CHAPTER
18
In the days leading up to Christmas, Rita Lynn could hardly contain her excitement. In less than a week’s time she and Paul and Val would be winging their way to Kansas. Her phone was filled with the photos Trent had been sending, of Lily and Devon and Amari. That he’d taken the time out of what she knew had to be a busy period for him to do something so nice was further evidence of his big heart. Earlier she and Paul watched the video he’d sent of last night’s performance by the band Devon was in. Now, meeting Val for lunch, she shared it.
“What in the world is Devon wearing?” Val asked, laughing.
“According to Trent, Devon calls them his swag clothes.”
She chuckled. “Oh, my, look at all the girls. Devon can sing. They’re really jamming.”
“Yes, they are. I like the song.”
Val watched the rest of the performance and handed the phone back. “I’m looking forward to seeing them.”
“Me, too. You sent my packages?”
Val nodded. “They should be arriving in the morning. Did you tell Trent to expect them?”
“No. Christmas gifts are supposed to be a surprise. I’m assuming they’ll pay attention to the ‘Do not open until Christmas’ sticker I put on the box.”
“I’m sure they will.”
They concentrated on their meals for a moment. Then Val said, “Have something I want to talk to you about.”
“And it is?”
“I’m going to look into in vitro fertilization after the new year.”
Rita paused. She knew the challenges women of Val’s age, class, and status faced in finding someone compatible to share their hearts and lives with.
“I’m tired of waiting for Mr. Right.”
“So you’ll have a baby alone?”
“Yes. I have the donor picked out. You know my friend Manny Diaz?”
“Yes, and I always thought you two made a stunning couple. I never understood why you never became more than friends.”
“He’s gay, Mama.”
“Oh.” Rita felt ridiculous.
Val reached over and patted her hand. “It’s okay. Manny’s smart, has a great personality. We’ve talked about it pretty seriously.”
“Is he going to sign off on paternity?”
“Yes. He and his partner, Kevin, have a baby on the way with a surrogate.”
Rita shook her head. “Lord, it’s a whole new world. So what do you need from me and your dad?”
“Just love and support.”
“You got it. You’re going to be a great mom.”
“Going to try my best.”
They spent the rest of the meal talking about the particulars, and Val answered as many of Rita’s questions as she could. As Rita Lynn drove home, thinking about Val, she smiled at the thought of a potential new grandbaby and thanked God for yet another awesome blessing. Life was good.
Life was also good for the folks of Henry Adams as they prepped for Christmas. The last trips for shopping were done, packages wrapped and tucked away. The snow continued to fall, which meant more shoveling for Trent and Bobby and their crew but lots of cross-country skiing and snowman making for those who enjoyed being outside. The kids basked in the freedom from school and spent their days playing video games and basketball at the rec, and doing their best to avoid Tamar and her never-ending tasks. The Dog was decked out in wreaths, garlands, and a tree decorated with miniature animals, CDs, and candy canes.
On the evening of the twenty-third, Trent answered a knock on the door. Outside were the Acostas, singing. Because they were singing in Spanish, he had no idea what the words were, but Anna’s lovely soprano voice mixed wonderfully with Luis’s baritone. At the end of the song, the Julys got their coats and joined the Acostas as they sang their way over to Bernadine’s. They sang at each of the houses in the subdivision, adding the Paynes, Garlands, Dahls, and Jameses to the procession, switching from Spanish to traditional American carols and back again as they made their way.
They then got in their cars, drove out to Tamar’s, and sang there. She added her alto to the chorus, and then the Douglas family and Reverend Paula joined in. The caravan made its way to Marie’s house, where she and Genevieve bolstered the caroling with their voices. After making a final stop at the farm where Clay and Bing Shepard lived, the procession drove to the rec.
They spent a few minutes listening to Anna give the history behind the posada, explaining that it was celebrated in Spain, Mexico, and many places in America, particularly in the Southwest. She went on to say that in some countries the posada lasted nine days—one day for each month of Mary’s pregnancy.
Luis added, “Posada is a lot more involved and richer than what we did this evening, but we wanted you all to have a taste of our traditions. Speaking of tastes, that delicious smell filling the building is the pozole. It’s a soup that families traditionally eat following the posada. It’s made with pork and chilies and lots of hominy corn.”
“But pozole is all about the garnishes,” Anna added.
Everyone lined up for their first encounter with pozole. The garnishes on the table included thin slices of cabbage, radish, and avocado, along with cilantro and small wedges of lime. For those who wanted to add more heat and spice, there were chilies and hot sauce. The idea was to add whatever garnishes you wanted to the base soup, grab a few tostadas, and enjoy.
Whereas Devon and Brain were a bit skeptical, Amari, who’d always been an adventurous eater, dove right in, and after his first few spoonfuls declared, “Mrs. Ruiz. This—every year, every Christmas for the rest of my life.”
