My Best Christmas Ever!
Chapter 5
Rick smiles at his son, who is excitedly bouncing on his heels as he shows off his list. He has already checked off two points, including going to the mountains and renting a cabin, and now he points to cutting down a Christmas Tree.
"See, Daddy, cutting down a Christmas Tree is next on my list. Can we go now?"
Rick bends down, hugging his excited little boy again, saying, "Sure, Sport. Let's see who wants to go," as he looks at his Mother and Kate.
Martha is the first to respond, "Levi, why don't you take your Daddy and Katherine? And I will stay here, make hot chocolate, and put out some decorations so we can decorate the tree as soon as you return."
Levi paused as he had planned that everyone would go to help cut down his tree, but he also loves his Grams hot chocolate, so he responded,
"Okay, Grams. You make the best hot chocolate, and we will probably be cold when we get back."
Then he looks longingly between his Daddy and Kate, who are smiling when Kate adds, "I'd love to go with you and your Daddy, Levi."
"Then it's settled. Let's grab our coats and head out to cut down our first Christmas tree," says Rick as he mouths thank you to Kate.
The three put on coats and gathered their gloves and hats as Rick double-checked Ray's map, showing the Christmas Tree farm was only about a half mile from the cabin. Even with the deep snow, Rick assumes that with his Jeep's 4-wheel drive, they can make the short trip to the farm.
They climbed into Rick's Jeep, with him double-checking Levi's seatbelt. Rick slowly follows the driveway around the cabin and finds that the mountain has somewhat shielded the road that leads to the farm, and driving through the snow is very manageable.
In about five minutes, they reach the tree farm, quickly exit the Jeep, and head toward a small building with a sign, 'Get Your Saws Here' posted on the side.
An older gentleman who reminds Rick of a department store Santa, except he is wearing a plaid shirt with a heavy overcoat, greets the trio, welcoming them to his farm.
"Howdy folks, and welcome to Barney's Tree Farm, I'm Barney. How can I help you?"
Levi stands on his tiptoes to see over the counter and says, "Hi, we want to cut down our Christmas Tree."
Barney stands, leaning his arm on the counter, looks over the edge, smiling at the excited little boy, and asks, "Well, young fella, have you ever cut down a Christmas Tree?"
Levi grins back at Barney and answers, "No, Mr. Barney, this is the first time, and I can't wait. It's one of the things I have on my Christmas List."
Chuckling at the exuberance of the little boy standing before him, Barney looks at the two adults, assuming they are his parents, and asks, "Do either of you know how to cut down a tree?"
Rick smiles shyly at the older man and responds, "It's my first time, too, but I'm sure I can figure it out."
Barney handed Rick a saw and pointed him down the path to the left of the building, saying, "Just follow the signs, and you'll find the areas for the different types of trees we have available for cutting. If you don't mind, I'd suggest looking at the Fraser Firs; they are in great shape this year."
Rick accepts the saw from Barney, thanking him for his help, as he leads Levi and Kate down the designated path. The trio walks through the grove of Fraser Fir trees when Rick asks, "Well, do you see any you like?"
"This one!" Levi and Kate answer simultaneously."
Rick stops, looks the tree up and down, smiling as he's sure it will fit the space he had previously measured, and answers, "Okay, this is a great choice."
Kate smiles as she watches Rick look from the saw to the tree. Catching on that, he hasn't any idea how to cut down their newfound treasure.
Levi curiously watches his Daddy and asks, "Daddy, do you know how to cut down the tree?"
Not wanting to embarrass Rick in front of his son, Kate leans in and whispers, "You'll want to cut as close to the ground as you can."
Rick looks up at Kate, then down to his son, and asks, "Kate, have you cut down a tree before?"
Kate bows her head and then looks back at Levi, who gives her a hopeful look and answers, "Yeah, I have helped my Dad a time or two."
Rick then looks at his son and says, "What do you think, Levi? Should we have Kate help us?"
Levi quickly nods as Rick hands the saw to Kate, asking, "Want to give me a hand?"
Sharing smiles with Rick, Kate reaches for the saw, kneels, and says, "Sure, but you have to help, too."
Before cutting the tree, Kate reaches into her pocket and pulls out her small camera, asking, "Levi, do you want to take some pictures of us cutting down your Christmas tree?"
