Free The Gift of Christmas Present by Melody Carlson

for a family of her own, people who loved her and really belonged to her.
    â€œHow’d it go?” a male voice whispered from the hallway.
    She looked up to see Jimmy with his son in his arms. “Good,” she told him. “Poor thing, she really was tired.”
    â€œSo’s the birthday boy.”
    Christine smiled. “Do you want me to put him to bed too?”
    Jimmy shook his head. “I got it covered. Thanks though.”
    So Christine went back downstairs to where the adults had gathered in the small living room.
    â€œWe’re getting our Christmas tree tomorrow,” Felicity announced. “Jimmy doesn’t like getting it before Jamie’s birthday. But it always feels late with only a week left until Christmas. Most people have had their trees up for ages by now.”
    â€œAnd you’re still planning on having everyone over for Christmas Eve?” Janet asked. “It’ll be quite a full house for you.”
    Felicity sighed. “Well, you guys don’t have much space since you scaled down to the condo and motor home. And Amber and Rick’s apartment is pretty tiny. So I guess it’s up to me.”
    â€œIs Jimmy’s aunt still planning to come?” Janet asked.
    â€œWhat?” Mrs. Daniels looked somewhat shocked.
    Christine studied her grandmother, curious as to why she would be upset by this news.
    â€œAunt Hattie,” Jimmy explained. “She wants to come visit during the holidays. She hasn’t seen the kids in a couple of years.”
    Mrs. Daniels groaned. “My, how time flies.”
    Christine noticed Felicity nudging Jimmy with her elbow. It was a small gesture and probably not noticed by anyone else. But the expression on Felicity’s face looked urgent.
    Jimmy cleared his throat. “In fact . . . ,” he said, “we were wondering if you might be able to put the old girl up for a couple of days—”
    â€œWhat?” Mrs. Daniels demanded.
    Jimmy smiled hopefully. “Otherwise she’ll have to sleep on the couch, and that’s not very comfortable. You have so much room, Mom. Surely you could let bygones be bygones this one time. You know, you ladies aren’t getting any younger. Besides that, it’s Christmas.”
    â€œYou honestly think Hattie would be willing to stay at my house?” Mrs. Daniels narrowed her eyes. “You know that the last time we spoke was at your father’s funeral.”
    â€œPeople often say things they don’t mean during times of grief,” Janet offered, obviously trying to smooth things over.
    â€œI suppose Jimmy has told you the Aunt Hattie story,” Mrs. Daniels said in a droll tone. “I suppose the whole town knows the Aunt Hattie story.”
    Christine wanted to raise her hand and say, I don’t . But she wisely kept her peace, knowing it would look suspicious for Mrs. Daniels’s housekeeper to be curious aboutsome estranged aunt. Just the same, she did wonder if this woman might be related to her.
    â€œI told Felicity’s family only so they could be prepared for any fireworks between you two.” Jimmy smiled at Christine now. “You probably wonder what on earth we’re talking about, don’t you?”
    She shrugged. “Oh, that’s all right.”
    â€œAunt Hattie is my dad’s sister. And she said some things to my stepmom at his funeral that Mom’s never forgiven her for.”
    â€œThat’s enough,” Mrs. Daniels snapped.
    â€œPlease, Mom,” Jimmy pleaded. “Couldn’t you consider having Aunt Hattie for a few days? I mean, she is Dad’s sister. Doesn’t she deserve a little respect for that?”
    Mrs. Daniels rolled her eyes. “Fine. She can stay at my house. But she better not expect me to cater to her. I’m not exactly in tip-top form, you know.”
    â€œBut you have Christine,” Felicity said hopefully. “I’m sure she can do