Woman of Substance (25 page)

“Communicate without words. I know you two agreed on something.”

Jake draped his arm across her shoulders. “I’m afraid it’s a male thing. The practice comes from centuries of hunting to feed the family, so we wouldn’t scare the dinner before we captured it.”

“Lunch is ready. The crepes are getting soggy.” Megan shooed everyone to the table adorned with a white linen cloth and Christmas dinner plates.

“Jake, would you sit on the right side, please? Robbie, your place is on the left.”

Her mother sat on one end and her father on the other.

Jake shook out his napkin. “In the early days, the hunters kept silent and used their eyes to indicate the location of their prey. It’s suspected that this survival instinct became a genetic trait and is recognized in many of the best leaders.”

“I suppose that you’re going to tell us that women couldn’t hunt because we need to talk,” Robbie said, passing the plate of crepes.

“Not at all, all of the people in the hunting villages were needed to surround the animals.”

“Nonverbal communication is my second language,” Robbie said with a gleam in her eye.

“Robbie, keep your hands on the table and allow Jake to eat this wonderful meal. And you should eat, too.”

“Yes, Mother.”

“Do you cook?” her father asked Jake.

“I’ve had to learn my way around the kitchen.”

“That’s good because these two women eat for energy, whereas to me food is an experience.” Her father spread his arms to include the food on the table.

“If your recipes match your great taste in wines, I’d like to experience your cooking.”

“You’re eating some right now.”

“These delicate crepes?” Jake sampled another mouthful.

Ron nodded. “And the chokecherry syrup.”

“I could teach you some exotic recipes. The Bushmen usually cook their local dishes. I’ve had roast snake on a few occasions.” Jake’s arms hung loose. He felt relaxed and sated.

“Your body language tells me that this is a story you’re fond of telling,” her mother said.

“This family is obviously very good at picking up clues,” Jake replied.

Robbie moved her chair, stood, and began gathering the dishes. “We need to be. Mom is a counselor. She needs to know what her clients are saying as well as what they are not. And Dad, well, doctors need to be fluent in the nonverbal languages, too.”

Robbie’s mother cleared her throat before she asked Jake, “You study people, why didn’t you see past Robbie’s disguise?”

Robbie stopped clearing the dishes and moved behind Jake. She placed her hands on his shoulders and he took a deep breath. “Initially I thought she was ill but her disguise got better. I saw what my grandfather saw. He liked her because she reminded him of the love of his life. While Robin reminded me of the only mother I knew, she also brought back some unhappy childhood memories.” He reached up and covered her hand with his. “She taught me many things when she was in and out of her disguise.”

Robbie’s father stood up. “From the way you two are looking at each other, I’d say you’d like to be alone for awhile. Megan, let’s take a walk.”

“We can’t get away with anything in front of these eagle eyes.” Robbie squeezed his shoulders.

Jake felt heat crawl up his face. “To be honest, I don’t think it would be such a good idea to be alone with you right now, Robbie.”

“Okay then, time to finish clearing the table.” Her mother stood.

Mulled wine simmered on the stove while Jake stacked the dishwasher. They all went into the living room and sat in front of the fireplace. Jake excused himself. When he returned, they looked at him in sleepy contentment. His heart pounded, his breath was tight, and he was surprised that his voice shook. He sat beside Robbie on the sofa.

“Robbie suggested that your family tradition shares a small gift with each other and then a mystery gift that involves helping someone. I’ve made an educated guess what a gift like that might involve and I’d like to share my mystery gift with you.”

Ron began, “It’s not necessary. We usually keep it a secret until next Christmas but we can make an exception if you both agree.”

Megan and Robbie nodded solemnly and lowered their eyes while Jake continued. “I would like to share that I have committed three hours a week for visiting the Care Manor residents during the dances and card nights. I’d like to know the ordinary men and women who built our province. I hope that they will benefit as much from my visits as I’m sure that I will from theirs.”

Robbie flung her arms around his neck and planted little kisses all over his face. Then her eyebrows drew together. “You mean I’ll have to share you with all those women at the Manor? Maybe I’ll come, too.”

“Sorry, this is my gift. You’ll have to share. And I’m sure that you have your own commitments. I’d like nothing better than to have someone break the ice for me but, if I’m not misunderstanding, hard is part of the gift.”

“This man learns fast. You’d better hang onto him,” Ron said. “If you two aren’t going to be alone, then come to the kitchen, we have a dinner to prepare. I know lunch wasn’t that long ago but good food takes loving attention and time.”

“Mom, Dad. Since Jake has shared his gift for next year, do you think we could share the results of our commitments over the last twelve months now?” Robbie asked.

“I’m ready if you and your mom are.” Ron moved over to the tree and picked up a folder. “The committee I worked with raised the total amount necessary to purchase all of the equipment to adapt the elementary school and the community playground for children who need wheelchairs to move around. They will no longer have to sit on the sidelines during recesses or when they are out on a walk.” Ron closed the file. His eyes were bright. “I’m proud of all of the residents in our town and the those in the surrounding district who participated in all of the fund-raising events.”

“Was it difficult?” Jake asked.

“Raising money is never easy, especially in these economic times but I assisted with the presentations and approached some of the medical organizations which scoured their budgets for funds. However the volunteers worked very hard with baking, dances, walkathons, etc. They deserve the lion’s share of the credit. It was worth seeing the smiles on the parents’ and children’s faces.”

“Congratulations, Dad. Any hints about your commitment for the coming year?” Robbie grinned. She knew the rules but Jake didn’t.