"Oh, yeah, Kate. I would love to take more pictures, thanks so much," as he carefully holds the camera and takes a few steps back, looking through the viewfinder and saying, "Okay, I'm ready."
Rick and Kate smile at one another as Rick moves to the side of the tree, and Kate kneels and begins sawing. After a few vigorous strokes of the saw, the tree starts falling, with Rick carefully guiding it to the ground. And through the entire short process of cutting down the tree, Levi has been taking pictures, thinking he has more ideas for the project he wants to try to do for his Daddy and Kate.
Once the tree is down, Rick carefully stands it back up so everyone can admire their newfound treasure, and Levi asks, "Kate, will you stand beside Daddy so I can take a picture of both of you to show Grams?"
Kate looks toward Rick, who smiles, stepping to the side so Kate can stand between him and their newly acquired Christmas tree.
Rick then lays the tree back on the ground and moves to the trunk end. Between himself and Kate, they carefully place the tree on the small flatbed wagon that Barney had given them earlier. Levi rushes so he is in front and continues taking pictures as his Daddy, and Kate tease one another while they move the now heavier wagon over the small piles of snow on their way back to the main building.
The trio round the corner, laughing as they move their prized tree to the side of the building and wait for Barney to measure their selection. After paying for their freshly cut Christmas tree, Barney and one of his workers take it to Rick's Jeep and secure it to the luggage rack.
As Rick turns to hold the car door open for his son, he hears someone calling his name.
"Rick, Rick, wait."
Kate turns and sees a woman running toward them.
Maddie Willson races up to Rick, and before he can react, the woman pulls Rick into a tight hug, kissing him on the cheek and saying,
"Oh, Rick, it is so good that you took my advice and came to the mountains."
Before Rick could respond, Maddie turned and saw Kate standing on the passenger side of Rick's car.
Maddie then looks toward Rick, her cheerful demeanor automatically changing as she says, "Oh, I see you brought your girlfriend."
Rick, still trying to gather himself after Maddie's aggressive greeting, looks at Kate dumbfounded and tries to explain the situation when Kate takes the lead and says,
"Oh, I'm not his girlfriend. There was a mix-up on our cabin rental, and I am just staying with Rick and his family for a few days."
Seeing this woman is interested in Rick, Kate remains silent after sharing her explanation and watches the interactions between Rick and the woman. At the same time, Levi says, "Daddy, can I get in the car? I'm getting cold?"
Hearing his son's voice, Rick composes himself and helps Levi into the backseat as he fastens his seatbelt. Then Rick turned and looked at Maddie, finally finding his voice, and said,
"Hello, Maddie. We were picking out our Christmas tree for Levi. And as Kate explained, Ray double-booked our cabin, so because of the confusion, Kate is spending the holiday with us."
Kate can see the visible displeasure on the woman's face as she looks between Rick and herself. She knows she probably should get into the car and give Rick some privacy, but she waits a few moments, watching the interactions between the two.
Maddie composes herself, trying to hide her displeasure at the arrangement between Rick and Kate, and changes the subject, saying, "Well, I am so glad I ran into you. I just secured two extra tickets to the Nutcracker, and I'd love it if you and Levi would join Emily and me tonight."
Maddie then turned to Kate and, with a sickening sweet voice, said, "Oh, Kate, if I had known you were joining Rick for the holiday, I would have gotten an extra ticket."
Kate returns the woman's sickening smile, saying, "Oh, that's okay. I have seen the play in New York."
Stunned by Kate's response, Maddie looked back toward Rick, sweetly asking, "Well, Rick, would you and Levi like to join us this evening?"
As Kate prepared to get in the car, Rick replied, "Okay. I guess we can go with you guys."
Before he could say more, Maddie hugged Rick again, saying, "Oh, that's wonderful. It's a date."
Kate tries to hide her laugh as she slides into the car, waiting for Rick.
Rick is finally able to bid Maddie goodbye and climbs into the car, joining Kate and Levi. He sits still for a moment, staring straight ahead as if in shock, when Kate breaks the silence by stating,
"So you have a date tonight, with, what was her name? Maddie?"
"It's not a date. Maddie just invited Levi and me to the play."
