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  The aroma of turkey and ham were already filling the house. The two children were running from toy to toy, but Jack seemed as excited by the boxes as any toys. He still had a problem dealing with the concept of Santa Claus.

  "But Daddy, it's Jesus's birthday why isn't it Jesus who gets the presents?" Ava asked for the twentieth time. Jim threw his hands in the air and looked fruitlessly for Ange to help him out. The front doorbell chimed, and he thought she must have gone to answer it but when it rang again he attended to it. He invited the Harshaws in and poured drinks for all, shouting for Ange. He felt embarrassed that she wasn't there to greet their guests and even more mortified that he had no idea where she had gone. Maeve was keeping it all going, helping him cover up his awkwardness. Finally the back door opened and Ange came in, looking like the abominable snowman. As she entered, she shot Jim a look, and put her fingers to her lips.

  "We can't have Carla spending Christmas alone. She can't get to Denver with the weather, so I invited her to join us."

  The room went silent for a couple of moments, but Ange filled the silence with chatter about the children's excitement and asked a blissfully unaware Ava to show Carla the new painting set she got from Santa as she filled a glass of eggnog for her.

  "What the fuck?" Jim hissed as he joined Ange by the cooker.

  "I don't want to have to pass a neighbor on the street and look the other way. She's having a bad enough time of it. How would you like to spend Christmas stuck somewhere on your own, knowing the rest of the neighborhood were all spending it with friends or family," Ange said quietly.

  "She only has herself to blame," Jim whispered.

  "Come on, it's the season of good will. Hank has been good to you and Carla's just depressed. I above all people know that depression does funny things to you. Maeve tells me she's usually a model community member. It was hard for her to come, be kind to her." He downed another eggnog quickly and bit his tongue. Ange had a point about Hank at least.

  Maeve, kind-hearted as she was, was desperately trying to make conversation with Carla when they returned and Jim took her cue. It wasn't long before the doorbell went again and Kirk and Bethany were admitted, followed by Brent and Charmagne. If anyone was surprised to see Carla, they were wise enough to keep their own counsel, and act as if it was the most natural thing in the world. Jim helped Ange whip up another batch of egg nog. The party, it seemed, was only starting.

  "That was a very decent thing to do. I'm proud of you, love," Jim said, kissing his wife as he got her alone.

  The next hour brought a steady stream of callers, all of Ange's friends, showing support for what she had been through. Jim was struck by the kindness of one and all, not just toward him and Ange, but also toward Carla. By inviting her there, Ange had ensured Carla was forgiven, and Jim hoped Carla appreciated that fact enough to accept the hand of friendship and drop any animosity. It was certainly much more than he would have done if it was left to him. Dinner was a little more awkward as it was just Carla and the O'Briens, but the children provided plenty of pleasant distraction, and Carla left soon after the meal was done.

  Ange walked her to the door. Jim was surprised to see Carla kiss Ange, and overheard her parting remarks.

  "I didn't deserve that. Thank you. I wish I could undo the past. You're a remarkable person. God bless and happy Christmas."

  "Forget it, honestly. I've been there and done plenty I wasn't too proud of. I'm glad you came. Friends?"

  "More than friends, I will never forget you for this. It seems I'm indebted to both the O'Briens for the rest of my life."

  "Well, that was certainly an interesting day," Jim remarked, smiling at the sight of his two children sitting on the floor, making a total ramshackle of the place, paper flittered everywhere. The excitement had been too much for them. It wouldn't be long before they were tucked up in bed and he and Ange could finally be alone. He'd been dying to get his hands on her all day. She looked stunning, in a seasonal red dress and black high heels. And that lovely round ripe bottom was framed perfectly. He had visions of making her skin match the color of her dress. He hoped she was sufficiently recovered from her ordeal to indulge in a little play. He let his thoughts drift to wonderful things as he brought the children up to bed and tucked them in. They were overtired and excited and took quite a while to settle. When he descended, Ange was fast asleep on the sofa. He smiled, covered her with a blanket and set to cleaning up a little. The fun would have to wait an hour or two, but it was early yet.

  Chapter 14

  March, Colorado.

  Private and Confidential. Addressee only.

  Those words had seldom been proven to bring good news in Ange's experience. She turned the letter round and around in her hands. She recognized the return address. It was from the firm of solicitors that her teacher's union had used to fight her case. She had thought all correspondence had finished, the union had paid her fees in return for her taking the case. The envelope shook in her nervous hands. Time stood still as she contemplated opening it. She really didn't want any reminders of her hateful humiliation.

  Finally convincing herself that the contents wouldn't bite her, Ange inserted her index finger under the gummed flap and ripped the envelope, pulling the letter out.

  Dear Mrs. O'Brien,

  As you are probably aware, recent events in the European Court of Appeals in a case similar to yours have upheld that the dismissal of a teacher for events in their personal life is contrary to the rights of the individual. As a result your dismissal has become an illegal dismissal.

