Holiday for a Hero (Heroes at Heart Book 9) Page 4

  While Zander had never tried to run away from her and easily succumbed to her loving kindness, he fought against learning how to read. But with children’s books and fairytales, he quickly learned that reading was not an unattainable goal. And now, a year later, she waited to see what his thoughts were.

  “I heard a teacher call me a wild child ‘cause I didn’t like to stay in my seat,” he said. His face scrunched in thought. “I didn’t like walking in a line. I didn’t like being told when it was time to eat or when it was time to go play.”

  “That certainly didn’t make you wild,” she said, sniffing in irritation at his former teacher’s words. “You were just very independent. There’s nothing wrong with that, but we do have to adapt to some expectations.” Leaning forward, she smiled as she held his gaze. “I think you’re a wonderful little boy who’s growing and learning every day.”

  As Zander seemed satisfied with her words, he went back to reading, and she cast her gaze around the room. A Christmas tree once again sat in the corner of the living room, the ornaments that she and George had purchased years before hung on its branches, proudly sharing space with the decorations she and Zander had made. A fire once again crackled in the fireplace. Books still lined the shelves, now filled with children’s classics as well. That evening, she and Zander had sat at the red-clothed table eating their dinner, her heart swelling with pride as his feet swung back and forth in the chair, his body finally relaxed and easy as they shared a meal.

  “And Max… the King of all wild things was lonely… And wanted to be where… someone loved him… best of all.”

  Her gaze dropped back to the towheaded boy, who now looked at her with eyes filling with moisture. “I know how he feels.”

  The words were whispered, but each punctuated with overwhelming emotion. She opened her arms, and Zander dropped the book and rushed over. He was getting larger with good food in his body, but she still held him in her lap as he sobbed against her shoulder.

  Rocking him back and forth, she comforted, “My dearest boy. My dearest Alexander. You are so brave, so kind, and so smart. I’m in awe of you every day.” He lifted his head and his watery gaze stared up at her. “And never forget how much I love you.”

  As his thin arms encircled her neck, he whispered into her ear, “I love you too, Miss Ethel.”

  Holding him tight, she blinked as her own tears slid down her cheeks. After a moment, she said, “Do you think it’s time to get Santa’s cookies and milk ready?”

  Leaning back again, Zander swiped at his cheeks and grinned while nodding with enthusiasm. He slid from her lap, and hand-in-hand they walked to the kitchen, the sound of carols from the radio following their footsteps.

  After he was tucked into bed with promises of an early Christmas morning, she walked back downstairs to tidy the room. She tucked a few presents under the tree, took a bite from one of the cookies, and drank the small glass of milk. Suddenly overwhelmed, she dropped back into her chair, closing her eyes tightly against the wave of emotions crashing against her.

  Opening her eyes, she gasped slightly at the sight of George now sitting on the sofa, his hand resting on the discarded book.

  “I always knew you’d be the best, my sweet Ethel. And here you are, living proof.”

  “I sometimes feel very lost, George. How do I know that I’m able to meet all of his needs?”

  “You were the oldest of six. You helped raise your younger siblings.”

  “His needs are much greater,” she reminded. “Sometimes it’s very hard.”

  “‘It's when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what.’ At least that’s what Atticus Finch said.”

  She could not help but smile. “You always did like Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird.” She sighed, her gaze holding tightly onto the face she missed so much. “But you’re right. Truthfully, Zander makes it very easy to see this through. He is so loving.”

  “He is loving, but it took you to teach him what true love is. Just like you taught me.”

  They were silent for a moment before she dragged in a ragged breath and knew that he would soon be gone. “I still miss you, you know,” she said even though the words were unnecessary.

  He smiled, and just like the first time, the sight warmed her heart. “I promise I’ll never be far away. I’ll be in every breath you take and every beat of your heart.”

  She closed her eyes, thanking God for another chance to share a moment, allowing unending love to pass between them. When she opened her eyes, the room was once again still and silent, the twinkling of Christmas lights sending shards of color about the space. Smiling, she stood and headed to bed, knowing the next morning would come early as the house would fill with Zander’s laughter.

  5

  Two years later

  Ethel glanced at the clock on the stove and hurried to take out the next batch of cookies. Wiping her hands on her apron, she just had time to throw open the front door, her gaze falling warmly upon the three boys bounding toward the house.

  Zander, growing tall and strong, his Nordic heritage showing with his deep-set blue eyes and blonde hair. He had blossomed under her tutelage during the time needed for just the two of them. But now, he fell into the role of older brother with ease, loving the sense of family she was trying so hard to instill.

  Rafe Walker followed Zander, his dark hair swept to the side. He had been with her for a year. When his parents had been killed and grief threatened to overwhelm the young boy, she readily opened her arms when the social worker called. Never wanting to replace what he had lost, she instead surrounded him with love, offering him a new family. A year younger than Zander, Rafe had taken to the love she’d offered, and the two boys had formed a close bond.

