A Town Called Christmas

By La Johna Newbould

Shiloh, the horse Marly had claimed as her own from the moment they had arrived, was surrounded by a pack of wolves. They were snipping and biting at her legs. "James, what should we do?" "I saw a gun in the barn. You get up on the fence. Now!" "But-" "No buts, Catheigh. Get up on the fence. Now!" Catheigh climbed up on the fence as three members of the pack separated themselves and headed toward her. She was on the top rail, but at that moment, she wasn't sure she was high enough. She looked into their eyes as they approached her, and she was sure that this was her last moment on earth. "Oh Lord!" were the only words that came out of Catheigh's mouth. She didn't have time for anything else.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Covenant Books, Inc.
• Release date: Aug 23, 2019
• ISBN: 9781644716946

Book preview

Dedication

I dedicate this book to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit for without whom this book would not have been written. It continually amazes me what an awesome God I serve, and I thank Him for that which He has given to me.

Acknowledgments

I would like to thank my husband, Jimmy, for the many hours he has put into proofreading this book. I would also like to thank our pastor, Bro. Robert Smith, for evaluating this book’s content from a religious perspective. Many thanks to you both.

To the Readers

Whether or not you choose to believe in Jesus is a choice given to you by that same Jesus. He gave it to you by paying a debt He did not owe—your debt. But because that debt has been paid, you are given free will—the free will to believe in Him or not to believe in Him. It is your choice.

Prologue

I don’t remember this town being here. I told my husband as we drove past the city limits sign.

James immediately pulled over onto the shoulder of the highway so we could back up and recheck our map. We were both tired and thought maybe we had taken a wrong turn somewhere on the highway behind us. It was extremely unlikely because we had traveled this road so many times before. Sure enough there it was. A town we had never heard of on a road we had traveled many times before and it was just a few miles down the road. So where had it come from?

My husband and I were so tired we decided to drive on and see if this town had someplace we could stay for the night. We would worry about where we were tomorrow. Before we knew it, we were there. I could hardly believe my eyes. James stopped the car and asked me to get out and stand beside the sign welcoming us into the city limits. He retrieved his camera out of the back seat and we both walked over to the sign.

I don’t know where this town came from, but it’s sign is very apropos. Don’t you think? I said, smiling sweetly at my husband.

You bet. Now would you go stand by the sign so I can take a picture. I did as my husband asked me and as I stood smiling up at the words, I just knew I was going to love this little town.

We got back in the car and drove into town. We didn’t have a clue what was in store for us in the days that lay ahead.

In the Beginning

The very first thing we noticed as we drove down Main Street was all the Christmas decorations. Every store had colorful window displays, and on the outside, the store was trimmed in lights. It seemed as if the whole town was covered in lights. It was like entering a winter wonderland. It was breathtakingly beautiful.

My name is Catheigh. My husband’s name is James, and we live in Southeast Texas. We were on our way home from visiting my dad in what they call the Panhandle of Texas when we came upon this little town. I was completely mesmerized by my surroundings. James pulled into an empty parking space in front of what looked like the only café in town. We were greeted pleasantly by everyone when we entered the front door.

James and I sat in the end booth by the window so we could keep an eye on our belongings. We had been robbed in the past and now erred on the side of caution. I sat down with my back to the door. James had always made it a practice to sit facing the door so he could see anyone who entered. Most of all, he liked to be aware of everything going on around him. The waitress came and took our order. Once she left, James and I began to talk about our day.

It was November 30. Tomorrow was December 1, and James and I had been discussing the fact that people weren’t decorating for Christmas the way they used to. Political correctness run amuck. It never ceased to amaze either one of us how one or two people could ruin something for everyone. First of all, they don’t have to live here. It is their choice. Second, saying that the decorations offend them, well, not having decorations at Christmas offends me. What now? The worst thing of all is taking the nativity out of the decorating. How can one decorate for Christmas when the whole reason for the season is being left out? Christ, which is part of the word Christmas.

Putting all that aside, here we are in this beautiful little town. No political correctness here. I loved it. While James and I were talking, he looked out the window and noticed someone who seemed to be having car trouble. The car had pulled into the parking space beside us, and a young man got out and went to the front of his car and raised the hood. Steam immediately filled the air. James got up to go outside to see if he could be of help. He was leaving just as our food arrived.

