“Amelia!” George called. “What’s the weather outside?”
“It’s frightful!” she called back, and then burst into song, “and the fire is so delightful!”
George chuckled. “I was thinking the same thing when you said that. But really, what is the weather out there?”
“It’s -3,” she said. “And sunny.”
“Thank you, dearest,” he replied, and he turned back to the letter he was writing…
Amelia had some problems with anxiety when it came to book releases. And Patricia Johns’s MURDER OF AN AMISH BRIDEGROOM has just come out! Amelia was the editor on this book, and she felt like her own heart was out there on the shelves, and if those shoppers didn’t buy it, she might die!
Well, it was a sloppy metaphor… Still, she felt lightheaded and woozy.
The pets–both cats and the dog–came to check on her, but they were not too concerned because animals can smell melodrama.
It was just as well. Amelia picked herself back up and took a deep breath. She’d call Patricia, and they could drown their mutual anxiety in gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free cheesecake.
Patricia had allergies, you see, and so Amelia would have to settle for a cheesecake-like option.
Dear Granny, George wrote.
I hope you are going to have a pleasant Christmas. Here, the weather is very warm and we cannot complain. I heard that you hired a new maid. Mother said the last one was stealing your stamp collection one by one and using them to mail postcards to her boyfriend, and we were all horrified on your behalf. I hope this new maid works out much better. Keep your stamp collection locked away, Granny. You can’t be too careful.
I’m facing my first Christmas as a married frog. My dearest Amelia is all the gift I need, but I’m afraid I’ll have to be more creative about Amelia’s gift than simply wrapping a bow around myself. So I am thinking very deeply about what I will give her this year. I’ve been told it will set the tone for our entire marriage.
Talk about pressure!
Anyway, Amelia sends her love. We wish you a very Merry Christmas. We’ll be sure to call on Christmas Day.
Much love,
George
I hope your Christmas season is progressing nicely! I love this time of year with the glitter and lights, and all the anticipation. I hope you’ll get some time to curl up with a good book. Have you checked out mine recently? Maybe you’ll find your next read!
While you are here, perhaps you’ll also consider signing up for my newsletter. Every month we choose four winners to receive packages from me, and I share a glimpse into my personal life there.
Happy reading!
❤
Patricia Johns 
Your comments make me feel warm and fuzzy. Seriously!