“Do you like it?” she asked, laughing.
“Yes, ma’am.”
Gemma and Wyatt, who’d had Spanish neighbors in Chicago, were familiar with the soup, and Wyatt almost beat Amari back to the main table for a second helping.
After dinner the piñatas were raised, yet another posada tradition. The kids had a donkey at their end of the gym, and although the game was usually for children, the adults, who’d settled their differences over the debacle with Rita Lynn, had a pig on their end. Given short, fat T-ball bats and blindfolded, the batters were spun around a few times and sent to find their stuffed papier-mâché prey. Much hilarity ensued as swings were taken that met only air, some that met with people not quick enough to get out of the way and in Genevieve’s case a bull’s-eye that split the pig in half and sent the contents of pennies, wrapped peppermints, nuts, and other low-cost, fun items all over the floor. She said later she imagined it being Cletus.
When it came time to go home, everyone thanked the Acostas for adding their rich traditions to the cultural quilt of Henry Adams, and they all looked forward to participating again next year.
On Christmas Eve the Dog closed at noon. It would stay closed until the day after Christmas to allow the staff time with their families. The Julys drove to the church for the 5:00 p.m. service, at which Amari and Devon were serving as acolytes. The boys took the stairs down to the lower level to put on their vestments, while Lily and Trent went up to the sanctuary to take their seats. Gold-foil-wrapped pots of red poinsettia framed the altar, and the traditional Nativity crèche anchored a small table in the back. The service was always a beautiful affair, from the short opening chorale concert in which Roni sang, to Reverend Paula’s traditional white vestments, to the candlelit singing of “Silent Night” that marked the end, but this Christmas Eve would be even more special: the Douglas twins were being baptized, and Trent had been asked to be their godfather.
Lily said quietly, “I think you’ll be an awesome godfather.”
Trent nodded at Marie and Genevieve as they took their seats across the aisle. The sanctuary was filling up around them. “I’m going to do my best. Have to admit I’m pretty honored to be asked.”
They watched Amari, now in his robe, walk solemnly up to the altar to light the candles as a prelude to the beginning of the service. As he lit each one, Lily said, “He’s come such a long way.”
Trent agreed. “Couldn’t ask for a better son.”
The sanctuary was packed as Roni stepped up to the microphone and raised her gifted voice in praise. When she was done, she transitioned to the role of organist and began the processional. As the cross bearer, Amari led the way down the aisle, flanked by torchbearers Devon and Kyra. Behind them walked Bobby, all decked out in a new suit, carrying his daughter, and Kelly in a lovely dress and heels, carrying Bobby Jr. Resplendent in her gold-accented white robe, Reverend Paula brought up the rear.
The baptism was held at the service’s midpoint, and Trent and godmother Genevieve joined the Douglas family at the altar. The vows were spoken and the godparents read their promises. Then Reverend Paula took each twin in turn and, cradling the baby in her arm, slowly poured a bit of holy water over the crown of their little head. Tiara laughed, but Bobby Jr. wailed loudly in protest. At the end, the congregation welcomed the two new Christians with rousing applause.
The service continued with communion and ended with the lights being dimmed in the sanctuary. The small white candles everyone had been given upon entering the church were lit. The sea of flames flickered in the shadows as the congregation sang “Silent Night.” Their combined voices rose and filled the sanctuary. For Trent it was always the most moving experience of the church year, and yet another of the many reasons he loved living in Henry Adams.
That evening after church, Trent and Lily sat on the couch and watched their sons walking around the tree, trying to make their decision. They were allowed to open one gift on Christmas Eve. Devon finally settled on a small one from Amari. He tore off the paper, and his eyes popped. “Sick! Thank you, Amari!”
“What is it?” Lily asked.
He held it up. “A CD of James Brown’s greatest hits!”
While both parents displayed their amusement, Devon said, “You know he died on Christmas Day, so can I play this in the morning while we open the rest of our gifts?”
Lily looked to Trent, who shrugged. “Sure, Dev. Why not? That’ll be fun.”
Amari’s choice was a flat, medium-size gift from his parents. He pulled the paper off, and his eyes widened. “Oh, wow!” It was a framed print of The March by Jacob Lawrence. “Thank you!”
“Now you don’t have to wait until you’re grown and have your own place,” Trent told him.
Amari studied it with a seriousness that reflected his growing maturity. “This is awesome.” He raised his gaze to theirs. “Thank you, guys.”
They rounded out the evening by starting a fire and roasting marshmallows, before being treated to Amari’s rousing reading of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.
