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We do sleep in the next morning.  Then we enjoy a leisurely day.  We’ve all been running for weeks.  We definitely needed the break with which the snow provided us.  The kids venture outside to play in it while I work on a lavish feast for breakfast.  Eggs, sausage, pancakes. 

But this time, my little army surprises me.  They weather the outdoors longer than I expect them to.  So after doing all my prep work in the kitchen, I head for the living room to pick out today’s Christmas movie.  I decide to watch it by myself for a while. 

But as the kids trail into the house half an hour later, my daughter rebukes me, “You’re watching a Christmas movie without us!?”

She sounds quite indignant. 

I glance up at her.  “You can start it over while I cook breakfast.”

“Mommy, is there any hot chocolate?” a shivering Alastair asks me as he stomps the snow off his boots by the front door.

I leap off the couch.  “I’ll go make some right now!”

––

We spend the day noshing on excellent food and watching romantic Christmas movies.  Even Kookie and Lyric seem to enjoy them.  My eldest son doesn’t surprise me.  He’s a softie.  He even cries along with me during the particularly mushy ones.  But I’m pleasantly surprised to see that Lyric appears to have a romantic soul too.

The kids and I finish assembling our treat tins during the afternoon before we all work together to make dinner.  All too soon, the day comes to an end, and our guests head home on streets now cleared of snow.  It melted away under today’s bright sun.  But the evidence of its presence remains on the grass still.  It’ll be several days before it disappears from off the ground.

––

As quickly as Monday disappears, the remainder of the week flies by.  Pageant practice runs smoothly all three days.  Our mystery prankster seems to have disappeared.  Mrs. O is able to find her script every day, and no one experiences any more wardrobe malfunctions or missing costumes.  Everyone makes it to practice.  None go missing in the middle.  Nobody suffers another injury either.  The costume room door remains unlocked.

Melody’s voice grows more beautiful by the minute.  As does Yoon’s playing.  The kids all seem to have perfected their lines during their absence on our snow day too.  Each of the children’s choirs sounds absolutely lovely.  When Friday night arrives, we are all ready for the performance of the year.

It begins without a hitch.  I’ve brought reinforcements with me tonight to ensure that everything runs smoothly.  Janna, Kookie, and Emmie are all hiding in the wings with me.  They’ve each got particular assignments to which to attend.  Expectantly, we watch the curtain open. 

The crowd grows silent during Melody’s solo; everyone seems enraptured by both the song and her voice.  Not to mention Yoon’s flawless execution of the music.  I think that no one imagined that a children’s pageant would star two such gifted performers.

I stand backstage directing kids as I eagerly wait for my own children’s parts.  Everett speaks in a loud, clear voice, easily engaging the assembled crowd of parents, siblings, grandparents, and friends.  I am just sure that I can pick out both of the beautiful voices of Alastair and Abner as they sing along with the other angels.

Even the baby Jesus seems to be in awe of the singing shepherds in the next scene.  The baby doesn’t make a peep during their performance.  Although, the toddler king still manages to wiggle under his covers when the wise men come to visit him in the last scene.  But the entire pageant is a huge success, and the performers receive a standing ovation at the end. 

I watch as the assembled cast all take another bow before filing down the front steps to meet their parents hiding in the audience.  All except my three, who head my way.  Yoon and Melody follow them.

I glance up in time to catch the way Yoon is gazing at the side of Melody’s face. 

Oh, this boy has it bad. 

As I watch them, an idea suddenly forms in my mind.  I go with it.

“Yoon, Melody, are you two free tomorrow night?”

Surprised, they both catch my eye. 

“Um, I guess,” Melody offers.

“Yes,” Yoon responds at the same time.

“Great!  I’m going to throw a little party at my house for all the teenagers who helped with the pageant.  You’re both invited to my house at six o’clock.”

What on earth am I doing?  Like I need one more activity to squeeze into my already jam-packed schedule this week.

“Melody, I know you can find my house.  But, Yoon, I’ll send you my address if you give me your phone number.”

“Okay,” he mumbles as he pulls out his phone.

Several moments later, he’s received his first text message from me.

“Got it,” he murmurs.

“Great!” I echo my word of a few moments ago.  “I’m so glad you can both come.  We’re going to have a good time.  Come hungry!  I’ll be serving everyone dinner and dessert.”

Oh, I will, will I?

Is Lyric going to be available to help me?  I wonder.

Inside, I’m groaning.  Except that there’s a part of me that loves to host parties, and that part is rejoicing.  I’m also privately hoping that Yoon and Melody will discover just how perfect they are for each other.  At my party.  Wouldn’t that be something?