Sara's Gift (Small-Town Christmas Wishes Book 4)

by Kimberly Rose Johnson

  Sara’s pretty blonde hair stood out among a sea of other colors. He pulled his gaze away and tried to focus on the sermon about God’s incredible love.

  “These are probably some of the most quoted words in the Bible, so they might be familiar to you, but I want you to really hear them this morning,” Pastor said. “I’m reading from John 3:16 and 17 King James version. For God so loved the world…” He looked up and focused on the congregation. “That means you.” His gaze landed on Gabe who shifted in his seat. Pastor continued. “That He gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.”

  Gabe swallowed the lump in his throat. Jesus had been the ultimate gift of love. He couldn’t imagine giving anyone his child, should he have one, knowing said child would be abused, mocked, ridiculed, and ultimately killed by the people he was there to save. Jesus was the most precious gift God had to give, and He did so out of His incredible love for everyone.

  Such unconditional love was hard to grasp, yet somehow he understood his heavenly father’s willingness to give the world the ultimate gift—His son.

  Sara’s rejection had wounded him, but being reminded of Jesus’ love for him made it sting a little less. The service drew to a close. Gabe bowed his head. Heavenly Father, thank You so much for the gift of salvation through Your son. And thank You for reminding me of Your great love. I surrender my hurt to You. Please be with me as I try to reconcile with Sara. Please heal my heart and help me to forgive the pain her rejection caused. I didn’t realize I held that against her until I saw her this morning. I don’t want to hold a grudge. Please help me. Amen.

  Taking a bracing breath, he stood. It was time to face Sara and clear the air. He looked in her direction, and their gazes locked. He nodded toward the exit. He stood in the foyer for at least five minutes before she wandered out of the sanctuary with her secret angel project family.

  Joy, true joy, filled him—not forced like he’d tried while singing “Joy to the World” at the start of the service. No matter the outcome of their conversation, he would be okay. The Lord knew him better than anyone, and if Sara wasn’t the woman for him, then he would pray God would send him someone else. In the meantime, he needed his friend back.

  “Hi,” Sara said.

  “Hi yourself. How’ve you been?”

  “I’ve missed you. Do you think we could get lunch and talk?”

  “I’d like that.”

  Her shoulders seemed to relax, and the lines in her forehead disappeared. “Good. I’ll stop by the grocery store and pick up something from the deli for us. Want to meet at my place?” She slipped into her winter parka and zipped it up to her chin.

  He walked beside her as they left the building. “I’ll meet you at Blue Spruce Market. I want to pick out my own lunch.”

  She chuckled. “You don’t trust me after all these years?”

  “No. You have a knack for picking out healthy food when you’re at the grocery store.” Which was fine sometimes, but he was in the mood for comfort food like macaroni and cheese and fried chicken. He might need it if their conversation didn’t go the way he hoped.

  Chapter Ten

  Sara sat across from Gabe at her kitchen table, munching on salad greens and wishing she’d picked up a piece of fried chicken too. Her mind spun in an out-of-control whirlwind. She had been the one to reach out to Gabe this morning, yet now she couldn’t form a lucid thought.

  He ate his chicken along with the mac and cheese quietly, and for some reason, he looked incredibly happy. How could he be so stinkin’ happy when she was miserable? It wasn’t fair. Friends were supposed to share misery with each other. Then again, they were supposed to be happy with each other too. She held the fork in midair.

  Gabe chuckled.

  She looked at him. “What’s so funny?”

  “You are. You’re so lost in thought that you’re frozen in place.”

  She made a silly face at him and lowered the fork to the bowl. “I’m trying to figure out how to begin.”

  “Not going well, huh?”

  She resisted sticking out her tongue. She loved him, but sometimes the man seriously got under her skin. Wait a second. She loved him. And not with a friendship kind of love either. How? When?

  “What’s wrong?” Alarm filled Gabe’s voice. He pushed back from the table and stood. “Are you choking?”

  She waved him off. “I’m fine. Well, at least I am physically. I had an epiphany.”

  He sat back down. “What kind of epiphany?”

  “The kind that rocks your world.”

  “Your world or mine?”

  “Don’t you wish you knew?”

  He frowned and looked away then reached for a second piece of chicken.

  “I’m sorry. I was teasing. Don’t be upset. I think it will rock both our worlds.”

  His chewing slowed, and he placed the chicken back onto his plate. “How so?”

  “Not having you in my life this past week has been rough. It made me do some soul searching, and though I thought I was incapable of loving you again, I realized a moment ago that I do.”

  “Wait. Again?”

  Her face flamed. “Uh. Yeah. I’ve been in love with you several times through the years but never wanted to ruin what we had. I was afraid if you didn’t feel the same, things would have become awkward, and we would lose the easy friendship we’ve shared. I couldn’t risk losing my best friend.” She rushed on. “Then there’s my fear that if we do pursue a romantic relationship, you might change your mind, and I’d have my heart ripped to shreds.”

  “I won’t change my mind. As for your other concern, I told myself the same thing, which is why I didn’t say something sooner. Then I realized I didn’t want to settle for only your friendship. I want more. Are you saying you do too?”

