16

Madison still didn’t feel on top of her game the next morning. She managed to rise early enough to get things ready for the U-cutters that she expected to show up at nine, but she was moving uncharacteristically slow. She’d briefly considered putting up a sign by the road saying they were closed for the day, but she’d run ads since last week with a big festive promotion for today. She knew how families would make a special effort to get their trees and might even drive a long way—she hated to disappoint them.

As she spread a Christmassy tablecloth over the picnic table and set up things for cocoa, cider, and coffee, she was thankful that at least the weather was cooperating. The air was cool and crisp and should’ve felt refreshing. Instead, it made her shiver.

She returned to the house to grab a warmer coat and the packaged cookies she’d bought earlier in the week. They weren’t homemade like the ones Grandma used to serve, but hopefully no one would care. As she opened the packages and filled the red-and-green basket with cookies, she realized that the house was still very quiet. Normally, that wouldn’t concern her since she knew her housemates weren’t early risers, but because of yesterday’s turkey trouble, she wondered if she should check on their welfare. Or maybe ask Addie to . . .

She went upstairs and tapped on her sister’s door.

“What is it?” a groggy voice answered. “What d’ya want?”

Madison cracked open the door. “Addie,” she whispered, “I’m setting up for the U-cutters outside. Can you check on Mom and Lucy and make sure they’re okay?”

Addie groaned and rolled over.

“I’ve kinda got my hands full today,” Madison pressed. “A little help would be—”

“Fine. Yes. I’ll check on them.” Addie sat up, glaring at Madison. “Just go sell your stupid trees, okay?”

“Okay.” Madison backed up, quietly closing the door. So much for sisterly help! Suppressing frustration, she went back outside to set things up as best as she could with her throbbing headache. She longed to feel some Christmas cheerfulness and wanted to enjoy the celebration of their opening day, but it took all her strength to just keep shuffling one foot in front of the other. Even the sound of cheery Christmas music coming through the speakers in the barn was aggravating to her head. But as cars and pickups began to pull up the driveway, she forced herself to smile and welcome their guests.

For the first couple of hours, Madison mechanically put herself through the paces, showing customers where the saws and garden carts were located, pointing out the balls of twine for securing trees to car tops, inviting them to partake in refreshments, and even selling a number of wreaths and garlands. But by noon, she felt drained, completely exhausted, and still had a pounding head. Tired of sweet cider and cocoa, she ducked into the house for a glass of grapefruit juice and literally bumped into her sister as she emerged from the kitchen.

“Hey, watch it,” Addie told her, balancing a mug in her hand.

“Sorry,” Madison stammered. “Thirsty. Need juice.” She clutched the doorframe to steady herself.

Addie put her hand on Madison’s shoulder, peering curiously at her. “Are you okay?”

“Just tired. Thirsty. Headache.”

Addie escorted Madison into the kitchen and, after sitting her down at the little table, poured a glass of juice. “Here, drink this.”

Madison sipped on the cold liquid.

Addie gave her an aspirin. “Take this.” Next, she handed her a peeled banana. “And eat this. All of it. You probably need potassium.”

“But the U-cutters.” She took a bite of banana and chewed. “I need to get back out.”

“Not right now.” Addie watched until Madison finished her banana, then she helped her to stand. “Mom and Lucy both feel pretty rotten too. But they’re keeping down fluids better today. I’ve been checking on them.”

“Good. They got it worse. I mean, they’re sicker than me. I didn’t eat much turkey.” Madison felt bone-tired as Addie led her through the living room.

“I want you to take a break.” Addie gently pushed her down to the couch. “I’ll cover for you outside.”

“Really?” Madison was too exhausted to protest.

“Really.” Addie tossed an afghan over Madison’s legs. “Just rest. Okay?”

“Okay.” Madison leaned back and closed her eyes. “Thanks, Addie.”

It was late afternoon by the time Madison woke up. She felt remarkably better but was shocked to see it was after three. She got herself a drink of water in the kitchen, where Mom and Lucy, looking pale in their nightclothes, were seated at the table with mugs of tea. She exchanged a quick greeting, then hurried outside to check on the U-cut situation. Hopefully Addie was still helping their customers.

“Hey there.” Addie looked up from straightening the refreshment table. “You look a little more alive now.”

“I feel more alive.” Madison noticed several vehicles still parked along the driveway. “How’s business?”

“It’s been super busy.” Addie actually looked pleased. “I don’t know how all the other years went as far as U-cut tree sales, but I suspect we’ve had a record day.” She pointed to the barn. “And look, I’ve sold most of your wreaths too.”

“Wow. Guess I’ll need to make more.”

“Someone told me we’re supposed to close up at four. Is that right?”

“That’s what I put in the ad. Nine to four. Since it’s getting dark by then.”

“Good. I’m ready to call it a day.”

“I can take it from here,” Madison told her. “If you need to go inside.”

Addie glanced toward the house. “How are Mom and Lucy?”

Madison described what she’d just witnessed, and Addie decided to remain outside until closing time. “It’s been kinda fun helping out here.”

Madison was surprised. “Thanks, Addie. For everything. Your help today really means a lot to me.”

Addie just shrugged. “Hey, isn’t that what sisters are for?”

Madison smiled. “I’d like to think so.” She spotted a couple of families coming up to pay for trees and get refreshments, so both the sisters got busy. Finally, the last pickup, packed with three trees and two wreaths, was on its way, and Madison rode her dirt bike down the road to put the Closed sign up.

On her way back, she felt even more alive with the cool air on her face and realized she really was on the mend. But concern for Lily led her to ride over and check on her neighbors.

“She slept most of the day,” Gavin quietly told her out in front of the trailer. “I’m planning to coax some chicken noodle soup into her. I had some myself and feel a lot better now.”

“That’s a great idea.” She told him about her day with the U-cutters and how much Addie had helped. “I was pleasantly surprised.”

“See how good things can come out of bad? If you hadn’t been sick, Addie might not have stepped in.” He rubbed his beard. “You’re such a strong person, Madison. Maybe God has to knock you down a few notches to remind you that you need others.”

Madison considered this. “Interesting theory. I guess being under the weather did give Addie the opportunity to play the hero. She probably enjoyed that.”

Gavin grinned as he gently punched her in the arm. “It’s okay to let people help you.”

She nodded but knew he was talking about more than just Addie. “Well, thinking about chicken soup actually makes me a tiny bit hungry. I guess I’ll go home and heat up a can or two. Maybe I can get Mom and Lucy to have some too.”

“Why not let Addie handle that for you?” His eyes twinkled like this was a challenge. “I’m sure she can manage something that simple. Might help her self-esteem.”

“Maybe so.” She pulled her helmet back on. “I’ll keep that in mind.” As she slowly rode home, she knew he was probably right about letting Addie help her more, but at the same time, something about that bothered her. Why was Gavin suddenly feeling so protective of Addie? Maybe he was more interested in Addie than he’d let on. And if so, maybe it was time for Madison to get over herself.