“So, what are your plans for today?” Cora asked, her eyes moving between her daughters as she sipped her orange juice.
“Um, we were thinking about going clamming by Double Bluff Beach,” Erin replied.
“Oh,” Cora replied, her eyebrows jogging up her forehead. “Are you sure that’s safe for the baby?” Cora directed at Jules.
“Nothing’s gonna happen to my baby,” Jules replied, her lips spread in a grim line.
“I didn’t say….” Cora started but stopped at her daughter’s stiffened gaze.
“I’ll be doing most of the digging. Jules’ will just hold the bucket to collect the clams,” Erin attempted to ease the tension, which only caused her sister’s hardened glare to switch to her.
Rory pursed her lips, unsure what to say to help de-escalate the situation. She looked over at her mother, whose eyes were fixed on her sister, trying to get her attention.
“Uncle Luke’s delivering our Christmas tree this afternoon. Can you try to make it back by then? We want to decorate it with mom and maybe take a few photos to remember this,” Andrea finally spoke, breaking the silence that had fallen over the table. Her words effectively broke the others out of their thoughts.
“Yes. Of course,” Erin replied with an instant smile.
Jules’ gaze softened, and her shoulders deflated as she looked away from Cora to offer Andrea a single nod. Rory looked at Cora to see her eyes swimming with anguish and uncertainty.
Erin and Jules left the house after breakfast. Rory opted not to go with them even though Erin invited her. She understood that Jules wanted to spend as much time with Erin as possible before she had to leave. However, Rory didn’t know if Erin realized how much Jules looked up to her and craved her confidence. Rory knew the pregnancy was hard on Jules and that she was struggling to decide what to do, especially with what she told her about the father. She only hoped Erin could help her sister make the right decision.
Late in the afternoon, the doorbell rang, and it was Uncle Luke and his nephew Ben. The piney aroma of the fir tree wafted through the door before they saw it.
“I come bearing a tree,” Uncle Luke smiled, corners of his eyes crinkling.
“Afternoon, ladies,” Ben smiled.
“Hi, Ben. Were you at the farm with Uncle Luke?” Cora asked.
“No, I wasn’t. I was by the Inn visiting Marg, but I saw Uncle Luke’s van and the size of the tree. So, I figured I’d help him get it situated for you ladies,” he replied.
“Thanks. We appreciate it,” Andrea smiled.
After kissing each of his nieces, Uncle Luke and Ben carried the tree to the family room.
“Where do you want it?” he asked, turning to Cora and Andrea.
“Set it up right here,” Cora instructed, standing at the space between the French window and the fireplace. So, the men set the tree down where she directed. Then, they stood back to look at it. The tree stood tall, almost brushing the roof, and its beautiful dark green foliage of needles spread out from its center.
Rory smiled appreciatively. She couldn’t wait to see it fully decorated and shining from bright lights.
“We could cut the top off, so it fits better,” Uncle Luke spoke, pulling Rory out of her thoughts.
All three women looked at the tree and then looked at each other before turning to him to say, “No,” simultaneously.
“I think the fact that it’s this tall gives it a lot more character,” Andrea surmised, and the others nodded.
“All right then, I’ll leave you, ladies to giving it more character,” Uncle Luke replied with air quotes. “Come on, Ben, let’s grab a drink by the restaurant and have a chat,” he finished, heading for the door.
“Bye, ladies,” Ben saluted with a smile, then turned and followed his uncle.
“Bye Ben, bye Uncle Luke,” Cora waved.
“Thanks again,” Andrea added as they followed them to the door. She perched by the stairs. “All right, the boxes with the ornaments should be in the attic.”
“Where they’re always kept,” Cora smiled knowingly.
“Let’s hope we’re right on the money,” Andrea chuckled. She sobered shortly after. “It’s been so long since we’ve had a Christmas in this house.”
