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love Found in Manhattan

By Marlene Worrall

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Chapter One

“...Ms. Vandermeer...I’m sorry. The pilot and your parents were instantly killed. The Cessna 152 exploded on landing. Investigators are at the scene at LaGuardia searching for clues among the charred debris...hoping to determine the cause of the crash- a formidable task given the circumstances.” Constable Rogers spoke softly and evenly, the gravity of the situation apparent in his tone of voice.
His voice was coming down a long tunnel. She closed the door behind the Constable and Cop in a daze. Lord, no..... Tiffany collapsed onto her yellow floral, chintz sofa. Clara, her adoptive mother, had helped her select it, along with everything else in her luxury Manhattan condo.
Tears tumbled down her cheeks. Silver, her Burmese cat, sprung onto her lap, sympathetic blue eyes searching hers. She pulled the feline closer to her bosom before setting him down. She couldn’t breathe. She moved toward the terrace of her seventh floor apartment. She had to get out. She opened the door and was instantly slapped with a blast of freezing cold air stinging her face. She inhaled it and found her breath. Chunky snowflakes danced and swirled in a blurry white haze around her. Closing the door quickly, she located her cell and punched in the numbers for her best friend, Tracy Hamilton. “Something dreadful has happened...” She spilled her guts to her best friend.
“Oh, Tiffany, I’m so sorry. Words fail me... get on a plane and spend Christmas with us...oh...I guess you have to deal with the funeral and all that stuff. Okay...um...call David and Barbara at the church, they handle crisis care. They’re wonderful. And Tiffany, we’re here for you...call anytime, day or night, we’ll talk...we’ll pray. Meanwhile, we’ll be praying for you. Count on it. You’re never alone. God will carry you through this. Remember the poem “Footprints in the Sand?” I’ll pray with Mom as soon as we’re off the phone. Put all your trust in Him. Remember, He cares for you. Tiffany...call us anytime. As soon as you’ve made the arrangements, get on a plane and come here. I took holiday time, so I don’t have to be back in New York until the 10th. Maybe try to get a leave of absence from your job and spend some time with us.”
Tiffany crossed the living room to the hall closet and snatched up her Sable coat. Slipping into it, she reveled in its’ toasty warmth. It had been a gift from her beloved adoptive father only last Christmas. How could she have known it would be their last Christmas together?
Tears tumbled down her cheeks as she waited for the elevator. Reaching the lobby, she nodded to Sammy, the head doorman, unable to speak. Numb. She turned her face away from him, walking briskly outside into the blustery weather. Frigid air stung her face. She pulled her woolen cap down further on her face and plucked the collar up on her fur. The brisk walk would clear her head and invigorate her. Snow on the sidewalks was compressed from pedestrians tromping it, but she had to be careful to avoid ice patches. Walking as rapidly as she dared, she strode cross-town on Fifty-Seventh heading toward Fifth Avenue and the shopping hub.
”Lord, help me through this deep valley.” The prayer was a whisper mingled with a wrenching sob. “The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Praise be the name of the Lord.” The scripture popped into her mind. Yes, she would be thankful in all things, not just the blessings. Thank-you, Lord, for the time I was given with my wonderful parents.
She reached Fifth Avenue. Bergdorf’s windows were elaborately festive. The city pulsated with energy and the Christmas spirit. A couple, obviously in love, walked hand-in-hand, singing a carol. “Silver Bells, Silver Bells...”
Tiffany peered into the windows of FAO Schwartz, the legendary toy store. The window display featured a white tree with oodles of varying baubles, Christmas lights and dazzling ornaments. A glittering silver angel presided over the tree top. A variety of toys graced the windows, including dolls in festive outfits and a small group of cuddly Teddy Bears of varying sizes. A train set was in motion. A young boy pressed his face against the window. “Mommy, Mommy, buy me that train set!!! I want a train set!!” “Shush,” the woman said. “Daddy and I already have your Christmas presents...but maybe Santa will bring it.”
New Yorkers rushed and pushed to move along faster. But many folks were gay fueled by the Christmas Spirit. A group of traveling carolers, clad as old-fashioned villagers, gaily warbled Christmas carols in front of the store. “Deck the halls with balls of holly, fah, la la la la la la la la.”
Tiffany strode briskly past the stores and hotels, most of which were flanked with soaring, brilliantly decorated Christmas trees. Throngs of people crowded the sidewalks, while others hurried into the stores. Children giggled as they pointed to toys in windows or tugged on their parents’ coats, begging for one of the many gift suggestions displayed in the windows. Horns honked in the congested traffic, shoppers laden with gifts leaped in and out of taxis. The hustle and bustle of the Big Apple was at its apex. Christmas Eve was only hours away.