  On your behalf, we have successfully negotiated your reinstatement with the board of management. Further to that you are to receive remuneration for the period of suspension and dismissal. I enclose confirmation that your bank account has been credited with the equivalent of two years eight months' salary, dated from the time your maternity leave ended.

  Should you not wish to be reinstated, we would be in a good position to further negotiate a termination payment, as it could be argued that the board of management has made your situation untenable. In this case, we have insisted that your name be placed on the panel as of the date you should have returned to work, leaving you second on the list. All we require now is your instructions on how to proceed.

  Anticipating your earliest possible reply,

  Eimear McCarthy, BL

  McCarthy, Brady, Smith & Co. Solicitors

  Fuck! In the end, in a very roundabout way, she had won. Ange's hands were still trembling, but this time it was elation. She finally felt vindicated. Her battle and subsequent humiliation had finally been for a reason. Ange would never teach in that school again, that much she knew. There was no way she could hold the administration in any sort of regard after how they had treated her, but what it meant was that her dismissal was no longer valid and she would be replaced on the teaching panel as a priority. Getting a new job in another school would be easy, a foregone conclusion. She knew how the system worked. A school was obliged to employ the person next on the list. She picked up her phone to dial Jim's number, but then changed her mind. This was one to talk about face to face. It affected both of them so entirely. It meant they could return to Ireland if they wanted to.

  That was something they hadn't discussed for quite a while. Ange wasn't sure what Jim would want to do given the option. Four months ago, he'd have been on the first flight. But once he started working, he seemed to settle into his new life, embracing the opportunities it brought. The work in Corbin's Bend was coming to a close, though. No new units would be required for another six months at least. And that could change everything. It had been so difficult for him to get a start in the first place that Ange wondered if he would be back to square one. She knew he was anxious, but was trying to hide it. Given what had occurred with Carla, neither of them expected any further assistance from Hank. He was an honest, decent man, but family came first, as it should.

  Ange pondered her own situation. If it was just down to her,
she would probably stay. She and Jim hadn't been as close since Jack was born; she would even go so far as to say she was positively elated in her marriage. Jack's health had improved so much, alleviating both their guilt about his bad start in life. Ava was blossoming and making friends with the other children in Corbin's Bend, the children she would start kindergarten with, should they stay. If she had a choice, she would take the back pay, and use it to set up her own little bakery right here in the community that had become her lifeline during the dark times. But Ange knew it wasn't just about her, or even the kids, any decision had to be for the benefit of the entire family. She was confident she would be happy anywhere, as long as she and Jim continued to be united as a couple. Corbin's Bend had brought that unity so it was natural that Ange would, prefer to remain there.

  Ange went up to the office and took out her bakery file. She had plans for extending, selling her bread outside of Corbin's Bend. She had set up her own unit in January, before the FDA inspectors arrived. It was going well, but it would never be more than pocket money if she didn't extend. The increase in sales though would make it viable, and she could have her products delivered to Denver daily. It would mean an earlier start for her as they would have to be distributed first thing in the morning. But with Jim's contract ending, he would be there to look after the children. And failing that, she had a young woman lined up to come in, give them breakfast and look after them. By two or three p.m., Ange's day would be done, and she would still have plenty of quality of time with the children each day. She would employ someone to man the "shop" counter for the afternoons. The math all added up, and now the payment of the salary took care of the necessary capital. All it needed was Jim's approval. She could of course fight for it, but it would be a lot better if she could get him on board without a battle. Her fighting days were done, she hoped.

  Pulling into the hard shoulder, Jim slapped his pockets in frustration. He could hear the damn phone ringing but couldn't find it. He shoved his high visibility vest off the dashboard knocking the phone to the floor and causing him to miss the call. He looked at the caller ID. Hank. So this was it. He knew that the Corbin's Bend work would be finished next week and the men had already been told whether they were being laid off or reassigned to another job. It was his turn for the high jump. It was a pity, as he had really enjoyed working with Hank. But Hank had more than repaid his debt and Jim knew he'd find it much easier to find work as this time he'd be going with an excellent reference as opposed to a bunch of testimonials from a different country. Whatever happened, he'd be grateful to him, he'd given Jim the start when nobody else would.

  Hitting the redial, he went straight through to Hank.

  "Ah, Jim. Thanks for returning my call. I was afraid I'd missed you. Is there any chance you could come into Denver? There's something I need to discuss with you"

  "I'm halfway there as it happens. We needed some supplies. I'll be there as soon as I can."

  Jim was pretty philosophical about the outcome. He'd had a good start and he understood that things might be a bit difficult for Hank. Carla and he had been working together well again since Christmas, while Jim was pretty sure that Hank had been aware of difficulties, but probably not of the true reasons behind it. He ran up the stairs to Hank's office two by two. Might as well get it over with.

  "Come in, come in," Hank called almost impatiently as he approached the open door. He was standing over his conference table with four sets of blue prints in front of him. "I have a dilemma. Come and look. Four jobs, scheduled to start at the one time."

  "That's not a bad complaint," Jim said.

  "It is if it's too much and you have to select the ones to go for. What would you do?"

