by Gay N. Lewis
Edie and Emily glanced in his direction with puzzled expressions, and then Sarah twirled around to see what the mystery was all about.
“I’m standing under mistletoe. Who’s gonna give me my first Christmas kiss?”
The light shining in Edie’s eyes rivaled the Christmas tree. “I will.” She approached him, rose on tiptoe and kissed his left cheek.
Sarah had given angel kisses before, but never in human disguise. Lips, don’t fail me now. Here goes. “I guess I’m next.” Sarah copied Edie and brushed her lips across Josiah’s right cheek.
All three focused on Emily to see what she would do.
With cheeks the color of the flowers on the Christmas tree, she approached Josiah. “I suppose it is my turn.” While standing on her toes, she made herself as tall as possible and pecked a cheek.
Josiah grinned down at her. “Nuh uh. That one won’t do.” He circled her around the waist with one arm and lifted her to his height. He then proceeded to kiss her lightly on the lips. When he ended the gentle touch to her lips, he placed both arms around her and went in for a second time.
Edie and Sarah grinned at each other.
Josiah released Emily. “Now that’s a Christmas kiss in this household.”
Emily blinked as if trying to clear her head. She placed hands on her cheeks. “Oh my! I’m embarrassed.”
With the smug look of a cat that had tricked a dog, Josiah grinned. “I’m not.”
Edie put her arms around Emily. “No worries, Emily. My grandson loves to play jokes on people, but he enjoyed all our kisses.”
Everyone took places and relaxed in front of the fire. Night had fallen and the room presented a cozy ambience. They ate a Mexican Christmas casserole filled with spicy sausage and cheese as they sat around the hearth. Sarah had never tried the dish before but found it delicious.
“Will the roads be passable tomorrow?” Emily asked between bites.
“Most of the major ones should be. Why?” Josiah picked up a tortilla chip.
“I need to get my car repaired. Do you think you could help me with it?”
Josiah grinned. “It’s a done deal. I called Mike, a mechanic friend of mine, and he can haul it into Waxahachie for you tomorrow, but the car won’t be fixed until after Christmas—maybe even after the New Year. Parts have to be ordered.”
Emily’s eyes brimmed with tears. “Oh no! My parents are expecting me for Christmas.” She glanced at Sarah. “And I promised to get you to Austin.”
Edie waved a hand. “No problem. Just call them and invite them to come here for Christmas. The interstate will be open and Josiah can give them directions for the safe back roads. We’d love to have them. We’ll make it a grand holiday.”
“Are you sure?” Emily questioned Edie with her eyes.
“More than sure,” Edie responded with a lilt in her voice.
Emily glanced at Sarah. “What about you? Can you stay?”
“Oh sure, dearie. This adventure is turning out to be more fun than watching Marvin and his antics.”
“Who’s Marvin?” Emily smiled. “Another one of your boyfriends?”
“Oh no, honey. He’s just an old geezer at the nursing home trying to impress me with a six pack of abs he doesn’t have.”
Sarah made a wry face and the group laughed.
* * *
Sarah rose from her comfy, human bed and trod to the window. A few traces of ice and snow remained, but Christmas morning had arrived with sunshine. She glanced upward and knew the residents in The Heavenlies were rejoicing with the humans about the blessed event. The birthday of Jesus arriving as a baby was a special one-time experience—one to be remembered on earth and up there.
She showered and donned a festive red dress and then laced her orthopedic black shoes. Glancing at her feet, she wished for red stilettos, but even if she could walk in them, they would be inappropriate for a granny her age.
Sigh. Maybe one day.
“Mother Goodness?” Sarah whispered the name.
The mentor angel appeared instantly and wrapped Sarah in huge wings. “Merry Christmas, child.”
“Thank you, and the same to you.” Sarah moistened her lips. “I’ve brought Emily and Josiah together, and I’d like to go home to celebrate Christmas with all of you up there. Am I done here?”
Mother Goodness shook her head. “Not yet. But, Sarah, you know the celebration and praise for the birth of the King never ends in The Heavenlies.”