The snow fell in thick sheets. She walked beyond the frenzy of the shopping core with no destination in mind. The heavy snow blurred her vision. Suddenly, she realized she had walked into the seedy area of the West Side. “Ninth Avenue! I’ve walked too far from the city core,” she said to no one in particular. As she turned to head back to the shopping district, a piercing scream of an infant stopped her in her tracks. She whirled around following the sound. But there were no Moms with babies anywhere to be seen. Still, the wailing continued. The sound seemed to be coming from the deserted alley. “Keep moving, Lady,” a heavy-set surly man, barked. An older woman glanced in the direction of the wailing, but kept on moving like everyone else on the sidewalk.
Tiffany moved away from the crowded sidewalk, following the sound. Soon she stepped into the nearby alley. The heart-wrenching sobs of an infant caught at her heart. That screaming is coming from...a trash can in the alley! It has to be! Rushing toward a row of cans, she followed the wailing to one with the lid askew.
To let oxygen in? Snatching off the lid, she peered inside. Flabbergasted, she glimpsed a tiny, delicate infant. He gaped up at her, enormous blue eyes growing wider as tears streamed down his sweet, innocent face. He stopped screaming for a few seconds, squirmed uncomfortably and then continued wailing.
Carefully, Tiffany rolled the garbage can onto one side, gently scooping the infant into her arms. His blankets were luxurious, blue and felt soft like cashmere. God sent me here. Someone must have just dropped him off. Though he’s obviously traumatized, he seems unharmed. “It’s all right, darling. You’re going to be just fine,” Tiffany cooed, as the infant fussed and wailed, albeit less frantically. Cuddling him close to her body as she walked, he gradually began settling down. Who would discard this precious infant? And why?
With the baby snuggled in her arms, Tiffany pulled her cell from her purse and called a taxi, despite knowing the futility of it. Busy. Of course, it was Christmas Eve. It would be a long shot if she were able to get one at all. She smiled at the infant and felt tears of joy trickling down her cheeks. “You are so sweet...so precious. What’s your name, Darling?” A maze of chunky snowflakes danced around them. She pulled the baby closer to the warmth of her fur coat and body.
The temperature had dropped again. Soon, it would be too cold to snow. The wind howled. She hugged the infant even closer to the toasty fur. Lord, please send a taxi, quickly. The baby could freeze to death. She hit “redial” on her cell every few minutes. Engaged. No kidding. It’s Christmas Eve. Getting a taxi anytime is a daunting challenge.
Had the baby’s mother or father planned to return for him in mere minutes? Surely his parents would know the infant would freeze to death or suffocate. Had the baby’s life been in jeopardy? What would happen if she failed to report the missing infant to the police or authorities? If no news report cited a missing baby, she would be in the clear. What was she thinking? That’s crazy. Only a desperado would have dumped the precious infant into a garbage bin. Desperate or insane. Maybe she’d better call the police. But she had to hold him just a teeny bit longer.
Someone had abandoned this infant just like she’d been abandoned when she’d been a toddler. She didn’t want him to grow up in an orphanage like she had. Lord, if you would forgive me, maybe I will just keep this baby and raise him as my own.
She could easily afford him. When the estate was settled, she would be a wealthy woman. “Donnie,” that’s what I’ll call him. She smiled down at him, leaned over and planted a kiss on one of his rosy cheeks. Vivid blue eyes stared up at her as though he accepted her as his new Mommy.
Reality was fast kicking in. She knew nothing about babies. Common sense dictated she should find a drug store and buy some baby basics. She would just have to wing it until she had a chance to Google it. “How old are you, Donnie. Six months?” He looked up at her with a smile. Maybe this is your gift to me, Lord. After all, you move in mysterious ways.
A taxi dropped off a couple across the street from where she trudged, carrying the infant. She whistled loud and shrill. The driver glanced in her direction, swung his taxi around and stopped. “Where to, Miss?”
“The drug store on Lexington and Sixty-third, please.” She stepped into the taxi with the blue bundle snuggled in her arms.
“Sure, lady.” He glanced both ways and pulled away from the curb. “That’s some shrill whistle you have. I might not have spotted you if I hadn’t heard it. “
“I grew up in New York.”
The taxi crawled at a snail’s pace cross-town on Fifty-seventh. Finally, the driver pulled up in front of the drug store. ‘forty-six bucks, Ma’am. Tiffany gave him three twenties.”Keep the change. Merry Christmas!” She loved being generous, especially this time of year. What was that scripture? “Cast your bread upon the waters and after many days it shall be returned to you.”
