CHAPTER 6

Candy and Jonathan Muir hurried to stay a step behind their striding hero. They were warned by a stern look to "keep up" when they paused at the gumball machine outside of the Rexall Drug Store. Inside the contraption was a smorgasbord of colorful trinkets; plastic capsules holding tiny troll dolls, red whistles and mini yo-yos along with the bubblegum balls in an assortment of rainbow colors. Jonathan stood gazing with desire. "Come on," Candy tugged at her little brother's mitten-attached sleeve. "But I got money," he protested. "Grandma gave me some money."

"That's for the offering at church on Sunday and you know it."

"I was only gonna get one—and one for you, too," he added in an afterthought.

Candy wasn't convinced. "Yeah, sure."

They both hustled to catch up with Daniel who was motioning with his arm for them to come to his side. He laid a firm yet tender hand on each child's shoulder. "Money eating a hole in your pocket, boyo?" He gave Jonathan a fatherly look of admonition.

"No sir," the lad assured him.

"Good. Let's set our course for the general mercantile. You should be able to attain some fine Christmas gifts in there. Let's go." He led the children past a few more shops and then entered the largest department store in Schooner Bay. Candy stood in place and whirled around. The store was swaddled in Christmas décor and the twinkling bubble lights on the silver white tree in the corner got her attention. She skipped over for a closer inspection. The Captain came over and looked down at the tree and his little girl. He tugged at his ear and made a face of dislike. "Fake silver Christmas trees? Whose daft idea was this?"

Jonathan joined them. "Allymooneeeumm," he informed the Captain helpfully. Candy frowned, reached out to take one of her brother's dangling mittens, pulled it tight and let the elastic snap the mitten back at him. "Hey!" he retaliated by whipping the mitten back at her.

"It's A-LUM-I-NUM." she pronounced each syllable distinctly. You know, the foil Martha uses in the kitchen."

"That's what I said," Jonathan glared back at her.

Daniel swiped his hand across his mustache, stifling a chuckle as he listened to the banter between his favorite children. "Yes, well. You'll not see the likes of one of these in Gull Cottage if I have any say in the matter. Ghastly creation! A home needs a proper tree. A dignified blue spruce or Douglas fir, —we'll see to that later." He turned the children back around as a saleswoman came up and smiled at the family.

"Hello there! May I be of service for you all today? Can I help you find something?", her smile radiated friendliness. She wore a cheery smock with "Schooner Bay Emporium" embroidered in gold letters. She was also wearing a holiday brooch. It was a reindeer with a blinking red nose.

Her pin delighted the kids. "It's Rudolph!" Jonathan giggled.

Daniel graced her with a charming smile and a slight bow. He took off the stocking cap he had been wearing and shoved it into his coat pocket, along with the gloves he pulled off his hands. He then ran his hand through his hair. The sales lady was struck by how handsome the man was, he had the bluest eyes she had ever seen. She unconsciously raised fingertips to her lips as Daniel brushed a lock of unruly curls off his forehead. "Yes, you may help, my good lady. The children are here to do their Christmas shopping." Daniel kneeled down and took the hands of both kids. "Now mates, you are to stay out of the toy aisle. You are each to select gifts to give to your grandparents, your mother and Martha."

Candy was quick, "and you." Jonathan backed her up with a positive nod of his blonde head.

Daniel shook his own head gently, "No need to waste time and money on me, children. Your mother has already gifted me with the likes of you two." He playfully poked each child in the belly. Carolyn's children's lower lips pouted simultaneously in disagreement. Daniel smiled and relented. "Then again, I could use some nice warm socks. And, all my favorite handkerchiefs were in the gear bag that was lost. Oh…a man can never have enough chocolate caramels, either. What say, eh?"

"Aye, Captain!" Jonathan grinned. Daniel noticed for the first time the boy had lost another tooth. They both were growing so fast.

Captain Gregg stood to his full height and turned back to the sales lady. He took note of her embroidered name "Doris" under Rudolph's flashing snout. "Miss Doris, if I may be so bold to ask a favor?" He flashed his pearly whites.