Can you keep mine warm for a bit? he asked the waitress but didn’t even stop to see what her answer was.

Sure, she said as she put my plate down in front of me.

Might as well eat it while it’s hot.

Thanks, I replied and began to eat. My gaze went to the window, and I began to watch James while I ate. But when my gaze returned to my plate so I could take another bite, I noticed an old man standing there watching me. He looked tired, but he had a sparkle in his eyes that I couldn’t quite explain.

Chris! the waitress said as she returned to our table.

Get on now, and quit bothering the customers.

Ain’t none, well, not many, he said, looking around the room. Just hungry.

Why I did what I did at that moment I will never know, but I looked at the old man and asked him to sit down with me.

Why don’t you eat my husband’s meal. We’ll get him a new one when he finishes what he’s doing outside. While I was talking, I motioned for the waitress to bring James’s meal to the table. Chris made himself comfortable in front of me and began to eat.

At that very moment, my reaction to the situation before me turned my whole world upside down. It changed my life forever. For as much as it tore it apart, it put it back together.

I looked out the window to check on my husband. He seemed to be occupied, so I turned my attention back to Chris who had applied his full attention to the meal in front of him.

Well, Chris, I started to speak, but Chris held up his hand to let me know he was eating. As hungry as he seemed to be now, I was surprised when Chris said a little prayer before he began to eat.

As I sat there watching Chris eat, I was a little embarrassed. I had not given thanks for my food before I began to eat. But Chris, who had been really hungry, had stopped and given thanks for his. At that moment, I felt really ashamed. I had plenty, but I had said nothing. Chris who had so little had taken the time to give words of thanks for his meal.

I watched Chris in silence. He would look up every so often, nod his head toward me, then begin to eat once again. At those times when he would look up, I could see he had the kindest eyes. When he finally reached the end of the meal, he sat back with a satisfied grin on his face. He would have been a handsome man if it hadn’t been for his scraggly clothes and beard.

At that moment, I happened to look out the window just as James was looking in to see if I was okay. When he saw Chris, he stopped, stood up, and headed toward the café door. I knocked on the window to get his attention. He stopped and looked at me. I gave him our okay signal. and he returned to helping the young man that was having car trouble. I knew James would tell me all about it once he returned to my side. So I turned my attention back to my guest.

We had talked for only a short while before I had the distinct impression I was his guest—not the other way around. He was getting up to leave when he asked me the strangest question.

You are such a nice young lady I was wondering if I could impose on you one more time?

I looked at him and just knew he was going to ask me for money. I had given and helped so many times before, and the people whom I had given to were not who they said they were. I was very reluctant to give him what he asked for. At least what I thought he was going to ask for.

I’m sorr… I stopped in midsentence as he turned and began to walk away.

Chris. The waitress looked at the man and motioned him on his way. She looked at me as if I had just failed a test. I felt really bad, so when Chris turned around to wave goodbye, I motioned him back to the table.

I’m sorry. I didn’t even give you a chance to finish speaking.

Chris looked me straight in the eyes as if assessing my reaction to him. It must have been favorable for he continued on with his question.

Catheigh. I believe your name is Catheigh. Right? he asked. I couldn’t remember if I had told him my name or not.

I need one hundred dollars. Right now. Right this minute.

He really does, the waitress spoke up. Chris turned and looked at her, and she went on about her business. We just don’t have it to give to him, Cathy said quickly then walked to the other end of the café as if she had urgent business there.

My eyes returned to Chris. He was now looking at me with a quiet desperation, and that is when he made his final appeal.

I have this house I’ll put up for collateral, Chris began.

Yes, he does, once again Cathy had stepped forward and put her two cents in. If you have a house, why do you need one hundred dollars? Chris didn’t answer her question. He just stood looking at her.

If you need it that bad, let me go talk to my husband.

No, Catheigh. This offer is only for you and you alone. Strange wording for asking someone to loan you money. I watched as Chris pulled the deed out of his pocket.

Chris, I’m not sure I have one hundred dollars on me, I said as I picked up my purse and began to look inside. My purse had several different pockets, so I began to go through them one by one. I was known by my family to stick money here and there in my purses. So as grim as it might sound, I had told my family if anything ever happened to me, to go through every one of my purses thoroughly before giving it away.

After checking all the pockets, I looked sadly at the man standing in front of me. I only have eighty dollars. I’m so sorry, Chris.

