The Christmas List (21 page)

“Thank you.”

He looked around the room. In one hand he held a glass of ginger ale and he put his free hand in his pocket. “You
know I'm not one for speeches. But if any year deserves one, it's this one. This has been an . . . interesting year. You all experienced my death.” There was scattered laughter. “But, more importantly, you've experienced my rebirth. I am grateful for the second chance.

“I hope you all get what you want for Christmas. I got what I wanted. I've spent the last three days with my sweetheart. My wife.” He paused. “We humans—at least some of us, are seriously flawed. The things that are the most necessary, the most critical to us, are the things we take most for granted. Air. Water. Love. If you have someone to love, you are lucky. If they love you back, you're blessed. And if you waste the time you have to love them, you're a fool.

“This is my advice to you. Make the most of the time you have with those you love, because . . .” He paused, and for the first time ever the employees of Kier Company saw their boss tear up. “. . . because you don't know when it will end. And the best time to figure that out is ten years ago. But the second best time is right now.” He raised his glass. “To second chances.”

Everyone raised their glasses. “To second chances.”

The noise level rose. Kier lifted his glass again. “One more thing.”

Linda whistled again and the place quieted.

“Thank you,” Kier said. “To show that I'm serious about what I said—about spending time with your loved ones, I've instructed Tim that we are officially closed between Christmas and New Year's. There will be no business transacted at
the Kier Company at this time. You all have the week off with full pay.”

The room erupted with wild cheers.

“I wish you all a very Merry Christmas.”

There was even more applause and the employees of Kier Company happily crowded around him. Kier smiled and shook hands and as soon as possible stole back to his office. He took off the Santa cap, shut his door, then sat down at his desk. He immediately called home. “Hi, honey.”

“How's it going?” Sara asked.

“It's going well. Everyone seems to be having a good time.”

“Sorry I couldn't make it. Were they excited about the time off?”

“Ecstatic. How are you feeling?”

“I'm fine. Jimmy and Juliet are visiting.”

Kier smiled. “Tell them hello. I've just got this one meeting, then I'll be home.”

She didn't say anything.

“Sara?”

“It just sounded so good to hear you say that.”

“I love you.”

“I love you too.” He hung up, and smiled as he lifted the Allen folder. It was much thicker than the last time they'd met; the plans for the new development had been added. As he perused the file's contents there was a knock at his door.

“Come in,” Kier said.

Tim Brey poked his head inside. “Got a minute?”

“Sure.”

Brey stepped inside carrying a small package. “Linda said you were hiding out back here.”

“You know how I am with crowds.”

“Well, you wowed this crowd. They were positively giddy.”

Kier smiled. “Is anyone still out there?”

“A few of them. But it's finally winding down.” He walked up to Kier's desk. “Karen and I have a little Christmas present for you.” He held out a package wrapped in gold foil tied with a glossy gold ribbon.

Kier took the present. “Thank you.”

“It's just a little something we found at an Amish shop on our vacation back in Bird-in-Hand.”

Kier unwrapped the gift. “A music box,” he said, “a Christmas music box.” He held it up to the lights. It had brass hinges and corners, and a holly leaf flourish was burnished into its polished lid.

“It's beautiful.” He opened the lid. Inside was a silver cylinder beneath a glass cover. The cylinder immediately began to turn, plucking from a row of silver tines a Christmas tune:
I heard the bells.
He gently closed the lid and the music stopped. “Thank you. Give Karen and the kids my best.”

“I will. Merry Christmas.”

“I think that's the first time you've ever said that to me.”

“It's the first time I wasn't afraid you would laugh.”

“You're probably right. Merry Christmas to you, too. Thanks for all you've done for the company this year.”

“It's been my pleasure. So you'll see Sara tonight?”

Kier smiled. “I'm back home. Sara wanted to come today but she didn't feel up to it.”

“Well, give her my best. From me and Karen.”

“I'll do that.”

Brey looked down for a moment then said, “I want to apologize for the things I wrote about you. They were mean, disloyal, and ungrateful.”

“Sounds like a good description of me. I'm sorry I ever acted in a way that made you want to write that.”

“What you said about second chances, that's true for me as well. Thank you for giving me another chance. I won't let you down.”

“I know you won't. I know it.”

“I think next year is going to be a very good year for Kier Company.”

“I'm sure of that too. Merry Christmas, my friend.”

“Merry Christmas, boss. And God bless.”

A few minutes after Brey left his office, Linda's voice came over the speaker. “Mr. Kier, Mr. Allen is here.”

“Thank you, Linda. Send him in,” he said, then added, “and go on home, it's Christmas Eve.”

“I will. I've just a few things to finish up before the very generous holiday you just gave us.”

