CHRISTMAS IN A NEW TOWN

chapter thirteen

Eddie walked in the kitchen and the way his grandmother looks at him, it was a warning look Eddie knew it has something to do with Toni being here this morning she had warned him not to get too involved with Toni she's married and she doesn't want to see him hurting, but he's already involved he knew it was risky and after is baby mama he didn't want to suffer that but he felt love for Toni he knew she's only here for a while and when she leave she might not return as well as she can come with her husband, he was going to have to fix his heart that when she left he won't hurt so much,
Hariel ran out the room and Dorothy turned her attention to her grandson she open her mouth to say something
"Son" she said
To the way that left her lips Eddie knew what would come next,
"Grandma please don't lecture me now I get what you're saying about Toni and all but I'm human aren't I?" He said Dorothy held up her hands to the tone of voice she knew he didn't meant to sound harsh and she didn't know what he was feeling she turn and started doing what she was doing he was gone when she look around but after a while he comes back to help her she figured he must have went off to the barn,
They were working in the kitchen fixing this and that, when the door bell goes
Dorothy was surprised to know her Guess started coming in she and Eddie look at each other they weren't done preparing anything Dorothy left the kitchen and came out Eddie follow her out
Hariel heard the door from her bedroom and came running down, the bell ran again "I'm coming" Dorothy said in her strongest voice going to the door the door open and the happy bark of a pup greets them Hariel ran to the door a man was standing at the door holding a puppy dog  in a box the puppy dog Hariel recognized from the pet store got closer when it saw her it whines happily, "pup" Hariel said grinning at the dog
"A special delivery for Hariel Baldwin"the man said
"Hariel" Dorothy said in surprised looking at her great granddaughter,
"Merry Christmas Hariel" the man hand her the dog and she cuddle it "you need to sign here" He said Hariel hold the pup under one arm and sign on the paper the man was holding, "since it is Christmas you have received a bag of yummy puppy chow and you also  got a dog house and this cute collar for him"
Dorothy widen her eyes
Eddie though that robot thing what's it for the dog he shook his head thinking Toni is going to spoil his daughter he knew it's because she love her and think maybe she can't have children of her own he believe she would make a perfect mammy only a pity it's that way,
The man put the things down from the delivery bus
"Thank you" Hariel said"merry Christmas"
The man smile he nods to Eddie and Dorothy then drove away Hariel set the little pup down and he started running around the living room "come back pups" Hariel called
"Pups?" Dorothy and Eddie question each other the puppy came to a top sit down waggling his tail"I'm going to take good care of him" Hariel said
"You will have to" Eddie point a finger at her
"Will he be allowed to stay in the house?"
Eddie look at his grandmother
Dorothy didn't have a problem as long as he didn't make any mess,
"Tomorrow I'll set up the dog house" Eddie said he thinks too of  getting a flop at the bottom of the door,  but for now our guests will soon arrived let's put the collar on and you take him out side"
Hariel grin "can I call Toni first I want to thank her for pups"
Eddie nod
"I can't give my guests nothing burnt I'll see to the kitchen" Dorothy said going off
Eddie stood by waiting to hear Toni answer,
Toni was in the bathroom when her phone rang she wondered who it was this time she believe she have spoken to every one already the number of calls she had received since she got home this morning Franky and Vincent had both received her gift and called to thank her as well as to wish her merry Christmas
She talked to Angela and Nicky on Three way  it's been a long time since they did that, the chat with them got her moving faster and she completed what she had doing in no time, Nicky thank her too saying her husband thank her as well,
She didn't send Angela a gift but since she's coming into days she'll fix something for her and the girls she hang up from them to go take a shower as she was hoping to leave and go over Eddie's a little earlier, by she was finish with her shower the phone stop ringing
on seeing it was Eddie's number she called back, ,"yes" she answered
Toni was in the kitchen with Dorothy who look at him when the phone rang,
"I was taking a bath is everything alright,?"
