Wanted: Christmas Mummy

His children looked at each other. Then they shook their heads and started toward the bed, Gareth carefully carrying a glass.

“Boys! The crutches. You forgot the crutches. They’re by the door,” he said, his situation getting more desperate by the moment.

“Leslie said for you to take your medicine. She didn’t say anything about you getting out of bed.” Justin held out his hand, showing his father the pills he was carrying.

“Leslie is not the boss around here! I am!” he shouted before clutching his head. The stubborn looks on his children’s faces told him he’d made a mistake. With a sigh, he quickly informed them why he needed his crutches and Justin laid down the pills on the bedside table and brought the crutches to his bed.

“Why didn’t you ask Leslie?” he asked as he held them for his father.

“It was kind of embarrassing,” Doug muttered, not bothering to explain that he’d insulted her before he thought to do so. And then it was too late.

After the difficult excursion to the bathroom, Doug was glad to settle back against the pillows. “Thanks, guys. How’s everything going?”

After listening to their complaints the entire month since Agnes had departed, Doug expected more of the same. Instead, his children happily recounted their activities, with Leslie’s name playing a large role in the recital.

“And we made the bestest cookies, Daddy,” Justin assured him, a heavenly smile on his little face, as if he were munching on his favorite treat right then.

“And you didn’t bring me one?” Doug teased, unable to resist the happiness his sons were showing.

“I’ll go get you one,” Justin promised fervently and rushed to the door.

“Bring him one I made, too,” Gareth called, and then patted him on the shoulder. “Leslie showed us how to do it.”

“That was nice of Leslie,” he assured his son. The woman seemed to be a master at enslaving his children. Didn’t she have them complaining about being bored? Getting into mischief? Begging her to read them a story?

Or maybe she had mesmerized them with the heavenly scents coming up the stairway. The house smelled better than it had when his mom was downstairs cooking.

“And you know what, Daddy?”

“No, Gareth. What?”

“Leslie can tell us apart. She don’t never have to ask.”

Doug could always tell them apart, but he and Moss were about the only ones. Somehow it seemed intrusive for Leslie to be able to. “How does she do that?”

“She said ‘cause we’re not the same person. And ‘cause I have a freckle right here,” Gareth said, pointing to his nose and chuckling.

Doug admired her perception, but he wasn’t about to say so. His boys already seemed to adore the blasted woman.

Justin appeared in the doorway, but he wasn’t alone. Standing behind him was Leslie, a tray in her hand. Her lips were tightened in a firm line and her gaze didn’t meet his. “Justin wanted you to have a cookie, but I think you should eat something solid before you do.”

He suddenly realized his stomach was empty. His last meal had been the sandwiches and soup she’d prepared last night. On his best behavior, he said, “Thank you. I’d appreciate that.”

“If you’ll sit up, the boys will fix the pillows behind your back,” she instructed, still keeping her gaze on the tray.

Once more, he watched as his boys rushed to fulfill her every command. He frowned but tried to hide his irritation. After all, she was being nice to him. He leaned back against the pillows and thanked his children.

“Leslie says we’re her best helpers,” Justin announced proudly, leaning against his father’s shoulder. “She doesn’t know where anything is.”

“Anything what?” Doug asked sharply, a sudden vision filling him of Leslie going through his belongings, trying to assess his net worth.

“All your hidden valuables, of course,” the woman said coldly as she plopped the tray into his lap.

He flinched and grabbed the wobbling tray. Obviously she had understood his meaning even if his children hadn’t.

“Boys, why don’t you stay and keep your dad company while he eats, and I’ll go down and put the vegetables in the stew.”

“I thought you were leaving?” Doug couldn’t help asking.

She halted on her way out of the room, but she kept her back to him. “I am. Just as soon as the cowboys get back. It would be irresponsible to leave the children alone.”

“You’re leaving?” Justin asked anxiously, taking a step toward her.

“Yes, sweetie. Remember, I told you earlier I couldn’t stay. Now, take care of your daddy until I get back.”

Both boys turned to glare at their father as soon as the door closed behind her.

“Daddy, we don’t want her to leave! She makes great cookies!” Gareth complained.

Doug, on the other hand, wanted that woman gone, not mixing in his business, or worming her way into the hearts of his employees, like she had his children.

Yeah, he was glad to get rid of her. “Don’t worry, boys, I’ll find someone else to take care of us. We don’t need Leslie. Bring me the phone.”

“WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO? She’ll make a perfect mommy,” Justin whispered. The twins were sitting on the stairs, waiting for Leslie’s return.

“I don’t know. Daddy doesn’t like her. Don’t daddies have to like the mommy?”

“Mrs. Meggy’s husband likes her. He’s always hugging on her. I saw him kiss her once.”

“Daddy and Leslie was fightin’. She don’t want to stay.” Gareth rested his drooping chin in his hand. “And she didn’t even fuss when I broke that glass.”

“Yeah. Agnes would’a spanked you.”

Both boys sighed in unison.

“There must be something we can do,” Justin finally said.

“I don’t know what,” Gareth admitted and sighed again.

“Me neither…unless—” Justin broke off and stared at his brother.

“What?”

“We shouldn’t.”

“Shouldn’t what?”

“Break her car. Then she couldn’t leave.”