“I know.” Sarah blew out a deep breath. “But I’m homesick. Do I still have work to do on this mission?”
“Yes, but you are almost finished.”
Sarah nodded. “I’ve been wondering how I’m going to get from here to there.” She pointed upward. “I usually disappear. This is the first time I’ve lived with humans and been stuck.”
Mother Goodness laughed. “You’ll think of something, but remember this. Ask for assistance when problems arise.”
“Most of the time I overlook that part.”
Mother Goodness winked. “Yes. You have a tendency to forget—most humans do as well. Absent-mindedness is a common flaw. The Holy One has the answers you need, but He enjoys hearing you express your dependence on Him. He supplies in ways to surprise.”
“Yeah, like a freak snow storm in central Texas.” Sarah grimaced.
Mother Goodness grinned this time and smoothed Sarah’s hair. After another hug, she disappeared.
Sarah entered the kitchen to heavenly fragrances. “Something smells wonderful.”
“Hi, Estella.” Edie gestured with her head toward the counter top. “Help yourself to coffee and cinnamon rolls. The turkey and ham are in the oven and I’m mixing the cornbread dressing.”
“My parents should be here soon.” Emily diced potatoes as she spoke. “Mom is bringing pecan and pumpkin pies, candied yams, and corn pudding. We’re going to have a feast.”
“Sounds like a lot of work for ya. Where’s Josiah?”
“He rode out on Pedro this morning to check the herd.” Edie glanced out the window as she spoke and then turned to Emily. “You didn’t want to go with him? Josiah told me how much you love riding and the fun the two of you had.”
“I wanted to go, but I also wanted to be here with you. It would be nice to be in two places at once.”
“You can say that again.” Sarah sipped her coffee and thought of The Heavenlies.
Emily’s cell jangled. She removed it from her pocket and frowned at the caller ID. “Please excuse me. I need to take this call.” She hurried from the kitchen.
Sarah stood to follow her charge. She wanted to see who’d called, but Edie handed her a spoon. “Would you stir the sauce for me?”
Taking the spoon, Sarah did as requested. Unease mounted in her tummy. Had the bum of a fiancé changed his mind about breaking the engagement? Were the police after Emily again? Her curiosity ate at her like ants on sugar. Why-oh-why couldn’t she be two places at once?
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
At mid-morning, Emily’s parents arrived and everyone made introductions. Josiah and Chuck, Emily’s dad, hit it off right away. While the women busied themselves with dinner preparations, Josiah showed Chuck the barn and horses.
Amidst the food preparations in the kitchen, Sarah excused herself, went to her room, and vanished. She had an overwhelming desire to hear what the two potential male relatives talked about.
Knowing she’d spook the horses if they saw her, she stayed outside and out of sight but listened to the conversation as she viewed the men through the closed door.
“Beautiful spread you’ve got here.” Chuck spoke while he gazed at the immaculate barn.
“Thanks. I always had planned to come back to this place when I moved to Austin, but it happened a little sooner than I expected when Grandfather passed. I run the ranch and continue my CPA business from here. I have a couple of ranch hands who help. They live in the old home place and I hire others as needed.”
“I grew up on a farm
and miss it. Moved to Austin when I married—it was easier for me to support a family in the city.”
Josiah nodded. “With the Internet now, I can work and live in the country.” He picked up a brush to groom Pedro and handed Chuck one for Pablo.
“I appreciate you taking in Emily and Estella. Real nice of you.”
Josiah chuckled. “As they say, I was in the right place at the right time. I’ve enjoyed their company—especially Emily’s.”
“Glad to hear it.”
“May I ask you something?” Josiah paused as he groomed Pedro.
“Sure.”
“Do you believe in love at first sight?”
Chuck grinned. “Happened that way with me. I took one look at Margie, Emily’s mom, and knew she was the one for me.”
Josiah nodded. “I feel that way about Emily, but she’s grieving the loss of her fiancé.”
Chuck shook his head. “Not as much as you might think. Have you ever made a commitment that you knew wasn’t right, but because you’d made it, you honored your word?”
