Read Online A Lilac Creek Christmas ( a Lilac Creek Dog Story) by Dana Landers - Free Book Online Page A
Authors: Dana Landers
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the tree, and everyone else joined in. It was a perfect tree.
Sam sat Kaylee back down gently and put his arm around Julia’s shoulders.
“A perfect tree for a perfect family,” he declared with a grin.
“Can we put some presents underneath now?” asked Brinn excitedly. The practical, organized one of the family, Brinn had done her shopping early. Her gifts had been wrapped in pretty paper for days now, just waiting to go under the tree. Brinn was a giver, and enjoyed the anticipation of others opening the gifts she had chosen almost as much as she enjoyed her own gifts. And she was also a tease. There was nothing she loved more than giving out little hints and enticing people to guess what might be hidden beneath the festive wrappings. Most often the shape and size of the parcel gave no indication of what was really inside. Brinn had also become a master of deception when it came to disguising gifts. It was all a part of Christmas and Brinn loved every second of it.
“I think the tree is ready for gifts now,” agreed Julia. “But maybe we should make a rule that they can ’t be poked, shaken or sniffed.”
“No way,” said Sam shaking his head. “That’s the best part!” Everyone laughed.
With the tree now decorated, the house was officially ready for Christmas. Garlands, wreaths and lights had all been put up on the first of December. There was nothing left to do now but wait for the big day and enjoy all the festivities of the season. As everyone got comfortable in the living room to enjoy the tree, Jasper finally closed his eyes. He could just rest for a while now, while the sounds of his people drifted slowly around him. Life was good.
Chapter Two
Julia had just added the last item to her Christmas grocery list when the phone rang. As was her custom, during the holidays, she answered with a cheerful “Seasons Greetings” instead of her usual hello. Generally the voice on the other end responded in the same manner regardless if it was friend, family or as was often the case, a salesperson or telemarketer. But this time the voice that responded to Julia’s happy greeting was deep and somber.
“Would this be Julia Baxter?” the voice enquired. Taken somewhat aback by the absence of holiday spirit, Julia replied more seriously.
“Yes it is. May I ask whose calling?”
“Mrs. Baxter, this is Dr. William Armatage from the Wilmot Long Term Care Facility. I have you listed here as a local emergency contact for a Henry Thompson. Is this correct?” Julia’s heart skipped a beat.
“Yes, that’s correct,” she answered, holding her breath. “ Please don’t let there be something wrong with Henry, ” she thought to herself. The girls, especially Brinn were so looking forward to Henry coming for Christmas Day. Brinn talked about it constantly and never missed an opportunity to remind Jasper about it either. If Henry were to miss Christmas it would put a damper on the celebration for sure.
“Mrs. Baxter, we have a situation here at the center and we were hoping we might count on you to help us out.” Julia let her breath escape slowly. This didn’t sound too serious. Surely if something were wrong with Henry they wouldn’t be asking her to help out with a “situation!”
“I’d be glad to help any way that I can.”
“Well, to make a long story short, there has been a fire here at the centre. Please don’t panic. Mr. Thompson is just fine. We have suffered two casualties, however, and substantial damage to the building. One wing has been completely destroyed and the others have been damaged by both smoke and water. The rooms are not safe for the residents and we are trying to relocate those who are most mobile to temporary placements.”
“Oh, I’m so very sorry,” Julia said. “Of course we can help. We were planning to have Henry for Christmas Day anyway. He can simply come for a longer visit this way. Would you like us
Sam sat Kaylee back down gently and put his arm around Julia’s shoulders.
“A perfect tree for a perfect family,” he declared with a grin.
“Can we put some presents underneath now?” asked Brinn excitedly. The practical, organized one of the family, Brinn had done her shopping early. Her gifts had been wrapped in pretty paper for days now, just waiting to go under the tree. Brinn was a giver, and enjoyed the anticipation of others opening the gifts she had chosen almost as much as she enjoyed her own gifts. And she was also a tease. There was nothing she loved more than giving out little hints and enticing people to guess what might be hidden beneath the festive wrappings. Most often the shape and size of the parcel gave no indication of what was really inside. Brinn had also become a master of deception when it came to disguising gifts. It was all a part of Christmas and Brinn loved every second of it.
“I think the tree is ready for gifts now,” agreed Julia. “But maybe we should make a rule that they can ’t be poked, shaken or sniffed.”
“No way,” said Sam shaking his head. “That’s the best part!” Everyone laughed.
With the tree now decorated, the house was officially ready for Christmas. Garlands, wreaths and lights had all been put up on the first of December. There was nothing left to do now but wait for the big day and enjoy all the festivities of the season. As everyone got comfortable in the living room to enjoy the tree, Jasper finally closed his eyes. He could just rest for a while now, while the sounds of his people drifted slowly around him. Life was good.
Chapter Two
Julia had just added the last item to her Christmas grocery list when the phone rang. As was her custom, during the holidays, she answered with a cheerful “Seasons Greetings” instead of her usual hello. Generally the voice on the other end responded in the same manner regardless if it was friend, family or as was often the case, a salesperson or telemarketer. But this time the voice that responded to Julia’s happy greeting was deep and somber.
“Would this be Julia Baxter?” the voice enquired. Taken somewhat aback by the absence of holiday spirit, Julia replied more seriously.
“Yes it is. May I ask whose calling?”
“Mrs. Baxter, this is Dr. William Armatage from the Wilmot Long Term Care Facility. I have you listed here as a local emergency contact for a Henry Thompson. Is this correct?” Julia’s heart skipped a beat.
“Yes, that’s correct,” she answered, holding her breath. “ Please don’t let there be something wrong with Henry, ” she thought to herself. The girls, especially Brinn were so looking forward to Henry coming for Christmas Day. Brinn talked about it constantly and never missed an opportunity to remind Jasper about it either. If Henry were to miss Christmas it would put a damper on the celebration for sure.
“Mrs. Baxter, we have a situation here at the center and we were hoping we might count on you to help us out.” Julia let her breath escape slowly. This didn’t sound too serious. Surely if something were wrong with Henry they wouldn’t be asking her to help out with a “situation!”
“I’d be glad to help any way that I can.”
“Well, to make a long story short, there has been a fire here at the centre. Please don’t panic. Mr. Thompson is just fine. We have suffered two casualties, however, and substantial damage to the building. One wing has been completely destroyed and the others have been damaged by both smoke and water. The rooms are not safe for the residents and we are trying to relocate those who are most mobile to temporary placements.”
“Oh, I’m so very sorry,” Julia said. “Of course we can help. We were planning to have Henry for Christmas Day anyway. He can simply come for a longer visit this way. Would you like us
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