“Thank-you, Ma’am! Much appreciated! Merry Christmas to you and your sweet baby!” He grinned as a couple ducked into his vacant cab.
New York-my favorite city in the whole world. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Tiffany held Donnie close to her chest. Holding him and knowing that he needed her, gave her life a whole new meaning. She wouldn’t be alone for Christmas, after all!

Jason Prescott hadn’t been sleeping well lately. In spite of the fact that he was a doctor, he wasn’t big on medication. Didn’t like sleeping pills-favored Melatonin. Natural herb products would help induce sleep. He’d been upset and unable to sleep ever since the ugly court battle.
Tiffany almost collided with him as they both entered the drug store at precisely the same instant. “Sorry Ma’am. I beg your pardon,” Jason couldn’t help but stare at the stunning young woman. She held a baby in her arms. He had a weakness for redheads. This one had tilted, emerald eyes and porcelain skin. But she held an infant. Married, no doubt.
Tiffany peered up at the man she barely avoided colliding with. Her heart skipped a beat. The stranger was tall and ruggedly handsome in an off-beat way.
He grinned down at her, his broad shoulders practically bursting out of the sheepskin jacket he wore. His white turtleneck contrasted starkly with his olive or maybe tanned skin.
What a gorgeous hunk. I may be grieving but I’m not dead. The man must work out. She loved his wavy dark hair. It looked tousled or unruly-like he’d forgotten to comb it. An absent-minded professor? He did look intellectual.
“Sorry...I was...preoccupied with...the baby. I...I didn’t mean to bump into you.” A thrilling sensation soared through her body right down to her toes. Chemistry? Oh yeah. The kind of chemistry she never knew existed.
“Cute little guy.” He grinned down at the baby, and shot a glance at her ring finger, which was bare. He peered at the infant. “Must be urgent...to bring you and your baby out in this weather...and on Christmas Eve.”
“He...he’s not my baby. I’m...just looking after him...for a sick girlfriend. Lord...I...didn’t mean to lie, I’m sorry... Why did she feel this enormous excitement just being in his presence? Was it just her? Or was the air charged with electricity? She’d heard about chemistry, but she hardly imagined something like this! She took a deep breath. The man was talking. Maybe... she should listen.
Jason was grinning at the infant. Donnie gurgled and squirmed. “Perhaps I can help. It will be awkward shopping with that infant in your arms.”
“Well...I...guess that would be helpful...since I have to pick up several things.” I must be losing it. I don’t know this man from Adam. “He might start fussing, though. I don’t think you would want to deal with that. Thanks, anyway.” She turned away from him and tried, awkwardly, to push the shopping cart, while holding the infant.
“Come on. Let me help you. I’m real comfortable around babies. As it happens, I’m a doctor, an obstetrician.”
Sure you are. What a line. She narrowed her eyes. “Really?”
He produced his ID, flashing it proudly. “I’m a brand-new doctor. I work at Cornell Medical Centre in pediatrics.”
She glared at the ID. “Dr. Jason Wilcott.” She hesitated a few moments. “Well...with those credentials...I...guess you’re qualified to hold a baby.” She smiled, in spite of herself. “Thanks.”
He grinned at her. “And you are?”
“Tiffany Vandermeer. Nice to meet you. The...baby is my girlfriend’s. She’s...very sick...” A thrill zinged right through her and zapped straight down to her toes. A thrill? Because a man grinned at her and wanted to help her with her shopping cart? Get a grip.
She started piling items into the cart-a baby bottle, diapers, pabulum and other basics. A mixture of sadness tinged with hope washed over her. Tears trickled down her cheeks.
Jason glanced over at her. “Whatever is wrong? What has happened?” His face reflected genuine concern.
“My...my parents...they were...killed...in a plane crash...early this morning. I’m in...shock.”
He moved closer to her. “How dreadful for you. I had a hunch something was terribly wrong when I first saw you. I just had this...feeling...that some sort of tragedy had befallen you. Let’s get the shopping done - then I’ll have my driver take you wherever you need to go.”
“Oh no...I couldn’t do that...I have to...” Her eyes welled up with tears, again.”
“You’re not going to be alone on Christmas Eve - not if I can help it. You need a shoulder to cry on.” He grinned. “I have broad shoulders.”
“So I see.” She stifled a giggle... or was it the onslaught of hysteria?