It’s okay, Catheigh. I guess that’s the way it’s supposed to be. He looked at me sadly and began to walk away.

Wait! I stood up to check the pants I was wearing. I had remembered sticking some money in my pocket earlier that day. I put my hand in my pocket and pulled out a crumpled-up bill. After straightening it out on the table, it was found to be a twenty-dollar bill. With all the money in my purse and with the money in my pocket, it added up to one hundred dollars total. If I gave it to Chris, I would be flat broke. After hesitating for a moment, I held out the money to Chris.

Thank you. Chris took the money and put it in his pocket. Then he put the deed to his property on the table, spread it out flat, then called Cathy, the waitress, over to be a witness.

Cathy, aren’t you a notary too?

I sure am. But, Chris, are you sure you want to go this far?

She put it all on the table, and so am I. Catheigh listened to the exchange between Cathy and Chris thinking they sure talked in the strangest way. Cathy watched as both parties signed the deed, then she witnessed their signatures and then notarized the deed itself. After taking care of her duties, Cathy left.

There is one condition, Catheigh. You must hold this property until December 25.

Why?

Those are the rules. I have the right to redeem this property by paying back the one hundred dollars you have just given me. I have until midnight of that same day.

What are you talking about?

If I do not redeem this property by said time, it becomes yours, Chris continued as if I had not spoken.

Any and all properties contained within this deed become yours. Chris turned away and began to leave. He then did an about face and returned to Catheigh’s side.

There is one condition. Under no circumstance are you to let any other person but me redeem this property. This property, until I redeem it, belongs to you. Any and all things on these properties belong to you. You are not to sell it. You are not to give it away. You are to keep this deed on your person at all times for safekeeping. I repeat, Catheigh, under no circumstance is this property to be put in anyone else’s hands but yours. Chris once again turned and walked away.

Maybe, I began to think to myself, I should have just given him the money with no strings attached. But now it was too late the transaction had already been completed. I put the deed in my back pocket and started thinking about what James’s reaction was going to be when I told him what I had done. I was so deep in thought I didn’t hear James when he walked up to our table.

Cathy, are there any motels close by? I laughed as I asked the waitress my question.

You do own a house now, Cathy answered my question.

Is it livable?

It is.

Then why did Chris need one hundred dollars?

I don’t know. You’ll have to ask him.

May I please have my plate now? I’m starving, James asked while interrupting the conversation of the two women.

Wow! I commented as my husband sat down in front of me.

Wow!

I heard you the first time, Catheigh.

Cathy returned to our table with James’s meal in her hand. I looked at her questioningly, but she just smiled, sat the plate down, and walked away.

Who was that you were talking to? James asked as he began to eat. I had never paid any attention before, but this time, I noticed that James did not say grace before he ate either.

Did you see if there was a motel somewhere close by? James asked when he had finished eating.

I did. I was told they were thinking about building one but hadn’t decided yet.

I’m so tired, Catheigh. I guess we better get going if we’re going to find somewhere for tonight. Maybe you can drive? I’m just that tired.

I smiled at my husband. I knew he had to be really tired to let me drive. Not that I couldn’t. He just preferred being in control. So I knew at this point just how tired he was.

Come on, James said as he stood up and put out his hand to help me up. We need to get on the road.

Sit down, James. I have a story to tell you.

While James listened, he looked at me as if he could not believe what I had just done. Then with a little shrug, he said, I just gave everything I had to the people I was just helping. I was sorta counting on you and your rat holes.

Great. We can’t even pay for our meals.

Chris took care of your meals, Cathy said as she approached the couple.

If you’re ready, I’ll show you the way to your property. There is a house on it, you know, she said smiling.

I drove and Cathy sat in the front seat beside me to give me directions and James sat in the backseat. He had already gone to sleep by the time we arrived at our destination.

There it is, Cathy said, pointing her finger in the direction I was to drive. I stared at the house as I pulled into the driveway. I stared in complete awe at the scene before me. I got out slowly so as not to wake up my husband.

It was a large property and a very large house. The grass had just been mowed. The driveway, the fence, the bushes, the trees, the house—everything was covered in lights. It was absolutely beautiful.

This is mine? I asked Cathy.

It is until December 25. But if you break any of the promises within this deed, it becomes null and void.

Can you show me around?

