As soon as I said “Hello, Mom,” my mother’s super radar must have gone off. She immediately asked me what was wrong. I told her about the call from Stanley’s mother. Since Mom and Barbara know each other, the news seemed to affect Mom in the same way it affected me. Neither of us knew what to do or say. However, Mom tried to be reassuring and told me I shouldn’t worry.
It was what I wanted to hear. When I became an adult, I wanted to figure everything out myself. That time has passed. I’m taking advantage of my parents’ wisdom, even if it’s the “wait and see” type of comfort. After hearing my Mom’s steady voice, I sat back and did my best to have some faith in things working out.
I glanced over at the boxes in the foyer. They were filled to capacity with wonderful, holiday décor. When Stanley brought them down, I felt like a kid again, a kid wanting to make the house a place where the holiday spirit came alive. After Barbara Bickerman’s call, I began to question the way the season affected people. While I was happy, Stanley’s mother was probably my opposite. Were the holidays affecting the kind lady and how she thought about her marriage? Could the holidays intensify her emotions so much that she only thought about what was wrong with her relationship with her husband?
As I tried to figure out what was happening, Stanley came back into the living room. I gave him my most encouraging smile. “Is your mom coming over?”
Stanley sat down next to me again. “Yes, she says she’ll stop by later this afternoon.”
“It’s strange,” I said, “both our mothers are going through a lot right now.”
Stanley put his arm around my shoulder. “Please, don’t worry too much. Our moms are very, strong women.”
“Yes, they are, but—”
Stanley’s handsome face relaxed into a friendly smile. “Do it for the baby.”
“The baby? What does the baby have to do with any of this?” I asked.
Stanley stared back at me. “I thought you told me you didn’t want to get stressed. You said it could affect when our baby comes into the world. You went on and on about the problems of a person having their birthday on Christmas.”
I returned a squinty-eyed look. “So you do understand my concern.”
“Of course I do, but I’ll welcome our baby into our lives no matter what the date is. And if that’s on Christmas, we’ll find a way to make sure our child knows their day is special.”
I let out a groan, ignored his smile and pushed myself up and off the sofa. “So what do you think? Should we continue with our decorating plans?”
Stanley quickly stood up too. “Sure, I’m game,” he said as he headed to the foyer.
A couple of years ago, there were only two boxes of decorations. Now, there were twice as many. I made another silent promise to myself. From now on I’ll curtail my need to shop after Christmas. From now on, I won’t let the allure of half-price decorations pull me in.
Seven
AFTER STANLEY’S MOM arrived later that afternoon, we talked briefly. Barbara wanted to know how I was, and how the baby was doing. She seemed very pleased when I told her that all was well. I still don’t call my mother-in-law, Mom. I don’t know why.
After we chatted, I excused myself and went upstairs for a nap. I was tired after Stanley and I decorated the living room, dining room and foyer. I was particularly pleased with somechanges we made. This year the pine garland over the fireplace mantel was given a makeover. Instead of berry clusters, pine cones and red bows, we went with more of a white Christmas look. White, flocked velvet ball ornaments, white poinsettia flowers and wide white velvet bows made the greenery of the garland extra special. White birch trees with white fairy lights sat on the mantel and highlighted a beautiful, white berry wreath.
In the dining room, a large, snow-scene tapestry hung over the buffet. It was a perfect back drop for the two sparkling white deer and several glistening trees that stood on it. Three white, ceramic, Christmas trees became a lovely center piece for the table. The back window was adorned too. Like the fireplace, a decorated garland was swaged over the curtains. A matching garland decorated the foyer banister.
All in all, I was quite taken with our skills. The house was nearly ready for the season. Plus, each year we were getting better when we worked together as a team. I usually had a few comments concerning Stanley’s take on decorating, but not this year. He has a knack for knowing what I find pleasing. I just hope I haven’t curtailed his own creative ideas.
Feeling a sense of accomplishment, I climbed into bed thinking I’d be napping for twenty minutes. I ended up sleeping for an hour. I felt refreshed when I went back downstairs. I joined Stanley and Barbara in the dining room. The two of them were chatting over tea, coffee and scones.
Stanley got up when I walked in the room. He came over and kissed my cheek. He asked if I was hungry. My nod sent him into the kitchen to grab my favorite snack, veggies with hummus. I’ve been avoiding anything that’s sugary, and I find I enjoy savory foods.
Barbara gave me a sweet smile when I sat down at the table. “You have the best son in the world,” I whispered, not wantingStanley to hear me. I’m sure my praise wouldn’t go to his head, but still—
Barbara immediately bit her lip and her eyes got glassy with sudden tears.
“Did I say the wrong thing?” I asked with confusion.
Barbara shook her head. “Of course not, Gloria. I agree with you, but Stan Sr. has never appreciated our son the way he should.”
I didn’t want to upset Stanley’s mom since she seemed so fragile. I tried to say as little as possible. Finally, I took a deep breath. “I’m sorry.”
Barbara sat up very straight in her chair. Her demeanor changed in an instant. When she spoke, her eyes turned dark and hard. “Stanley’s father is so ignorant at times. I don’t know how I put up with him for so long.”
Oh boy, I could tell from Barbara’s harsh tone that I was way out of my comfort zone. Instead of commenting, I did the most prudent thing I knew to do. I kept my mouth shut.
