Her former mother-in-law really knew how to throw a party. Their large, comfortable home on the shores of Lake Haven was decorated beautifully for a holiday bridal shower, with signs that said A Merry Little Bridal Shower and Snow in Love, along with garlands and fairy lights and plenty of food.
She was especially happy that Susan had arranged care for the children of invited guests. Lydia was happily playing in the large downstairs family room with her cousins, Stacy’s children, as well as children of other guests. They were all watched carefully by a couple of older ladies from Susan’s church.
“It’s so lovely to see you, my dear.” A woman with pure white hair in an elegant style pressed Holly’s shoulder then took the folding plastic chair next to her.
She smiled at Troy’s grandmother, who was tiny and fierce, one of her favorites of his relatives. “Nona. Hello. It’s lovely to see you as well. It’s been far too long.”
“I stopped by your floral shop the other day, only you weren’t there. The young lady who was working behind the counter, I think she said her name was Ginger, said you were out making deliveries. Don’t you have people to do that for you?”
“I’m a little shorthanded right now but we’re making do.We all take turns on the deliveries. I had a special one that day for a friend recovering from surgery so I delivered it personally.”
“Oh, how nice of you. That’s why your flower shop is doing so well, because you haven’t forgotten how important that personal touch is.”
Most of the time, she felt like Evergreen & Ivy was barely hanging on, but it was nice to believe she was making a difference and the store was gaining a positive reputation.
“I’m only sorry I missed you. Was there something special you were looking to order?”
“Not to worry, dear. I already took care of it. Your Ginger was a big help.”
“I’m so glad.”
Ginger might be a bit distractable but she was also caring and compassionate, as well as being creative and talented.
“I was picking up a half-dozen white roses for my friend Esther’s birthday. Her husband used to give her a bouquet every year. This is her first year without him and I know how she must be missing him. It’s been ten years without my Ned and I still somehow forget he won’t be sending me flowers on our anniversary like he used to do.”
Holly made a mental note to check with Susan about when Nona and Ned’s wedding anniversary had been so she could arrange a delivery on that day.
“I know how Esther has been missing Sheldon,” Nona went on, “and I thought some flowers might help her feel better, even if they’re not from him.”
“Flowers make everything feel better.”
Nona beamed and patted her hand. “I’ve always thought so. Now where is that darling girl of yours?”
“She’s downstairs with the other children. Last I checked, they were starting up a Christmas movie.”
“I’ll have to make sure I see her before the party is over. That girl is a precious angel.”
“Not all the time. She can be stubborn and fiercely independent when she wants to be.”
“Good. She’ll need to be.”
That was another reason she loved Nona. The woman understood the challenges in store for Lydia and appreciated the strength and courage Holly was trying to instill in her daughter.
“How are you enjoying living at the Shelter Inn?”
Troy’s grandmother had moved into the senior apartment building in Shelter Springs over the summer. Holly and Lydia had walked over to visit her several times after she made the move but Holly was embarrassed to realize a few months had passed since they last stopped by.
She pushed away the guilt, trying to give herself a break. She was doing the best she could to juggle all the plates in her life.
Speak to yourself like someone you love, Hannah often urged her. It was advice she had been doing her best to follow.
“Those people are crazy.” Nona shook her head. “They never stop moving. If they’re not hiring a bus to go look at the fall colors they’re playing bingo in the recreation room or having jazzercise classes in the pool. It’s exhausting for an old lady like me.”
Holly smiled. “They always have a stall at the Christmas market, don’t they?”
“Oh yes. We’ve all been working like fricking elves on crack to fill our stall. If I have to stuff one more little amigurumi animal, I might poke myself in the eye with a crochet needle.”
She laughed, charmed as always by the older woman.