Sure. I’ve been here many times before. I didn’t understand her comment, but I just let it pass. I decided to ask her about it later.

We walked up to the front porch. It was beautiful. The door, the lattice work around the porch, the eves—they were all covered in lights. We stepped up to the front door, and Cathy opened it, then gave me the key.

Chris gave me the key when he left the café, she said as I gave her a questioning look.

We entered the house, and the first thing I saw was a Christmas tree. Under the Christmas tree was a nativity scene. As far as I was concerned, it wasn’t Christmas without a nativity scene. After all, Jesus was the reason we celebrated this time of the year. The house inside was also decorated. The stairs were outlined with lights, and there were decorations all around.

Is it all right if I look around? This house is beautiful.

It’s yours, Catheigh. But you must remember how important the rules are. No matter what, this time the words sounded ominous.

Maybe you should read over the deed so you can ask me any questions you might have.

As I pulled the deed out of my pocket, a card fell to the floor. What’s this? I said, bending down to pick it up.

Since you are now broke, this card will take care of all your expenses but only while you are in this town.

It sounds as if we’re being held hostage here.

You are free to leave anytime you want. You are also free to bring your family here for Christmas if you so desire. It’s up to you. But you must be here on December 25 so Chris can pay you back your one hundred dollars. Understood?

I understand. I think.

Then let’s go get your husband. You can go or stay tomorrow. The decision is yours. If you want me to, I’ll show you around town tomorrow. Here’s my number. Cathy held out a card with her information on it.

Thanks, I said and put it in my pocket.

You must keep the deed with you at all times, Cathy emphasized once again.

There are those who would love to take possession of it. If it is on your person, it is safe. After Cathy finished speaking, I returned to the table where I had left it and once again put it back in my pocket.

Cathy and I went back to the car and found my husband still sound asleep. I woke him up. He got out of the car, and I steered him in the direction of the front door.

I’ll call you tomorrow to check on you, but if you need anything before then, feel free to call me. You have my number.

If you’ll give me a minute, I’ll give you a ride back to the café.

No, ma’am. I’m just fine. You take care of your husband.

Thank you once again.

Your welcome. We both headed off in our different directions. I helped James up the stairs to the front porch. We entered, and I helped him walk up the beautiful staircase in front of us. When we got to the landing, I opened the first door on the right, and we went in. It was beautiful.

If we had been at home, we would have just gotten into bed and I would have washed the sheets the following day. But we weren’t home, so I had James go take a shower. While he was taking a shower, I looked around our room. I opened one door, which turned out to be the closet. I decided that while James was in the bathroom, I would go get our bags, but as I walked past the bed, I noticed there was a pair of pajamas laid out on it; and right beside it was a nightgown.

Oh, thank you, thank you, I said to no one in particular for I hadn’t wanted to make the trek downstairs to get what we needed.

You know, James said sticking his head out the bathroom door. I don’t have any pajamas.

Catheigh held out a pair, and he took them without a second thought. He retreated and put them on.

These pajamas aren’t mine, he said, coming out of the bathroom door and into the bedroom.

They were on the end of the bed, so I assumed they were for us to use.

They are just my size, he stated.

Wow! This room is really nice, he said as his eyes traveled around the room. When they got to the bed, they went no further. James headed straight toward it.

Brrrrr. I’m getting into bed while you take your shower. It’s a little chilly in here. Good night, Catheigh.

Good night, James, I answered.

This bathroom is beautiful, I thought to myself as I walked in and closed the door behind me. Absolutely beautiful.

James, I called out. Would you please hand me my nightgown. It’s on the end of the bed. No answer.

James? I looked out the door and found my husband sound asleep. I walked over, got my nightgown, and returned to the bathroom.

Once I had finished my shower and returned to the bedroom, I realized just how tired I was. When I lifted the covers on my side of the bed, James turned over to face me. He lifted his arms in a welcoming gesture, and I lay down beside him. In just a few moments, I followed James into a deep sleep.

I had put the deed under my pillow before I had gotten into bed. Several times during the night, my hand would go in search of the deed. After finding it still in my possession, I would drift off to sleep once again.

James and I both woke to a brand-new day. We looked around our bedroom with eyes that were no longer dulled by sleep. This bedroom, our bedroom, was beautiful.

Why on earth would this man, Chris, sell this place for one hundred dollars?