Jason selected a few baby items also, to add to the growing pile in the cart. He surveyed the items they had chosen. “I think that pretty much does, it, don’t you?” He looked to her for confirmation.
“Yes, I think it does.”
“Don’t you need a stroller or baby carriage?”
“Yes, I guess I do.” A sense of normality was beginning to return to her.
“I walked here, because I only live a few blocks away,” Jason said. “But with the baby and all, I’ll call my chauffeur and he’ll pick us up and drive us to Bloomingdale’s. We’ll stay inside where it’s warm until he drives up.”
“I couldn’t possibly put you to that trouble, Jason.”
“Drug store, Lexington and 63rd Nick. We’ll watch for you.” Jason talked on his cell making the arrangements. He finished the call. “Of course you can. That’s what friends are for.”
Tiffany and Jason stood in the lineup for the cashier. A jolly sales clerk wearing a red hat trimmed in white, tallied up the items.”145.80, please Ma’am. Oh, what a precious baby!” she cooed. “You lucky girl,” she added, as Tiffany slid her credit card over the machine. “Merry, Merry Merry!” The clerk smiled as she sang her own version of a Christmas greeting.
Silver Bells was playing in the store. Many of the customers were singing or humming along with music. Her folks were in a better place. And maybe this Christmas would turn out to be truly amazing.
Before Tiffany could think of a reason to protest, Jason gestured for her to join him. “He’s already here.” Jason set the shopping bags down and opened the door for her. “Hey, Nick, take us to Bloomingdales, would you?” He glanced at Tiffany. “Tiffany, say hello to my driver, Nick Farentino. Nick, meet the lovely Tiffany Vandermeer and Donnie, her girlfriend’s baby.”
“Nice ta’ meet ya,” Nick said, hurrying to help Tiffany onto the leather seats in the back of the limo. Jason slid in next to her, stashing the shopping bags on the spacious floor. “Traffic is at a standstill. It will take us longer to get there than if we’d walked, but I didn’t want to chance either of us slipping while holding the baby.”
Nick skillfully maneuvered the limo away from the curb and into a traffic lane as slush splattered the vehicle and the sidewalk. They crawled at a snail’s pace, finally arriving at the famous department store, almost a half hour later. Jason helped Tiffany and Donnie out of the limo.
Bloomingdale’s bustled with activity and excitement as the clock raced toward Christmas Eve. Last-minute shoppers scurried around the busy store, clutching brightly-colored shopping bags. Others waited in line for cashiers. Thank you, Lord, for sending this wonderful man and this darling baby to assuage my sorrow. I know how much you love me. Thank you, precious savior.
“Here we are. Fifth floor, Baby carriages” Jason announced.
They stepped off the elevator and walked onto the floor, which was crowded with merchandise. “There they are,” Tiffany said, pointing across the room, as she spotted the baby carriages. They strode over to the strollers and carriages. “Is that stroller collapsible, Ma’am?” Jason asked the clerk.
The mature, harried saleswoman hovered near them. “It sure is. You want to take it with you? Or would you like it delivered?”
“We’ll take it with us. I also need a collapsible baby carriage. Which one do you recommend?”
She guided them over to one. “This is our most popular model, Ma’am.”
“I’ll take it,” Tiffany said, barely glancing at it.
“You’re a fast shopper, Tiffany. I’m impressed.” Jason grinned approvingly, as they rode the elevator with their new purchases, down to the main floor.
Her heart lurched. It almost felt like they were a married couple and this was their baby.
“Why don’t you consider changing your mind about tonight? Mom said she was flying in from Palm Beach, but she cancelled out at the last minute. I managed to get a few days off, thinking I would spend some quality time with her. Instead, I’ll be alone.”
“Why did she change her mind?”
“I think it has something to do with the new man in her life. Ever since Dad died, she’s been kind of scattered.”
“I see. Well, let me think about it. I feel like I just want to be alone and grieve. I’m sure you understand,” Tiffany said.
“Don’t think too long. Christmas Eve is tonight.”
She smiled at him. “So who were you planning to spend Christmas Eve with, once you realized your Mom wasn’t joining you?”
His eyes twinkled. “You. Maybe God put you in my path so I could take care of you. I really don’t think you should be alone tonight. Anyway, I’ll bet your folks - if they knew you had a chance to celebrate Christmas and help a lonely bachelor through the season...well, I bet they’d tell you to be a Good Samaritan and do it.”
She smiled through her tears, and for that moment, the sorrow lodged inside of her was stilled.