"Hariel wanted to thank you for the dog, but she took him walking for she didn't got through" Eddie said
"Oh pups I see she got him, oh nice tell her she's well come" she chuckle
"Alright I will tell her, see you later" Eddie said
"Eddie" Toni called before he hang up,
"It's only between twelve and one but is it ok to come a little before?" Toni asked
"Of course you can no one is charging you" Eddie said
"Ok thanks" Toni said hanging up
Dorothy look at him,
"She's hoping to come now if that's ok, I told her it was" Eddie said
"Oh ok" Dorothy said
Toni package the things and put in the van she close up and left she was about to back out the garage but ease over to look in the glove compartment for her gloves she wanted to put then on to drive it was then she saw an  old paper with a  picture of Chris on it, they were having an award ceremony at his work place last year she pause to look it over, thinking back on the times they used to be closer than this it didn't feel she was close to him anymore, she came to realize she haven't heard from him and it's Christmas she can't believe he's so busy that he didn't take the time to even call but it was ok she plan on not thinking on him today she's going to enjoy herself,
Chris was invited to dinner with Emma's family she had told him for weeks that they would spend time with her family, Emma family is from Texas they were living on the northern side they had flew in only this morning
" Texas is nice" Chris said with a smile he was standing with Emma and the rest of her family members he had met them once  on a quick visit to Emma's place it was her grandparents and aunt that live out here but her parents were in Manhattan they were to come down but suddenly new arrangements were made for he was expecting to have dinner with his family and Emma's parents but the table had turned so here he was in Texas for the first time and he had only arrived but already the atmosphere seems real, "a home away from home" he said taking a deep breath, "right my baby" he said hugging Nellie to him kissing her forehead,
Toni got to Eddie's house pulled up in the driveway and Hariel and pups run out the little dog was still on his string for Hariel didn't want her running away Toni hug Hariel and pat the dog Eddie came on the porch he was dress and didn't he look handsome, she was focus on him when Hariel said, "I really thank you for pups" she said but had to touch her arm to get her attention
"Oh ok that I know honey I think you guys going to make very good friendship" she hugged Hariel kissing her cheek
"A little help please" she called out to Eddie who came down off the front porch to see what she needed help with, "I did a little cooking while I was home" Toni hand him a carrier with some dishes
"It's smelling good what's inside?" Eddie asked
"Yeah Toni did you bake?" Hariel asked
"You'll get to see" Toni said
Pups bark as he jump around to the scent of the food
Toni, Eddie and Hariel laugh
"Come on in will you don't let the others arrived and see you standing out there"
"We're coming Nana" Hariel said running a head
"Toni brought stuff to help with dinner" Eddie said when they reach the porch
"I didn't want to show up empty handed and it is so used to it's hard to change, and merry Christmas" she hand Dorothy a gift
Dorothy smile she wasn't expecting anything for she had given her a small bag before now,
"I appreciate it" Dorothy said touching Toni's shoulder, "Thank you very much"
They went into the kitchen and set the things on the counter it was a lot and they were things Dorothy didn't fix so she was thankful Toni though of it the ham was done different from her's she even brought champagne and wine, "Thank you Toni" Dorothy said once more as she calls out from the kitchen,
Toni smile turning to Eddie he was close to her she hand him a small bag,
"More gifts?" He asked
"It's nothing big" Toni said
Eddie nod he rip it open and look in the box it was a heavy gold chain with a cross pendant made with stones, "this is real" he said
Toni nod
"This wasn't in the box we found" he said
Toni shook her head "This was bought from the jewelry store"
"You didn't have to, "you've been kind" Toni said she scratch her ear she grin, "in many ways"
"That extra layer of kindness I show to you you deserve it you, you show kindness too, besides that you were so sweet" he smile move away from her and went towards the kitchen,
Hariel look up at Toni she was smiling so hard as she watch her father, she had a feeling what was going on she was young but not too young to understand,
Toni help Eddie and Hariel to set the table
The first set of people came from across the street a girl  that was Hariel's  friends and they went to school together, they both enjoy pups company
More people arrive as it was coming on to dinner time Toni help Eddie to welcome them and serve drink Eddie entertain them with conversation while Toni help to ready the table by putting on the food
"Dinner is served" Toni said eleven people a long with Jack and DeAndrea Noah and Alexis in the living room and they got up together Eddie got up as well, "this way he said and they followed him to the dinning room, they got seated and Dorothy grace the table and they started feasting on the delicious food on the table,
"I sure would love to see the town since I'm here" Chris said
Friday we'll go out" Emma said
They were planning on going back to Manhattan after the new year so they have a week to explore but they'll rest tomorrow "we just got in today honey we barely rest our bags down, and you work so hard already" Emma said
Chris nod with a smile,
The evening went fantastic dinner was great everyone enjoyed what was prepared they have dessert Toni had made some banana pasta and the people cried for more it was a good thing she had prepare plenty of it they have more wine and talk before the guest begin to leave,
DeAndrea and  Alexis said goodbye to Toni, "I hope we get to see each other again" Alexis said, DeAndrea agreed
"Of crouse you'll see her" Noah said" "she's Eddie's girl right Toni?"