"Why certainly. We take pride in our customer service here at the Emporium. Mr.?," she raised a questioning plucked eyebrow.

"Gregg, ma'am. Captain Daniel Gregg. Retired Navy."

"Oh my!" she tittered. "What a coincidence! One of our town's er- founding fathers, you might say- had the same name!" She seemed to gaze more closely Daniel. Candy and Jonathan exchanged curious looks at the woman staring at their Captain, each were itching to be set free to begin their treasure hunt. Daniel took notice of their impatience. He chose to ignore Doris' observation. "You see, I have pressing business elsewhere in the village today. I wonder if I may trust my children's shopping needs to your care." He reached for his billfold and handed the woman a crisp $100 bill. "Please help them select their gifts and if I may start an account? I'll settle up with the exact amount when I return, in say? Three-quarters of an hour?"

"Why yes! Of course, Mr. Gregg. I'll be happy to assist the children." She pointed to a sign hanging in the rear of the store. "GIFT WRAPPING". "Shall we also wrap the presents before you leave today?"

Daniel looked at his crew. "What say you, M'lady?" Candy shook her head, her own blonde hair bouncing, her eyes big and excited. She loved all the bows and ribbons. Daniel sought Jonathan's response. He gave a non-committal shrug and a thumbs up gesture. Captain Gregg smiled again at Doris. "Yes, to the gift wrapping." He then knelt down to the children's eye level again as he gave them instructions. "Right. You are to stayin this establishment until I return. Captain's orders. Think about how much you love the people you are selecting gifts for, really put some thought into your purchases." He stood back up and towered over them. "There's to be no mischief, young sir and madam."

"Aye! Aye! Captain!" they solemnly vowed.

"Then off with you!" Daniel swatted them each gently on their backsides as they raced down the wooden floors in search of the perfect gifts for their family members. Daniel walked with Doris over to the sales counter. He pulled out a piece of paper from his inside pocket and handed the note to Doris. "Their mother's favorite color is sea foam green, and she loves the scent of lavender. Our dear Martha has been known to work a jigsaw puzzle in the evening and always seems to run low on deep moisturizing hand crème." Daniel pulled his cap and gloves out of his pocket and headed for the door.

"Oh, Mr. Gregg! I can't quite read what you wrote down for their grandma and grandpa." Doris squinted at the handwriting.

The bell above the door jingled as the seaman opened it, "It says I haven't got the foggiest notion." Daniel gave her a little salute and headed outside into the crisp Maine day.

Two hours later a car tooting its horn caused Daniel to look around as he escorted Candy and Jonathan Muir along the sidewalk heading for the local diner. The siblings had been chattering away in delight since he had returned to the Emporium. Daniel Gregg was given a partial inventory of their treasure hunt; a Timex wristwatch, a bottle of Hai Karate cologne, a box of chocolate covered cherries and a Kodak "instamatic" camera topped the list. Miss Doris had indeed supervised their shopping excursion and had stepped in to help wrap their purchases in festive paper and ribbons. Daniel demonstrated his appreciation of the woman's help by leaving her a generous tip once the final amount had been tallied. The children now carried their loot in giant brown paper shopping bags with twine handles. The horn beeping car pulled into the parking lot alongside Schooner Bay's casual dining spot "Barty's Fish & Chips Shoppe." It wasn't long before the front passenger door opened and Grandpa Williams came out grinning. "Well, here she is, kids! Take a look at your mother's new car!"

Jonathan dropped his twin bags and raced forward. "Neato!"

Daniel quickly gathered up the sacks and gave the new vehicle an appreciative inspection as Carolyn emerged from the sky-blue station wagon. She gave Daniel a shy smile as he approached her to lean down to give her a quick kiss on the cheek in greeting. "I can't thank you enough," she whispered softly, but then added a more determined, "We need to talk." Daniel gave her a feigned wince. He anticipated she wouldn't be 100% on board with his action but knew the squall would pass over once she had her say.

