Chapter 19
Christmas Eve was the day when all the final preparations for the family feast had to be done. As per the West and Vane tradition, the women would go right to work making sure everything was clean and the last minute baking was done. On Christmas day, the only things allowed to cook were the Ham, Dressing and side dishes that normally included Green beans, cream Sweet Potatoes, Yams, Potato salad and the Dinner rolls.
The men cleaned up the woodshop, fed the animals, polished the runners on the sleigh and polished the sleigh bells for the trip down to the small Morgan’s Hallow All souls Church for midnight mass.
This day however everyone woke up later than normal, except Cassie. She cleaned her room, went down to the Main Parlor, and started cleaning there. Cassie cleaned out the ashtrays. She stopped at the Chessboard, “Mr. Tom, Miss Mary has told you to keep your ashes in the ash tray.” She said to the empty chair. She cleaned them up then dusted the chessboard.
She next started on the piano making sure it that was well polished especially the ivory keys. She laid out the dollies that Gabby had made. She next straightened the rugs and the cushions on the seats. She placed a top runner on the sofa that she had made. It showed a patchwork covered bridge covered in snow and Christmas lights. Cassie had proved a quick learner when it came to quilting.She stared up at the portraits of the two men that meant so much to her new family. “Well I hope I do you two proud when I marry your nephew. Lord knows that man can be stubborn as a mule when he wants to be.”
“I have found that a good wooden rolling pin will keep that stubbornness in check.” She turned to find Clay’s mom Polly standing there.
“Laura told me the same thing. I suppose we have lots of stuff to do today.”
“Oh yes the only cooking tomorrow will be Christmas Dinner. The snow has tapered of a bit but still be snowing in the morning and the rest of the day. Are you going to Midnight Mass with us?” Polly asked.
“Sure, I use to love going to church. I’ve never been to a catholic service before.” Cassie replied cheerfully.
“You know Cassie the minute I saw you on that show I knew that you and Clay were meant to be.”
“Well I didn’t know much about the show and had to do some old fashion cramming to be ready to be on there but that’s all in the past. I looking forward to what the future me and Clay will have.”
“You’re right always move forward not backwards.” Lisa said has she entered. “We need to start breakfast, I heard the girls up.”
Cassie nodded and carefully placed the dust rag on the piano. “I’ve already finished in here. Mary wants me to make some cornbread dressing tomorrow. I’m looking forward to it. All of you have been so welcoming.”
“You’re a part of the family; I like to tell my kids, your dad didn’t marry my family and that I married his. Not a day goes by don’t think my lucky stars that I did.” Sue told them from the doorway.
Breakfast was a quick but nourishing affair of maple oatmeal and pancakes, with fresh cured bacon. Greg looked around the dining room and grinned, “We are one blessed collection of family and friends.”
“We surely are and we have these three terrors to thank for it.” Peggy laughingly replied pointing at Laura, Julie and Tiffany.
“You’re very welcome Aunt Peg.” Laura giggled.
“So, dad what has to be done down at the work shop?” Tommy asked.
“Just cleaning all the equipment and cleaning up the work area. Just remember we have at least 5 other farm houses that need to be made ready to move into.”
“Terri and I were talking about that this morning, we thank the old Franks place would be perfect for us. It’s not too much work to get it ready and we can handle the farming part and run our book shop too.” Faith replied.
“Well we own the Franks place and I can get the paper work ready next week.” Hank said.
“How can you do both?” Adam asked.
“We have enough clerks now that we really don’t have much to do besides manage it and take care of the books. So we will take turns going down to Logan Harbor and the other will work manage the farm. We didn’t want the farm to be just another look pretty.” Terri replied.
“It looks like everyone is pretty pleased with their choices.” Mary said, “I thank Tom and Mike are pleased with them too.”
Once the dishes were taken care of, all the real work would began. The girls were given the task of cleaning the farmhouse while their moms started working in the kitchen. Laura removed her fruitcake from the cupboard then unwrap it and placed on a cake holder. The smell of the aged fruits and the rum filled the dining room has she placed the holder on a simply carved maple sideboard. Meg took a big whiff as she handed Laura her apron, "You had better keep a close eye on that cake if you want it for tomorrow.” She laughed.
