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and they all headed into the house.
 Andrew, please call me Marie, just like you do in class. I m still
the same person, just in a different environment now. John, can you
take these things to the kitchen? The one bag of stuff will need to go
into the refrigerator, dear.
 Yes, dear. John just laughed as he gathered everything up.  Is
she this bossy in class, Andy?
 She can be. He blushed as he looked over at her.
 Don t worry. She can t do anything to you here. Besides, I know
Helen will intervene if needed. He laughed again and headed to the
kitchen. Eric took the gifts into the living room and set them by the
tree.
 There you are. What were you doing? Marie walked over and
hugged Helen.
As they stood there together talking, Andy could now see the
resemblance. He wasn t sure how he had missed it before.
Eric pulled Andy into a hug.  Are you really mad at me?
 No. It just caught me off guard for a moment. No wonder you
and your mom thought I would get along with your aunt so well.
 Yes. I knew after seeing the two of you in class together that you
would fit into the family really well.
Andy gave him a puzzled look.  Did your aunt set us up?
 No. The other model was kicked out of school, and she needed
someone quickly to fill the last few classes. It was just convenient to
have a family member on campus. I think it was fate that brought us
together. He leaned in and gave Andy a kiss.
 Well, I m glad you happened to be there. Now let s go join the
group so I can get to know your uncle.
He reached over and took Andy s hand. They walked into the den
and joined the conversation. They spent the afternoon talking about
80 Holly McMahan
everything until the evening meal was ready. Marie had made a
casserole for dinner so they didn t have to cook. She thought there
would be enough cooking tomorrow for Christmas Eve and Christmas
Day.
Andy appreciated the time with John. He was an interesting man.
He told him stories of how he grew up in a small family and how he
met Marie. They liked to travel, so he told about some of their
adventures. He said the travels helped with his history class. He could
make his lectures more exciting for the students. He had taught at the
same college as Marie until two years prior. He had decided to retire
and work on some hobbies. He enjoyed bird-watching and
photography, so he was working the two together.
He could see why they were such a good couple. He saw the love
they still had for each other when they caught each other s eyes. He
just hoped it would be the same with him and Eric.
The next morning was Christmas Eve. Helen and Marie would be
busy in the kitchen most of the day. Eric needed to make a couple of
things that morning. Andy and John were sent out to the grocery to
pick up some last-minute ingredients for cooking.
 Thank you for coming with me, Andy. It isn t good to be in the
way when the ladies are in the kitchen. They will bicker on who
cooks better than the other. Sometimes I just sit and listen to them.
They love each other, but boy, each one wants to do something the
other can t. He laughed.
 I really appreciate the chance to be with you and your family for
the holidays. It s nice to be surrounded by so much love and
affection.
They arrived at the store and picked up the few items they needed.
On the way back, John shared his thoughts.  I m so glad you
could be with us as well. Marie has told me quite a bit about you this
semester. She has shown me your drawings. You are a very talented
young man, Andy. She is as proud of you as if you were our son. She
was even more elated when you and Eric seemed to get along so well.
Drawing on Life 81
We always wanted Eric to find someone to make him happy. I think
the two of you seem really good together.
Andy soaked up all of the information for a moment. He finally
looked over at John.  I don t mean to be so personal, but did you and
Marie not have children?
John just shook his head, and he turned into the driveway.  We
couldn t have any of our own, so we just helped Eric and some of the
kids in our classes over the years. We are lucky to now add you to the
mix. He smiled at Andy and got out of the car.
The house was buzzing when they walked in.
 Now, Helen, you didn t whip that batter enough. Let me fix that
for you. She reached over to take the bowl from Helen.
Helen swatted her hand away.  Just leave that alone. It is fine the
way it is, Marie. I have been doing it this way for years, and it has
always worked out.
Eric walked over and rolled his eyes.  They have been doing this
since you left. Please help me.
 I told you they would do that. John and Andy started laughing.
 Now, ladies, you need to play nice with each other. John started
pulling things out of the bags.
 Did you get the right kind of salt, John? Marie walked over and [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]