“You would be the highlight of the season. You and Donny will be my honored guests for Christmas Eve dinner tonight and turkey with all the trimmings for Christmas dinner tomorrow. Our live-in cook, Maria, is originally from Sicily, and let me tell you - that woman knows how to cook.”
Her heart lurched. It was a blessing to be invited somewhere for Christmas Eve since it wouldn’t be spent with her folks. And it was good to have a new man in her life...a bonus that he was brimming with tenderness and compassion. Lord, did you set this whole thing up? She smiled heavenward. It was going to take a very long time to recover from her devastating loss. Maybe God was giving her a chance to catch her breath. She glanced over at Jason. “Well, since you put it that way...maybe I’ll reconsider.”
“We’ll be pulling up to the front of your building in a few minutes. Why don’t I ask Nick to wait out front? I’ll help you with the crib and shopping bags.” He winked at her. “Then, maybe you’ll change into a festive outfit and come home with me. You really shouldn’t be alone at a time like this.”
“It would be nice not to have to spend Christmas Eve alone...with only a baby for company.” Donnie started fusing. Common sense kicked in. I better get home, sterilize the nipple and warm him up some milk. Lord knows when he was last fed.
A motto from “Auntie Mame,” one of her favorite films, popped into her mind.” Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death.” Yes, life was meant to be lived and enjoyed to the fullest. There was nothing to be gained by sitting at home alone. She would mourn her parents’ passing - but right now she needed to survive emotionally through this Christmas season. Her parents would want her to spend Christmas Eve with someone. Maybe God really had arranged this meeting so she wouldn’t have to spend Christmas alone. “Alright, Jason, you win.”
“I’m so glad you came to your senses.” He leaned over and planted a peck on her cheek. She whirled toward him. “What...”
He grinned, sheepishly. “I’m sorry, gorgeous. I...just find you so darn attractive...”
Ditto, she was thinking. But she didn’t want to say it, so she just smiled back at him. “Don’t let it happen again,” she teased.
Traffic was insane as always. The limo crawled slowly, finally reaching her building, which was only four blocks from Bloomingdale’s. Nick parked under the blue canopy directly in front of her building. “I’ll leave the stroller in the limo, and help you take the collapsible crib up to your apartment,” Jason said. The threesome entered the lobby. The doorman did a double-take but didn’t comment on the baby. “Good-evening, Miss Vandermeer. And Merry Christmas.”
Soon they were riding the elevator to her apartment. She set the shopping bags down on the living room table. “I’ll wait downstairs and give you some space,” Jason said, turning to leave. “Or, maybe I should keep an eye on Donnie, while you dress for dinner.”
“So, I guess I’m joining you, am I?” She was grateful he was making decisions for her, because she felt immobilized, as the reality of this morning’s horror flashed through her mind. “Thanks. That would be great if you could stay with Donnie. It would speed things up.”
She closed the door to her apartment, plucked Donnie up out of the crib and held him close to her breast. Tears tumbled down her cheeks. She whispered to him. “Thank-you, Lord, for sending Donnie and Jason to me. I know you’re watching over me.”
She quickly sterilized the nipple for the baby bottle and warmed up some milk. “There you are, my little darling. Mommy loves you...and so does Auntie Tiffany.” How quickly she was settling into her new role as “Mommy.”
Jason turned on the TV and held Donnie, cooing to him, while Tiffany headed into her bedroom, glancing quickly through her closet to make a choice for tonight’s dinner. She settled on a long, black skirt and glitzy gold top. Next, she moved into her dressing room and opened an ornate Jewelry box, brimming with precious pieces. She slipped on her emerald ring and put on the matching earrings. A quick brush of her flaming red locks, and Viola! She was ready to celebrate Christmas with her two new male friends. Thank-you, Lord. You are truly a God of miracles.
Nick opened the back door of the limo and helped her settle onto the seat with Donnie.” We’re on our way, gorgeous.” Jason grinned over at her. Nick crawled along in the congested traffic. He was stalled completely much of the time. Finally, he pulled up in front of an elegant Brownstone at Madison and sixty-seventh.
“Home, sweet home,” Jason chirped, stepping out of the limo and helping Tiffany and Donnie onto the street. Nick hurried around to the back to see if he could help. “We’re good,” Jason said, starting to lead the way up the sidewalk, which had been shoveled, leaving a nice pathway.
The Brownstone stood proud and stately adjacent to similar grand homes. “Nice place,” Tiffany said, glancing toward it. The low iron fence cordoned it off from the street and adjacent homes. The houses were worth a fortune in today’s market. Old money, no doubt. Her parents’ townhouse, which she would soon legally inherit, was a mere eight blocks from here. It was not quite as posh.