“I have my rolling pin ready for the men if they try and get a piece.” Laura giggled.
“Good, now the kitchen awaits us,” Meg said pointing to door.
In the kitchen, the main part of the baking already was completed and the only thing left to do was the preparation for the next day’s dinner. There was dough for the dinner rolls to be made, cleaning the ovens and the work surfaces. The Christmas ham was taken from the refrigerator and place on small sideboard to thaw so that later some of the fat could be trim off it. Next, all the cookies were decorated with sugar and icing and placed in several cookie jars. Cakes were iced and placed in holders. By noon, the dining room looked like a bakery.
The men came in from the workshop they had cleaned themselves before returning to the farmhouse. “Bad news, the barn door is starting to sag again.” Hank said.
“Is it from the beam?” Laura asked.
Hank nodded, “It needs to have a new beam and I have one ready. It will be hard to do in this weather but we have to do it.”
“You can’t blister it?” Adam asked.
“I can, but I have the materials and enough hard workers that we might as well fix it properly.” Hank replied pouring a cup of coffee.
Pete nodded, “Your grandpa would agree with Hank. You might as well do it right.”
“We need to start working on the out buildings this spring.” Laura said.
“We can talk about that later, right now we need to just relax.” Greg laughed.
Mary looked at him. “You will have plenty of time to relax this evening. There is still the sleigh and sleigh bells to polish. and maintenance on the out buildings.”
“I know Mom. We have plenty of hands to help so we will be done quickly. We will fix that beam right after lunch.”
“I have the jacks in the storage shed.” Hank nodded.
After lunch, the men and the boys went to the barn. Adam looked at the beam, “That thing looks almost rotted out. How come the door hasn’t fallen off?”
“Because on the inside it is still strong but not by much has the barn door proves.” Greg explained.
Hank took Blitzen and Dasher to get the beam. Meanwhile Greg and Ric examined the barn; they saw that some of the putty had broken off several windowpanes. Tommy nodded to Adam, “We’ll take care of the window panes they will be done before Hank gets back.”
Pete was looking at the other beams. All the load baring walls header beams looked to be new. He smiled, “It looks like Hank has been working on this stable.”
“Yes and he has done a good job on it. I bet he must have thought that the front header didn’t need replacing at the time.” Ric replied.
“That can easily happen. Dad and Uncle Mike would understand.” Greg replied.
The boys had just finished with windows when they heard Hanks sleigh. Hank smiled when he entered the barn, “You have the old beam ready to be taken out.”
“What are you planning on doing with it Hank?” Adam asked.
“I will remove the rotted parts and use it to make balusters and railings.”
“Good idea. I bet most of the lumber we’ve been using came for the farm house restoration.” Adam replied, “What do want us to do?”
“You will lead the horses so that the old beam can be lowered and then new one can be raised into place. Then I will need you to make sure that the other out buildings are calked and the windows puttied.” Hank replied.
“We will help you guys. I see you have the new one ready to be bolted in.” Greg nodded to Hank.
“Yah, I wanted to make quick work on this. I thought that the old beam would last still spring but I was wrong.” Hank said sadly.
“Yeah it happens; Dad and Uncle Tom weren’t perfect either just ask mom and Aunt Mary!” Pete laughed.
Adam and Tommy carefully guided all six horses as they watch the pulleys for signs or binding. The horses snorted, as the old beam was lower and pulled away from the barn. When it was unhooked from the horses, they started pawing the ground. Greg laughed, “Boys a good sign of a great work horse is when it’s impatient to get back to work.”
“Shouldn’t they rest a bit?” Tommy asked.
“Yes but they are too stubborn to know it.” Hank laughed.
Once the horses were completely rested, the new beam was put into place. Hank, Pete, Ric and Greg secured it tightly. The barn door now stood true and steady. Greg and Pete put the horses away and started on the old hen house. They went inside noticed the old dried chicken manure. They grabbed two shovels and a wheelbarrow. Pete shook his head and laughed, “It looks like Laura’s been buying her eggs.”
Greg started giggling, “Well I bet come next Christmas Eve there will be plenty of eggs.”
