Chapter 36

By the time the tree was decorated, Christmas was almost upon us.

“Ten minutes away,” Baily said.

“Did you and Grandmother stay up until midnight came?” Del asked.

“Yes. The three of us in the den with a fire going, two cups of cocoa, and Ginger’s gift, so he could have it right away. Naturally, there were more the next morning. He’s a bit s-p-o-i-l-e-d.”

I was certain that spelled wonderful.

“I didn’t build a fire. I don’t even have cable hooked up yet, to see if we can find the yule log on TV. We have a radiator, though…and a candle I can place out of reach.”

“I have cocoa across the way. I’ll get some and come back.”

“Nice. Gifts I have,” Del said. “I bought out half of Pet Mart for my new little ones, for Ginger, too, and the pups.”

“Cool. I’ll be right back.”

“Bring your stockings…to hang on the fireplace. You and Ginger…you’ll stay over, right, so Santa can fill it here?”

“Oh.”

“Just…just to stay. There’s more than one bedroom,” Del said. “You know that, right?”