Humbug's Holiday Homecoming Read online

  “Well,” Denise began cautiously, “I hope it is,” she admitted. “You deserve something for you, Ruby.”

  Ruby offered her friend a strained smile. There might be truth to the sentiment, but anyone who came into Ruby’s world would also become part of Logan’s. Mick was already part of Logan’s life. Logan was fascinated with Mick, and he was already head over heels in love with the doctor. She was his favorite companion. Pursuing anything beyond friendship with Mick would mean risking the relationship Logan enjoyed with the doctor. Ruby shook off her musing. She needed to get back to work. Logan would always come first—always. Get a grip, Ruby. Get a grip.

  ***

  Leona made her way down the cellar steps quietly. She didn’t need to spend much time searching to find Logan. When he wasn’t pondering the car he and Mick were building together, he was investigating Mick’s treasure box. The treasure box was actually a collection of boxes from Mick’s childhood that Mick had given him permission to explore. He was endlessly fascinated by Mick’s treasures. He’d unearthed some gems. Leona enjoyed watching the same wonder paint his eyes that had once colored Mick’s. She stopped part way down the stairs when she saw Logan’s latest discovery.

  Logan ran his fingers over a black Lionel train. He tipped his head and reached back into the box at his feet and removed a smaller, green engine. One after another, he explored the contents of the box.

  Leona made her way to him. “That train belonged to Mick’s dad,” she told Logan.

  Logan looked up at her.

  Leona smiled. “I haven’t seen that train in years. Mick spent hours with him setting that up every Christmas Eve.” Leona wiped a tear from the corner of her eye.

  “Why are you crying, Grandma?”

  “Oh, no reason, Logan. That train has been down here for over thirty years.”

  “It’s old.”

  Leona laughed. “It is old.” She watched as he studied the engine car in his hand. “Why don’t you bring that upstairs?” she suggested. Logan hesitated. It’s time. “You can play with it,” Leona told him. “Mick’s dad would have liked that.”

  Logan smiled.

  “Now, close that box and let’s go upstairs for some lunch.”

  ***

  “Mom said you’re working tomorrow,” Mick commented.

  Ruby unlocked the car. “I always work Christmas Eve morning. Sometimes, I pull Christmas night too. Usually, I manage to have all of Christmas Day off. I don’t care much about New Year’s, so I work New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.”

  “Makes sense. Logan’s pretty excited,” Mick commented.

  “Really? I hadn’t noticed,” Ruby teased as she started the car.

  “He told me that Santa never gets sick,” Mick said.

  “What made him say that?”

  “I made some comment about feeling like I live at the North Pole.”

  Ruby laughed. Leona’s house defined the phrase, Deck the Halls. She had two Christmas trees, mistletoe hanging in every doorway, candles in all her windows, and various snowmen, elves, and versions of Santa Clause on her tables, mantle, and even in the kitchen. Ruby had affectionately called the woman Mrs. Clause more than once. “Your mother does love Christmas.”

  Mick grumbled. “That is an understatement.”

  “Was she always like that?” Ruby wondered.

  “Yep. It was even worse when I was little.” Mick looked out the window.

  Ruby decided to go back to the original subject. “So, Logan thinks Santa is a superhero?”

  Mick laughed. “Well, he doesn’t believe Santa can get sick. He told me that you and I will never live at the North Pole because Santa doesn’t need doctors and nurses. He’s magic.”

  Ruby giggled. “I had no idea he was such an expert.”

  “My mother probably told him that.”

  “Safe bet,” Ruby agreed.

  “What do the next couple of days look like for you?” Ruby asked.

  “I go in at 7:00 tomorrow night. I’ll stay on call until 7:00 p.m. on Christmas.”

  “Twenty-four hours?”

  Mick shrugged. “It’s my normal holiday schedule. There’s always double coverage. I usually end up providing back-up on Christmas Day—more consulting than surgery. People don’t get a holiday from sickness,” she said.

  “No, they don’t.”

  “Thanks, by the way.”

  “For?” Ruby asked.

