A Lilac Creek Christmas ( a Lilac Creek Dog Story) Read online

  “Well I guess he’s ours for the holidays,” Julia sighed. “Brinn will be absolutely over the moon at the idea of having another dog in the house!”

  “Will she ever!” Sam agreed. “And from the looks of Henry, I’d say he’s going to enjoy it too. Strange how he and that dog just took to each other that way.” Julia nodded in agreement.

  “You would think they had known each other for ages!”

  Conversation for the rest of the trip home revolved around plans for finding the dog’s owner as soon as possible. They would make and distribute posters and put them up all around Wilmot as well as Lilac Creek, just as they had for Jasper. Hopefully someone would claim him soon.

  When they finally got home, Sam let the dogs out first before helping Henry out of the car. As he watched Jasper head immediately over to a tree to relieve himself, he laughed and called to Julia.

  “The first thing we better do is stop calling him “he”, Sam laughed as the black dog followed Jasper’s lead. Julia glanced over and smiled.

  “Come here girl,” she said with a chuckle. “Let’s take you in and introduce you to everyone.”

  As expected, Brinn squealed with delight when she saw the two dogs come in. Her squeals were quickly followed by a myriad of questions about how they found her and what they were going to do about her, and of course, expressions of hope that they would ultimately be able to keep her just as they had Jasper.

  “We’ll just have to wait and see,” said Sam, trying to bring her back down to earth. “I’m sure she’s somebody’s pet. She has been very well looked after.”

  “I know,” said Brinn with an exaggerated sigh, “but a girl can hope!” Sam and Julia just laughed. “She sure likes Henry,” Brinn added, watching the two of them sitting by the fire. The black dog was once again curled up in Henry’s lap as if they were old buddies.

  “She certainly does,” said Julia. “It was almost eerie, as if they already knew each other. But anyway, now that we’re home and she’s here let’s concentrate on the holidays and we’ll do what we can to find her owners as soon as we can.”

  Emma had been pretty quiet about the dog, and now added her opinion. “It’s very sad to think that someone will be spending their holidays missing their dog.” Julia knew she was probably remembering the time when she had been parted from her own dog Tucker. When her parents died, she was taken into foster care and she had never seen her dog again. Nor did she ever find out what had happened to him. This situation was obviously bringing back some very sad memories. Julia walked over to Emma and gave her a hug.

  “I know, it is sad to think about that, but we’ll do everything we can to find out where this little lady belongs just as soon as we can.”

  “But what if no one claims her? What if her people just abandoned her? What if they died or something and no one knows about her? What if….” Julia stopped her in mid sentence.

  “Then she will have a wonderful, happy life here with us.” Emma seemed satisfied with that answer, but she was a little quiet for the rest of the evening.

  After dinner was enjoyed and the table cleared, Julia sat with the girls to make a list of Christmas baking they were going to do the next day. Sam would be heading to the airport to pick up Henry’s daughter Wendy and her family who were also coming to spend the holidays. Jasper had brought them all together, and they were now very close. Wendy usually flew out for visits on her own as it was costly to fly the whole family. But this time they were all coming and Henry was very excited to be seeing the grandkids. Although Wendy hadn’t said as much, Julia knew she was concerned that this might very well be Henry’s last Christmas, and she wanted the kids to have a good visit with their Grandpa.

  The evening passed comfortably while a beautiful Christmas snow fell outside. The big fat flakes were illuminated by the Christmas lights on the house as they drifted by the window. Lilac Creek would be beautiful for Christmas as always. As the hour drew late, Julia helped Henry get settled in his new room. When she checked on him later, she smiled to see the little black dog curled up at his feet, while his old furry friend snored away on his dog bed beside him. Jasper would have been on the bed too if his old arthritic legs would have permitted. But his bed hopping days were over and they had bought him the biggest and best dog bed they could find. He opened one sleepy eye when Julia opened the door and gave a small thump of his tail, letting her know that he had everything here under control.

