The Perfect Christmas - Debbie Macomber [55]
Subject: RE: Dinner on Christmas Eve—Save the Date!
Thanks, Angie. Email and phone calls and texting are great, but I am so looking forward to seeing you two in person! As for dinner, just bring yourselves. I’m making the same thing I did for my famous Christmas dinner two years ago—my third task, remember? Turkey, stuffing (and I’ll try not to lose my wedding ring in the stuffing!), mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans with almonds, salads. And a selection of pies for dessert. Plus a nice Washington State wine, which Simon will select. (With both of us being pregnant, you and I will have to skip that this year.)
Let’s talk soon!
C
From: Mom
Sent: Thursday, December 1, 6:32 p.m.
To: Cassie; Shawn&Angie; Simon
Subject: RE: Dinner on Christmas Eve—Save the Date!
Darlings, I’m so sorry but we won’t be able to leave Hawaii this Christmas, after all. Joseph and I have guests coming from New Zealand.
Cassie and Shawn (and Simon and Angie)—I’ll talk to you Christmas Day. I want you all to come for a midwinter holiday in Honolulu, well before the babies arrive. That’s my Christmas gift to you. Confirm ASAP!!!
Meanwhile, say hello to your father for me.
Much love,
Mom
From: Cassie
Sent: Thursday, December 1, 6:39 p.m.
To: Mom
Cc: Shawn&Angie; Simon
Subject: RE: Dinner on Christmas Eve—Save the Date!
Hawaii? Oh, Mom, what a great gift. Sun, sand, palm trees…
I called Simon (he’s working late) to check with him, and we’re thrilled to accept. I hope Shawn and Angie will be able to come, too. We were thinking end of January. (Does that work for you, too?)
We’ll miss you and Joseph this Christmas but seeing you in January will make up for it, especially in Hawaii! We’ll book the tickets this week.
Love,
Cass
From: Shawn&Angie
Sent: Monday, December 12, 7:42 p.m.
To: Cassie
Subject: RE: Dinner on Christmas Eve—Save the Date!
Works for us, too. Shawn will email your mother tonight. Late Jan. should be fine, since I’m due in April and your Simon, Jr. (or whatever you decide to call him) won’t make his appearance until May. Which reminds me: make sure you let us know when the two of you settle on a name. Shawn hates it that I refuse to find out if we’re having a boy or a girl, but as you know, I’ve always enjoyed a bit of suspense!
Here’s something else to keep you guessing. I’m making your Christmas present. Yes, me, Angie, the science geek. I told you I took knitting classes, right? Well, I’m knitting something wonderful for you. I’ve already made a baby Santa hat for your little guy to wear next Christmas! Aren’t you proud of me, knitting and all?
Did I tell you we’ve narrowed down the names? Julia, Katherine, Savannah or Kristin. And for a boy, Luke or Karl.
One more thing—Shawn’s going to paint name cards for you again (like he did two years ago). The theme this time will be…a surprise.
Ange
From: Amanda Snelling
Sent: Friday, December 2, 9:02 a.m.
To: Cassie
Cc: Simon
Subject: RE: Dinner on Christmas Eve—Save the Date!
Hello, Cassie,
My husband, Robert, and I accept your invitation with pleasure.
I’ve mentioned this to Simon but knowing him, he’ll probably forget to mention it, so I thought I should let you know myself.
Please tell us what we can bring. Robert’s very good when it comes to choosing wine. Look forward to seeing you.
Amanda
Amanda Snelling
Assistant to Simon Dodson
From: Pete
Sent: Friday, December 2, 12:15 p.m.
To: Cassie
Cc: Shawn&Angie
Subject: RE: Dinner on Christmas Eve—Save the Date!
Cassie, thanks for the invite. I’ll be there if I can. OK if I let you know closer to the date?
Pete
P.S. Is your mother planning to attend?
From: Cassie
Sent: Monday, December 13, 12:15 p.m.
To: Pete
Cc: Shawn&Angie
Subject: RE: Dinner on Christmas Eve—Save the Date!
Pete/Dad,
Fine, but could you confirm by December 21st?
And no, Mom’s got a friend visiting from New Zealand and can’t make it.
Please feel free to bring a companion if you want to—just let me know!
Cass
From: Phyllis&Harry
Sent: Friday, December 2, 4:30 p.m.
To: Cassie
Subject: RE: Dinner