"You're so right" Toni said
Noah smile pleasingly
Hariel was tired and went to bed pretty early with pups every one had said their goodbye
Toni had read her bed time story, she come to the living room where her things were gathered
Eddie got up off the sofa when she started taking up her bags she called out to Dorothy to say she was leaving Dorothy comes to the kitchen door to say goodbye but heard her with her grandson "you're leaving?" He asked
"Yes I'm going home" Toni said
"I thought you would stay with me" Eddie said
"Here tonight again? no I don't think it's appropriate Eddie, your grandma might not want me staying over again"
"Was it something she said ?"
"She didn't say anything but the truth is I'm married still she knows that I am and for  her to see me sleeping over  it won't look good, you know I didn't want to let them see me this morning"
"But you slept here when I was out what different is it going to make" Eddie said
"That maybe true that I slept here but that was different you asked me to look in and I did"
Eddie didn't say anything,
"But anyway if you want I'm home anytime until,  so feel free to drop in" she pulled his face to her and gently kiss his lips,
"Call me" Eddie said
Dorothy pretend she was just coming out when Toni comes towards the kitchen door, she burst it open and walk out, she and toni said their goodbye she left for home,
Toni called Eddie soon as she got in the garage she didn't even got out her van before she called they talked a while before Toni yarned multiple times she said goodnight then climb the stairs, she lay in bed thinking although she was seeply  and yarning a lot sleep didn't come as the same time so she lay gazing with lots of thoughts as they were on her mind,  she thought of her husband but mainly about Eddie, she was a bit concerned for him he's such a nice person one she's crazy about she never think she would met another man who would charm her the way he did, he makes her so into him, she should be home but here she is wanting time with him and using her husband not being there as an excuse to stay the minute she met him something about him pulled her attention and she couldn't fight it anymore, she lay with him and it was magical now she's torn between,  she love them both Eddie and Hariel even Dorothy for she too is nice, Toni  can tell they didn't have much like that and have to work to make ends meet the business wasn't bad but Dorothy can't manage all that well they need someone to run the business, she thought of how skill Eddie was he's a well trained electrician and didn't have a job thinking he could start his own company wondering if he'll take some help from her Mildred said that she's selling her old motel building she thought of buying it from her depending on the condition of it, she though of a business she could start there but then again she thought of buying it to help Eddie set up a electric company of his own she believe him to be good at that very good he has tools to work with and he can get more she has some money of her own, her parents had left her some inheritance plus she's getting money from rent the floral business wasn't bad and she has tuns of money from her God mother that she can use to buy the place no matter the cost, she though of going to look at it and see, she roll to her side and fall a sleep,
Thursday was boxing day and people were still busy going out but Dorothy felt a bit tired and didn't went to the lounge today jack had call Eddie to go on a small work with them him Noah and a few  others while Hariel play with her puppy and her other toys Dorothy relax and read a book,
Toni spend most of the day by the pool when she was tired of swimming she relax she later walk around her garden looking in for she already did her gardening early, she sat on the coach  watch some TV and try to ease her mind Angela will come tomorrow and she felt a little excited wishing she had invited Nicky as well by she knows of other days she can come so for now on she want to enjoy companionship with her bestie and nothing else,
Eddie got back from the day job late Thursday evening after greeting his daughter and his grandmother he went to freshen up dinner was already on the table so he tries to be quiet he pull his phone from his pocket as he was about to get in the shower his mind cross on Toni wondering if he should call her but he didn't it was for no reason he just Chang his mind, he went down to join up for dinner he barely sat down when his phone rang, Toni was calling Dorothy didn't miss the name that came up,
"Hey you, checking in I haven't heard from you how is everything, you're still celebrating Christmas?" Toni asked
"I had some work so I've been on my feet all day" Eddie told her,
"Oh your feet  must be tire then, I've been resting my feet all day want to come borrow them for a while?" Toni tease
Eddie laugh, those feet are for gardening and arranging floral stuffs mine already know hard work"
Dorothy look at him,
"Something you didn't share with your hands, they're so smooth it's like they haven't seen no work at all" Toni said she giggle
Eddie laugh,
"Yeah it's no joke, so what you doing, how are  your girls doing?"