  As Julia climbed into bed beside Sam, she said a silent prayer of thanks for the wonderful life she had.

  Chapter Seven

  Christmas Eve dawned bright and clear. The snow that had fallen during the night was like a fresh coat of paint on the world. The roads had been cleared but the dusting of fresh snow hid the dirty brown of the salt and sand that had accumulated on the snow banks.

  The girls got started early with their baking and Sam headed out to pick up their guests. Henry had wheeled his chair up to the kitchen table, and with his good hand, he was adding sprinkles to the warm sugar cookies as they came from the oven. Christmas music floated in the air and everybody sang along. Both dogs had taken up their places under the big kitchen table where they were out of the way but easily within reach of any stray baked goods that may happen to fall on the floor. As odd as it was for a dog, Jasper had a passion for the dried candied fruit that went into many of their cookies, and of course anything baked with butter was always a welcome treat. The little black dog was a quick study and by following Jasper’s lead, soon learned that good things come to those who wait.

  The house was bursting with wonderful aromas when Sam returned. Wendy, and her husband Geoff were greeted with warm hugs and slobbery dog kisses. Their two boys, Curtis and Max couldn’t get enough doggy love. They lived in an apartment and didn’t have pets, but they had met Jasper on previous visits and once you met him, you were Jasper’s friend for life. He welcomed them as if he had just seen them yesterday. They both hugged his furry brown scruff the same way Brinn always did. He was just that kind of dog. You had to get your face right into that mass of fur. When they finally came up for air, they greeted the little black dog too, asking what her name was. Julia explained her circumstance, and they gave her some extra hugs. Once all the welcomes were over, the girls finished up the baking while the boys took the dogs outside for a romp in the snow. Living in California was a far cry from Lilac Creek and the boys were ecstatic to be having a white Christmas.

  The day passed quickly and as the children all finally headed off to bed, Julia and Wendy sat chatting in the kitchen, while Henry, Geoff and Sam watched Scrooge on TV. Julia had filled Wendy in on the fire at the hospital, and on the passing of Henry’s friend Anna.

  “Did they say what would happen now?” Wendy asked. “I only talked to the director briefly and, at that time, he didn’t have much information. Did they give you any idea as to when, or if, Dad will be able to return to the home?”

  “They didn’t really have any definite answers. There were decisions that had to be made regarding the reconstruction. They didn’t know whether the wing would have to be torn down or if it could be salvaged. Most of the residents were relocated to places that might be permanent for them. We thought bringing Henry here was easiest, and would give you some time to think about what to do.”

  A worried expression crossed Wendy’s face. “I really don’t know what to do. I hate to think of Dad having to move and adjust to a new place. And there isn’t anything else that is as close by. He would be so much farther away from all of you, and from Jasper. He’d sure miss those visits.”

  Julia nodded. “It would really be hard for him, for sure.”

  Wendy brightened, “But let’s just enjoy Christmas and then we’ll worry about it. We’ve taken extra holidays so we’ll be able to tackle those things once the big day is over.”

  “Good idea,” Julia said, pouring them another cup of coffee. “And we’ll start by enjoying a couple more pieces of this warm shortbread!”

  Once everyone was settled down for the night, Julia and Sam took care of the final preparations for Christmas morning. Santa had a lot of children to visit at this house this year, and the pile under the tree would be massive. Stockings hung by the big old fireplace and Julia smiled at the sight of them. It was an interesting collection, to say the least. Brinn and Emma had taken a day to handcraft new stockings for this Christmas. Emma had sewn a very beautiful green velvet stocking decorated with gold trim. Brinn had fashioned a no sew version for herself and Kaylee made of red felt and glittery stickers. Julia and Sam had store bought varieties, and Wendy had brought theirs from home. Julia had purchased an extra stocking for Henry with white fuzzy trim that Brinn said matched Henry’s beard. And of course Jasper had his own stocking too. His was a big woolen work sock that he had claimed as his own when he first came to live with them. And last but not least, Brinn had hung a small red sock of her own for the little black dog. It was a cheerful sight and spoke volumes of the love and caring that this whole family shared.