  Zander immediately wanted to share a room with Rafe, so she’d added bunk beds to one of the larger bedrooms, making it easy several months later when she acquired Cael Holland, adding to the brotherhood. His father had been killed while serving with the military, and his mother fell into grief, neglecting her children. His grandmother tried to help but was too infirm to handle the young boy, so she only kept his older sister. The social worker had not wanted Cael to be shuffled amongst families, and Ethel eagerly opened her arms when asked. The same age as Rafe, the three boys had become inseparable.

  As they bounded into the house, each throwing their arms around her in turn, she greeted them warmly.

  “Last day of school before the holiday break!” Cael called out, his arms raised high in a sign of victory.

  “I got an A on my reading test,” Zander said, his manner calmer than Cael’s, but she saw the bright spark of excitement and pride in his eyes.

  “I aced my math test and got four Christmas cards from girls in my class,” Rafe said. His nose wrinkled, and he shook his head. “Girls… who can figure them out?”

  Laughing, she welcomed them into the house. “Go on back to the kitchen. The Christmas cookies for you all are in the Santa tin. The others will be packed to take to the shelters once they are cool. Zander, you pour the milk, and Cael, you grab the napkins.”

  They were soon sitting at the table, decorated with the red cloth and greenery in the middle, sharing a snack and more tales of their school day. Rafe was still complaining about the girls who had given him Christmas cards.

  Ethel stifled her grin, noting his ready smile, and knew that in a few years he’d have even more female attention. That thought caused her to inwardly grimace. “Girls mature faster than boys do. They offer you cards to gain your attention. One day, you’ll be appreciative.”

  “As long as I’ve got my brothers, that’s all I’ll need,” Rafe said, shoving another cookie into his mouth.

  She lifted her brow, and he immediately swallowed, taking a sip of milk.

  “I’m sorry, Miss Ethel. It’s been a long time since lunch.”

  She worked to instill manners in each of them but smiled indulgently. “Well, you boys cert
ainly are growing, that’s for sure.” All three were tall, with the gangly preteen bodies that she knew held the promise of handsome men. Zander had already gained in height and weight, and she had no doubt his father was probably a big man. Rafe was not far behind, but Cael, as the tallest with a shock of red hair and an easy-going personality, was her steady rock amongst the three.

  As they finished their snack and rinsed the dishes, she said, “Since the holidays are upon us and you don’t have any homework, I’m going to suggest a reading challenge.”

  “Challenge?” Zander asked, his brow lifted. He had become an ardent reader, often reading at night to the others. The large book of fairy tales she had given him was well-read and beloved.

  She laughed at his eager expression. “Whatever else you choose to read, find at least one holiday or winter story. It can even be a children’s story for those younger than you, but one that’s new to you.”

  That night, after the boys had listened while Zander read before falling asleep, she sat in her chair, her knitting neglected at her feet. She closed her eyes, not surprised to hear George’s greeting whispering through the room.

  “You’re worried, my sweet Ethel.”

  She nodded, opening her eyes and seeing him standing near the tree. A slight rustling of one of the ornaments let her know he was thinking of the many times they’d decorated together. Sighing, she said, “I can’t imagine my life without them, but perhaps it was a mistake for me to take boys. I might’ve helped with my younger siblings when my parents were busy, but my father made sure my brothers knew how to grow into good men. I’m suddenly faced with the realization that I might not have all that it takes to do this.”

  “I think you’re selling yourself short.”

  She shook her head slowly. “Not at all. I’m being realistic. I’m a middle-aged, single woman who never had children of my own. I now have three boys who, in the not too distant future, will become young men. They’ll be ready to enter a whole new world… everything from sports to their own physical maturity, and that includes dating.” She offered an indelicate snort as she smiled. “Do I need to remind you that I fell in love with you at sixteen? That hardly makes me an expert on dating and relationships.”

  George chuckled, rocking back and forth on his toes with his hands behind his back. “My dear, do what you’ve always told Zander to do. Break a problem down into smaller, more manageable pieces. Yes, your boys are growing older. As far as sports, they’ll have coaches and teammates. There’s no rule that says you have to be the one to get out and throw the ball to them. And as far as the other? What better way to teach them to be men than to teach them how to treat you and others? They respect you, therefore they are learning to respect women. And as far as relationships, again, the way they treat you, they’ll have no problem transferring that to someone else they love.”

  “My, my, George. You do have all the answers tonight.” She smiled and leaned back in her chair.

  After a moment of gentle silence, he spoke again. “That’s not all, is it? The phone call you received earlier is preying upon your mind.”

  Sighing, she nodded slowly. “It’s good now, with just three boys. They’re used to each other. Confident. Secure. I’m not sure I should consider more.”

  “Twin boys. After their mother died, bounced from grandmother to aunt, and now unwanted because of the aunt’s new husband. Tragic. Especially if they’re separated.”

  Her gaze jumped from her clasped hands in her lap up to George. “Are you trying to guilt me, George Wiseman?”

  He smiled sadly but shook his head. “I would never try to guilt a woman who gives as much of herself as you do, my sweet Ethel. I also would never want to burden you with more than you can handle. But you have such love. It flows straight from God through you with such abundance. If you’re worried about Zander, Rafe, and Cael, they’ll learn openhearted acceptance and be the better man because of it.”

