Chapter Thirty-One

Nothing compared to a McGinn family Christmas Eve; traveling circuses produced less fanfare. With each year the gathering grew. Marriages and babies translated to bigger decorations and more gifts under the tree, and a simple family get-together transformed into a wrapping-paper-and-cookie-free-for-all.

Kevin and Suzanne unwillingly inherited the legendary holiday extravaganza after Mae’s condominium became too small to contain the growing family.

The McGinn adults participated in a Secret Santa drawing in September. The process cut down on the holiday chaos and allowed three full months to consider the recipients likes and dislikes.

In the beginning the presents were thoughtful and full of sincere well wishes, but it did not take long for the twisted family humor to enter in. Libby owned eight easy-to-follow cookbooks, Sean was enrolled in a high-price mail order Russian Bride bidding war, and Kevin’s medicine cabinet sported a lifetime supply of hair restoration cream. The more ridiculous, the better. No one took offense and laughter filled the house.

Despite the tradition, Mae insisted on buying each of her children a gift each year and they reciprocated. The under-eighteen crowd was spoiled rotten and showered with multiple gifts from aunts and uncles, all of which would be broken or forgotten by February.

Over the years, the group had expanded to include in-laws and close friends. Post-divorce, Caroline and Trevor joined the growing circle, as did Dom. Suzanne’s parents, Ed and Elaine closed the Shoe Horn at noon and drove over with Mindy in thinly veiled hopes their youngest daughter would eventually bag Sean and become a McGinn herself. Shelia traveled to her brother’s in California for Christmas, but always managed to send the kids the single most noise-inducing gifts available, for which Libby was eternally grateful.

“Is it me,” Bob asked as the family pulled into Kevin and Suzanne’s driveway, “or does it look a little like a multi-colored air traffic control pattern?”

“It’s a little much,” Libby agreed. “I’m particularly fond of the inflatable surfing Santa. Nothing says Christmas like Saint Nick hanging ten.”

Bob turned to the kids in the backseat. “Okay, listen up. No repeat of last year. Charlie, if someone gives you a car model you already have, you do not hand it back and ask for cash. Say ‘thank you,’ and we’ll deal with it later. Got it?”

“Got it.” Charlie nodded.

“Shannon,” Bob continued, “your grandmother is not a teenage girl. She does not keep current with fashion trends. Try and muster some enthusiasm when you open her gift.”

“But Dad,” Shannon whined, “last year she knit a sweater with kittens on it!”

“Gram went out of her way to make you that sweater, and if this year’s ensemble has dancing kangaroos, smile and be grateful.”

“Fine.” She opened the car door. “Can we go in now?”

“Go, but remember what I said.” Charlie and Shannon slid out of the car and ran to the front door.

“In her defense,” Libby grinned. “That was the ugliest sweater known to man. The cats looked a little mange-ridden.”

“It was hideous.” Bob shivered. “But Shann’s got to work on her game face. You didn’t see me screeching in horror at that yellow- and black-striped golf shirt—I looked like a jaundiced bumble bee.”

Libby gave him a quick kiss. “Ready?”

He took her face in his hands. “We could leave and make a run for the border. The kids are already inside; they’d never catch us.”

She pulled on her hat and opened the car door. “And miss all the fun? Come on. Be a man. Let’s go.” They trudged up the snowy walkway with gift-stuffed shopping bags, and rang the bell.

Kevin answered and rushed them inside. “Don’t ask questions, I’ll explain later.” He pulled them into the side hall and closed the door. “For right now, all you need to know is Suzanne’s hair looks fantastic. Got it? Fantastic! Do not stare directly at it; you won’t be able to look away if you do.” Footsteps sounded from the hallway. “Shit, here she comes. Remember, fantastic.”

Libby saw her first. Dear God in heaven. Did she pay someone to do that to her? Suzanne’s once-blonde flowing hair was sliced and diced into a shag carpet/corn stalk mating.

“Hi Lib, Bob, Merry Christmas.” Suzanne kissed them and turned to her husband. “Kev, take their coats.”

“Wow.” Bob struggled to maintain a look of sincerity. “Great hair, Suz.” Awkward pause. “I need a beer.” He sprinted to the family room.

Coward. Libby said, “I agree, great cut. I bet it’s a lot easier to get ready in the morning now, huh?”

“Cut the crap, Libby.” Suzanne’s eyes welled up. “I look hideous, and all I wanted was a little trim. Mr. Frank convinced me this would be ‘chic and easy to take care of’ now that I have Saratoga. When I got home from the salon and went in to pick her up from her nap she screamed. I scared her. My own child is afraid of me.”