The door opened and Vance Allen stepped hesitatingly into the office, still wearing his overcoat and holding his felt Stetson in his hands.

Kier looked coolly at him from his chair. “Have a seat.”

Vance sat down, growing more anxious by the moment.

“So you have my money?”

Vance grimaced. “I have this.” He set a check on the desk. “Thirty-seven thousand. It's all I could raise. You can keep it as a bonus. Please, just give me a little more time.”

Kier picked up the check. “Where did you get this?”

“I cashed out our 401K, our IRA, everything we had in savings.”

“That wasn't wise. The IRS is going to penalize you.”

“I know.”

He set the check on the desk and pushed it forward. “I'm sorry, I can't take it.”

“It's Christmas Eve, Mr. Kier can't you show just a little . . .”

“A little what?”

“Compassion.”

Kier took a deep breath. “Compassion, huh. The thing is, if I cut you a break, then what happens? Word gets out that Kier's gone soft. People stop honoring their commitments. Bedlam.”

“No one needs to know. It's just between us. I promise.” He leaned forward and pushed the check back. “Please, take the money. I just need a little more time. It's only a month.”

Kier took the check and tore it up. “I'm sorry, I'd like to take your money. Really I would. Taking money is one of my favorite things in the world. But I can't.”

Vance dropped his head in his hands.

“. . . but I can give you more time.”

Vance's head rose. “What?”

“I can give you more time.”

Vance looked at him incredulously. “How much time?”

“How much do you need?”

“Three weeks. Five tops.”

“Okay.”

“Okay? Just like that?”

“Just like that. Of course, we'll have to change the terms of our agreement. Adjust the rates a bit.”

“How much is a bit?”

“Well, prime is currently 5.7 percent. I'm thinking, say, 6 percent.”

“But I'm already paying double that.”

“Yeah, you're right. I've overcharged you. How about we just let it ride for the next three weeks. Or five.”

Vance's expression changed from wonder to embarrassment. “You're mocking me, aren't you?”

Kier stood, walked around his desk and sat back against its edge. “No, sir. I'm not. Let's just say I've had a change of heart.”

Vance looked at him quizzically. Then he asked, “Are you dying?”

Kier laughed. “We're all dying, aren't we? But hopefully not soon.”

“I don't know what to say.”

“How about ‘Merry Christmas.' Now get home to your family.” He handed him the pieces of the torn check. “Take this with you. The IRS allows you a fourteen-day window to return the money to your accounts without a penalty. I suggest you do so.”

Vance's eyes watered. “God Bless you, Mr. Kier.”

“He already has. Merry Christmas.”

Vance wiped his eyes, then stood. “It is now.” He thrust out his large hand. “Thank you. Thank you very much.”

Kier looked at his hand and took it, shaking it firmly. “You're welcome, my friend. I'm sorry for the worry I put you through.”

“Forgiven.”

After Allen left, Kier shook his head and smiled. He unconsciously reached for his hand sanitizer, then caught himself and put it back without using it. He took the music box Brey had given him and lifted its lid. The sweet, gentle sound of its tines rang through his office. Kier spoke softly the words of the hymn, “Then pealed the bells more loud and sweet, God is not dead nor doth he sleep. The wrong shall fail the right prevail, so peace on earth good will to men.”

Forgiven.
Just like that.

There was a gentle knock on the door and Linda walked in. Kier looked up at her as he shut the lid to the music box. She sat down in one of the chairs in front of his desk.

“Nice party,” he said.

“You paid for it.”

“How much . . .” He stopped and held up his hand. “I don't want to know. I thought I told you to go home.”

“I just had a few things I needed to finish up. What did you do to Vance?”

“Usual stuff. Broke him. Drove him to his knees. He was crying, wasn't he?”

“He asked me if you were dying.”

“I get a lot of that lately.”

“He told me that you're a good man.”

“Yeah, now I know you're joking.”

“I have a Christmas present for you.” She reached inside her purse and brought out a scrolled piece of parchment tied with a red bow. She handed it to him.

“What's this?”

“Open it.” He untied the bow, then unrolled the paper.
A smile grew on his face as he read what she'd written. “You found her.”

“It wasn't easy. I thought it was hopeless but then Mallorie over at the title company noticed a discrepancy on the foreclosure document. When Celeste purchased the home she had signed with a different last name than the one she used when she relinquished it. I guess she was still using her married name.”

Kier looked back at the paper. “So she's a waitress.”

“At a little diner in West Jordan. She's working tonight.”

“On Christmas Eve?”

“Yes.” A smile crossed Linda's face. “I have an idea. A really wonderful idea.”

Kier looked at her. “Well, let's hear it.”