"My girls are both fine we're having dinner at least we were about to"
"I'm bothering right why didn't you just say so"
"It's not a bother at all, so can I call you back later?"
"Sure I'll be waiting, enjoy your dinner say hi for me, I hope your grandmother get some rest she's been so busy from the other day"
"She haven't open up today so I'm sure she did" Eddie said he look at his grandmother who look at him,
"Talk to you later and give your Hariel a kiss for me"
"Ok later" Eddie said
They both hang up
"Toni said hi, and she send a kiss" Eddie spoken to his grandmother and daughter he lean over and kiss Hariel on the forehead
Hariel giggle "you know dad I love her so much why can't she stay here in Texas?" She asked
"She have a family to go home to" Eddie said
"We can be her family, me, you and nana"
"It doesn't just work like that"
"But she don't have any children why don't she have children?" Hariel asked
"You might have to asked her" Eddie said he remember she told him she's not able to become pregnant and he could see the hurt knowing she love kids
"Feed the puppy now child" Dorothy said scraping out some left over for pups,
Hariel did so and kneel next to him while he eat
"Can I give him some juice?" Hariel asked
"How about some whiskey?" Eddie tease
"Dad puppies can't have whiskey"
Dorothy laugh, "I'll mix some milk for you my dear"
"Thanks nana" Hariel said poking her dad in the side,
They sat for a while before Dorothy got up to do the dishes,
"I'll do it grandma don't worry"
"Haven't you been working all day?" Dorothy ask
"I have but I'm not tired"
"So be the case I'll retire early tomorrow I'm going to have to go to the lounge"
Eddie nod,
Hariel said goodnight to her father and follow her great grandmother out leaving Eddie a lone he call Toni and while he did the dishes they talk,
"So my friend is coming up tomorrow" Toni told Eddie
"Oh so you'll be tied up tomorrow for how long?"
"She'll go back on Sunday"
"So I won't see you before?"
"I don't know" Toni laugh
"What you laughing about?"
"Nothing"
"As if you're laughing at me"
"Now why would I do that?"
"I don't know as if you think I'm talking nonsense"
"You know I'm here and as I say I might spend new year so   you'll get time with me"
Eddie smile
"Feeling better?"
"A little"
Toni grin
"Ok glad I could cheer you up"
They both laugh,
They talked up to the time Eddie was climbing into bed Toni just lay on the couch and falls asleep,
After some gardening Toni went running just for half hour she comes back freshen up and be sure that everything around the house were proper, she checked the outside only her gardening tools and the wheel barrow rake and so on were out and she hope to one day asked Eddie and his guys to fix a small place to host her gardening supplies,
She left the house at ten to go pickup Angela,
Emma and Chris went out just like Emma had promised they had left Nellie at home but was in the company of two her cousins they were, they were in Stafford walking around looking it's years she haven't come to Stafford and things seems strange she was just gazing about when she bump into someone who held her steady she was standing firm when she gets to see who it was, "Eddie Baldwin!" she said
"Emma" Eddie said
"Well, well, well" Emma said
Chris turn to look at the man
"Well what?" Eddie asked
"I didn't know you came back" she said "how long is that?"
"Over two years"
"I've not run into you, you still looking good, you're still married?" Emma asked
"Oh too bad, I heard you got a daughter"
"Yeah eight years old going on nine soon"
"You have her?"
"She's staying with me and my grandmother"
"She is still moving about?" Emma asked
"She's still moving about"
"And the lounge?"
"Still going strong"
Emma grin "I have a daughter myself"
"Oh yeah really now, I'm surprised I've not seen that in you" Eddie said
"They were lot of things you didn't see in me Eddie" Emma though she smile at hem, "maybe it was for the best for if he's staying with grandma it means he doesn't have the quality money Chris have and she only have to mention their daughter"
"I'm serious about it" he said
Emma only remain smiling, "this is her dad by the way, and my two cousin Remy and Keisha"
"Hi" Eddie said he nod to the guy,
" Chris honey my school mate Eddie we went to high school together"
"Oh" Chris said
The name Chris sounds familiar and he thought of where he heard it before but it didn't quite click
"It was nice seeing you" Eddie said
"Do you have a number?" Emma asked
"It's unreahable now" Eddie said but before he walks away it rang Noah called him
Emma frowned but Eddie just walked away leaving her to stare after him.
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