Jonathan was beyond thrilled. "What is it?! What is it, Grandpa?" He opened the rear door and stuck his head inside.

"Careful now, son," Brad cautioned, "Don't get your snowy boots all over the upholstery. You want to keep the new car smell as long as possible." Brad looked over to the Captain who was standing at Carolyn's side. "She picked out a good one, Gregg. Brand spanking new 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle. Automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes. Muley threw in the snow tires for free. This will get her through the winter driving in fine shape."

"I love the color, Mommy," Candy announced. "It looks like the same blue as Captain's eyes. Don't you think?" She looked up to her mother.

Carolyn lifted the sunglasses she was wearing to peek over the frames briefly at her new car and back up to her beloved. She smiled. "Really? I hadn't noticed that," she lied. She settled the sunglasses back into place and took ahold of Daniel's left arm. "Daniel, you really shouldn't have done this. I could have gotten by with a decent used car."

"My Dear, I do not wish for you to just "get by" as you say."

"Love, I appreciate the sentiment, "she leaned against him now. "But this is a MAJOR purchase. If we're going to be together as a couple, we need to work with one another and come to an agreement on financial matters." She kept her voice low as she watched her father showing off the car's automatic lift gate to his grandchildren.

"Darling, we did work together," he protested. "You chose a car and I arranged payment. A joint effort if there ever was one," he gave her a convincing, mischievous smile.

She rolled her eyes and stifled her own smile. "You know what I mean. You could have stayed and shopped for a car with me, you could of went on the test drive with me instead of Dad."

Daniel gave a little shudder as a cold breeze swept up a whisp of snow. "My dear lady, had we been in the market for a new family sailboat or yacht—I am your man. But cars?" he made a frowning face and shook his head "no". "Now, let's pack away these gifts and go in and have some lunch, hmm? Kids?" he called, ending the discussion, "Ready for some lunch?" Their exuberant yells let the grownups know they were hungry. Daniel smiled down at their mother. "Shall we?" Carolyn tried to clamp down on the happiness which bubbled up from inside her but a joyful laugh escaped her.

"Let's eat," she agreed. Daniel tucked away the shopping bags in the backseat trunk area and escorted his family into the diner. Lunch was soon served.

Meanwhile back at Gull Cottage Martha Grant and Emily Williams had joined forces immediately after the rest of the family left for town. Martha escorted Emily into the bowels of the home to forage for Christmas decorations. They had giggled like school girls as they hauled the boxes of holiday treasures upstairs and proceeded to deck the halls with their newfound merriment, both profoundly happy for Carolyn and her children at the return of their beloved Captain Gregg. After a simple lunch of sandwiches, they donned festive aprons to begin baking cookie treats shaped like Christmas trees, stars and snowmen. Martha put Christmas music on the record player and turned up the volume so the tunes could be heard as they worked mixing dough and greasing baking sheets in the kitchen. Finally, Emily turned to face Martha as she dusted away flour from her hands at the sink. "Tell me, Martha. Is Daniel as good of a man as I think he is?"

Martha chuckled and wiped a hand across her brow leaving a trace of all purpose flour to match her lovely white hair. "Mrs. Williams," she began.

Emily corrected her at once. "Please, Martha. You are family. Call me Emily."

Martha gave her a smile. "Emily, I can't tell you how happy I am for this…er…our family that Captain Gregg is home and back in our lives to stay."

"Try to tell me, please. Brad and I just want to be sure he's everything Carolyn seems to think he is."

The housekeeper's laugh was hearty and her expression was light-hearted. "Oh, he's a man's man by any description you can think of—hard-headed, opinionated—he's an old sea dog for sure. But he's clearly an old softie as far as Candy and Jonathan are concerned. He'd put himself in harm's path to save them from hurt—I'll tell you that much." Martha turned and adjusted the heat on the old stove. "And he loves your daughter so. You'd have to be deaf, dumb and blind not to see the way they are around each other. Yes ma'am, he makes her happy and that's all I care about," Martha nodded adamantly. She went on to warn, "I'll take a cast iron fry pan upside his head myself if he ever hurt her the way Bobby Muir did," Martha shook her fist in emphasis.