“Jake, Robbie is being coy. Part of the gift is keeping our commitment to ourselves until the following year.”

The furnace ruffled the pine needles on the tree and the aroma of outdoors mingled with the warmth from the fireplace.

“Thank you for allowing me to participate.” Jake straightened. “I can see your point. It is the quiet every-day gifts that are lasting.”

“You’re right.” Ron handed Megan her bright red folder then sat down to listen.

“I wondered why you always brought home so many trays of brownies and peanut butter squares.” Megan leaned over Ron and patted his tummy. She sat on the edge of his chair and opened her file. “I didn’t venture too far out of my field this year. Last year an elderly client asked for my assistance in contacting her adult son and establishing a relationship before she passed away.”

Megan swallowed. “I’m sorry to have to report that even though we located her son, he was not ready to allow his mother back into his life.”

Robbie and Jake leaned forward.

“What? How could someone do that?” Robbie’s voice squeaked.

“There are circumstances where the scars are just too deep or the relationship has been left unattended for too many years. I can’t tell you which it was due to confidentiality. However, the mother and I are working toward a realization that she may have to learn to love her son from afar and find other solutions to filling her present life with love.”

Ron put his arm around Megan’s waist and she snuggled against his chest. “Some gifts don’t come easy.”

“No, but we’ll continue to work with what we have and hope perhaps someday things may change.” She closed her folder.

Robbie stood. “My parcels are in the car. I’ll give you a sketch of my project and then I’ll fill in any details over dinner if that is agreed upon.”

The disc player turned off at the end of the last song. The silence held for a second.

“I’m fine with that,” Ron said.

Megan nodded.

“I worked beside the intellectually challenged who sort our recyclables.”

“Pardon?” Ron pressed the CD player start button. “Jingle Bells” played on violins filled the background.

“I’ve been taking my plastic bottles and drink cans to the same recycle depot for the last four years. The same woman has been sorting and counting my bottles. I didn’t even know her name. I admit I was curious.” Robbie spread her hands. “She made short work of sorting and counting the bags and bags of product that were dumped into her station. I’ve watched the work conditions change over the years with little things that protect the employees.”

“This was certainly your year for diversity.” Megan shifted, wiggled out of Ron’s chair, and walked over the Robbie. “I’m proud of you.” Wrapping her arms around her daughter’s shoulders, she kissed her cheek. “Merry Christmas.”

“Thanks, Mom. I’ll give you more details over dinner but I can tell from Jake’s wide-eyed, deer-in-the-headlights look, he’s not sure about us. Maybe we should change subjects for a bit.”

Ron stood. “Great idea, there is food to prepare and dinnerware to be placed.”

Robbie’s fingers were drawn to Jake’s like metal to magnets as they filled platters, water, and wine glasses. His pupils were large and his melted chocolate eyes seemed to follow her fork when she lifted it from her plate to her lips. She knew because her hunger for food had flipped to heart-hunger and she hoped that his had as well.

While the Christmas music filled the air and the Christmas lights reflected in the picture window, Ron spoke briefly about his conference on family medicine. “I wish you had become a doctor, Robbie. We could sure use you. This community is growing.”

“I may be able to help out in some capacity, Dad. We just have to think around the box,” Robbie said. “Perhaps I can help make the clinic as efficient as possible.”

“Good thought.”

“That’s enough business talk for one Christmas dinner,” Megan said.

Robbie shared her experiences at the recyclable depot and demonstrated her acquired quick addition skills. “The manager wasn’t too keen on my community service, however he asked the staff and Alice offered to be my mentor. She rides the bus for an hour to come into work. The workplace is not a clean environment if you think about the spills and the noise but she does her job and is proud of the wages she earns and her part in cleaning up the environment. She lives in a group home where they share the duties and she’s sweet on the man who sorts in the station next to her. She dreams of marriage and perhaps a family one day.”

“Let’s hope her dreams come true.” Megan sighed.

“I’m going to . . .” Robbie clamped her hand over her mouth. “Sorry, that’s my next year Christmas gift.”

When the bowls of potatoes, turnips, and dressing were half empty, Jake folded his napkin, stood, and placed his arm around Robbie. He raised his glass. “Thank you, Ron and Megan, for including me in your celebration. Thank you, Robin, for your courage and patience.” When he ended, he felt in his pocket and retrieved the circle of gold. He turned to Robin, and helped her to her feet. Gently, he touched the edges of her cheeks. “Robin, Robbie, I love you. When I’m with you, I feel like I’ve come home. Will you marry me?”

Robbie drew back slightly, her eyes intent as she looked at him. She watched as Jake held a too large band toward her left-hand ring finger.

“This was my grandmother’s ring. Granddad gave it to his best friend and I’d like my best friend to wear it forever.”

Robbie took a long breath as she gazed in wonder. Like her, Jake had grown a little wiser, and she loved the man he was and who he’d become. “Yes.”

He slid the ring onto her finger.

She leaned toward him and he kissed her gently on the right side of her lips and the left and slowly in the middle. Everything in her begged her to wind her arms around his neck and meld into him body and soul.

Her parents approached and brought their arms around them. “Family.” Megan said.

Robin Mary Smith stood tall. Her eyes were bright with tears and her smile wide. She had gained more from her research than she ever imagined. She became like the women who shared their deepest secrets, hopes, and loves. She was as a true woman of substance. She was someone Jake, the man she loved, had grown to love and now they would share their future, together, wherever it may be.