  Christmas morning passed amidst squeals of delight and surprise as Santa’s gifts were distributed and family gifts were exchanged. Dinner was delicious and abundant, and it seemed like the day was over in the blink of an eye. By sundown everyone was stuffed, content and exhausted. As they sat together around a cozy fire, they listened to an icy winter wind drive new snow against the windows. But not a soul in the room minded at all. They were all safe and warm and together. And that was all that really mattered.

  Chapter Eight

  “We should give black dog a name,” Brinn announced a couple of mornings later at breakfast.

  “I think it’s a little premature to do that,” Julia replied. “We’ve only just begun putting up notices and contacting people. We need to give things a little more time.”

  “I know,” Brinn countered stubbornly. “But we need to call her something besides black dog.” Julia sighed. She looked at Brinn and shook her head, knowing how stubborn she could be once she set her mind to something. Henry was paying close attention to the conversation but hadn’t really been included. Suddenly his raspy voice made itself heard above Brinn’s chatter.

  “Anna,” he said. When they finally realized he was speaking to them, Julia and Brinn turned and looked at him with some confusion. Julia, thinking that he was merely thinking about his lost friend, tried to comfort him.

  “It’s okay, Henry,” Julia soothed. “I know you miss Anna. Do you understand that she’s gone now?” Henry nodded and repeated the single word once again, this time reaching for the small black dog and bringing her into his lap. “Anna,” he repeated as he stroked the dog’s head. Julia gave his shoulder a squeeze and resumed her conversation with Brinn.

  “We’ll think about a name when and if the time comes,” Julia said with a final tone. Brinn was about to argue when the door opened and Wendy walked in. She had been over to the hospital to talk to the director and pick up the rest of Henry’s things.

  “That’s everything,” she said depositing two small boxes by the back door. “Thanks so much for offering to keep these here until we get Dad settled.”

  “It’s no trouble at all,” Julia assured her. “We’re glad to do whatever we can to help.”

  “Oh, there is one other thing,” Wendy said reaching into her coat pocket. She pulled out a small tattered and almost unrecognizable shape. It looked like an old well loved stuffed toy. She carried it over to where Henry sat with Jasper at his side. “Do you remember this old boy?” she asked, bending to put the toy under Jasper’s nose. “I think it belongs to you.” Jasper took the ratty object in his mouth and played with it. He sniffed it and licked it and rolled his head back and forth over it. The group in the kitchen laughed at his antics. Henry was grinning from ear to ear as he reached down and played a short game of tug with his old pal.

  “I found it in the drawer of Dad’s bedside table,” Wendy said. “He must have kept it close at hand to remind him of Jasper.” Her voice was full of emotion. “It must have been so hard for him…..” her voice trailed off.

  “Anyway,” Julia said trying to fill the awkward silence that Wendy’s words had created. “They are having a good reunion. Let’s let them enjoy it.” Wendy nodded and left the room to hang up her coat, while Julia made some coffee to enjoy with what was left of the Christmas baking.

  Eventually the girls headed off to play with their new Christmas toys, and Henry decided to take a nap. Sam and Geoff got him settled and then turned on the TV to watch some sports. Julia seized the opportunity to talk to Wendy alone. “There’s something I want to discuss with you,” she said to Wendy in a hushed tone. “I didn’t want to say anything in front of the others until I had talked to you.”

  Wendy looked at her with both question and concern on her face. “Don’t look so worried,” Julia hurried to reassure her. “It’s a good thing…..I think.”

  “I’m curious now,” Wendy said, some of the worry leaving her eyes. “What’s this all about?”