“Yeah but by then we won’t be so eager to clean up the hen house.” Pete laughed.
They saw Ric and Clay pulling the sleighs out into the barnyard; Hank was hooking up his work sleigh with Adam, Tommy, Tony and Wayne helping him. When he was done, he came over to the hen house, “I am taking these young men to the Apple orchard to prune the trees of dead limbs. They have much to learn about working on a farm before spring comes.”
Pete nodded, “Yes, these city boys have a lot to learn and so do their sisters. You should take them too if Aunt Mary and Mom can spare them.”
Hank laugh, “I think I can persuade them. The young ladies do need to know these things too. The compost bins have been enlarge so you we will have plenty of room.”
“We’re glad of that. We still have the pig pen and goat barn to do.” Greg laughed.
Hank wiped his feet, took a wet wipe, and cleaned his hands. He opened the door to find the kitchen empty but very tidy. He walked in to main parlor and smile at the scene. All the women were setting down and talking, “Excuse me but these young ladies still have work to do.” He laughed.
“What the house is in order.” Debbie said.
Hank‘s face took on a serious tone, “Yah but the apple orchard is not. You young ladies need to learn how to prune limbs and tend the trees. Come your cousins and brothers are waiting for us. A working farm doesn‘t have holidays.”
Faith and Debra laughed, “We need to document this.” Debra said.
“That reminds me, Tiffany, Julie, Faith and I have to help polish the sleigh. Cassie, want to help?”
“Sure thing, I want to help anywhere I can.” Cassie nodded.
Peggy looked at her grandniece, “Tammy you go with Hank, so you can help gather up the limbs. A farm needs everyone to work.”
The old orchards were a mass of tangle and twisted limbs that had grown together. The ground underneath the trees was covered with dried apples, weeds and patches of snow. All the kids look at it in shock. Debra laughed at their expressions, “Believe it or not, come springtime you will be glad of the work you will be doing today.”
Faith nodded, “A working farm takes dedication and lots of love. The next few weeks you will be spending lots of time out here getting it ready to produce a bountiful harvest that we will turn into jellies, preserves, and apple butter.”
“Not to mention Apple pies, tarts, cakes and pastries.” Debra added.
Hank handed Tammy and Tony some rakes, “Rake up all the dried apples and then bag them for composting the weeds can wait until later.”
The kids took their tools and watched as Hank showed them how to cut the dead and tangled limbs. Soon they were working at an even pace. Debra and Faith started dragging limbs to the sleigh. Tammy brought a bag to the sleigh and tried to toss it on, Hank smiled, “Here I will put the limbs and bags on the sleigh.”
About that time Pete and Greg walked up, “We got finish quicker than we thought. We’ll help you with the limbs and stuff.” Greg told him.
“This old orchard needs lots of tlc.” Pete said.
“The chestnut orchard will also need lots of attention.” Hank nodded.
“Well, at least our kids have taken to the job of being farm brats.” Pete laughed.
“I don’t think they will lose the knack after seeing the way they’ve all pitched in here at yours and Laura’s.”
Hank nodded, “With all the help from all their new friends they will still have plenty of time for being tweens and teenagers.”
“The kids will also have time to pursue their personal goals and talents. Dad always encouraged us to explore and hone our talents.” Greg replied tossing a limb in the sleigh.
Tony came up to them, “Uncle Hank we found three or four trees that don’t look healthy. Their bark is falling off and the trunks are split.”
Hank reached under the seat of the sleigh and pulled out a chain saw, “I have come prepared to take care of that.”
He followed Tony back to the others.
Peter watched them, “Looks like Laurie will have replaced a few apple trees. I’m going over and check the Chestnut orchard for signs of blight.”
“I checked the other day when I was taking a walk with Sue. They are strong and healthy. It looks like someone has been taking care of them.” Greg replied.
“I think I heard Ted tell Clay that he’s slipped in from time to time to handle things that Laurie and Hank haven’t had time to do.” Ric said joining them, “Clay is on his way with the others. With so many hands it didn’t take long to get the sleighs polished and ready to go to midnight mass.”
He picked up some limbs and tossed them on the waiting sled. Hank returned with the saw, “I need to move the sleigh closer so we can put the logs on the front of the bed.”