Libby hugged her. “No, no. I’m sure that’s not it.” She played with the blonde spikes atop her sister-in-law’s head. “I won’t blow sunshine up your ass. It’s not your best look. But come on, it’s hair, and it will grow back.”

“Thank you for saying that.” Suzanne wiped her eyes. “I appreciate the honesty. Kevin just keeps telling me how fantastic I look. Dumb ass!”

“Men don’t understand hair trauma.”

“Let’s get some wine. Everyone else is here, including your mother. She informed me I look like that successful lesbian girl on the talk show. I know she intended it as a compliment, but I may have to kill her anyway.”

“Get in line.”

The women entered the living room to a sea of friends and family, all gathered in front of the fireplace with drinks and food in hand. The children ripped through their gifts in record time, and Trevor and Charlie headed to the playroom to assemble an air hockey set.

“I’ll take Sara if you want a break, Aunt Suzanne,” Shannon volunteered.

“That would be wonderful, Shannon. I could use a break. Just bring her back if she starts to get fussy. She didn’t take a good nap today.”

“Okay, we’ll go watch Christmas specials in the TV room.”

“Thanks Shannon, you’re a sweetheart.” When Shannon was out of earshot, Suzanne continued, “If I have to watch those f-ing puppets sing about Santa one more time I’m going to snap their little felt necks.” The group burst into laughter.

Kevin clapped his hands. “So, can I get anybody a drink before we swap our tasteful and lovingly selected gifts?”

“I’ll help you.” Sean said.

Orders placed, the brothers went to the kitchen. Kevin opened a bottle of white wine and grabbed glasses. “So, has Mindy been cozying up to you tonight?” he teased Sean.

“As always.” Sean took the glasses and poured while Kevin went to the fridge for beer. “I thought I was pretty clear last time, but Mindy and her parents only hear what they want to hear.”

“Why don’t you just come right out and tell her you’re not interested. Or better yet, take a chance on someone else, bring a date to the next family function. Really give old Min the message you’re not available.”

“Oh yeah,” Sean grinned. “Bring someone into this chaos. No thanks, I’ll keep my private life private.”

Kevin popped the tops off the beer and put the bottle opener on the counter. He faced Sean, sighed, and shook his head.

“What?” Sean asked.

“I’m not sure who you think you’re fooling, but if you wait much longer the opportunity of a lifetime is going to blow right by you, big brother. She’s one in a million, and we all know it. You’re going to miss your chance unless you step up and do something. This is getting ridiculous.”

“Mindy? You are out of your mind. The woman has the IQ of a zucchini?”

“Give it up Sean. You and I both know I’m not talking about Mindy.” He glanced into the living room, directly at Caroline laughing at something Bob said. She looked right at home with the McGinn bunch. Kevin smiled and returned his focus on Sean. “You’re an idiot if you don’t make a move, and soon, Battaglia’s a great guy and he’s not going to give up easy.”

Kevin motioned to the counter. “Do me a favor, grab those napkins on your way back in.”

Sean stood stock-still, mouth gaping, glasses of wine in each hand. Did everyone suspect how he felt about Caroline? He made his way back to the living room and handed off the first glass of wine to Mindy. “Here you go Min, a little holiday spirit.” He forced a polite smile.

“Thank you, Sean,” Mindy cooed. She pulled her shoulder blades back in a cleavage-boosting attempt. “You are so sweet to take care of me.”

“No problem.”

He brought the second glass to Caroline as her lips curled into a knowing grin. “You are enjoying this too much. Knock it off.”

“I like watching you squirm.”

Caroline’s amusement-laced comment made him chuckle.

“I must say, Mindy’s frontage is looking particularly robust tonight, don’t you think?”

He grinned and took a seat on the floor to Caroline’s right as the gift swap began. “I hadn’t noticed.”

Bob played Santa and distributed the gifts. Per tradition, no one tore a shred of paper until everyone had something to open.

“Are we ready?” Mae asked.

“I think so,” Bob answered. “Does everyone have a gift?” Nods all around. “Okay, have at it.”

Elaine was the first to gush. “Oh how beautiful, a bracelet. I love it! Whoever picked this out is a gem, no pun intended!” She slid the new bangle on her wrist and peered into Ed’s gift box. “What did you get, dear?”

“A book.” Ed’s ample caterpillar brows knitted together. “Let me just see what the title is. Oh, look its Dick Cheney’s new biography. Great choice. I’ll read this on the flight to Houston for the shoe convention.”

What’s more exciting, Libby wondered, a shoe convention or a political memoir?

Kevin spoke. “All right, I have to see what this is. And I swear to God if it’s more spray-on hair, someone is getting slapped.” He ripped through the paper and found a black jeweler’s box containing sterling silver cufflinks. “Wow, whoever had me went over the budget. These are amazing.”