Emily laughed and opened the refrigerator for another stick of butter. "Let's hope it never comes to that!"

Martha chuckled in agreement, "I'd hate to dent my good frying pan against the Captain's hard head."

Later in the afternoon the family entered a new version of Gull Cottage when they returned. The front hallway and staircase were draped in holiday pine boughs and colorful tinsel garland and a holly wreath hung on the front door. The entire downstairs smelled of freshly baked cookies. Scruffy danced on his hind legs in greetings to his pack of humans. He was in his holiday best; a bright red ribbon and bow graced his neck. He barked in excitement sensing the mood of his family and followed them into the kitchen wagging his little tail.

"You two certainly have been busy!" Carolyn inspected the goodies spread out on the kitchen table to cool.

"Just some holiday baking to pass the time," Martha responded as she carefully removed another baking sheet from the oven. "Thanks to the Captain supplying us with flour, sugar and the like, Operation Christmas Cookie commenced!"

Carolyn's mother circled her daughter's waist with an arm. "What fun Martha and I have had! We found these decorations down in the cellar and thought we'd spruce up the place. 'Tis the season! Say—did you rescue the car from mechanic jail?"

"Better than that, Grandma! We've got a new car!," Jonathan announced in glee. He snatched an unfrosted snowman off one of the cooling racks.

"Oh, did you now? Well, let me take a look." She wrapped her sweater tightly around herself and stepped out on the front veranda. Carolyn followed behind her.

Daniel helped himself to a cookie as well. "Crew, take those sacks upstairs and stow them away. Put them up somewhere high where Scruffy won't be tempted to nose about."

Candy had her hands on her hips. "We need a Christmas tree to put the presents under."

"Aye, lass. It's on my list. Don't worry you'll have the finest tree in all of Schooner Bay," Daniel promised the little girl. "Upstairs with you now," he sent her up after her brother.

Grandpa Brad came back downstairs and wandered into the parlor and settled himself in the recliner. Daniel flashed back to the night before with Carolyn sleeping peacefully in his embrace. He smiled to himself at the memory and then joined the ladies on the porch. "Oh good," Emily peered around Daniel to see if they were alone as he gently closed the door behind him. "I wanted a moment to speak with you two without the kids hearing."

"Mom? What is it?"

Emily started, then stopped. Unsure of her words. "It's just that…your father and I agreed…. well, you are both consenting adults…"

Carolyn and Daniel exchanged looks. Daniel took another bite of his cookie and chewed expectantly, tugging on his ear with his other hand. "Mom, just say what's on your mind," Carolyn encouraged.

Emily took a deep breath and began. "Just so there's no misunderstandings—not that there would be, you see."

"Mom."

"It's obvious to your father and I you two love each other and the children absolutely adore you, Captain. You act more like a father to them than Bobby Muir ever did." She directed a meaningful look at her daughter but Carolyn didn't dispute her mother's statement. "And," Emily continued, "you seem to care for them just as much as they love you. Even a blind person could see that."

"Aye, Madam. This entire family has captured my heart," Daniel stepped closer to Carolyn and encircled her with his arm, pulling her against him. She looked up at him fondly and nodded in agreement with both her mother and Daniel.

"Well, I'm just saying there's no need for you sleep in that recliner tonight, Daniel," Emily reached out with both of her hands, clasped them both on their arms and squeezed gently. "If you two want to share a bed, that's fine by your father and me. Let's just leave it at, shall we? Now!" Emily exhaled and breezed past them into the house. "Beautiful car, dear. I'd better get back in and help Martha finish the baking and then we'll have to figure out what to get started for dinner."

Daniel stood with an open mouth not truly comprehending what had just happened. Carolyn took her index finger and gently pushed against his bearded chin to close his mouth. "Told you so," she said sweetly.

"Darling, we are not yet married. It is still not right."

