“Phillip and I are becoming great chums,” Theo said. “We couldn’t have done it without him.”
Phillip beamed.
“Papa, we have everything set up.” Theo motioned toward Flynn to come join us.
“Jolly good,” Papa said.
Flynn came running over, grinning like he used to when we were children. “All right, let’s get on with it. If all goes well, the lights will come on one after the other.”
“Pond lights first,” Theo said. “Then the tree.”
We followed the boys over to the gazebo, which was located between the tree and the frozen pond. A band would play there after the lighting ceremony.
Phillip leaned close to my ear. “You’re looking beautiful tonight.”
“Thank you. How was your afternoon?”
“More fun than I can say. I almost felt like I’ve lived here all my life.”
“I’m glad.” Indeed, he seemed so happy that I couldn’t help but feel the same. This man was a good reminder to appreciate many aspects of family and community I often took for granted. He was so easily pleased. His almost childlike joy humbled me.
The crowd hushed as Papa took the stage.
“Good evening, Emerson Pass,” Papa said in his booming voice. “What a turnout. I won’t bore you with a long speech, but I do wish you all a merry Christmas. I’d be remiss if I didn’t say how grateful I am that we are now in a time of peace and good health. May the new year bring good fortune our way. Without further ado, let us have light.” Within a second, the lights strung over the frozen pond lit up, followed by the tree. The crowd cheered.
For some reason, unshed tears stung my eyes. Seeing the whole town out enjoying themselves touched me deeply. Papa’s dream of a community had come true.
I glanced up at Phillip. He stared at my father with a mixture of respect and admiration.
Next, I thought about what Mama had said to me earlier. Was she right? Had he come for more than the fresh air?
“Eat, drink, and be merry,” Papa shouted out to the crowd.
People dispersed to various areas of the festival. The pork had been taken down from the spits and cut into pieces, drawing a crowd of men. Many of the young people put on their skates and began to make their rounds. Cymbeline had already made at least a half dozen circles before I had my skates attached.
Mama had taken Phillip over to a bench and was helping him with his skates. I did a lap before pulling up beside them, breathing hard. “Are you ready? Mama, will you take him out with me?”
“Yes, of course. Now don’t worry if you can’t get it right away,” Mama said to Phillip. “It took me two whole seasons before I stopped falling.”
Papa, holding the hand of each of my little sisters, flew by.
“Hello, Jo. Hi, Mama,” Addie called out to us.
“Look at me. Look at me,” Delphia said.
“You look great,” I said.
We each supported one side of the large man as he got unsteadily to his feet. I could feel the strength in his arms and torso as he gingerly moved forward.
“That’s right, just tiny steps at first,” Mama said.
The three of us managed to make it halfway around the pond before his feet slid out from under him, bringing us all down onto the ice. To my mortification, my legs entangled with his. My skirt rose up above my knees. I scooted away from him as quickly as I could while simultaneously pulling my skirt over my stockings.
“Ladies, I’m sorry.” Phillip’s legs were spread out into a V shape as he supported himself with the palms of his hands. “Are you hurt?”
Mama scoffed. “No, it takes more than some ice to hurt us. We’re women of Emerson Pass.”
Papa skated up to us. The girls were with Fiona now, skating in a pack on the other side of the pond. Papa held out his hand to help Mama up, then did the same for me. Poor Phillip remained on the ice, looking up at me with shining eyes. Dark tufts of hair poked out from under his knit cap, and his cheeks glowed from the cold. My heart might have skipped a beat.