“Those logs will be good for the smoke house.” Laura said running up to them.
Hank gave her stern look, “Didn’t your doctors say for you to take it slow?”
Laura laughed, “Well a little running doesn’t hurt.”
Pete nodded, as he laughed, “Hank, we can’t let her get fat and lazy.”
With everyone pitching in, they ended up getting about a 1/8th of the trees pruned. It would take them several weeks to have it ready for spring. There was still plenty left to be done and with plenty of help come time to plant crops the farm would be a working one.
In addition to the Chestnut and Apple orchard, Laura and Hank had a Bartlett Pear and a Maple Orchard.
Tiffany came over to them with a bucket full of Chestnuts, “It looks like one of our neighbors has been secretly taking care of it.”
Clay nodded, “Ted has been lending a hand, and I think he was hoping to catch you up here.”
“Why that man, he could have least had said hello.” Laura laughed.
“Look, Ted and I have a long way to go before I have to worry about a wedding dress.” Tiffany laughed.
“Oh god, Tiffy. You two have known how you’ve felt about each other since you were teens.” Meg teased.
Rebecca rolled her eyes, “Every time I see him he ask about you cousin.”
Hank looked at the sun, “That’s enough for today. We will come back day after tomorrow.” He shouted.
Once supper was done, the dishes cleaned, and put away everyone got cleaned up and put on their church clothes. Laura came into the parlor with two large books. She sat them down on the table and lit the large rustic chandelier. She sat down and all the kids gathered around her. She nodded toward Ric, “Please dim the electric lights.”
When that was done, Laura opened one of the books, and started to read, “Marley was dead, to begin with. There is no doubt whatever about that. The register of his burial was signed by the clergyman, the clerk, the undertaker, and the chief mourner. Scrooge signed it. And Scrooge's name was good upon 'Change, for anything he chose to put his hand to.
Old Marley was as dead as a door-nail…….”
Everyone listened spell bound as Laura was reading, the old style dresses all the ladies were wearing seem to add a Edwardian ambiance to the room. When at last she finished everyone applauded. She gave her seat over to Pete. Pete took the other book and opened it, “It was the night before Christmas and all thought the house……” Pete read in a joyful tone. The laughed and giggled has he acted out the part of man who caught a glimpse of magic.
As he was putting the book down Laura removed a book from underneath the sofa and handed it to Cathy, “I’m sure your copy is packed and well-worn so here is a first edition of Kris Kringle signed by the author. Now it is you’re turned to read.”
Cathy’s eyes moisten, “Oh Laurie, this is so sweet.”
Pete gave her an evil grin and chuckled, “I bet it explodes.”
Cathy looked at him, “I’ve heard enough stories from all three to be pretty leery.”
She took her chair, “The nearly bare Toy shop echoed with the sounds of hammering and cutting…..” She began.
Her voice took on different tones for each character in the book. When she was done everyone gave her a standing ovation.
“Child that was very well done.” Mary said hugging her.
They all got their coats and boarded the sleigh and soon the sounds of the bells echoed down the mountain.
The All Souls Church was a local landmark and was used by many different denominations. The building was made of rough granite stone and rich oak and pine trim. A tall bell tower rose from the roof like a majestic mountain. The stain glass windows feature signs from several bible stories. The parking lot now covered with snow was made from blue cobblestone. On the right side was the church graveyard. Many of the graves went back to the early 1700’s.
The large parsonage was made of the same material has the church, The large Victorian structure had an upper and lower porch that started half at the front and wrapped around the left side of the house. It was now home of the Bro. Andrew Brown, the Pastor of the church and its caretaker.
Large Lighted wired Christmas trees and deer dotted the yard and fake snowmen were placed long the upper and lower porch. Snow covered the walkways of both the church and the parsonage.
They park their sleighs among other sleighs and cars. Laura was surprised at how many sleighs there were. However, Morgan’s Hallow like Kirk, Appleton and Riverton Common were the very last to be plowed if at all. The towns could only afford to do the main roads and the church wasn’t on one of those. That was in the hollow directly below them.