“At least once in my life I did that. I was engaged to a girl named Gretchen, knew she was wrong for me, but I didn’t want to hurt her. I was relieved when she refused to live the ranch life.”
“Emily let James talk her into marriage and she didn’t want to back out. Simple as that. She confided in me that she thought love would grow after they married.”
“Does it?”
“Living with someone usually brings about a deeper caring as life goes on, but it is so much better if two people start out in love to begin with.”
Josiah placed his hand on Pedro’s back. “I’m going to try to win Emily’s affection.”
Chuck’s eyes crinkled at the corners. “Best news I’ve heard all day.”
Sarah gave a fist pump. Josiah was so right for Emily. The Creator wanted those two together, they merely needed to meet, and thanks to her, they had.
“Bark, bark, yap, grrr.” Two dogs with the biggest fangs Sarah had ever seen stared up at her. Their loud ruckus would wake the comatose. Poopty doopty! She hadn’t noticed them wander up, but now everyone in the house and barn would come out to see what caused the noise.
“My stars in the universe. You can see me too. What or who next?” She zoomed to a high cloud above the barn and watched below as the dogs yapped and stared at the sky.
Josiah and Chuck emerged. “Okay, okay, settle down, guys. Shep, Tuesday, what’s wrong?”
Looking about and seeing nothing, the men looked at each other and shrugged.
“If I didn’t know better, I’d say some invisible nymph showed up and startled my dogs. Same thing happened with the horses the other day.” Josiah shook his head and stared upward. “Okay, goblin, ghost, or whatever you are, if you’re up there, stay away and leave my animals alone.” He reached down to pat the heads of both dogs. “Okay, fellas. Whatever or whoever it was, the thing is gone now.”
Sarah performed an elaborate eye roll and voiced her thought. “Thanks a lot. The Commander won’t approve of me being a goblin. I’ve come down here to do you a favor and you aren’t repaying me with kindness at all. Honestly, Josiah. Can’t you give an angel a break?”
The earthlings below couldn’t hear her, and that was a good thing. Poopy doopty! The residents in The Heavenlies could! Why couldn’t she keep her mouth shut? She stamped her tiny foot in midair and then rocketed to the house to resume her masquerade as Estella.
“May I help ya with anything?” Sarah, dressed as Estella, made her way into the kitchen.
“You can help me set the table.” Emily handed Sarah white linen napkins and candles.
“I like your parents.” Sarah spoke as she circled the formal dining table.
“They are special. I just wish I had my gifts to give them after dinner, but I don’t. They’re in the trunk of my car. Josiah said he’d take me into town tomorrow and we could get them then.”
“Pretty doodads aren’t the most important thing in the world. Love, respect, and compassion are—the same stuff God gives to us.” Sarah gave a sidelong glance at Emily. “I see Josiah giving those elements to someone like you.”
Emily’s cheeks grew rosy. “He’s a good man.”
“Ya think ya could fall in love with him?” Sarah peeked at Emily through her granny glasses.
“It wouldn’t be hard at all.” Emily ducked her head but Sarah saw the shine in her eyes.
* * *
After dinner, the group sat around the fireplace.
“This has been a wonderful day.” Edie gestured to everyone nearby. “Best Christmas we’ve ever had.”
“I agree. And the food was delicious. You ladies did an outstanding job.” Josiah smiled and nodded to each one of them. “I’m thankful for that ice storm.”
Emily grinned in Sarah’s direction. “Estella said the same thing to me. She said I should thank God for the restraining order James served me with as well as the ice storm that came our way.”
“I’ve already done that, but you can do it too.” Josiah winked at Emily and everyone laughed.
Emily’s face grew serious. “I have some news.”
Everyone focused eyes in her direction.
“Keith, my friend the security guard where I worked, called me on my cell this morning. He wanted to wish me a Merry Christmas and to say he’d run into James yesterday.”
Sarah heart picked up speed. So Keith was the mysterious caller. She’d been wondering about the phone call all day. Was this trouble?
Josiah clenched his jaw, narrowed his eyes, and leaned forward.