"Oh, believe me, it's a date." smiled Kate as she watched Rick squirm in his seat.
"No, it's not a date." Rick firmly stated.
"Maddie is a parent from Levi's school, and her daughter is a friend of Levi's."
With Levi listening to their conversation from the backseat, Kate dropped the subject and responded, "Okay."
The short trip back to the cabin is done in relative silence until they pull into the driveway, and Levi jumps out, saying, "I'm going to go get Grams so she can see our terrific Christmas tree."
Rick and Kate finally released their breath, looked at one another, climbed out of the car, and began untying and removing the Christmas tree from the roof of Rick's Jeep.
The rear door of the cabin opens just as they approach, with Levi excitingly saying, "See Grams. Isn't it a beautiful tree, and guess what?"
Once again, before Martha can respond to Levi's question, he continues, "Kate cut it down since Daddy didn't know how to do it."
Kate immediately added, "Levi, I just helped because I have done it with my Dad. I am sure your Daddy could have done it too."
As Rick and Kate carried the tree into the cabin, Rick whispered, "Thanks, Kate. I appreciate the support with Levi."
"Always, Rick. You are the most important person in Levi's life, and I would never say or do anything to make him think differently. I'm just happy I could help."
At that moment, Rick pauses as he watches Kate lead the way into the Great Room as they carry his son's Christmas tree, thinking, This woman is extraordinary!
After carefully placing the Christmas tree in its stand and checking to be sure it's straight, Martha asks, "Are you lumberjacks interested in some hot chocolate, or do you want to begin decorating this magnificent tree?"
Everyone looks to Levi, silently agreeing they will follow Levi's lead, when Levi looks from his Grams to the tree and says, "I think we should have some hot chocolate and warm up, and then we can all decorate the tree together."
Rick pulls his son close to his side, kisses his head, and replies for everyone, "That's a great idea, Levi. I think hot chocolate sounds great."
While they enjoy Martha's delicious hot chocolate, Levi gives a blow-by-blow account of their Christmas tree excursion, showing Martha the pictures he had taken. Thankfully, he doesn't mention that they ran into Maddie, and as Rick looks towards Kate, he sees her smile and knows that she is thinking the same thing.
Once Levi finishes showing his pictures to his Grams, Kate asks, "Levi, did you like taking those pictures of us all cutting down your Christmas tree?"
"Oh, yeah, Kate. I love taking pictures, and taking them when you were cutting down the tree was so cool. Thanks for letting me use your little camera," the thrilled boy replied.
"Well, why don't you keep that camera so you can take pictures whenever you want?" suggested Kate.
"Really. You want to give me your little camera?" clarified Levi.
"Yes. I don't use it that much anymore, and I think you might be able to put it to good use."
Levi anxiously looks at Rick, saying, "Daddy, is it okay if Kate gives me her camera?"
Rick knows he's on the spot, but the sincerity of Kate's offer and his son's excitement cause him to trust that Kate is okay with gifting Levi the camera, so he answers, looking at Kate, "Only if Kate is sure it's okay. It sounds like the camera has been very special to her."
Kate looks between father and son and immediately responds, "Yes, I am delighted to pass the camera on to Levi. It was given to me when I was learning about photography, and I think Levi can put it to good use. So yes, I want to do this for Levi."
Levi once again hops off his chair, this time going to Kate first, where he climbs onto her lap, wrapping his arms around her neck and kissing her cheek, saying, "Oh, Kate, thank you, thank you, thank you. I will take special care of your camera. It will be so fun to have it so I can take pictures all the time."
Kate closed her eyes, returning the little boy's embrace as she found it difficult to control her emotions. She again thought, how have I become so close to this little guy?
Rick and Martha closely observed the interactions between Levi and Kate, glancing at one another as they struggled with their emotions.
After finishing their hot chocolate, Levi grabs Rick's hand and heads toward the Great Room.
Martha and Kate stand, and Kate says, "Martha, please go in and join Rick and Levi, and I will clean up these cups. I am sure Levi has more stories to share about his first experience cutting down his Christmas tree."
Smiling, Martha kisses Kate's cheek, thanking this remarkable woman for her care and thoughtfulness as she turns to go and join her guys.