She raised herself on her tiptoes to kiss him lightly on his lips to soothe his discomfort at the thought of violating social mores. "It still might not have been right in the 1870s…but these are the 1970s, Daniel. It'll be okay, dear," she teased. "I'll be gentle with you." Daniel's blue eyes widened with shock at Carolyn's cheeky promise as she danced away from his grip, hustling into the house and laughing as he stalked behind her. Once inside, they both calmed their racing hearts and stepped back into the kitchen, Carolyn helped herself to a cup of freshly brewed coffee and sat down at the table. "Where'd the kids go?" she wondered.

"I sent them packing upstairs to stow their purchases," Daniel replied helping himself to another cookie despite Martha's pursing lips of fake annoyance.

"Well, you know what I went shopping for and bought. Did you get all of your shopping done?" she blew a little on the steaming cup.

"Me? Well, actually no."

"No? I thought you were going to buy yourself some clothes. Shirts, pants, underwear, socks…pajamas," Carolyn smiled innocently and raised her eyebrows suggestively. Martha and Emily listened to their exchange, stifled a snicker and kept on stirring ingredients into a mixing bowl. "What are you making now?" Carolyn wondered.

"New England Fruit Cake," Martha replied. "Pound for pound the gift that keeps on giving even if you can't digest it. Makes wonderful napkin paperweights for summer picnics outdoors."

"Oh Martha, stop!" Carolyn chuckled. "People love getting your fruit cakes. Although don't you usually make Ed one of your pies?"

"Got it cooling now on the back porch, he'll be by later I have no doubt." She dumped a can of cherries into the mix and kept on stirring. "So, I hear you got a new buggy? Wonderful! That old station wagon took this family many a mile. May she rust in pieces!" She snickered at her own wit.

"The Captain rescued us again today. He's two for two since he's been home," she reached for Daniel's hand as he stepped near. He thought about sneaking another cookie until he made eye contact with Martha. Her gaze told him to take Carolyn's hand instead. The lady of the house looked up at him. "Why didn't you get any clothes, Daniel?"

"Ah…well you see…I had another matter to attend to while in town and I wanted to give the children some privacy as they shopped for you and Martha and their grandparents. Then it was time to meet up for lunch and well, here we are."

"Oh Captain, I did take care of your trousers and sweater from yesterday. But that sweater is still a might damp. I didn't want to put it in the dryer." Martha informed him.

Carolyn Muir stood up and returned her coffee cup to the sink. "Okay then. That settles it. There's still plenty of time left. Let's take a run over to Skeldale. There's a big and tall men's store there. I've a couple of library books I need to return as well. Let me see if the kids want to come along."

Emily reached out to pause her daughter. "The children will be fine here with us. They've had one adventure today. You two need some time alone, now off with you—try to be home in time for dinner, though."

Carolyn kissed her mother's cheek. "Yes, Mom."

Daniel bent and kissed Emily's other cheek. "Yes, mum." She laughed and shooed them away.

Carolyn carefully maneuvered the new car along the snow-banked Gregg Road until she reached Bay Road and then turned her new Chevy in the direction of the bigger city of Skeldale some 25 miles away down the expressway. Daniel knew she was concentrating more than usual on her driving so he was content to sit beside her in silence and take in the views of the coastline and the snowy landscape.

37

The town's street lights were festooned with tinsel covered holiday decorations and a huge banner across Main Street wished everyone a "Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year". Carolyn was in luck. A car was just backing out of the community parking lot as she pulled in. "Ha! Thank you, Parking Angel!" she said aloud. She parked the car and pulled the keys from the ignition. "Let's go, Captain Gregg. My inquiring mind just can't wait to find out."

He gave her a quizzical look. "Find out what, m'dear?"

