Jingle Bell Blessings by Bonnie K. Winn

worried constantly about theirhouses. And, neither one could physically or financially cope with keeping them up. Evan handled turning both places into rentals. He arranged for Gertrude and Matilda to have their favorite pieces of furniture moved to their rooms in Orchard House. Once they got settled there, Matilda and Gertrude had the best of both worlds. Enough that was familiar so they wouldn’t feel they had left their entire lives behind. But now they don’t have to maintain yards, and aging houses with a million problems.”
    Chloe admitted it was a brilliant plan. “And I suppose the rent helps pay for their fees at the retirement home.”
    â€œYou’d think so, but Evan insisted they keep the rent money for themselves. He said he knew that ladies enjoyed buying a bauble or two every now and then.”
    Having trouble processing Evan’s generosity, Chloe frowned. “What about their children? Don’t they help?”
    Perry shook his head. “Gertrude’s daughter moved to California to pursue her music. She struggles just to support herself. Both of Matilda’s sons are in the military. They do what they can, but being stationed thousands of miles away, it isn’t enough.”
    â€œMy brother’s in the military so I understand.” The pay was low, the responsibilities enormous.
    â€œMatilda and Gertrude are happier than either one’s been in years. The home organizes outings to all sorts of places. Twice a year they go to San Antonio, visit the Riverwalk or the missions. There’s always something to do there. They went to a Spurs game last time.”
    Chloe grinned, imagining the widows in the midst of their enthusiasm at an NBA basketball game. They probably waved foam fingers and wore team ball caps and T-shirts.
    â€œThere are plenty of Mitchell employees here, though.” Perry glanced toward the end of the table. “The two older men sitting next to Evan are brothers who worked for thecompany until they retired. Then they fell for a scam targeting the elderly. Lost all their pension money. Evan helped them connect with the state’s attorney. But they only recovered a fraction of what they lost. So, Evan insisted we keep making full pension payments to them. It’s the right thing to do, he said. I admire Evan’s honor and ethics, but as the financial officer, I have to admit his generosity is responsible for me going gray before my time.”
    Chloe glanced down, trying to absorb all that he had told her about Evan. Trying to compare it with the shell he had built around himself. To all appearances, he was all business, all shut away.
    Then she wondered about Mr. Perkin himself. “And you? Is your family here?”
    â€œI’m divorced.” Although his voice remained calm, his eyes revealed a flash of pain. “My wife moved out of state, took our two children. I see them when I can, but this is her year to have them for the holidays.”
    â€œI’m sorry.”
    He sighed. “Me, too.”
    Impulsively, she touched his hand. “We don’t always have to be in the same room, even the same state, to know our family loves us.” Thinking of her mother, Chloe’s throat clogged.
    His voice was rugged, too. “I know.”
    Within a few minutes, Gordon and Evan both sat down and the group quieted.
    Gordon bent his head to offer the blessing. “Dear Lord, thank you for each of these your children, our dear friends and family, gathered here today. Thank you for bringing us together, allowing us to be part of each other’s lives. We are grateful for all the bounty you provide, the love you give us, the hope you keep constant. We ask that you let us remember and appreciate the true thanksgiving of each and every day,the blessings that surround us. Please bless and keep each of these dear friends safe and whole. We say these things in the name of your Son. Amen.”
    Amens chorused down