Emily brushed an invisible piece of lint from her skirt. “James was shopping in the mall with a very pregnant woman—in fact, he introduced her to Keith as his wife. Keith asked him why he’d had the restraining order served on me, and he admitted he was a coward. He’d been seeing this woman for months and couldn’t figure out how to tell me. His company is the one who cancelled the contract with Vincent Jones—they did it on purpose to rid me from their lives. James knew Charles and I were the newest to be employed by Jones and would be the first to go if the Morrows pulled the contract. He told Keith he was sure I’d move back to Austin and he’d never see me again. He thought it easier to break up that way.”
Jumping up, Josiah knocked his chair backward. He pounded a fist into his palm and looked as though he’d pummel someone.
Emily didn’t seem to notice Josiah’s anger. She wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. “I’m sorry…don’t intend to cry…I’m just mad. Not only did he cause me to lose my job, but Charles, a man with a family, lost his too.”
Josiah knelt by Emily’s chair. He unclenched his jaws to speak. “I’ve still got a good mind to find that coward and instruct him on Texas customs. We don’t mistreat our women that way. We don’t purposefully cause men to lose jobs, either.” He caressed her cheek. “Sweetheart, I’m sorry he hurt you.”
Emily touched his cheek in return. “I’m not hurt anymore. Relieved and livid, but I’ll get over the angry part.”
Sarah’s heart ached for the young woman. “At least ya know now what a dunce James is, and I’m sure Charles will find another job. God already has one in mind for him—I’m sure of it. Besides that, God is good to ya to let you see James’ true colors now.”
Chuck closed one eye. “I always knew the guy was not right for you, but I didn’t want to butt into your life.”
Edie leaned forward in Chuck’s direction. “There comes a time when we must step aside and let our children make their own mistakes.”
Josiah took Emily’s hand in his. “What he did wasn’t noble, but I believe with all my heart that good things will come out of this.”
Emily gave him a smile to rival a sunbeam and nodded.
* * *
The group grew jovial once more and enjoyed more pie and coffee. Conversation continued into the night.
Edie covered her mouth with her hand. “Sorry. Didn’t intend to yawn, but it is past my bedti
me. Margie, Josiah will show you to his room when you and Chuck are ready to retire. Josiah will sleep upstairs. I hate to end the evening, but I must.”
Everyone stood and hugged Edie and one by one, each of the older adults said goodnight to each other—leaving Josiah and Emily alone.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
As the house grew quiet, Sarah heard soft voices coming from Edie’s room. Was her hostess okay? The earthling wasn’t in good health, and she’d been up all day. Might be a good idea to check on her. She donned her disguise as Estella and knocked gently on the door. While she waited for an answer, she used super vision to look through the walls.
A woman stood near the bed talking to Edie. Who is that? She looks familiar.
“Come in, Estella.” Edie’s muffled voice came through the door.
How’d she know it’s me? She can’t see through doors. Something odd going on in there. Sarah opened the door and stepped inside.
Eve nodded to her. “Hello, Sarah. Nice to see you again.”
Sarah felt her eyes widen as she glanced from Eve, the Death Angel, to Edie and back to Eve again. Eve unfurled her wings and the room took on a golden glow.
“Edie, you can see Eve?”
“Yes. She’s visited me many times in the past two years. We’re old friends. I thought she was going to take me home to heaven tonight, but she tells me I can stay until summer.” Edie smiled. “I’ll get to see my beloved Texas Bluebonnets once more.”
Eve straightened her glittering dress and grinned at Sarah. “She knows who you are, too.”
Sarah furrowed her brows. “How does she know me?”
“Edie has always had a special place in her heart for angels. As soon as you came into her home, she saw through your disguise. She didn’t know your purpose for coming, but I’ve visited since your arrival, and she asked me about you. I told her your name and that you were here to unite Josiah and Emily.”
Edie’s face glowed with a happy light. “I couldn’t be happier. I’ve prayed for Josiah to have the perfect partner before I leave this earth.” She lifted her brows to Sarah. “Do you suppose you could arrange a wedding for them during the spring? I’d love to see it before Eve escorts me to heaven.”