Christmas morning, the residents awakened to two inches of freshly fallen snow. Kiki thought it was quite beautiful. Bobby, not so much, because he was anticipating having to go out and shovel later. In the meantime, they enjoyed a leisurely breakfast before turning their attention to the unbelievable amount of gifts the babies received from the community. Last night after church, people gave them package after gift-wrapped package. There’d been so many, Rocky had to help them get some of them home, putting a few of the larger items in the bed of her truck—most notably the two rocking horses from Grandma/Godmother Genevieve. Now, as they opened the trove—while keeping an eye on the babies to make sure they didn’t eat the wrappings—they found diapers, bedding, clothing, toys and more toys, and two huge plastic saucer things that, from the manufacturer’s tag, turned out to be sleds. There were new snowsuits and mittens and hats and tons of little kids’ learning CDs. Tamar gave them a box filled with baby-proofing items for the house that included locks for the cupboards, inserts to fit into the electrical outlets, and two sturdy baby gates. Kiki loved her. The Garlands gifted the twins with a CD player for their room and a bunch of music CDs to enjoy. There were storybooks and recorded books from Crystal, and enough stuffed animals to start their own zoo.
Once everything was unwrapped, they took it all in and Bobby cracked, “These people are way out of control.”
“I know—but it’s because they haven’t had any babies here for a long time.”
“I can see that, but we’d need like five more kids to use all this stuff.” He glanced over and grinned.
“Don’t look at me. Maybe in a few years, but right now these two are all a girl can handle.”
“If it were up to me, we’d have at least three more.”
“Good thing it’s not, so get a grip.”
When Mal knocked on Bernadine’s door, what she saw left her speechless. A horse and sleigh were outside in front of her house.
“Would my lady like to go for a ride?”
She stood there so long, looking out in amazement, that Mal chuckled. “Baby?”
Crystal, in her pajamas and her new leather boots, looked around her mom. “Wow! Now that’s the shizzle. Looks just like a Christmas card.” The sleigh was brown, and the huge draft horse was decked out in ribbons and bells.
Bernadine finally regained the power of speech. “Where on earth did you get them?”
“Santa. He’s off the clock now, so he’s in Miami knocking back nonalcoholic mai tais.”
She laughed. “Give me ten minutes to throw on some clothes.”
“Make sure they’re warm. One of your furs would be best.”
Ten minutes later, with everyone on their porches watching and smiling, Bernadine, wearing her best full-length faux fur coat over a ton of layered clothing, was helped into the big sleigh by her personal Santa, wearing a red Santa hat. He climbed in beside her, and with a slap of the reins the horse pulled forward, the runners caught the thin coating of snow, and the neighborhood residents cheered until Santa and his lady were out of sight.
As they glided over the open snow, Bernadine thought that if she hadn’t loved this man before, she sure loved him now. He’d taught her to fly a kite, treated her to her first picnic in a pickup truck, taken her on her first high-speed chase, and now a sleigh ride. “This is wonderful, Mal.”
“You like it?”
“I do. I really do.”
“Wanted to give you something money can’t buy.”
“You did.” Her ex-husband, Leo, had had all the money in the world, and by comparison Mal would be considered a pauper, but Malachi July was wealthy in ways Leo knew nothing about. She looked forward to priceless moments like this until death did them part.
“Are you nervous about meeting your sister?” Lily asked Trent.
They were standing in the baggage-claim area of the airport, waiting for his mother and her family to arrive. Devon was holding up a sign he’d made, “Grandma Rita” written on it. He said he wanted her to feel like a celebrity. “In a way, yes. The last time I had a lawyer in the family, I needed another lawyer to get rid of her.”
“You are so crazy.”
And then there they were: his mother, her husband, and his half sister. Trent hurried to meet them.
“Trent!” Rita cried.
He swept her up.
“I’m so glad to see you!”
She embraced Lily and her grandsons next. She then introduced Paul and Val.
Trent shared a shake and a quick hug with Paul, and then with Val, who eyed him affectionately. “Glad to finally meet you, big brother.”
Any unspoken worries he might have harbored about how she’d react to him were instantly swept away. “Hey, sis. Same here.”
“So, you’re Devon,” Val said.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Your dad sent me the video clip of your band. You all were pretty good.”
He dropped his head shyly.
“I can’t wait for you to grow up and be famous, so I can have front-row seats. She turned to Amari. “Hello, Amari. I’m pleased to meet my nephew.”
“Glad to meet you, too. How was your flight?”
“Way too long. I was so anxious to get here and meet you. Your dad says you’re into cars.”
“I am.”
“So is your grandfather, Paul. Maybe next summer you can fly out and see a NASCAR race with him.”
Trent thought Amari was going to fall over. The stunned kid looked from his aunt to his grandfather and asked, “NASCAR? As in, NASCAR?”
Paul chuckled. “I can’t get your grandmother or your aunt Val to roll with me, so I’m looking forward to having a buddy.”
