Christmas 1920 neared, and Will couldn’t wait for the day. In the past they’d exchanged gifts on Christmas morning, but this year Will badgered Mary to change their custom to giving their gifts on the Eve.
“What do you think I bought you?” Mary said. “I hope you’re not expecting one of those new Cadillacs that people say outshine Henry’s cars.”
“You wouldn’t.”
“No, I wouldn’t.” She shook her head and laughed. “Why, I think it’s even better.”
“Well, I’m glad you’ve got some sense, but it wouldn’t take much intelligence to refuse a Cadillac.”
“You’ll like it. You’ll see.”
“I think you’ll love mine. It took me all summer to find the perfect gift for the prettiest woman in town.”
By the time they’d dropped their hints and promised the best gifts ever, they were both ready to celebrate on Christmas Eve. “Okay, we’ll open gifts tonight,” Mary said, “but not until after Church.”
“Do we have to?”
“Will!”
“Just kidding.”
* * *
They returned home at eight-thirty. Will scrambled to grab Mary’s present from under the tree.
“Whoa, slow down,” Mary said. “Give me a minute to get out of my clothes, into something more comfortable.”
“No, I want you just like you are. I want you dressed in your best when I give you your gift. I want the prettiest girl in town to get even prettier — if that’s possible.”
“Oh, Will. Whatever could it be?”
“You’ll see.” Will lifted a package from under the tree, a package wrapped in gold paper with so much ribbon that the gold looked like gilt along the blue ribbon’s edge.
“You didn’t wrap that, did you, Will?”
“I confess. Mrs. James did it. They say she’s the best wrapper in town.”
“It’s beautiful.”
“Well, open it.”
Mary opened the package without tearing the paper or breaking the ribbon.
“Hurry up, Mary. I can’t wait to see your face.”
After the ribbons and the paper were removed, and the box was opened, Will received his reward. He had never seen so bright a smile or so much sparkle in Mary’s eyes. She looked at the gift, then back at Will with her mouth agape, and although her lips moved, no words emerged. She tried again, but once more she remained silent as tears streamed down her flushed cheeks. Mary reached for him and pulled him close while she whispered in his ear, “My dear. It’s fit for a queen.” She lifted the diamond brooch until the tree’s candlelight reflected its thousand facets across the room. “I never dreamed I would ever have such a treasure.”
They embraced, and then Mary regained her composure. “But now it’s your turn. Maybe I can match your gift this time.” She handed him a big package, and when he quickly opened it, he was rewarded with a gold, silk smoker’s jacket. “It’s for you when you get that Meerschaum pipe you’ve always wanted. I tried to find that, too, but with the war and all — ”
“It’s beautiful. Why, we’ll be the exquisite couple, you in your diamond brooch and me in my silk jacket. We’ll wear them when we go to Highland Park, to Henry’s conference.”
Mary squealed. “Conference?” She clasped her hands to her face. “We’re going on vacation to Michigan?”
“Yes we are. It’s next July, right after your school is out. I’ll be so proud to show you off. You’ll be the belle of their grand ball. And I’ll take my jacket. Why, maybe I’ll wear it to the ball.”
Mary leaned back and clutched the brooch to her chest. “I don’t think I can go.”
“What? Why can’t I escort the most beautiful lady in Wisconsin across Lake Michigan? Tell me why.”
“I wanted it to be a surprise. I wanted you to be happy. And it’s not so happy after all.”
“Whoa. What are you talking about?” He brushed her tears away. “It can’t be that bad!”
“I thought it was good.” Mary continued to cry. “I thought it was the best present I could give you. But maybe it’s not so good. I’ll not be able to go to the ball. We’re going to have a baby in July. I’ll have to stop teaching soon.”
Will took her in his arms. “It’s the best gift ever.”
“It’s okay if I can’t go to Michigan? But you can go. You don’t have to stay home.”
“Do you think I’d leave when you’re about to have a baby? How’d Mrs. Alderson get by without my help?”
Mary laughed.
“Why, we can go to Highland Park any old time. Henry’ll wait.”
“What should we call him?” Mary said. “Can we call him Charles this time?”
“And what makes you so sure it’ll be a boy? What if he’s a she?”
“I rather like Sharon. That was my grandmother’s name, and I’d like to honor her.”
“Then that’s what it’ll be. Charles if he’s a boy, Sharon if a girl. Sharon’s a good name. Why, it’s not only your grandmother’s name, but it’s a biblical name and one of my favorite flowers, too. Yes, we’ll name her Sharon.”
Although the thought of another child thrilled him, Will couldn’t help but feel a bit apprehensive, too.
* * *
And Sharon arrived on July 21, 1921, a healthy and plump nine pounds, ten ounces. Dr. Ruggles and Mrs. Alderson had arrived, but her birth was so fast and easy that Mrs. Alderson didn’t have time or reason to hassle the doctor or push Will from the house. And Mary was so captivated and attentive to their new family member that Will felt unneeded, like another finger on an already full hand. But he felt a sense of relief, too. Maybe this peaceful occasion and happy, healthy baby were signs of good things to come.