"Why boxers or briefs, of course!" She giggled and hurried into the store ahead of him. Daniel pinched the bridge of his nose and could think of no suitable retort. He kept his smile to himself as he pushed open the door and followed her into the men's store. An hour later they emerged both loaded down with packages and bags filled with basic essentials for Daniel's wardrobe. As they left the store the first twinkling Christmas lights could be seen in store windows. Daniel looked up the street to see a magnificent old two-story department store. "Zumfelde's", Carolyn informed him. "Little bit like Schooner Bay's Emporium only larger and fancier. They have a nice little restaurant in there even a barber shop where men can get a haircut and shave while their wives shop."

"Hmm, let's load these up in the car and make due course there. I'm sure you have some idea of what Kris Kringle should be bringing the children this year?" He started for their car.

Carolyn's expression faded to sadness. "Well, to be honest. I wasn't sure if Kris would be stopping by Gull Cottage this year. I have some stocking stuffers for the kids and mom and dad has helped. But…," her voice trailed off.

Daniel was quick to cheer her. "Come on," he urged. "Let's have some craic, shall we? This will be my first Christmas in a long, long, while where I can truly enjoy the holiday and be completely and in every way with the people I love." The couple returned to their car, loaded their packages and Carolyn pulled the car out into traffic and headed for Zumfelde's. Their parking lot was full much to Carolyn's dismay so she inched down the block on the lookout for a space. "Ahoy!" Daniel pointed out in triumph, spotting a space a few yards ahead. They parked again and walked hand in gloved hand, enjoying the realization they were finally, truly together. Suddenly Carolyn stopped. She stood facing a shop window. Curious, Daniel peered over her shoulder and he squeezed her hand tightly. They were standing in front of a real estate office with placards in the window advertising homes and businesses for sale in the area. Prominently displayed was a photo of their own Gull Cottage with the word SOLD! plastered in red letters across the photograph and the words Gregg Realty, Schooner Bay.

She looked up at him with sad, defeated eyes. "Oh, Daniel…I'm so sorry," she began. She turned her face against his chest.

He held her against him, his bearded face buried against the knit cap she wore. "I know you did everything you could, love. I stopped in to talk with that bilge rat this morning. He confessed to what he had done. Unfortunately, the deal has been signed, sealed and delivered to some lawyer in Boston. Wants our cottage for a vacation home."

"It was just too much money. I couldn't afford it," she mumbled against him, crying.

"Now, none of that," he released her to reach for a handkerchief. She dabbed her eyes and blew her nose. He took her by the shoulders. "The most important thing is we are together; we have the children and Martha and that furry beast who'd better not make a chew toy out of the slippers I just bought!"

She laughed as Daniel's thumb wiped away another stray tear. "But it was our home. You designed and built it!" she protested. "It just isn't fair."

He hugged her firmly. "So, we'll find a new home. We'll build a new home. It doesn't matter to me where we live as long as I have you and the children." They shared a tender kiss and were rewarded when a passing car honked its horn in encouragement. "Yes, well," Daniel took her elbow as they crossed the street to the brightly lit department store. "Who needs mistletoe, eh?'

The couple weaved their way through the crowded department store, Daniel stopping to stare and ask questions about every newfangled gadget and 'must have' thingamabob for modern living. Carolyn enjoyed every moment being with him and his child-like curiosity and wonderment as they made their way on up the escalator to the toy department on the upper floor. They arrived to find themselves in the middle of a glorious replica of Santa's Workshop at the North Pole. Children and their parents were lined up by the dozens waiting in line to sit on Santa's lap and happily answer his questions about what they wanted for Christmas. A sudden pang of regret and an ache of motherly love shot through Carolyn Muir's heart. This was the first year her kids had not handed her their letters to Santa Claus. She fretted their tattered year had aged them beyond belief in Santa and forced them to reckon with the family's fragile finances just as much as she had.

Daniel noticed her wistful expression and asked, "What's wrong?" Carolyn shook her head and Daniel's eyes widened as her golden hair reflected the dancing colorful Christmas lights strung over their heads. Her beauty was breath-taking to him always.

"Oh, I'm just having a 'mommy moment.' Candy and Jonathan didn't write letters to Santa this year. I hate they had to go without for so long a time this year."

