Chapter 28.

A large slim package arrived late in the afternoon on Christmas Eve. Around the same time, Caroline dropped over to show me the diamond heart pendant Nate had given her the night before.

"So why didn't Nate wait to give it to you tonight?" I asked as I signed for the package.

"Because he has to work, poor guy. Everybody wants Christmas Eve off. And we'll be busy driving to his folks in the morning, then back to visit mine in the afternoon. Isn't it beautiful?" She held the pendant out from her neck for me to view again.

"Yes. He has very nice taste. And it's always a good sign when a man buys you jewelry."

She nodded. "No one else ever bought me jewelry. Best thing I ever got was a sweater. Guess I'll have to marry him. If he asks. Do you think he'll ask? Not now, of course, it's too soon. But do you think ...? Oh, don't even bother to answer that. The guy has turned me into sponge cake. Here, let me help you with that."

We worked together to slide the package inside. "It's heavy," she said. "What do you think it is?"

"I have no idea."

She bent down to read the address. "Says it's to Mr. and Mrs. Sanders. Looks like it's from some company. There's a letter attached." She shrugged.

Annabelle ran over to see what was going on, carrying her gnawed rubber cat toy. She offered it to Caroline to throw. "Wow, thanks, Annie-B. Could you have made it any wetter?" Care tossed the toy toward the kitchen. "So aren't you even curious?"

"About what?"

"This," she said, pointing to the package.

"It's probably from one of Trevor's clients. Nothing important."

"Maybe Sylvia sent it," Caroline said, smiling slyly.

That made me jump to look.

"Knew that would get your attention," she said.

"Oh my G.o.d. It's from Josh. It's from his company."

"Ooo, better yet."

I ripped the envelope off the cardboard and opened it. I read the letter silently, while Caroline waited expectantly.

Merry Christmas, Gwyn and Trevor. By now, my mom and I are likely in the south of France or northern Italy. I decided this was the year to give her the trip she's always talked so glowingly about taking ... someday. I imagine I am toured out, holes in my shoes, with enough pictures to paper a cathedral by now. My dear mother has been feeling much livelier since her doctor changed her medication. Anyway, I knew you would enjoy this gift. Hope it arrived in time for Christmas. Have a great one, and love to you both. Always, Josh.

I handed the letter to Caroline. When she'd finished reading, she raised a brow at me. "The man is still carrying a torch. What a waste." She sighed, then fingered her pendant again. "He heard about Craig, right? That they got him?"

"Yes, Josh called me as soon as he found out. Amazing how quickly news spreads around here."

"Sure is."

Annabelle was back, having abandoned the cat toy, begging Caroline to pick her up. Care stooped, reaching down for her. "You just can't get enough of your Aunt Caroline, now can you? So ...? Gwyn?"

"What?" I asked, realizing Care was talking to me now.

"Are you going to open that package or am I going to just stand here and die of curiosity?"

"It's addressed to Trevor too. Maybe I should wait until he gets home."

"Oh, come on, Gwyn. Do you really think for a minute Josh bought whatever that is for Trevor? Open it. I can't stand the suspense. And I have to leave soon to meet Nate before he starts his shift."

"But maybe I should wait."

"Look, whatever it is, you're going to need time to come up with a decent story so Trevor won't sulk when he sees it. He's not going to be too thrilled that Josh is still sending you presents."

"No, he's okay about Josh now."

"Right. Gwyn, open it."

I wedged my fingers into the folds of cardboard, then Caroline joined in to help. The staples popped free. We laid the box on its side and I pulled out some of the packing foam. I could see that the object inside was a framed painting. Carefully, I eased it out. "Oh my G.o.d. It's the LaRoche. He sent me his LaRoche."

"Is it expensive?"

"Well, yes, but that's not the point. He loved this. I can't believe he sent it to me."

"To you and Trevor."

I eyed the painting of the small boy and the feisty weed he sought to pull. "You know-I think this is Josh's way of saying goodbye-to us, to what we had."

"Yeah, I'd say so."

"Here, help me, Care." We lifted the painting and walked with it to my studio. "I think I'll leave it right here for now," I said as we placed the painting onto an empty easel next to the now completed portrait of my sister. And silently I added, So I can remember two of the people I loved most, whom I will miss very much.

end.