Randy whispered goodbye, and he and Eli left to help the next folks tote and set up their tree.
Ms. Ferebee pressed her hands to her heart. “Birdhouses?”
“Yes. We called it the Feathered Friends Home for the Holidays tree,” Natalie said. “Do you like it?”
Through tears in her twinkling blue eyes she said, “Did you know that my husband was a bird-watcher?” She reached for one of the birdhouses. “This is my first Christmas in fifty-seven years that I’ve been without him.”
“I’m so sorry.” Sheila took her hand. “We’d heard you’ve had a difficult year. Can I give you a hug?”
The woman stepped right into her arms. “Sometimes we need hugs,” Sheila said as she held the tiny woman tightly.
Ms. Ferebee stood there a long time before she stepped back, and patted Sheila’s hand. “I’ve been really struggling.” Tears fogged the woman’s glasses. She tugged them from her face, wiping them clear on her robe. “He would’ve loved this.”
“Oh gosh, I hope this is a welcome addition to your holiday. If it’s not—”
“It’s as if you knew I needed a reminder, or a sign, that he is still with me in a way.”
“He always will be,” Natalie said, pressing her hand to Ms. Ferebee’s. “He will be in your heart always. You take your time. It’s hard going through the holidays without the ones we love.”
“It is.” She stood quietly staring at the tree. “There are good memories though. So many of them.”
“Cling to those.”
Ms. Ferebee smiled.
Sheila said, “I bet he loved your smile. I hope you enjoy the tree.”
“Bless you. This really couldn’t be more perfect,” Ms. Ferebee said.
“Merry Christmas,” Natalie said.
“And to you both.”
“Hang on, I want to get one more thing.” Sheila jogged out to the truck and came back. “This is my business card, but my cell phone is on it. I’m going to be in town pretty often. If you need something, please call me. We’re sort of new in town, it’ll be nice for us to make some new friends, and I have a feeling we can help each other have some better days ahead.”
“I’d really like that. Thank you. That’s so kind of you.” Ms. Ferebee placed the card on her mantel and looked at the tree. The guys had plugged the lights in. She reached out and touched one of the birdhouses. “The bird nest as the topper is such a unique choice. Makes me think of new beginnings. Quite appropriate for this year. Thank you.”
Natalie edged toward the door. “We’ll let you get back to your Christmas Eve. Merry Christmas.”
“And Happy New Year,” Sheila added.
Natalie and Sheila held hands as they walked back to the truck.
“She’s so sweet,” Natalie said.
“I know. Bless her heart.” Sheila sniffled. “I can’t believe how well replacing the real topper with the bird nest worked. We couldn’t have planned that better.” She sniffled. “Oh my gosh, I’m crying like that first time we watchedP.S. I Love You.”
“I know. Me too.”
“Fifty-seven years. She was married her whole life!” Natalie got back in the truck. “We should plan to visit her.”
“Definitely,” said Sheila. “I want to do a lot more things like this.”
“It feels good, doesn’t it?”
Sheila suddenly wanted to tell Natalie about her plan. At least part of it. “Natalie, I sold the Tesla.”
“What? When?”
