Free Songs of Christmas by Thomas Kinkade Page B

her daughters’ behalf. Emily had harbored her share of disappointments about Lillian’s mothering. But she had learned to forgive and let go, to accept her mother for who she was.
    “This accident leaves us in the lurch, doesn’t it?” Lillian admitted. “At least for a few days.”
    “I think Mrs. Fallon needs to be with her family, Mother. Probably for a few weeks.”
    Lillian looked surprised at that prediction. “A few weeks? Do you really think so? That doesn’t work out for us at all . . .”
    “Mother, it’s her daughter, with three infants. Even if Holly doesn’t need surgery, she’ll definitely need a lot of help right now—and the peace of mind of having her mother there.”
    Her mother’s mouth twisted, as if she were struggling to swallow something very sour. “I suppose . . . Oh, here she is.” Lillian hoisted herself up on her cane as Mrs. Fallon came down the stairs. Emily heard an odd bumping sound, then saw the housekeeper carrying two large suitcases, one in each hand. She set them down in the foyer, near the front door.
    Well, that was a clue right there. She planned on staying in Connecticut as long as she needed to, no question.
    Mrs. Fallon came into the living room, and Emily greeted her. “I’m so sorry to hear about Holly. Have you heard anything more?”
    The older woman looked as if she had been crying. “Thank you, Emily. No, David hasn’t called back yet. I just want to get down there to see her. Especially if she’s going to have an operation tonight.”
    “Yes, of course. We’ll all be thinking of your family and praying for them. Especially for Holly.” Emily gently touched Mrs. Fallon’s shoulder.
    “Thank you, Emily. I’m sorry to leave you all in the lurch like this, with Dr. Elliot so sick—”
    “Don’t worry about that now. We’ll be all right. You need to be with Holly and David, and your grandchildren,” Emily assured her. She glanced at her mother. “Isn’t that right, Mother?”
    Lillian paused a moment, then nodded quickly. “Yes, of course. Such sad news. We wish you all the best. You’d better get on the road, Martha. It’s a long drive.”
    Emily knew that in her mother’s mind, Mrs. Fallon was abandoning them. Her farewell barely masked her annoyance.
    Mrs. Fallon didn’t seem to notice. Or maybe she was used to Lillian by now and just ignored her slights.
    “Yes, I should get going. I just want to say good-bye to Dr. Elliot,” she added. She turned and headed for his room, with Emily and Lillian behind her.
    Ezra was sitting up in bed, reading a book. He quickly put it aside when he saw Mrs. Fallon.
    “Any more news?” he asked with concern.
    Mrs. Fallon shook her head. “Just the same that I told you before. I’m going now, Dr. Elliot. I’m sorry to leave you like this, but—”
    “Now, now. Don’t you be apologizing to me. Don’t give it a thought. It will help Holly enormously to see you by her bedside. Best medicine in the world, I guarantee it. Godspeed, Martha. Give us an update on Holly when you can. We’ll be praying for you all,” he promised.
    He took her hand in his, and Mrs. Fallon leaned down and gave him a quick hug.
    “Good-bye now. I’ll be in touch,” Mrs. Fallon promised.
    Lillian and Ezra said good-bye again, and Emily walked her to the front door. “Do you need any help with your bags?” she asked.
    “Oh, I can do it. Never pack more than you can carry. That’s my rule for traveling.” She leaned over and grabbed her bags; luckily, she was quite strong.
    Emily opened the door for her. Mrs. Fallon paused before she walked through. “I hope it works out here with your parents. I know how important it is to your mother to have Dr. Elliot at home while he recovers.”
    “I’m going to stay over here tonight, and we’ll figure it out tomorrow.” Emily had already made that decision, though she’d had no time to call home and tell her husband, Dan. “I’m sure we can get some help in here