Enough to Miss Christmas

"That stuff was all Carol's concepts anyway," he said as we all stood at the gate. "Maybe it's a good idea to have a totally fresh start. If you guys want it, it's a done deal." Timmy, who'd, buy into anything, bounced with glee.

"There are details we have to talk about, Paul," I said as I glanced at my watch.

Paul shook his head. "The only real detail is that I love you and I'm saying it right here in front of you and my children. I want us to be a family and I trust your judgment. Can I be any plainer than that?"

It was Sarah who tossed cautionary cold water on the collective enthusiasm. "Paul, I want each of you to consider what you're saying. Take this next week and talk about it together and I'll come back Friday. No decisions until then! I mean it!" I kissed each and turned away toward my plane leaving them with the decision of their lives.

It seemed I spent the entire following week on the phone, with long conversations to either Paul or my sister Suzie, and a couple of shorter chats with Karen and Timmy.

At first Suzie was flabbergasted that I wouldn't be jubilant about moving into Paul's castle and assuming the role of Queen of the realm. She was further bewildered that Paul, and his children, were agreeable to go along with her daffy sister and, as she put it, kiss-off easy street for a mere mortal existence. Suzie was somewhat placated when I told her where Karen and I located a potential home. She was familiar enough with the Summerside area to know that the home I described, while a mere fraction in value to Paul's Newton mansion, was never-the-less far more expensive than anything she and her husband Mike Kelly could ever dream of affording.

"I keep thinking someone will yell April fools and you'll turn back into a pumpkin," she said and I didn't disagree.

While I tried to discuss details on the phone with Paul, he continued to act as if buying the yet unseen Summerside house was a done deal. He, or probably Thatcher Wright, had set up an appointment for this coming Saturday. I crossed my fingers that he hadn't already purchased the place before I'd seen the inside.

Paul and I reached a general understanding of how our new life might function. While he acted totally blasé about my suggestions, it became apparent he had given the proposed changes serious thought. He would continue his business interests unabated, including his corporate jet and other trappings. While Paul offered a willingness to curtail his frequent and lengthy business trips in the long term, the first year was already heavily booked and I'd often be left alone with the children.