Sleigh of Hope by Wendy Lindstrom

everyone then I’ll give you another lesson,” he said to Leo. “If you want one.”
    “Yes, sir!” Leo dropped into the chair closest to Cyrus. “I think I forgot the chorus part already.”
    Adam was glad to know he wasn’t the only one who regressed to a five-year-old when excited. It was sort of nice to see good things coming to Leo. But even better was the connection forming between him and Cyrus. That guitar might convince Leo to accept their offer after all.
    Being neighbors and friends with Leo would be a lot easier than sharing a house and Adam’s father.
    “Uncle Cyrus!” Cora knelt on the floor at his feet. “Play ‘Jingle Bells,’” she said, bouncing on her knees.
    “All right, princess, but let’s save that one until a little later,” he said, strumming his guitar. “How about ‘Silent Night’ first?”
    She wrinkled her nose and sat back on her heels. “All right.”
    Laughing, he started the song and nodded for everyone to begin the verse.
    Adam and Leo looked at each other, their lips firmly closed as if waiting for the other one to commit. Leo looked as if he wanted to sing along. There wasn’t a chance Adam would join in. The last time he’d tried singing his voice was changing and the wretched sound hurt his own ears.
    Cyrus could handle a team of Percherons like an expert and saw a board straight as a head sawyer, but the one thing that topped all his talents was the way he played his guitar. His combination of finger picking and strumming made every song sound magical.
    Two songs later, Cyrus played “Jingle Bells” for Cora.
    Adam observed the smiles on everyone’s faces as they sang the joyful song.
    Benny camped out beside Leo’s chair, bouncing with his chubby legs, completely absorbed in the music.
    Laughter mingled with the song as they watched Benny’s bouncy dance. Leo grinned and ruffled the boy’s wild hair, the two of them looking as comfortable and happy as if they had always been part of the family.
    Adam felt like an outsider peeking in a window. Even if he could sing, he didn’t feel like it. It was becoming harder and harder for him to feel comfortable with his family while Leo was around. If Leo lived with Cyrus and Tansy, then he wouldn’t be acting like this was his home.
    It wasn’t his home. It was Adam’s and it was going to stay that way.
    “I want to hear Leo play the guitar,” Adam said the minute the song ended. Maybe Leo wouldn’t feel so comfortable while fumbling on the guitar in front of everyone.
    “Want to try the song I’m teaching you?” Cyrus asked, offering the guitar to Leo.
    “Sure.” Leo scooted to the edge of his chair. “If you can all tolerate my fumbling.”
    “I’d love to hear you play,” Faith said, lacing her fingers and sitting forward with eager anticipation.
    Adam’s dad betrayed him with a simple wave of his hand. “Go ahead, son. I’m tired of hearing myself sing.”
    Leo smiled. “Good because I don’t think I can play fast enough for a sing-a-long.”
    “Take your time, dahlin’,” Tansy said, her voice all honey sweetness. “We’ll be happy to listen.”
    Cora patted Adam on the knee. “Is Leo going to play that?”
    “It looks that way,” he said, his lips pursing with irritation. He thought Leo would be too embarrassed to play in front of everyone, but it appeared Adam just gave him center stage.
    For having only one lesson, Leo seemed to remember everything Cyrus taught him yesterday. As he slowly picked his way through “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear,” he fumbled twice, but it didn’t bother him a bit. He just looked at Cyrus for guidance.
    Cyrus coached Leo back into the song, and he played it through, impressing everyone, including Adam.
    Adam would have been glad to see his friend shine. But now it was just one more thing that Leo did better than him – and just one more way for Leo to make himself the favorite son.
    ***
    Walking to school with Rebecca on Monday morning was a balm