  “Inviting Mom to spend Christmas with you and Logan.”

  “You don’t need to thank me. I love Leona.”

  Mick smiled. “She loves you too.”

  Ruby nodded. “It’ll be nice. It’s been just Logan and me for the last two years since Katherine’s parents moved to Seattle.”

  “Katherine is Logan’s other mom?”

  “She was, yes.”

  “What about your parents?” Mick asked.

  “My dad died the year after Kate. My mom followed a year later.”

  “I’m sorry, Ruby.”

  “I was too. If you want to know the truth, I think my mom wanted to be with him. I like to think of it that way. My brother, John, lives in London. He’s been there for twenty years. He’s always after me to come visit for the holiday. Maybe in a few years when Logan’s a little older. It’ll be nice to have your mom with us.”

  “It’ll be good for her too. When she stayed with me in California, she always volunteered at the soup kitchen. When I would get home, we’d have our dinner and exchange presents. It was really low key. I think she probably would have been happier here with you and Logan.”

  “Oh, I doubt that,” Ruby disagreed. “I don’t think Leona would rather spend time with anyone more than you.”

  Mick’s stomach flipped violently. No doubt, Ruby’s assessment was correct. It made Mick feel guilty. Leona went out of her way to make Mick happy. She had always put Mick first. She’d never missed an important event in Mick’s life—every soccer game, every choral concert, every graduation, every awards ceremony—Leona hadn’t missed one. She’d bandaged every skinned knee and helped with homework late at night after working a full day. Mick loved her mother beyond words. Leona had always loved Christmas. Mick hated herself for not finding the strength to paint on a cheery smile and pretend to believe in Santa Claus and Christmas magic. She imagined there were many times Leona would have preferred to curl up on the couch with a book and a glass of wine or retire to bed early instead of reading to Mick, driving Mick to a friend’s house, a concert, or helping Mick pack for school. Leona never complained about anything that mattered to Mick.

  Ruby sensed a shift in Mick’s mood. It hadn’t escaped her notice that Mick spoke little about the holiday. Mick seemed to have little interest in holiday parties or holiday shopping. Ruby guessed that Mick’s Christmas aversion stemmed from the loss of her father. Leona had told her a bit about Gary Mulligan’s unexpected death. She knew it had happened right before Christmas when Mick was eight. Leona explained that Gary had suffered from a ruptured aortic aneurysm. By the time he’d reached the hospital, he was already gone. Ruby imagined the experience had tainted the holiday for Mick. She also guessed that it explained a bit about Mick’s career choice.

  “Well, here is one good thing,” Ruby said.

  “What’s that?”

  “They always cater Christmas Eve at the hospital in the doctor’s lounge.”

  “What about the nurses?”

  “We’re a self-catering machine.” Ruby laughed. “There are more cookies and candies in our breakroom than we could ever eat.”

  “That’s not good,” Mick said.

  “No?”

  “No way. Hyper nurses on sugar highs?”

  Ruby laughed. “Better than the alternative.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Sleepy nurses.”

  “I guess.”

  “Says the doctor who travels with a caffeine IV.”

  “It’s a stainless steel mug,” Mick corrected her friend. “N
o drip function.”

  “That explains the stain on your shirt.”

  Mick looked down and unbuttoned her coat. “That wasn’t my fault.”

  Ruby sniggered.

  “It wasn’t,” Mick protested.

  Ruby laughed quietly. I’m sure, Mick. I’m sure.

  ***

  “Mick!”

  Ruby hung up her coat and giggled. “Good thing I’m not overly sensitive,” she whispered.

  “Huh?” Mick asked as she hung her coat.

  Before Ruby could respond Logan had reached them.

  “Mick! Look what I found!” Logan held up his prize.

  Mick froze.

  “It’s your train!” Logan exclaimed.

  Leona appeared from behind Logan. “Logan was exploring your treasure trove,” she explained. “I told him all about the Christmas train.”

  Mick nodded.

  “It’s cool,” Logan said.