Amari turned to Trent, and then back to Paul. He appeared speechless.
Lily asked, “Shall we keep your grandfather, Amari?”
“Hell—I mean heck, yeah!”
As they all laughed, Trent said, “Let’s find your luggage and move this love fest to the house.”
They’d just loaded the bags and themselves into Lily’s SUV when Trent’s phone sounded. It was a text from his cousin Griffin: Call me later when you get a minute. Trent paused, feeling a sense of foreboding, but told himself it was just his imagination. He made a mental note to touch base with Griff that evening. At the moment, he wanted nothing more than to celebrate being reunited with his mother. Everything else would have to wait.
The two families spent the afternoon eating, opening gifts, and having a good time. Trent knew he was grinning like an idiot, but he didn’t care. Each time he glanced Rita Lynn’s way, he found her watching him as if to make sure he hadn’t disappeared, and he felt the same way.
Mal stopped by to meet Paul and Val. He only stayed a short while, after which he left with a wave on his way next door to Bernadine’s.
That evening they had dinner at Tamar’s, and after returning home, Trent remembered he was supposed to call Griffin. His cousin picked up right away. They spoke of general things first, like how Thad and the Oklahoma July clan were faring and how much Amari loved the bow-and-arrow set Griff sent him for Christmas. “So were you just checking in, or is something on your mind?” Trent asked, finally.
“Yes on both, but the latter involves you and our son.”
Trent tensed. “Meaning?”
“I’ve been contacted by Melody’s husband. He wants to meet Amari.”
Trent didn’t know what to say. Melody was Amari’s biological mother.
“You still there, cousin?”
“I am. Just trying to figure out my response.”
“I had the same reaction, especially when he admitted that he was the one initiating contact, not his wife.”
“What?”
“Yeah. I asked him if she knew he was reaching out. He said yes.”
“Do you think he’s telling the truth?”
“The man’s a congressman. They always lie, especially to those of us with Native blood.”
Trent reacted with a smile.
“But he’s a former reverend—which may or may not be any better, considering the church’s history with our people, but he sounded legit.”
“So how do you want to play this? Do you want to talk to Amari about it?”
“No. Leaving this up to you. In fact, if Amari agrees to meet with him, you should be the one to go with him. You’re his dad in the eyes of the law, and I’m afraid that if I go, and Melody does decide to get involved, it’ll be the Thrilla in Manila revisited. Our history’s pretty toxic. Amari doesn’t need to be in the middle of that.”
Trent agreed. He knew Griffin to be one of the saner members of the Oklahoma clan, but he’d been a habitual heartbreaker his entire life. “What’s the congressman’s name?”
“Ernest Carlyle.”
“The Ernest Carlyle?”
“The one and only. How he wound up married to Melody is anyone’s guess.”
Carlyle had been representing his Detroit constituency for decades and was one of the higher-profile members of Congress. “Text me his number, and I’ll put it in my phone. I want to talk to Amari first.”
“Sounds good. And Trent, sorry to be passing the ball to you in this, but you’ll be better at it than I’d be.”
“Thanks . . . I think.”
“Let me know what you decide to do. And if Amari wants to talk to me, he knows he’s always welcome to call.”
“Okay, Griff. I’ll keep you in the loop.”
“Appreciate it. Later.”
And the connection ended.
Amari was spending the night over at the Paynes’, and Devon was at the Garlands’, so only the adults were in the house when he stepped back into the living room after the call. Apparently, Lily could see something wasn’t quite right.
“What’s wrong?” she asked.
He told her.
“Amari’s been dreaming of meeting her, but this doesn’t sound like a dream come true,” Lily said.
“I know. I’m not sure what this sounds like.” He was still wondering about Carlyle’s motive for wanting to meet Amari.
“What kind of mother would refuse contact with her own child?” Rita asked.
Val said, “Not everyone is like you, Mom. She may have legitimate reasons for putting him up for adoption, and that has to be respected, no matter what. We don’t get to pass judgment.”
“I agree,” Trent said, “but when that child is your own, you take a more personal view. He’s hurting inside. Just like I was before you contacted me, Mom. When there are no answers, you get filled up with all kinds of doubts about your self-worth, and I hate that he’s having to deal with it.”
“So what do we do?” Lily asked.
“I’ll talk to him when he comes home in the morning, and see how he feels.”
“He’s going to want to go.”
“I know, Lil. I just don’t want him to be hurt any more than he already has. We know he’s a survivor, but he’s been through so much in his life. It would be nice if he could get some type of closure.”
The room quieted for a moment as they all mulled over the situation. Finally Paul said, “All we can do is hope for the best. He’s blessed to have the love and strength of you and Lily behind him.”
Trent said, “Thanks, Paul. I just hope it’s enough.”