Chapter 40

It was quiet in the apartment and Meg was meant to be taking the opportunity to give her sister quick email before John and Simon came back from their ride. She had to smile it was still just once round the barn but Simon and John had come up with new ideas to make it take longer. Such as walking Sandy to the stalls then remembering they had to use the platform to dismount so had to walk back out again making an extra half loop. She had sympathy for both sides of the story John was finding it easier than walking and wanted to join her when she was on Snow White. But they still needed clearance from the specialist for longer rides and he was not due till after Christmas. He had said take things very slowly so John did not jar or strain his back or his legs. They all knew minor injuries could be treated here at the apartment but anything that needed an x-ray would be a hospital trip and that was fraught with danger for him so they had to use caution, which meant Jackie had to be strict and that brought it's own frustrations.

She glanced out the window and knew as it was fairly mild today so Jackie might let him watch Shep go for a walk as well. At least John's snuffles had not turned into a cold and as Jackie said she being very brave and was letting him out more, that had led to a dark look from 'the patient', which had them both giggling. She sighed wondering if his dodgy immune system was finally getting stronger and it was only the cold weather that was affecting his energy level.

Sipping her tea she realised Christmas was tomorrow and so many things had happened since her trip home. Granted John was still using the crutches but he was walking not shuffling anymore as that short garden walk had boasted his confidence. Then there was their new carriage and Simon had driven them down to the Waterfall for a special 'tryout' treat while Jackie rode Snow White, Meg had to admit they suited each other and Jackie really enjoyed it. They had sat in the mouth of the cave with mugs of soup with a fire going to keep off the chill and looked out at the waterfall watching the mini rainbows in the cascades of water as the light changed.

She knew that was becoming a special place as it changed in subtle ways every time they visited and so far each time had been good and could hardly wait to see it in spring with everything coming out in bud. Then of course other people would come and visit, although they owned the land the public were allowed to visit and they had made it more accessible with the repairs to the bridle paths. Mind you, you had to go by horse or walk, no cars or motor bikes and the road to the waterfall itself was not too well marked and the path down was very steep. So, perhaps there would only be a few people but if not they could retreat to their other special places in the garden at the hotel and come when they knew it would be quiet.

As she took her empty cup over to the kitchen area she gave a gentle chuckle thinking about the presents that stood round the tree on the table in the alcove. When they discussed Christmas decorations John had told her that she could chose them and where they would go. So she chose just a few around the alcove area with the young tree in a pot so it could be planted out in the woods and some on the dining table. To do the whole apartment would be way too much it was so big, as for the presents some had travelled right across to Boston and back. She sighed knowing Robert had been disappointed in not being able to play Father Christmas, he'd had to cancel his part as one of his stepdaughters had been taken seriously ill and was recovering which meant the Christmas disco he had been dreading would become a New Year disco. So Matthew had brought the presents when he had visited Paul and they had a wonderful evening catching up on all his gossip, then he'd gone on to Seattle to drop off hers for Robert to deliver, which included hers to him. She'd taken Robert's advice about John's present realising he would cherish whatever she gave him.

Her stomach gave a gentle rumble so she went back to her laptop and found her bag of sweets and took one out with a smile; they were the ones her sister had recommended when she was expecting partly because she had a craving for them and partly because they stopped her feeling queasy. Well she didn't have a craving for them nor the queasiness but she liked them and the link they gave her to her sister, she also knew not to tempt fate and just enjoyed them. They were not available in town so she and John found a supplier from the net and got them sent to the Computer Club where the rest of the supply was on sale. Yeah they could be sneaky when they tried and she couldn't resist telling Sara that but the rest would remain private.

She thought for a moment then began to type her mail.

Hi Sis

Glad to know you are all surviving, enjoying life. Trust everything is ready.

Thanks for e-mail and pictures, especially one of Casey and Dad on rocking chairs fast asleep! Just as well we could see the babies asleep in their arms otherwise there would be no excuse. What about a Grandma and Mum one next!

Even better get a large copy of the men and frame it for the wall!

Gosh! Christmas Day tomorrow.

Just thought is Father Christmas calling on the twins or is it a bit early for them?

Yes all the presents have stayed wrapped and are around the tree, will ring you midday your time and catch Mum and Dad as well. Tell Mum Robert enjoyed his cookies and did not raid my tin. Umm tell her they taste lovely and John enjoyed a couple. You know those sweets …. Well John found a supplier and got a local shop to order them … yes on my say so … and nope not feeling sick or cravings … but I do like them.

