Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Final Part

Choral selections of the Stanford glee club Christmas album floated through the loft, Laura adding a melodic contralto as she set yet another empty ornament box carefully into a plastic storage bin bought just for that purpose. Silent for a moment, she stepped back to survey the final effect.

A tree ( Read more... )

The Skater’s Waltz

Part 6 of 8

Laura and Mr. Steele followed other symphony patrons into Fugue Hall, where the music of a string quartet provided a backdrop to laughter, cheerful conversations and the tinkling of ice in glasses. Leveling a lingering look at the performers as they began a gay rendition of the Skater’s Waltz by Waldteufel, Steele ( Read more... )

Caroling, Caroling

Part 5 of 8
The limo pulled up in front of Laura’s loft. Steele groaned slightly from the back seat. “Time to climb the heights, eh, Fred?”
“Shall I call and let Miss Holt know we’ve arrived, Sir?” Fred offered sympathetically to his suffering employer.

“A gentleman always calls for a lady at her door, Fred. A brisk ( Read more... )

Deck the Halls

Part 4 of 8

Mildred’s head and shoulders were moving in time to the cheerful Christmas music that filled the agency’s reception area. Laura leaned over the older woman’s shoulder, her fingers tapping in time to the same tune as she scanned the list on Mildred’s computer screen. Both looked up when Steele walked through the agency ( Read more... )

Angels We Have Heard On High

Part 2 of 8
Laura led the way into the Symphony Hall, slowing as she did. A beatific smile dimpled her face as she closed her eyes and inhaled deeply.
“Laura?” Steele turned and sniffed inquisitively, testing the air only to sneeze loudly.

“Bless you, Mr. Steele. Some of my favorite Christmas moments have ( Read more... )

It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas!

Part 1 0f 8
Larger than life snowflakes spun in the cool California breeze, twinkling with sparkling white lights.  Busy shoppers rushed beneath them in an open air plaza reverberating with the jangle of a Salvation Army Santa’s bell and a group of carolers’ sweeter notes. The festive holiday garb of ( Read more... )