Libby spoke up. “I’m breaking the Secret Santa code. I picked your name in the draw. Look close, and hopefully you’ll recognize where I got them.”

He took the cufflinks in his hand and held them under the light. “They’re monogrammed. MF?” Then it hit him. “Holy Cow, these are Grandpa Finn’s; the ones in their wedding picture, right?”

Nodding Libby said, “They were in a box I found out in the cottage. I had them polished up for you. Do you like them?”

Kevin walked over and kissed Libby on the cheek. “I love them, thanks. These are great.”

“Bring those over here, Kevin,” Mae asked. “I want a closer look.”

He handed her the box and joined Suzanne on the couch.

“I remember these,” Mae said. “Mom kept them in her jewelry box next to her pearls; two memories from her wedding, side-by-side in her little safe spot.”

Libby saw the moment the pleasant memory flooded Mae’s face. It did her heart good to hear joy in her mother’s voice when she spoke of Grandma Shannon.

“What did you get Mom?” Libby asked.

Mae passed the cufflinks to Kevin and opened her gift. She frowned. “Huh, I’m not sure exactly what it is?”

“It’s a Yoga suit!” Elaine chimed in. “Suzie said you go to a class every day, so I went to the Sporting Barn. The salesgirl said this is what everyone is wearing. Isn’t it super cute?”

Mae managed to keep her world-class manners in place and withdrew the hot pink body suit for all to see. “It’s just spectacular, Elaine...a real showstopper.” Dear Lord this is hideous. “I can’t wait to wear it.” Never going to happen. “I’m sure everyone will want one as soon as they see me.”

Bob leaned into Libby and spoke softly. “She’s going to look like a life-sized jelly bean.”

Libby gagged on her pig-in-a-blanket. “I need wine.” She stood and motioned toward the kitchen. “Anyone else need a drink?”

“I’ll help.” Caroline followed. They barely made it out of the living room before erupting into a fit of laughter.

“Oh. My. God!” Caroline spoke first. “If Mae ever, ever dares to wear that thing you have to call me! Anywhere, anytime, anything I’m doing will be dropped and I’ll be running over to see her in that get-up! I don’t care if Mr. Perfect is in my bed professing his undying love, you call me the minute she puts that thing on!”

Out of breath, Libby held her stomach and groaned. “Stop, I hurt. I laughed so hard I pulled a muscle.”

“Wine,” Caroline refilled the glasses. “We need wine, and a moment to get ourselves together.”

“Good plan.” Libby sipped. “That’s got to be my favorite Christmas moment of all time; it’s goes down in history right next to Sean’s man purse.”

“Oh God, remember that? Suzanne was so proud; she thought he could use a pretty briefcase to carry around blueprints.” Caroline sipped and went on. “Sean tried so hard not to look mortified, it must have killed him.”

“My brother can take one for the team when he needs to.” Libby seized the topic shift. “Can I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“I may be way, way off-base here, but is something going on between you and Sean?”

Caroline, lost for words, fidgeted with her wineglass.

Libby noticed her unease, and said, “Well, huh! Maybe I’m not that off-base. Listen, you don’t have to say anything, it’s none of my business. You two are adults, I won’t pry.” She couldn’t pull it off. “Okay, that’s total bull. Tell me everything, tell me now—I have to know!”

“It’s not a simple answer, Lib.”

“Sure it is, I don’t want details, I mean, ick, he’s my brother. All I want is a yes or no. Are you two involved? If you think it’s going to affect our relationship, don’t. With the exception of Bob, you’re my best friend, Nothing changes that.”

“Thanks. I needed to hear that, and I’m not trying to be evasive, I just don’t know what to say, or even how to say it. I can tell you this, though...there’s a history, one that we probably should have told you about a long time ago, but it was simpler to keep it between Sean and I. The fewer people who knew, the fewer people disappointed when it went south. But as for now, I honestly don’t know what the hell’s going on.”

Dom walked into the kitchen. “Sorry ladies; am I interrupting something?”

“Not one little bit,” Libby answered. “Are you here for wine, Dom?” She squeezed Caroline’s hand and mouthed—“talk later.”

“Nope, although after seeing that exercise outfit, I could use a stiff shot.” They giggled as he continued. “I made some cannoli. Come help me get it out of the fridge.”

Caroline watched him slide the tray out of the fridge and groaned. “Dom, you are killing me. No matter where I am for New Years, I will officially be wearing the largest pants I own, thanks to your cooking.”

Dom shook his head in disapproval. “Girls today, you’re all too skinny. In my day, women were curvy, like a beautiful Italian country road. You ladies are great just the way you are. No diets! They ruin nature’s perfect canvas.”