  "As many as I could without compromising quality. Jeez, you're not kidding are you? They're all big projects." He was looking at blueprints for a shopping mall, two housing developments and a retirement village.

  "It's possible to take on two the way things stand, if you'll stay on or…"

  "Of course I'll stay on, that would be brilliant, or what?"

  "Or there are two other options, one is you buy in as a partner here, and we could do three, maybe four, depending on what capital you have to invest. The other option is you set up alone, and I recommend you for one of the projects. Partnerships don't suit everyone, I know, but I'll be retiring soon enough, so that would be my personal preference."

  "Shit, are you sure you want to do that? I'm really flattered, but you built this business up and I'd be the beneficiary."

  "It makes sense, and you'll be paying for the privilege. Your percentage share would depend on how much you put in, and I'd write it into the agreement that I get to take a percentage even after I retire so we would both be winners. I've spoken to Betty, my lawyer, and my accountant, it seems to make sense. Have a think about it over the weekend, and talk to that lovely wife of yours."

  "How much are we talking about?"

  "One hundred and fifty thousand per ten percent stake is what my accountant is valuing it at, but you're welcome to have someone check those figures. The most I'll sell is forty percent as I want to keep ultimate control for now and the minimum is ten per cent. The rest is up to you."

  "I really appreciate it, Hank. Thank you for trusting me once again."

  "Without you, I wouldn't have a daughter. I think you've a right to my trust. And speaking of which, if it helps, Carla told me she behaved foolishly and I think you and Ange behaved very honorably. Carla is totally on-board if you become a partner and won't embarrass you again. It was a misplaced gratitude and she is embarrassed by her actions."

  "There is no need for embarrassment. She had a horrible shock. Ange and I have both been there. That's why we moved here in the first place. As far as we're concerned, it never happened."

  As soon as Jim came through the door Ange was on him like a ton of bricks. He was always bad about hiding things from her but her speed of discovery impressed even him this time.

  "You've news, I can tell," she pounced. He could feel his grin.

  "Yup, sure do, but it's got to wait until the kids go to bed."

  "I do, too. Is yours big?"

  "It certainly is, yours?"

  "Yes!"

  "This big?" Jim asked as he produced a bottle of champagne.

  "Funnily enough, it is that big, I'm glad yours is, too. Dinner in five. Kids are already fed and exhausted as I ran them around the playground all afternoon and brought them swimming to guarantee an early night."

  "Did I ever tell you how much I love you, Mrs. O'Brien?"

  "I'm not certain. Maybe you should tell me just to make sure."

  "Ange O'Brien, I love you, you're the light of my life and the woman of my heart, and now I can't wait to get your panties off." Jim grabbed his amused wife, slipping one hand up her top and another down the back of her trousers. She slapped him off, laughing.

  "Feck off, you big eejit, you're not getting into my panties until we've sank that bottle and shared our news. And I love you too."

  It felt like an age to Jim before the kids were settled. He was bursting with his news. So many times he was about to blab it, but managed to restrain himself. He knew that he wouldn't get the opportunity to tell the story through, and be able to answer questions when the children were demanding his attention. He could see Ange was excited about something, too, and he was dying to know what it was. Finally they were asleep and Ange was sitting on the sofa beside him, leaning in against him with her feet tucked under her bum. He handed her a glass, and had a flashback of both of them sitting pretty much like that the night they had arrived, only then they'd had to make do with wine in mugs.

  "Slainte," they toasted in unison, clinking glasses.

  "So what's this all about? The Jim O'Brien I know doesn't go buying champagne for no reason. You have that look about you. Like you're buzzing."

  "Jaysus, I can't hide anything from you. But you're right. Hank wants me to buy into the business."

  "And from
your excitement, I can see you want to. Congratulations, love. I'm really proud of you. Hank's no fool. He can see a good deal when it's presented to him. To think you were worried he was going to let you go."

  "I don't know about that, but it's nice to be asked. Tell me your news now and then we'll discuss Hank's offer."

  "Well, we certainly have our options open! Yours gives us a future here, mine gives us a future in Ireland and then we can choose what we want, not what we feel forced into." Ange lifted the letter from a bundle of paperwork and handed it to him to read.

  "Holy shit, you're kidding! That's brilliant. So now we have to decide, Ireland or Corbin's Bend."

  "I'll go to Timbuktu if you ask me to, as long as you're with me. I know you wanted to go home for a long time so I'm going to let you make the first call. I brought you here so it's your turn."

  "Could you go back to teaching if we stayed here? Is there any way your qualifications would transfer?"

  "I don't know. I never looked into it. But to tell the truth if we stay here, I don't think I would want to teach again. I've another idea that I need to talk to you about if we stay."

  "I think I'd like to stay, if you would. For a ton of reasons, but largely because we haven't been this happy in years, or I should say, I haven't – I can't speak for you."

  "No, you're right, we haven't. Even the kids are thriving. Look at Jack. He's healthy as a trout here. No bronchitis and he has grown a sight."