You do remember he is going to buy it back on December 25, right?

Yes, but to trust people he doesn’t even know with all of this—James spread his arms wide to include the bathroom and the bedroom—and we haven’t even left the bedroom. James had been walking around the bedroom. He opened a door that happened to be the door to a big walk-in closet. He went in and looked at some of the clothes.

Catheigh, you are not going to believe this, he said and began looking at everything inside. He had never seen so many clothes, and they were all in our sizes.

I wonder if we’re allowed to wear these? he asked. Well, call Cathy, Catheigh.

Funny, Catheigh replied as she retrieved the phone number from the nightstand. Cathy, this is Catheigh from last night.

Yes, ma’am. I know who you are. How can I help?

The closet in our bedroom is full of clothes.

Yes, ma’am?

I guess what I’m asking is do we get to wear them?

Of course. The house and everything in it belongs to you. But both you and your husband need to sit down and read the deed before you decide to do anything else today.

Thanks, Cathy.

This is the strangest town I’ve ever been in, I told my husband as I hung up the phone. She said they’re ours.

We began to go through the clothes in the closet. It was fun. Suddenly my face turned white. I ran out of the closet and straight to my pillow. I stuck my hand under my pillow. It was gone. The deed was gone.

Catheigh, what is wrong with you?

I put the deed under my pillow last night and now it’s gone. I was told to keep it on me at all times, and I’ve lost it already. What am I going to do? The first condition and I’ve already messed up. I began to cry.

Honey, James said trying to soothe me, but I was inconsolable.

What are we going to do? I asked, pulling away from my husband.

Catheigh, stop. Listen to me for just a minute. You were tossing and turning so much I took the deed and put it under my pillow.

I ran to James’s side of the bed and jerked the pillow out of the way. There it was. I was completely overcome with relief. I had learned a vital lesson. I never wanted to feel that kind of loss again. This deed, for whatever reason, was glued to my side from now on. Why I felt that way, I wasn’t sure. I only knew that I did.

Day 1

Look, James. It is so beautiful. Catheigh sat looking out the windows of the breakfast nook.

The breakfast nook was a small area built to the side of the house but faced toward the front. It reminded Catheigh of the towers of old, but this tower was built on the ground, and it was surrounded by windows.

I think I could stay here all day just relaxing and soaking up the peace I feel just being in this house, Catheigh continued, then turned to look toward where James had been sitting when there was no answer to her comment. The reason being he was no longer there.

James? Catheigh stood up to go find her husband.

Let’s go explore, James said as he looked around the counter.

Are you sure we should? Catheigh said, looking at her husband with eyes that said she wasn’t convinced that it was a good idea.

Didn’t Cathy tell you last night the house was yours?

Yes, but—

No, buts. Let’s go look around.

Only until December 25. Remember? Catheigh emphasized.

I remember. Now let’s go.

James pulled Catheigh to her feet, and off they went. Catheigh didn’t have the heart to tell James that Cathy had showed her some of the house last night, so she held his hand as he went from room to room. Every room was beautiful, and every room had Christmas decorations in it. None of the decorations were over the top, but each room was decorated tastefully according to its size.

When they had finished touring the bedrooms, they made their way to the bottom of the stairs. When they reached the last step, it was as if someone had suddenly told the both of them to sit down for they immediately sat down as one.

This is some house.

I know, Catheigh said, smiling at her husband.

Let’s go outside and explore the property, James said as he stood and headed for the front door.

James, let’s call the kids and see if they want to come here for Christmas. We only have this place for a short while, so let’s enjoy it while we can.

I guess that means you want to stay?

Yes, that’s exactly what I mean.

It was at that moment the doorbell rang. It was a beautiful sound. Most doorbells Catheigh had heard jarred her senses, but this one had the sweetest melody.

James stepped forward and opened the door. Good morning, Cathy.

Good morning to you, too.

Cathy, is it really all right if we invite all of our kids to come up for Christmas? Catheigh asked the young woman.

Invite as many as you want. There is always room.

While James continued to talk to Cathy, Catheigh stepped out of the room to call each one of their daughters. Being the oldest, she called Dawna first. She didn’t tell them any of the particulars, just that they would love for them to join them. Once she had finished with the last daughter, she asked Cathy to give her the directions, and she would forward them on to the others.

How about I text her once you’re finished talking?