  The silence descended upon the room once again, the crackling of the fire the only noise. Her lips slowly curved, and she said, “Well, it looks like my little family is going to expand again.” Holding his gaze, she felt the piercing straight through her heart when she added, “I only wish that you were here with me.”

  “I am. And that’s how I know you’ll be fine.”

  A week later, on Christmas Eve, five boys settled around the living room with Ethel. She needn’t have worried about Jaxon and Jayden… the other boys enveloped them into the fold. A year younger than Rafe and Cael, they adapted quickly to the changes. It did not take her long to realize the twins gained strength from each other, and she never doubted again the decision to take them on. There were other excellent foster parents who were short-term only, but she couldn’t imagine not having all her boys.

  “Jaxon, Jayden, before you came to live with us, I had given a challenge to the others to share a holiday story that they’d read.” She smiled and nodded toward Cael and Rafe, who entertained them as they acted out ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas.

  When it was Zander’s turn, he grinned, puffing out his chest. “I found something,” he said. “A story that I’m not sure you’ve heard of before, Miss Ethel.”

  Clasping her hands in her lap, her eyes twinkled as she held his gaze. “I’m intrigued! What do you have for us?”

  “The Little Girl and the Winter Whirlwinds. It’s by an unknown Bulgarian author.”

  Settling back into her chair, she sipped her tea as the others downed their cups of hot chocolate. With eager expressions, everyone’s attention focused on Zander as he read of the tale about a Winter Witch who decided to keep spring from coming and a small village in the mountains who needed someone to travel to the highest mountain peak to ask Father Winter for help.

  “A little orphan girl who lived with her grandfather volunteered for the journey, claiming she had a warm heart that would protect her. Her friends gave her a coat, scarf, mittens, and boots, making sure she was dressed appropriately for the trip. The winds began to whip and whirl around her, attempting to keep her from her mission. But her heart kept her warm, and she continued until the winds tired. The winds called upon the blizzards which became very angry and threw themselves down on her. Once again, she prevailed and the blizzards became tired.

  “They called upon their mother, the Wicked Witch, who was very cunning. She appeared as a beautiful woman in a white dress with ice crystals like diamonds. She enticed the young girl to rest, not realizing she would fall asleep forever.

  “Suddenly, a tiny mouse popped out from the snow and realized the little girl was beginning to die. She called for her friends, and more mice came to rescue her, warming her hands and feet. Too small to get her warm enough, they called for their friends, the rabbits and squirrels, spreading their warmth over her. Soon, she awoke. They decided to go with her to Father Frost because they were cold as well. At the top of the mountain, they found the Ice Palace where Father Frost was sleeping. Waking him, they told him of their plight. He blew his whistle and called for the Winter Witch to be brought to him where he could lock her into the cellar until it was time for the next winter. Once that was done, the sun began to shine and the snow melted in the warmth. Everyone cheered the brave little girl when she returned home.”

  At the end of the story, Ethel clapped her hands and exclaimed, “I have never heard of that story before, Zander! Where on earth did you find it?”

  He blushed and shrugged as he mumbled, “I simply searched for a book on rare holiday tales and found this one.”

  Cael looked over at her and said, “I know what you’re going to ask us. You want to know what the story can teach us.”

  She nodded, not surprised the older boys expected that. Looking toward Jaxon and Jayden, she said, “Many fairy tales of old were often told as a way to teach lessons. I know that Zander has been reading to you before you go to bed, and I’m sure you’ve noticed that the older boys like to talk about the stories they read. It’s important to dig deep into
the stories.” She spread her hands out wide and smiled. “I think there’s a lot in that story we can learn.”

  “Just because you’re little doesn’t mean you can’t do things,” Rafe said. “That little girl was braver than the grown-ups.”

  “And the other people in the village helped her,” Cael added. “They gave her warm clothes to wear on her trip.”

  Jaxon and Jayden were sitting next to each other on the floor, and she watched as Zander leaned down and softly asked, “What about you? Would did you like about the story?”

  The twins looked at each other, and for a moment she thought they weren’t going to answer. Then Jayden grinned, and said, “I like how the little animals—”

  “Even the really little ones, like the mice,” Jaxon interjected.

  “—were able to help her,” Jayden finished.

  Laughing, Ethel clapped her hands, pride filling her heart. “All of you are so right! Even the little animals were able to save her. And her friends helped take care of her. And she was so brave to want to help her village.”

  Zander caught her eye and smiled. “Kinda like us.”

  Nodding slowly, her eyes twinkled. “Yes, my dears. Exactly like us. A lesson that even I needed to remember.”

  “You?” Rafe’s mouth dropped open in surprise. “But you’re old—” His words halted as Zander reached over and poked him in the shoulder. “Um… I mean… um… older…”

  She laughed again and said, “You are exactly right. I am older. But that doesn’t mean that I can’t learn things.”

  “What did you learn, Miss Ethel?” Jaxon asked.

  Casting her fond gaze amongst the five boys, she said, “I’m learning to be brave, even when I doubt myself. I’m learning that we can all, in our little family, take care of each other. And I’ve definitely learned that each of us has an infinite amount of love to give.”