“Tiffany, my dear friend Maria,” he said. “Maria, say hello to Tiffany Vandermeer and Donnie.”
“What an angel,” Maria cooed, leaning down toward the baby as she greeted them in the hallway.
Donnie’s face lit up with a sweet smile. He started making gurgling sounds. Was I ever that cute?
“How old is he?” Maria asked.
Tiffany had to scramble to answer the question. It made her nervous. “He’s about...six months old. I’m not sure of the exact date that... my girlfriend gave birth to him. She’s very ill...in hospital.”
“What a sweetheart. I love babies... though I never had any.” She pursed her lips in a fake kiss. “What hospital is your girlfriend in?” Maria asked.
Tiffany got the feeling she wanted to pick him up and hold him though she made no attempt to do so.
“She’s...in Lennox Hill Hospital.” Lord, I’m sorry to let you down. I’m sorry for lying...please help me figure this thing out. Please don’t let Jason find out.
“Are you expecting other guests, as well?” Tiffany asked Maria.
“Joanna Prescott, Jason’s Mom called to say she couldn’t make it. Jason insists that Nick and I join y’all. He considers us family and vice versa. Do you have any family in town?” Maria asked.
A tear trickled down Tiffany’s cheeks. “I usually spend Christmas Eve with my folks, but...”
“What’s wrong, dear? You seem terribly upset.” They had moved from the hallway into the living room. Maria guided her toward the sofa. “And what about your friend? Do you want to leave Donnie here and visit her later this evening?”
“No. She...she’s not allowed visitors...she’s in intensive care...and undergoing some tests...the nurse promised to phone me as soon as I can visit.”
Lord, what am I doing? Packing one lie on top of the next. But I can’t let Donnie out of my sight. What if he winds up in an orphanage like I did?
Tiffany turned her face away. She was glad she’d had a good cry in private. She wanted to be as composed as possible for Christmas Eve with her charming, new doctor-friend.
“Tiffany just lost her folks to a tragic accident,” Jason said, appearing rather suddenly.” Their Cessna 52 crashed at LaGuardia early this morning.”
“Oh...I’m so sorry. You poor darling.” Maria put an arm around Tiffany. “What a tragedy. And just before Christmas. I’m sorry you have to go through all this. I’ll brew some tea to calm your nerves. I’m so glad you’re spending Christmas Eve with us. You probably felt like staying home and mourning, but maybe God wants us to comfort you. ..just try to relax,” Maria said, steering her toward the white sofa.
Tiffany sunk down into the luxurious cushions and set Donnie next to her in his bassinet. Lord, what I’m doing is wrong. I have no right to keep Donnie. But Lord, I just can’t let him go! I just can’t. Please don’t ask me to.
She glanced around the grand rooms. Like her building, this was pre-war, also. She glanced upwards at the towering ceilings. A grand home...designed for a family of wealth and privilege. Pale yellow walls showcased fine paintings. Across from the pair of peach-and-honey colored sofas stood an ornate, white marble fireplace; the focal point of the room. A blazing fire crackled from it. Holly boughs were strewn across the mantle. Thank-you, Lord, for the privilege of sharing Christmas with these wonderful, new friends. She recognized the intricate design of the mirror. It was a rare French antique.
“I’m so glad you could join us, Tiffany.” Jason settled onto a wingback chair next to the sofa Tiffany occupied. His eyes swept over her with male appreciation.
It wasn’t lost on her. Her heart fluttered. Why does he make me feel like this...giddy and excited? I’ve never felt this way before in my life.
Maria served Tiffany the tea, soon returning with a tray containing glasses of eggnog. Christmas music wafted through the room. Presley’s inimitable voice, anointed and rich, rang out with “O Holy Night.”
Donnie seemed remarkably content, considering the trauma he had just endured - a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. She glanced at Nick. A burly man, he had a shock of charcoal hair, graying at the temples and eyes that were dark and brooding. There was an air of tragedy about him. I won’t go there.
“Eggnog, Nick?” Maria handed him one, without waiting for his reply.
“Thanks, Maria.” His smile was genuine, his countenance sad.
Tiffany glanced around the stately residence. A white, flocked tree flanked a corner of the living room. It stood near a bank of windows. Earlier, she’d noted the Christmas lights were visible from the street. Angel hair, multi-colored bells and trinkets, along with strings of twinkling lights encircled the tree, blinking off and on. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas played in her head.
Donnie appeared to be fascinated by the vividly-lit tree. He kept stretching away from his bassinet to stare at it. Tiffany smiled at him. What a darling boy. She was falling hopelessly in love with him.
