Challenging: Day 15

Word Total: 90,003

Year to Date: 1,140,082

Summary of Events:

Reid was visited by Gabrielle and the kids, who came bearing Christmas gifts which he opened while they were there — including a gift from the church that contained nothing religious whatsoever. Nicholas enjoyed Christmas Eve morning with Daniella, Dylan, and Anastasia the interior decorator — who had since moved in with him — quite immensely. After spending the day with one of the church families, Gabrielle went to the Christmas Eve service and watched Jeremiah in the play, along with listening to some wonderful music; after the service she ended up running into Reid's former boss, Mr. Lindley, who profusely apologized, taking the blame for Reid's imprisonment on himself.

Excerpt of the Day:

""Oh, Mr. Lindley, that's very nice of you, but it's alright, we'll be fine," Gabrielle said.

"I have to do this, I owe it to you," Mr. Lindley said.

"I don't hold Reid's imprisonment against you," Gabrielle said. "I never even thought to hold you at fault, I was more upset at Michael because he lied, and I'm sad that Reid lost control like he did."

"He lost control because I fired him," Mr. Lindley said.

"Mr. Lindley, I forgive you — not that I really held anything against you in the first place," Gabrielle said insistently.

Mr. Lindley stopped and sighed. "I appreciate that," he said. "But still, I need to make it up to you."

"And how are you going to do that?" Gabrielle asked.

"I'm going to pay you Reid's salary, monthly, as usual, for as long as he's imprisoned," Mr. Lindley replied.

"But I'm not working for you Mr. Lindley," Gabrielle protested.

"I know," Mr. Lindley said. "And I know with your little one on the way you wouldn't be able to, but you don't need to either."

"I can't just let you pay me for my existence," Gabrielle insisted.

"I'm going to do it," Mr. Lindley said firmly. "And as soon as I'm allowed once Reid's paroled, or once he's released if it has to be, I'm hiring him back into his old position for the same pay."

"Well, thank you Mr. Lindley," Gabrielle said. "But as soon as I can I'm going to come work for you, I can't just let you pay me for my existence."

"Fine," Mr. Lindley said. "And here."

Gabrielle accepted the card-shaped envelope from Mr. Lindley.

"I have all of my employees' addresses in my records for Christmas card sending purposes, I'll send you the cheques as soon as they're cut, whether you come work for me or not," Mr. Lindley said. "Although I'm not taking you on until at least four months after you've had your baby, then you can work in the store."

Gabrielle nodded. "Thank you Mr. Lindley, Merry Christmas, and don't forget that I have forgiven you."

"Merry Christmas to you too Gabrielle," Mr. Lindley said. "Drive safe."

Gabrielle nodded and continued out to the foyer. She bundled the kids into their coats an put on her own. They went outside into the mildly cool Christmas Eve night to walk to the car and climbed inside.

Starting it as soon as she got in, Gabrielle sat and let it warm up before she started driving. While she waited she opened the card Mr. Lindley had given her. When she opened it she found a cheque with a number so large her eyes went wide.

Mr. Lindley's penned note after the printed greeting in the card told her it was Reid's salary from when he'd been fired until the present, along with his Christmas bonus. Tears sprang to Gabrielle's eyes."

The year end summary will be posted on November 20.