Kate cleans up the kitchen to give this family some precious time alone and to give herself time to think and gather her thoughts.
Kate is overwhelmed that she has become so attached to these individuals that she didn't even know 48 hours ago. She can't explain it to herself, but she senses these feelings are genuine and go both ways.
Kate pulls her personal feelings together as she walks into the Great Room, witnessing the beautiful site of this family sharing in one of the most traditional activities of the holiday season.
Levi spots Kate as soon as she walks into the room, runs over to her, and wraps his arms around her waist, saying, "Kate, thanks so much for helping us cut down my Christmas tree," he pauses and turns before adding, "Isn't it the most beautiful tree you have ever seen?"
Even though she is again stunned by Levi's caring affection, she returns the young boy's hug as she watches Rick and Martha continue stringing bright, multi-colored lights on their tree.
"Yes, Levi, it is a beautiful tree, and your Daddy and Grams are doing a fantastic job putting on all those lights."
Rick looks toward his son and Kate, and a deep sense of warmth runs through him as he, again, thinks about Kate and how easily she fits into their little family.
Sensing the dynamics in the room, Martha smiles and breaks the moment, saying, "Katherine, would you be a dear and bring that white box of ornaments over closer to the tree?"
Kate does as Martha asks and sits the box next to her feet. She then steps back, seeing a questioning look across Rick's face.
Martha pauses, removes the lid from the box, and says, "I think it's time to bring these out and use them again."
Rick remains silent as he watches his Mother and son open the top of one of the ornament boxes that he quickly recognizes. Martha hands the ornate ball to Levi, but before she can say anything else, Rick quietly explains,
"Your Mommy and I made that for your first Christmas."
Kate sits on the couch, suddenly feeling like she's infringed on a private moment between Rick and his son.
Everyone watches as Levi gently rubs his small fingers across the raised letters on the ornament, reverently reciting the words, "Baby's First Christmas."
Levi then looks up at Rick, warmly confirming, "Daddy, you and Mommy made this for me? It's beautiful. Can I hang it on the tree?"
Unable to verbally answer his son, Rick smiles, nodding as Martha touches her grandson's shoulder, answering for herself and Rick, "Certainly, Levi. You can make this the first ornament we place on your tree."
Rick brushes a stray tear from his eye, kneeling to be at eye level with his son, "Saying, I know Mommy would love it if you put it on your tree." He again pulls his son close for a few precious moments as he tries to maintain his emotions.
Rick then stands and moves toward the couch, sitting next to Kate and unconsciously taking her hand in his as he watches his son discover some of the memories from his younger years.
The feel of her hand in Rick's feels so natural, so Kate does the only thing she can think of and gently squeezes Rick's hand, hoping to offer him a slight sense of comfort.
After carefully placing his first baby ornament on the tree, Levi leans into his Grams and asks, "Do you think it looks okay there, Grams?"
Martha has also become emotional, so he pulls Levi close, kissing his head, and answers, "Yes, Levi, that is the perfect place for your ornament. You can even see one of the lights shine through the crystal ball."
Following a few moments of silence, Martha exhales, regaining her composure as she looks over at her son, who is still holding Kate's hand, which makes her heart soar as she says, "Well, I suggest we get this tree decorating party going. Rick, do you have one of those playlists on your phone that includes Christmas songs?"
Rick gently releases Kate's hand as he reaches for his cell phone, scrolling through his music until he finds what he wants. Suddenly, the room fills with the joy of Christmas tunes.
Levi begins clapping and singing along to the song Jingle Bells. Levi's singing seems to pull everyone away from their earlier thoughts as they join Levi in singing carols and begin hanging other ornaments on the tree.
Levi reaches for the camera Kate had given him, walking around the room, taking several pictures of their tree and its beautiful decorations while thinking more about the special gift he plans to make.
Forty-five minutes later, the group steps back as they admire the Christmas tree with all its lights strung and treasured Christmas ornaments hung. Rick moves to the wall and dims the large overhead lights as everyone sits down to admire the beauty of Levi's Christmas Tree.
Christmas songs continue to fill the room as this makeshift family relishes the moment, with Levi climbing onto his father's lap and saying, "Daddy, this is the Best Christmas Ever!"