“Dinner is served.” Maria announced, after about an hour. “I’ll have my dinner in the kitchen. That way I can keep an eye on Donnie. I’ve warmed up his bottle.”
Tiffany was amazed at the love they all showered upon her. “Thank-you, Maria.”
The doorbell rang. Everyone exchanged glances. “Are you expecting another guest, Jason?” Maria asked.
“No, I’m not. But I’ll see who’s here.” Jason strode to the front door. “Mother!”
“Well, darling, don’t just stand there. Invite us in.” She said, as Jason gestured his welcome. She carried a gold shopping bag with beautifully wrapped gifts inside it. “We decided to stop by on our way out to dinner. I didn’t think you’d mind, darling.” She smiled mischievously at her son.
“I’m glad you stopped over, Mother. What a nice surprise!” Jason said.
“Let me do the honors, darling. Meet my fiancé, Graham Saunders.” She turned to Graham.” My son, Jason.” She glanced over at Tiffany, with a haughty air. “Oh... and who might this be?”
“Mother, may I present Tiffany Vandermeer. I believe you know everyone else. Tiffany, say hello to my mother, Joanna Prescott.”
“A baby? Tiffany has a baby?” Mrs. Prescott glanced over at her, disapprovingly.
“It’s not hers, Mom. She’s looking after the baby for a sick girlfriend.”
“A sick girlfriend? I see,” she continued, haughtily. Joanna handed her Chinchilla coat and his black cashmere coat to Maria, who disappeared with them, returning to the living room quickly. “What can I bring you to drink?” She asked the new guests, unfazed.
“Well...what would you like, darling?” Joanna settled onto the loveseat and smiled over at her fiancé. Graham moved onto the loveseat next to Joanna. His personality perfectly meshed with the formal attire he wore. “A glass of Sherry might be nice.”
Tiffany thought Graham was pompous. She could tell that Joanna was smitten with him.
Maria served the glasses of Sherry on a tray. Jason stacked more wood into the fireplace before taking a seat next to his Mom.
“Tell me, darling. How did you two meet?” Joanna lifted the glass to her lips, taking a healthy swig of the Sherry, as she glanced fleetingly in Tiffany’s direction.
“Some other time, Mother. Tiffany’s folks have just been killed in their Cessna 52. It crashed at LaGuardia this morning. She’s hardly feeling social as you can well imagine. Still, I insisted she join us for Christmas Eve. I didn’t want her to be home alone.”
“I’m so sorry...but how does... the baby...fit in with all this...” Joanna Prescott arched an eyebrow.
“Some other time, Mother.” His voice was stern. “Tiffany is hardly up to explaining things at the moment.”
Thank-you Lord. And thank you, Jason, for protecting me. I can’t handle your Mother’s interrogation. You’re absolutely right about that.
“Where are you staying, Mother?”
“We have separate suites at The Pierre, darling. The hotel owners are friends of mine. I’m sure you know that.”
“Of course, Mother.”
Tiffany was fascinated and intimidated by Jason’s Mom. Raven black hair, beautifully coiffed, framed her classic face. High cheekbones and inquisitive hazel eyes gave her the regal look of a queen. She reminded Tiffany vaguely of Jackie Kennedy.
“Why don’t you cancel your dinner reservations and dine with us, Mother?”
“Now, darling - where are your manners? That’s would hardly be fair to Maria, would it? No, Jason, we’ve made our plans, and you’ve made yours. We’ll be running along shortly.” She glanced at her elegant, jeweled Cartier watch.
“Of course, Mother. Will I see you tomorrow?”
Joanna Prescott glanced over at Graham. “Quite possibly. What do you think, Graham? Maria is cooking a turkey with all the trimmings. She’s a marvelous cook.”
“Home cooking. Sounds irresistible.”
“What time is Christmas dinner, Maria? We’re thinking of joining the dinner party tomorrow, if you have enough turkey.”
“There will be plenty. I’m cooking a twenty-five-pound turkey. Dinner will be served at 5:00.”
“We’ll be here.” This time Joanna did not defer to Graham.
Joanna and Graham finished their Sherry. They rose simultaneously, as though it had been carefully orchestrated. “Darling, it was so nice to see you. Until tomorrow, then, dear.” She planted a peck on Jason’s cheek. Then, she glanced in Tiffany’s direction. “Tiffany, dear... so nice to meet you. Take good care of your baby, now, won’t you.” She flashed a parting smile as she regally strode toward the front door.
Tiffany smiled weakly. “Nice to meet you both.”