Hey! Who is cooking 'the' lunch as the gathering is in your apartment?

Glad to know everything is set up at the Shock Wave and people are flocking in. Guess the idea that Christmas and so called 'winter' is a quiet time for trade has just gone out the window. Any more ideas about the assistant manager … guess Dad will need some help especially if it keeps like it through into next summer he doesn't want someone new in then … way too busy to show them the ropes.

I bet you were pleased to see the Christmas rush at Sunset Sisters and not be part of it. (Yes I know you do the books - think of all those figures!)

We have a new trap … as in horse and carriage, gosh that sounds way too grand, this is an everyday type one not a flashy gold one. I hasten to add we did not change the horse … ours is way too nice to trade in and yes we only need the one. It is in fact only slightly larger than our other one but it means we can travel together, and feels very posh as the driver sits in front of us. It can be altered so one of the passengers can be the driver if you see what I mean.

I have to say that riding in the trap is much nicer than in the car you see so much more and other drivers are polite as well (we avoid the roads were big lorries go), having said that there is a local law about driving when horses are around and that is enforced very vigorously. In case you think we get cold it has a hood, which does not come right over but is enough to shield us. We also have fur wraps to keep us warm and they do, as well as a dog who acts as a very good hot water bottle, if given the chance.

Hey! don't say anything about my size because I'm not showing yet so there! (okay I know it's too early yet and you are going to say give it another month – so give it another month or two or three!)

Yes I've been riding at a very sedate walk round the barn and along a couple of very sheltered paths; Snow White is such a beautiful ride and to think I will have to stop riding her as winter really bites and then wait till after summer!!! Mind you there's poor old John stuck on one ride round the barn a day and resting in the afternoon even early nights as the cold seems to take a lot out of him.

If the weather keeps clear and not too cold I might even see the New Year in with friends otherwise it will be just the two of us watching it on TV or sleeping through it. No doubt the twins will tell you when it's midnight! So have a good one and mail the next morning.

Take care lots of love to everyone, will ring tomorrow and then exchange written notes when free.

Meg.

The door to the apartment opened and Shep came in and rolled on the towelling blankets put down for him, closely followed by John being pushed by Simon. Meg gave them the once over saying with a smile. "You can't roll but I think the chair needs what Shep is doing. Who started the snow fight then?"

Simon smiled but stayed silent as he helped John out of his thick anorak and blanket trying hard to keep the snow on the mat rather than the floor. John then eased himself out of the chair and got the crutches, which were leaning against the dining table and chair and said. "Shep did! I could do with some soup if there's any going."

Meg laughed as she sent her mail then got up and the commented. "His aim must be getting better as you've brought half of it back with you. Sit by the fire and get warmed up. How did the riding go?"

Simon who was drying off the chair snorted.

John shook his head with a smile then walked over to the sofa and as he sat down said. "Jackie caught us trying to go round the barn the long way."

Laughing Meg poured out the soup she had left warming on the stove then asked. "You want some Simon."

"Please especially as it will be bread and water for the next week? Mind you Jackie was in the snow fight as well."

"Hey! I heard that young man. I had to defend myself against you two." Jackie said as she came in from the garden room. "If there's any left." she added hopefully.

Meg laughed and nodded finding the extra bowls, she always made extra just in case.

Jackie looked at the men and said. "The odd loop is fine but across the width of the barn and the odd loop no way."

"Oh come Jackie, Sandy and Simon were walking and I was sitting straight. I need the extra …"

She cut in sharply. "No you don't … you've been walking around the apartment a lot more, you still need to build up your strength. We can not risk your health in the cold weather."

John 'eyed' her and sighed. "Yes Mum, but no kitchen duty for Simon."

Jackie laughed "Okay not this time. Have you been playing with your programme for upstairs Meg?"

John laughed as Meg gave him his soup; the others had collected their bowls and come to sit with them in the lounge area.

"Hey! You've been playing as well!" Meg exclaimed knowing that laugh and added. "We'll show you later, we are thinking of having a play room and an office up there, though there will be a play area down here as well."

"So I'll have my office to myself then … shame that." Jackie added with a smile.

Simon smiled and said "No more talking instead of working then." which got him a scowl from both Meg and Jackie "So what are the plans for this evening and tomorrow morning." He added quickly.

Meg and Jackie looked at each other with a smile and John shook his head and gave a slow smile. Simon sighed as he looked at them and decided he had better finish his soup while he could, life just wasn't fair sometimes.