was handled by their son and daughter.

"I can always use some good news, Billy. Shoot."

"I've been negotiating with a movie producer about using some of the songs you wrote. He wants to make a movie like the one with the Bluegrass soundtrack that went to the top of the charts."

Addy's heart surged in her chest. That had been a fantastic movie, and the music had won a Grammy - and an Oscar.

"You're kidding."

"Nope. I had a call from the producer early this morning. With all this other publicity, he's champing at the bit. Want to come to California and help work out the deal?"

Addy glanced back toward the great room. She had deliberately taken Billy's call on the hall phone so as not to disturb her guests. Clementine and Keith were quietly talking. Justin and his sister were upstairs with Summer and the baby.

"They want you to do some of the soundtrack," Billy was saying. "There's talk of getting The Dixie Chicks to do the harmony numbers with you."

"Billy, hang on just a minute, will you," Addy said.

"What's the matter, babe?" She visualized him with his killer smile and cocky manner. He would be wheeling and dealing -- bargaining with the Lord when he drew his last breath.

"Nothing is the matter, Billy." Addy sighed. "You go ahead with the soundtrack deal. I trust you. I just can't come to California right now."

He was silent for a moment. "Can't… or don't want to?"

"A little bit of both, I guess. Maybe we could do the soundtrack in a Nashville studio."

"Yeah," Billy agreed. "We could do that. So, how about the TV interview? You want to do that?"

"No. Absolutely not. I will not exploit this girl."

"I understand. But we're going to need a press release. Why don't you give me the particulars - without her name, of course? I'll write something up and call you back later so you can approve it."

"Okay," Addy said. She spent another five minutes telling Billy the story. After she hung up, she went back to the great room.

"How's Billy?" Clementine handed her a fresh cup of eggnog.

Addy grinned. "Still the same old Billy. Working on a movie soundtrack deal for me."

"That's great," Clementine said.

Addy shrugged. "We'll see if anything comes of it."

"I really missed you in the Christmas Special this year," Keith remarked. "Why weren't you in it?"

Ah, that dratted Christmas Special. Yesterday morning I was eaten up with disappointment. Getting old… no kids… no Christmas Special… lousy weather. Then, a pregnant, homeless girl landed on my doorstep. I held her hand while she labored to have a baby. Now, Billy thinks he can resurrect my career. Well, if it happens… it happens, and if it doesn't… It's a strange thought, but helping Summer and her baby last night was the best thing I've done in a long, long time.

Addy smiled and raised her glass of eggnog in a toast.

"Why? I'm not sure. All I know is that sometimes we have to be in the right place at just the right time. If I'd been in Nashville last night, I wouldn't have been here. And I had to be… here… for the best Christmas ever at Magnolia Hill."

© Juanita Shoemaker 2004

Special thank to my outstanding editors, Sonya White for the first pass and tedious line editing, and to Mike Shoemaker for the final editing and re-writing chores. You are both treasures beyond compare.

Nita is a romance writer and a member of Romance Writers of America, Gulf Coast Chapter Romance Writers, Georgia Romance Writers, and the Kiss of Death Chapter. She is a retired secretary who loves to read and write.

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