Jason stood up, escorting his mother to the door. He glanced at Graham. “Excuse me, Graham. I’d like to have a private word with Mom.”
“Of course. I’ll wait in the limo,” Graham said, moving toward the front door and their waiting car.
Jason lowered his voice. “Mother, I don’t even want you to come to dinner tomorrow, if you can’t behave yourself. No cheap shots at Tiffany, alright? She’s been through enough with the sudden death of her folks. I happen to be very fond of her - even if I have just met her.”
“Oh, really? Well, excuse me. I’ll be sure to walk on eggs tomorrow.” She glared at him. Then, softening, she kissed him on the cheek. “I love you, darling.” She leaned toward him and whispered, teasingly, “Even if you do have poor taste in women.”
He grinned and shook his head. “I love you, too, Mother. You better behave yourself, tomorrow.”

I’ll lead the way.” Jason grinned, as he gestured for Tiffany to follow him. Opening leaded French doors, he ushered her into a stately dining room. He pulled out a chair for her at the guest of honor seat to his right, before seating himself at the head of the table. Marie made sure Donnie was settled in, placing the stroller next to Tiffany.
“I’ve made Cioppino with corn bread.”
“Sounds delicious.”
Tiffany smiled. She could hardly believe that’s what was being served tonight. “It’s one of my favorite dishes.”
Maria set the bowls of Cioppino at the place settings, along with piping hot corn bread.
“I shall ask the blessing on the dinner,” Jason said. He bowed his head and everyone followed his lead. “Lord, thank you for the meal set before us and the joy of having special guests for Christmas Eve. Bless our food and Maria, for preparing it. Amen.”
“Now that’s what Cioppino should taste like but rarely does,” Nick said, after his first bite.
“It’s delicious, Maria,” Jason said.
Tiffany hadn’t eaten a single morsel since she’d heard the shattering news this morning. She still didn’t have much of an appetite. But the soup titillated her taste buds. She managed to eat some of it.
As she finished most of the small portion she had requested, she turned to Jason. “Why would an eligible bachelor be without a date on Christmas Eve?” The question had been nagging at her ever since she first met him. “I’m surprised you don’t have a regular girlfriend, Jason. You don’t strike me as a loner.”
He hesitated before answering. “You’re right. I’m not a loner. As it happens, I got involved with the wrong lady...she turned out to be a black widow.”
“No kidding.”
“A woman from Palm Beach - Brianna Moore - I met her at a dinner party...here in New York. She was a Palm Beach society hostess, and...I later learned... a black widow. Three husbands died under mysterious circumstances on her watch. Apparently she collected on the huge Life Insurance policies she had on them.”
“She owns an opulent house overlooking the ocean in West Palm Beach. A few of her friends in New York and their guests were invited to attend a dinner party and be houseguests. I was one of them. A group of us flew in to West Palm Beach. Turns out, she was on a serious hunt for husband number four. When I told her I had no intentions of marrying her - this, after she pressured me into making that statement - she sued me for Breach-of-promise, asking me how I couldn’t remember that I’d proposed to her. I was flabbergasted by her blatant lies. I had never proposed to her or even hinted at the possibility. In fact, I’d only taken her out a couple times before discovering her dubious past.”
“I got a call from local hostess, Nancy Simpson, the following week. She had recently discovered some unsettling news about Brianna that she wanted to share with me. We had lunch together. I then learned what an unsavory character the woman was. It seems Brianna had done meticulous research and learned that I was from an old, moneyed New York family. That, coupled with my profession as a doctor, and the family’s real estate holdings, was enough for her to throw the net out. I wasn’t biting.”
“She hired a Big-Guns attorney, and - incredibly - sued me for Breach-of-promise. Her attorney tried to pressure me into making an out-of-court settlement. I didn’t rise to the bait. I must admit I’m more than a touch skeptical of women after that nasty fiasco. As a matter of fact, Tiffany - you’re my first date since that horror show.”
“Understandably. That’s an outrageous scenario. What was the upshot?”
“It was thrown out of court for lack of evidence. Brianna was fuming. No doubt, she still had to pay her attorney’s fees. After that nightmare, I swore off women for awhile. I have to say, if you weren’t carrying that sweet, precious infant, we probably never would have met. I certainly would not have approached you.”
God moves in mysterious ways. “You must love babies to have made a career choice to be an pediatrician.”
“That’s exactly right. I think it’s the fact that babies are one of God’s greatest miracles. Every time a newborn baby enters the world, and I hold the infant in my arms, I am freshly awestruck by our Creator.”

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