Great. Shortly thereafter, Catheigh hung up, gave her cell phone to Cathy, and let her text the directions.

Catheigh hoped that everyone would be able to come. It had been awhile since everyone had been together at the same time. There was plenty of room, so they shouldn’t get on each other’s nerves too much. She had also invited each one for the whole time or for whatever time they could manage. It was their decision as to whether they took her up on the invitation or not. All they had to do was show up.

I take it since you’re inviting your family to come for Christmas that you have decided to stay? Cathy asked.

Yes, we have. At least that’s the plan. I want or at least I should say I hope they can all come. But you never know. There’s such a peace here. It’s hard to explain. Catheigh stopped talking. She was at a loss for words.

I know exactly what you mean. When I came through town, I stopped and never left. I was looking for something, and I found it here.

Did you stay here?

No, ma’am. I didn’t. Shall we go?

Go where? they both asked.

Since you’ve decided to stay, I thought maybe you would like to look around.

Cathy smiled to herself as she watched Catheigh go into the kitchen to get her purse. It wasn’t that act that made her smile. It was when Catheigh touched her pocket, she knew she was making sure the deed was where it was supposed to be—on her person at all times.

I thought I’d bring my car today. It makes it so much nicer if you can just look around instead of listening to me give directions all the time. Is that okay?

It sure is, James was the one who answered because he was the one who usually drove.

Then sit back and enjoy.

Once they were all situated in the car, Cathy drove off. It wasn’t a large town. It wasn’t a small town. It must have been somewhere in-between. But the one thing they noticed was that everyone in Christmas decorated for Christmas. That was Catheigh’s favorite thing about this town. Cathy showed them the different stores. Anything she thought they might need in the days ahead Cathy made sure they knew where it was and how to get there.

Cathy, is it all right if I ask you a personal question?

Sure.

You said that like you knew what my question was going to be.

I believe I do, but ask it anyway. Cathy smiled at Catheigh as she tried to form her words.

If Chris has all this, why did he need one hundred dollars so desperately last night?

Chris is Chris. Sometimes it’s not what he needs but what someone else needs. But Chris does what he wants when he wants. To my knowledge, he has never hurt anyone intentionally.

I guess that means he’s done this before? Catheigh asked as the women continued to talk.

"Actually he has done it before, but very few make it to this stage. Fewer still make it all the way through.

Through what? Is this some kind of game to him?

No, Catheigh. This is no game. Chris is completely serious about what he does. It is very important to him. She stopped talking and looked at Catheigh.

Have the two of you gone over the deed?

Not yet, they both answered in unison.

Before anything else can take place, you must go over the deed. I’ll take you home for lunch, and you can sit down and go over it. You must read it all. When you have finished reading it, you must initial all appropriate lines. It is very important that you understand all that is included in this deed and the promises you are making.

I think you’re scaring me, Catheigh said, looking the young waitress in the eyes.

There is nothing to be afraid of, Catheigh. I repeat, nothing. But as if with anything we say or do, we need to know what is expected of us. Here we are, she said, pulling into the driveway of the house.

Boy, that was fast, James commented. It was then they realized Cathy must have headed back to the house as soon as she knew they had not read the deed.

Did we do something wrong? Catheigh asked.

No, you’re fine. You just need to take care of first things first.

When Cathy gave them a big smile as she was beginning to back out of the driveway, Catheigh felt relief wash all over her. They watched until they couldn’t see her anymore, then they walked toward the porch and went into the house.

It’s so nice out here. Let’s eat on the porch? Catheigh said, looking at her husband.

The two continued on into the house. They found everything they would need for sandwiches. They put them on a platter and took them outside. Catheigh returned to the kitchen and got them drinks. When they were finally settled, Catheigh sat down.

This is so nice. It’s beautiful, it’s peaceful. It’s a place I would love to stay if the world wasn’t clamoring to get in all the time. As Catheigh was talking, her gaze was roaming around the yard. It was then the phone rang.

Mom? Catheigh listened as she heard her oldest daughter’s voice.

Hi, sweetheart. Are you going to be able to come?

I know this is going to come as a shock, but we’re all going to be there.

All of you? At the same time? Wow! How did that happen?

You’ll never believe any of it, so we’ll each tell you our stories when we get there.

Great. When will you be here?

"Should be sometime tomorrow. We’re just leaving, and we’ll meet the others