Caroline kissed his cheeks. “Will you marry me?”

“A tall, leggy blonde?” he joked. “I’d be dead in a week.”

Libby gently punched Dom in the arm. “He can’t marry you, he’s got a girlfriend. Don’t ya’, big guy?”

Dom blushed and waved away Libby’s comment. “At my age we do not have girlfriends. Dolores and I enjoy each other’s company. Lucky for her she’s off with her sister while I’m stuck here with these crazy people.”

“Hey,” Libby said. “Those ‘crazy people’ are my family!”

“I know, bella, and I love them all. Come on ladies, help me bring the pastry in and sit between me and the sparkly tree. I can’t look at it anymore, I’ll have a seizure. Who uses that much tinsel, and pink nonetheless?” They followed Dom into the crowd and took their seats.

“All right, Caroline and Libby are the only two who still need to open their gifts,” Suzanne said, “Libby, you go first.”

“Okay,” Libby took note of the wrapping paper. Happy woodland creatures, in pink satin bows carrying glittery heart-shaped packages. The gift giver was no mystery. Inside, under layers and layers of colored tissue paper she found a beautiful sterling silver necklace with a deep blue stone at the center.

“Oh this is stunning.” A descriptive card from the artesian was attached. Libby read aloud, “‘A Native American amulet guaranteed to soothe tension and relieve stress.’ This is an absolutely perfect gift for me.”

She turned toward Suzanne. “Thank you Secret Santa...whoever you are.” Suzanne glowed with pride. Libby tossed the paper into the pile of discarded wrapping. “Okay Caroline, your turn.”

Caroline lifted the two-foot square box into her lap and guessed at the contents. “Let’s see, earrings?” she joked. She tore gently at the paper and dug through hundreds of packing peanuts until she reached an oddly shaped red velvet bag. She shifted her gaze from person to person. “I’m getting a little nervous; my secret Santa went to a lot of trouble to build suspense.” Untying the drawstring at the top of the bag, she reached inside and withdrew a pair of gleaming white ice skates. Puzzled, she spotted a card at the bottom of the bag. “Wait a minute, there’s a note.”

“Read it.” Mae encouraged.

Caroline slid out the card and read. “Some memories, like those we love most, are worth holding onto for a lifetime.”

“Lovely, but I don’t understand the meaning.” Mae said.

In a moment of enlightenment, Caroline spun in search of Sean and found him in the kitchen doorway. Their gazes locked, and the rest of the room faded away.

His graveled voice cracked, “Look inside.”

Hand trembling, she picked up the left skate and peered down into the boot; two stars. A sob escaped. Although the room was full of family, Caroline saw only Sean; the sensitive boy she fell in love with—now a man whose sentimentality stole her heart. She placed the skates on the coffee table and walked to him. She took his face in her hands. “You absolutely take my breath away. Do you know that?”

He rubbed his thumb over a stray tear rolling down her cheek. “Don’t cry Car, I made you do that once before, and it almost killed me. I can’t take it again.”

“Happy tears this time, I promise.”

She stepped closer and dropped her voice so only he could hear. “Tell me, is everyone staring at us?”

Sean glanced over her shoulder and smiled at his family’s anticipatory grins. Mae dabbed her eyes with a tissue and clasped her hands over her heart. “Yes,” he chuckled. “I’d say we have a captive audience.”

“Good,” She took a deep breath. “Let em’ watch, cause I’m going to kiss you, in front of them all. And I’m not talking a friendly peck on the cheek. Will that bother you?”

His eyes darkened. “Not in the least.”

She wrapped her hands around his neck and fingered the soft hair at the scruff of his neck.

His pulse raced.

“You’re sure? It’s going to be slow, and long, and very, very personal,” she purred. “One of those kisses that will make the parents in the room grateful the kids aren’t around. Oh, and on a sad note, what I’m about to do to you will send Mindy directly into mourning.”

He dug his fingertips into the small of her back and gripped tight. “Mindy looks great in black.”

She drew his head close. “Sean, I’m opening that door.”

“Come on in, Duffy,” he groaned. “I’ve been waiting too damned long.” Without hesitation, he pulled her the final distance into his arms.

Oblivious to anything but each other, Caroline Duffy kissed Sean McGinn with more passion than should ever be expressed outside the bedroom, let alone in front of family and friends.

Several minutes later, loud applause and whistles from the peanut gallery made Sean reluctantly pull away. With a smile of epic proportion, he looked down into the face of the only woman he ever loved. “Does this mean you like the skates?” he asked.

Laughing, Caroline hugged him close and answered. “I love the skates.”