Daniel smiled and tugged at his ear as he rocked back on his heels. "Just because they didn't send the letters doesn't mean Santa never received them." He gave her a playful wink and reached inside his coat pocket and pulled out a crumpled sheet of school notebook paper. "Let's see now, love. We go in search of Hot Wheels race cars, a G.I. Joe, a Giant Creepy Crawler bug maker kit, a Spirograph, an Easy Bake oven and or Barbie's Dream House. Oh…Jonathan says Santa may substitute Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots if the G.I. Joe's are all spoken for and our Candy would be happy with a View Master if the Spirograph is too dear…whatever those are. I hope you know because I do not."

Carolyn reached for and snatched the paper from Daniel's big paw. She stared incredulously as she recognized both son and daughter's best hand-writing efforts. "Where? How?"

Daniel took her arm once more and steered her through the crowd. He enjoyed the wonderment in her eyes. "Wish I could take the credit, love. Martha slipped the note to me as we were leaving. She found the list in their trash bin and saved it, I dare say she was aiming to give them a bit of a happy Christmas. Now let's get underway. We've gifts for all to purchase and I dare say Martha won't save our supper forever."

Carolyn didn't care she was in the middle of a crowded department store. She reached up and snaked her arm around his broad shoulders and kissed him joyously. She grinned up at him, "Aye, aye, Captain!"

The former Ghost and Mrs. Muir were just a little late returning home that evening but Martha had insisted on holding dinner until everyone was present. Carolyn breathed a sigh of relief as she pulled the car into the garage. She was grateful to whoever shoveled away the mounds of snow out from her driveway and away from the garage doors. Daniel took a moment to hide away their purchases up into a secret stashing place he knew of in the garage's upper loft. He nimbly climbed down the ladder and together they entered Gull Cottage from the back door carrying only the Captain's shopping bags with his new clothes.

"Dad, please tell me you didn't give yourself a heart attack shoveling out the driveway," Carolyn worried as she took off her hat, gloves and coat and handed them off to her kids.

"The only exercise he got was standing up and reaching into his back pocket for his wallet," her mother reported dryly.

Brad Williams shot his wife a glare, "Some farmer fellow down the road showed up with his tractor with a blade attachment. He offered to plow out the drive for $5. I told him to go to it."

"Thanks, Dad," Carolyn stood behind him and gave him a brief, affectionate shoulder rub of gratitude.

He reached up with a hand to squeeze one of hers. "You're welcome, Sweetie. Can't have that new beauty parked outside and have the neighbors get jealous. Get all your shopping done?"

She took a deep breath and exhaled, hands now on her hips. "Yes, I'd say Daniel has enough clothes to hold him over to laundry day." She nodded in satisfaction.

The Captain came back into the kitchen after helping the children hang up the coats in the hall closet. "I'll be sure to return your socks," he pledged to Brad in his most serious baritone.

Mr. Williams chuckled despite himself. "Keep 'em. Consider it an early Christmas present."

Everyone settled down to feast on the pot roast Martha had prepared. She received frequent noises of approval throughout the course of the meal and she glowed inwardly with the praise. She took pride in her culinary skills and most of all she took pleasure looking after 'her' family. Much later that evening after the supper dishes were washed and put away—again with an assist from the Captain and his young crew—and favorite television shows were watched, the dog let out for a final potty trip and the youngest generation tucked into bed and kissed goodnight by their grandparents, the day wound down to a peaceful conclusion. Brad and Emily bid their daughter and Daniel good night and retired to their bedroom. Carolyn and Daniel did the ritual night watch check of doors being locked and lights turned off, the Captain happy to settle back into his role of vigilant protector of his home and loved ones-but no longer regulated to just being a silent sentry. As they approached the bottom of the stairs, Daniel had a choice to make. Retreat to the recliner or join his Carolyn upstairs? She gazed up at him with her unspoken invitation…and need. He smiled, said nothing, and then took her hand in his as they climbed the stairs together and entered their cabin. The door closed softly behind them and the only sound to be heard was the *click* of the lock.