  Mick nodded again. “It is,” she agreed. She forced herself to smile at Logan. “I didn’t shower before I left. I really need to get washed up.” She squeezed Logan’s shoulder. “Thanks for the ride,” she told Ruby, and proceeded to make her way to the stairs.

  “Is Mick mad?” Logan asked Leona.

  “No, honey. She’s not mad at all,” Leona assured him. “Why don’t you go into the kitchen and get that tray of cookies we frosted? We can send some home with Mommy.”

  “Okay.”

  “Logan, maybe you should put the train back where you found it,” Ruby said.

  “No,” Leona immediately put the thought to rest. “You take that home with you tonight,” Leona said. “You can bring it back next time. Mick’s dad would be thrilled that someone wanted to play with it again.”

  Logan smiled and scampered off.

  “Leona, I—”

  “Don’t you dare,” Leona warned the younger woman. “No, no. Trust me about this, Ruby. I know my Gary. Nothing would have made him happier than to see Logan’s eyes light up when he discovered that train. That’s what he bought it for. It’s time it got dusted off.”

  Ruby wasn’t so sure.

  “Ruby,” Leona reached out and squeezed Ruby’s hand. She smiled at her friend. “As far as I am concerned, you are my daughter. You know that. I love you, and if I’m not completely mistaken a certain doctor upstairs is enthralled with you too.”

  “I don’t think Mick—”

  “Oh, no?” Leona grinned and squeezed the hand in hers again. “I’ll leave it—for now.” Leona winked. “Let’s get those cookies for you to take home.”

  “Leona—”

  “Stop worrying about Mick.” Leona cast a glance toward the stairs. “That train was an annual event in this house. She and Gary pulled it out every Christmas Eve and put it together under the tree. I think he had her believing it was some kind of magical message to the North Pole.” Leona laughed. “He certainly was imaginative.” Her eyes grew misty as she continued. “She never looked at it again after he died. I understand. I do. He left us thirty-two years ago today.”

  “Oh, Leona. I knew it was close to the holiday, but—” Ruby’s eyes closed. “Poor Mick. Of all days for Logan to find that train.”

  “Oh, I don’t know. I think maybe today was the perfect day.” Leona surprised Ruby with her revelation. “Well, I do,” Leona said. “Maybe that was Gary’s way of sending Mick a message she’s avoided all these years.”

  Ruby sighed nervously.

  “I told you to trust me,” Leona said. “Now, let’s get those cookies.”

  ***

  Leona heard Mick’s footsteps on the stairs. She sipped from her teacup and waited for Mick to approach. “Feel better?” she asked Mick.

  “A little. Sorry, I was gross.”

  Leona sipped her tea again and nodded.

  “Mom—”

  “Sit down, Michaela.”

  “What did I do?”

  “You didn’t do anything. Sit down,” Leona instructed.

  Mick complied gingerly.

  “I know you are a bit of a humbug.”

  Mick groaned. “Mom, anyone is a humbug compared to you. This house really is like the North Pole.”

  “You think that’s because I’m obsessed with Christmas.”

  “If the sleigh fits.”

  Leona chuckled. “I suppose it does. You don’t know why this house looks like Santa’s workshop. Christmas wasn’t my obsession.” She smiled at the curiosity painting Mick’s irises. “Your father loved all things Christmas. I think he probably hoped he’d grow up to be Santa.” Leona laughed. “He used to joke that he hoped we’d both be white-haired by the time we had grandchildren. Then, we could play the role for them.” She shook her head. “His Nana was his hero, Mick. He spent every Christmas at his grandparents' house. He lived for that time every year. We bought this house the year after his Nana passed away. Your Nana gave him all your Great-Nana’s ornaments and an old train he’d always loved. It didn’t work.”

  “The one upstairs,” Mick commented. Her father had several toy trains on display in a case outside her parents’ bedroom.