Sister Anna greeted them with a warm smile, “I see everyone and then some made it home for Christmas.” She looked at Cassie, “Don’t worry Child, I only scold not bite,” she smiled.
“Sorry, I’ve never been to a midnight mass.” Cassie replied.
“No worries, my child. I am use to being stared at. At least yours is a friendly stare instead of oh my what have I done now to receive a visit from old Sister Anna.” she said with a hardy laugh.
“It really hard on me, it’s been a long time since I’ve been in church. I haven’t been since my folks divorced. I think I kinda blame God for it.”
Anna nodded, “Come My Child let us talk of many thing things then. I find a good cup of Earl Gray tea with a hint of chocolate does wonders for a burden soul.”
Cassie looked at her, “But I’m not Catholic.”
Sister Anna took her hand, “You are a lamb of The Son and that is all that matters.”
Debra hugged her, “You had better go with her she won’t take no for answer.”
Cassie found herself in the kitchen of the Parsonage; three older men were sipping tea. Father Andrew, Father Daniel and Parson Brown were talking about their Christmas sermons. Father Andrew looked up, “Well I see that Sister Anna has found another troubled soul.” He said pulling a chair from the mission style table. Cassie sat down, “I was telling her how I’ve blamed God for my parents’ divorce and haven’t been to church in long while.”
“Is that the drawl of a southern belle I hear?” Parson Brown asked in a mixture of Georgia and New England accent. “You know I’ve been here for nigh unto 40 years but I’ve I still have traces of mine.”
“Traces? Andy, it is still thick to my ears.” Father Daniel laughed.
Sister Anna sat down, “Now Child, tell me what has you all a twitter.”
Cassie took a sip of her tea, “Well the two years ago I prayed and prayed that God would keep our family together that we would all finally be a close knit family. It didn’t happen and so I quit praying and going to church. To make matters worse I started bar hoppin’ every weekend. Not getting stone drunk mine you just enough to make me forget what happened with my family.”
“A year ago my doctor said I needed to get reconstructive surgery on my breasts or I would have problems with them later on. So I worked two jobs to pay for it and still went to the bars every weekend. The whole time I was blaming it all on God.”
“A couple of months after my surgery I was approached in a bar by a casting director on a show called House Guests. They audition me and then signed me up for the show. That is where I met Clay Morgan and somehow we just hit it off. We talked a lot on the show and got to know each other and about our problems.”
“I came up here to see him for Christmas. I manage to slide my rental car into a snowdrift and saw a farmhouse a little ways up the road. Tiffy met me at Laurie’s backdoor and they invited me to stay there. They didn’t tell me that Clay was their cousin and would be staying there over Christmas. They made me feel like family and I have been thinking over everything that has happened the last two years. So here I am going to a Mass for the first time.”
Sister Anna nodded, “Child, God did answer your prayers, but he did it in his own time and way. He has given you that close-knit family you have been looking for and has multiplied it. You see sometimes God will answer prayers the way we want him too and other times he will answer them in a way that will surprise you. How does your natural family feel about you and Clay?”
“Well at first my mom and daddy were thrilled to death when they met Clay. When Clay told me after our last pr thing that he would be moving back up here to become a building contractor again, they turned ice cold and told me two weeks ago I needed to get rid of him. My brother told me the same thing. Well I moved out of the home I bought my mom from what I won on House Guests and arranged to come up here. Some of my friends gave me a place to stay until I could fly up there to Bangor. They told me to go to my man and his family and not look back.”
“Well, your family closed the door on you and it is up to them to open it again.” Parson Brown told her.
The two priests nodded in agreement. Anna hugged Cassie, “God never closes one door without opening another. You were the one wronged and you must forgive them. Once you do that then you will be at peace.”
“Well Clay has been very good to me and my new family has given me so much love and understanding. I will convert to the Church because I’ve felt something here that I never felt in my old church back home.”
Father Andrew looked at her, “Well contact me after the first of the year and we can start your classes. Now we all must get to mass. The children’s choir will be doing midnight mass. Lisa has whipped them in to shape.”
Cassie took her seat by Clay and kissed him on the cheek, “I love you and our family so much.”
Clay beamed, “And I love you too.”
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