A Christmas Legacy 3

Thanks for stopping by. This is day three of my Christmas gift to you this year. It's a short story based on characters from my book, An Unexpected Legacy.​ If you missed day two, you can go catch up here.

     “Brittney thinks Dad is being too hard on Trevor.” Jessica brought some cookies onto the sun porch where her mom was looking through a picture album.
     “Oh really?” Her mom looked up and patted the seat beside her.
     “Evidently, Dad was questioning him about everything.” Jessica grinned. “Brittney wishes they were like Chad and me.”
     “Oh man.” Her mom leaned back and shook her head. “I don’t think she knows what she’s wishing for.”
     “Right?”
     “What your dad is doing to Trevor is nothing compared to the hurdles you and Chad overcame last year.” With a sigh, her mom reached over and squeezed Jessica’s hand. “But after that, your relationship has been so strong. I’m proud of you for not only making it through that intact, but also getting to the root of the problem. We might not be here having this peaceful holiday otherwise.”
     “I’m not sure it’s truly peaceful, though.” Jessica leaned forward with her elbows on her knees. “There’s this undercurrent I keep picking up on. I thought Aunt Ruth was doing much better, but now I’m not so sure.”
     A frown creased her mom’s forehead. “Do you think it’s related to what happened last year? Or could it be something else?”
     “I honestly don’t know. Chad told me not to worry about it.”
     “He’s probably right.” Her mom looked around. “Where is he? You two are usually no farther than a stone’s throw from each other.”
     “I’m not sure, actually. I saw you out here and thought I’d bring some treats before they were all eaten, but he didn’t follow me. Maybe he got to talking to Trevor or something.” She pushed to her feet. “Enjoy your cookies.”
     “Thanks, Sweetie.” Her mom patted the old album. “I’ll be in to help get dinner started soon, but I got caught up looking at these old photos.”
     “Is that you?” Jessica leaned over to look more closely at a picture of a bride.
     “No. That’s my mom.”
     “Her dress was gorgeous.” Jessica traced the outline of the lace gown with her finger.
     “Yes. I think it might still be stored away in the attic somewhere. No telling what kind of shape it’s in after all these years.”
     “It’s so pretty. Almost exactly what I would want for my own.”
     “Well, maybe we can dig it out when it’s time to think about things like that.” Her mom squeezed her hand.
     ​“Maybe.” Jessica stood once more. “Who knows when that will be.”

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​Come back tomorrow for day four! And if this has made you want to check out these characters in their original setting, you can find that story here.

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