  Julia took a deep breath and began. “Sam and I have been talking, and we would like to know how you would feel about Henry staying on with us instead of moving somewhere else. He’s comfortable here, his care isn’t anything that we can’t handle and we have plenty of room. He would be with Jasper, and he’s already like a grandfather to the girls, especially Brinn. What do you think?” Wendy sat there speechless. “I know it’s a lot to decide on the spot, but I wanted you to have enough time to think about it some before you had to make your final decision. It’s something we’ve given a lot of thought to, and we’d really like to do it. We love Henry and we’d like to see him spend his last years in a place he knows with people he loves and who love him.”

  Wendy smiled. “You know you’re rambling, right?” she laughed. “It sounds like you really have given this a lot of thought. I can’t think of any better place for Dad to live than here. He loves this old farm. And since he won’t even consider moving out to live with us, I think this is a perfect solution. I know he’ll be so happy. But are you absolutely sure?”

  Julia took Wendy’s hands in her own. “We couldn’t be more sure. He will be an awesome addition to our family.” Tears welled up in Wendy’s eyes and she could barely speak. “Thank you so much,” she said squeezing Julia’s hands.

  The next day Wendy told everyone about the plan and the news was met with howls of approval from the girls and lots of hugs and handshakes among the grownups. Jasper and the black dog barked loudly in response to all the noise, and Henry just grinned. He found it most difficult to speak when his emotions ran high, but the tears in his eyes said it all.

  When the day finally came for Wendy and her family to leave, the parting was a much happier one that they had ever expected. Wendy was so pleased that Henry was staying on at the farm. And although she always wondered when they parted ways, if this might be their last time together, her heart was grateful that he would be among “family” for the rest of his days.

  Chapter Nine

  In the three weeks that had passed since Christmas, no one had come forward to claim the small black dog that had attached itself so instantly to Henry. In a way, Julia was almost glad because the bond they had formed was extremely close. She had barely left Henry’s side since they brought her home. But surely she was somebody’s pet. None of the veterinary offices identified her as a patient, past or present, and the shelter had had no calls about a lost pet. They had put ads in all of the local papers, as well as the closest city paper, just in case the dog had run away. But all of their efforts had failed. It seemed that this small black dog was a mystery indeed. The local shelter had called asking if they wanted them to take the dog and place her in foster care, to which Brinn had immediately stated, “No way!”

  And so it was, that the black dog became theirs to keep. Now Brinn was insistent that they give her a name. She was not going to be put off any longer. “I think, since we found her at Christmas, it should be a Christmassy name.” Sam laughed.

  “I wouldn’t exactly say we found her,” he said. “More like she found us.”

  “Well that’s true,” said Brinn. “But it was at Christmas time. I think we should call her Noel.”

  “That is a pretty name, “Julia said. “What do you think Emma?” Emma nodded in agreement.

  “It’s a pretty name. I like it.” Kaylee was too young to be consulted, and Julia had no better suggestions.

  “How about you, Sam?” Julia queried. “Any comment?”

  Sam just shrugged as though he didn’t really need to add his two cents. He happily delegated all dog related responsibilities to the women of the house. Then Julia turned to Henry, who appeared to be the true owner of the dog. “What do you think, Henry? Do you think Noel is a good name for this pretty lady?” Henry just nodded and smiled, as he held the little shaggy mutt close to his chest.

  There was no way he could tell them who he believed with all his heart that this dog really was. As far as he was concerned, they could call her anything they wanted, but she would always be Anna to him.

  Epilogue

  Over the years, Christmas came and Christmas went, always with the same sense of love and celebration. As the years went by, there were fewer stockings hung on the old fireplace, but those who were no longer with them were never forgotten. Jasper and Henry grew old together and the black dog remained Henry’s constant companion for all of his days.

  Brinn, Emma and Kaylee grew into strong, compassionate young women who were always ready to open their hearts to anyone in need, and many a Christmas table was set to include friends, acquaintances, and sometimes even those who were almost strangers.

  Many more dogs left a paw print on the heart of the family as well, and they too knew unconditional love for their entire lives. Jasper’s spirit guided each and every one of them through their journey.