The story doesn't end with this chapter. To listen to the sequel, The Christmas House II, Martha's Return, visit www. minicooperproductions.com for options to download the book. Thank you for investing some of your time to explore the lives of the Carter's and Martha Kennedy. A prequel is under development called, The Christmas House 1845 - 1997. Experience the exploits of Martha as a young girl and then as an old maid as she navigates tragedy, love, and challenges before meeting the Carters.
8:00 a.m.
148 Festive Lane
Lake Forest, IL
As the sun peered through the open draperies in the main bedroom, Michael slowly opened his eyes to see the clock on the nightstand.
“Wow, 8:00 already. We have to get up. Only 10 hours left.”
He turned to feel for Arianna but felt nothing except the coolness of satin sheets beneath his hand. He sprung up into a sitting position and frantically looked around the room. The fireplace continued to burn, and the music was still playing from the night before. He jumped out of bed and ran over to the bedroom door. As he swung open the door, he ran out of the room and into the hallway. The door to the guestroom next to the main bedroom opened as well. Uncle Wally walked out of the guestroom with a cigar hanging out of his mouth. As Wally turned to close the door behind him, he noticed Michael standing a few feet away.
“Ha! And you talk about me. At least I wear a sheet when I cruise the hallway looking for babes. Really Michael,” he said.
Michael suddenly realized that he was standing in the middle of the hallway, stark naked. As he tried to cover himself with his hands, he explained to Wally.
“I was looking for Arianna, but she wasn’t there when I woke up and… ”
“Spare me the gory details, Michael. It’s painfully obvious that you are looking for Arianna, you goofy humans. Go get some clothes on and come down to breakfast,” he replied.
Michael continued to plead his case when Arianna’s mother suddenly exited the guest bathroom.
“Michael! Did you forget something this morning?” she asked.
“Oh my God!” shouted Michael as he ran bare-bottomed to the main bedroom and slammed the door behind him.