  “Yes. But when you were born, he wanted to have one just for you. He bought that train Logan found today. It was as much for him as it ever was for you,” Leona said. “He wanted to share that wonder with you. His childhood was hard, Mick. His father was free with his hands and unkind with his words. Christmas was a time your father equated with kindness.” Leona closed her eyes and took a breath. “And, for you, it’s become a time you equate with sadness. I understand that,” she admitted.

  “Don’t you?” Mick asked. “Doesn’t it remind you of Dad’s death?”

  “No. I love your father—not loved—I love him. This—” Leona gestured to the Christmas tree across the room. “This made him happy. He would’ve left it up all year if I let him. No, Mick. This doesn’t remind me of the day he died. It reminds me of the joy he had living. You’ve let yourself drown in the day you lost him,” she said. “I let you do that for far too long. He wouldn’t have wanted that.”

  “I’m not depressed, Mom.”

  “No, but you are scared to death of letting yourself love anyone except me. And, that’s because I’ve been here all along, so you don’t have a choice.”

  “You never wanted to be with anyone new,” Mick pointed out.

  “No, I didn’t. I didn’t look for someone; that’s true. I wouldn’t have run from it if someone had come along.”

  “Seriously?”

  “I am serious. Your father wouldn’t have expected me to do that either. I was happy with you and happy with my life. I missed him—I still do. I had wonderful friends, and I had my parents.”

  “I have friends.”

  Leona shook her head. “Yes, you do. You have one friend that you might just think about apologizing to.”

  Mick sighed.

  “Mick, that little boy next door thinks you are Santa Claus, Superman, and Wonder Woman all wrapped into one.”

  Mick looked surprised.

  “Mm. If I’m not mistaken, you’ve grown to care as much for his mother as you do for him.”

  Mick’s face flushed with embarrassment and fear.

  “It’s as plain as the nose on your face, Michaela. If you have an ounce of sense, you’ll put this right.”

  “Is she mad?”

  “Ruby? God, no. She’s worried that somehow Logan upset you. She’s worried about you, Mick.”

  “He didn’t upset me.”

  “I know that.”

  “He reminds me of me sometimes.”

  Leona grinned.

  “You too?” Mick asked.

  “He shares some of your penchants and quirks.”

  Mick smiled.

  “I know you have a million reasons up there in that brain of yours to convince yourself that I’m wrong.”

  “About Ruby or Christmas?” Mick teased.

  Leona glared.

  “You’re not wrong,” Mick confessed. “About e
ither. I don’t know how to deal with that, though.”

  “Ruby or Christmas?” Leona returned.

  “Ha-ha. Both.”

  “Start with one,” Leona advised.

  “Which one?”

  “Well, I don’t think you can get to the actual North Pole before Christmas. You can cross the driveway to find Ruby.”

  “I don’t know what to say.”

  “Most of us never know what to say.”

  “That’s helpful, Mom.”

  “Try being honest, Mick.” Leona nodded toward the front door.

  “Now?”

  “No time like the present,” Leona said. “You don’t always get another chance. You know that better than most.”

  Mick’s gut twisted. Leona’s statement hadn’t been intended as anything but the truth. Sometimes, the truth hurt.

  “I didn’t say that to hurt you,” Leona said.

  “I know.” Mick got to her feet and headed to the front door. “Wish me luck.”

  “You don’t need any,” Leona said.

  “Right.”

  “You don’t,” Leona told Mick. “Tell her the truth, Mick—not the facts—tell her how you feel.”

  Mick stared at her mother for a moment. How I feel? “How I feel about what?” she asked.

  Leona grinned. “You’ll know when you see her.”

  Now, might be a good time to start believing in Santa again.

  ***

  Ruby opened the front door surprised to see Mick. “Mick?”

  “Can I come in?” Mick requested.

  Ruby held the door open for Mick to walk through.

  “Listen, Ruby, I—”

  “Mick, you don’t owe me any explanations.”

  Mick nodded. She took a long, deep breath and nodded again. “Maybe not.”

  Ruby tried to determine what she saw brewing behind Mick’s eyes. Mick’s usual confidence seemed to falter. “It’s okay, you know?” she told her friend.