  She nodded.

  “It’s about time we figured this out.” He stretched his arms across the table palms up.

  She placed her hands in his. “What do we do now?”

  “Keep doing what we’re doing, only with perks.” He stood, releasing her hands and stepped to her side of the table, drawing her to standing.

  “Perks?” Her heart pounded.

  “Mmm-hmm.”

  “What kind of perks?”

  He lowered his head until his soft lips met hers. A jolt shot through her. She’d waited so long for this moment. She closed her eyes and wrapped her arms around his neck, interlacing her fingers.

  “Sara?”

  Her eyes shot open. Her breath mingled with his. “Yes?”

  “We shouldn’t get carried away.”

  “Of course. I didn’t mean…” She unlaced her fingers and stepped back. “Sorry.” She’d made a fool of herself.

  “I’m not.” He grinned then reached for his chicken.

  Their easy banter had returned. Maybe she hadn’t made a fool of herself after all. “I think I need to taste that. You’re enjoying it way too much.” She drew his hand, holding the drumstick to her mouth and bit into it. Flavor exploded. “Oh my. I get it now. They do a really good job with fried chicken—the best I’ve ever had.”

  He laughed. “Clearly, you don’t get out much.”

  Annabelle leaned into her leg and whimpered. She looked down. “Oh good grief. You have your own food.” She squatted and hugged her dog then rubbed her ears—the one thing Annabelle appreciated almost as much as food.

  Sara stood. “I’ll be right back.” Since Gabe had last been over, she’d accomplished a lot on her secret angel project—though it had cost her several hours without sleep. She went to the guest bedroom, hoisted a large, overflowing box, then carried it to the table where Gabe sat. “I finished all the scarves and stockings. I also have the goodies to fill them as well as the jackets, and a special gift for each of them.”

  “How did you find the time, and more importantly, how did y
ou afford all of that along with the grocery card?”

  “I stayed up late every night for the past week, and I didn’t get the card.” She explained the remaining medical bill and that after paying it there had been two hundred dollars remaining. “I had saved up a little of my own money too, so I was able to get everything you see here.”

  “You’re pretty amazing. I wanted to match your donation.” Disappointment filled his tone.

  “I’m sorry. I forgot, and I’m not so amazing. Were it not for Charity, I never would’ve thought to do something like this.”

  Gabe reached inside the box and whistled long and slow as he pulled out a set of chisels. “For wood?”

  “Yes. I bought each of the twins a set. Their dad was a woodcarver. He taught Nolan, and now Nolan can teach his little brother and sister.”

  He took a roll of wrapping paper. “Mind if I wrap these?”

  “Go for it. You can wrap while I fill the stockings.” She tore open the bags of candy she’d picked up at Blue Spruce Market and divided it evenly among the stockings then topped it off with the scarves she’d made for each of them.

  “The coat boxes don’t need to be wrapped since they’re fancy already.” Sara moved the boxes to the floor and reached for the gift cards she’d purchased for April to Royal Fashions clothing boutique along with one to Cozy Coffee Shop. She placed them each in their own gift card boxes and handed them to Gabe. “Please put April’s name on tags for those.”

  “What did you get Nolan and Emily?”

  “They were more of a challenge. I’m still trying to decide.”

  His eyes widened. “I thought you’d be finished. Christmas is only three days away.”

  “I know. But I have no idea what a ten-year-old boy would enjoy.”

  “How about a bicycle?”

  “I love that idea, but I don’t have time to find one and put it together.”

  “A snow inner tube?”

  Her gaze slammed into his. “Perfect! I’ll get one for Emily too.”

  “What about the other kids? They’ll want to sled too.”

  “They already have a gift.”

  He shrugged. “So now they get two. I’ll spring for all the inner tubes. I believe they have a balcony off the back of their apartment, don’t they?”

  “Now that you mention it, they do.”

  “Perfect they can store tubes there when not in use.”

  “Their apartment comes with a small locked storage closet too. That would fit them.”

  “How’d you know that?”

  She shrugged. “The owner is a friend.” She sucked in her bottom lip. Though the tubes were a great addition, that still left her with nothing special for Nolan and Emily.

  Emily liked to read, and since she’d taken home the fancy toiletry items, Sara had noticed that Emily no longer had greasy hair. In fact, she seemed to be taking more care in her appearance. “I’ll get Emily a gift card for Snowflake Books and put together a little bag of fun stuff from my store.”

  “What’s with the gift cards? They aren’t very personal.”

  “I realize some people think they’re a cop-out. I disagree. I’ve put thought into what kind of place each of them would enjoy shopping, but I don’t know them well enough to pick out specific items.”

  “Makes sense. What about Nolan?”

  “I’m still at a loss for him.”

  “I have an idea. How about you let me take care of his gift?”

  “You sure?” She didn’t want Gabe to forget. Nolan would be so disappointed.

  “Positive.”

  Laughter bubbled up, and she couldn’t stop.

  Gabe chuckled. “What’s so funny?”

  She shook her head and shrugged. “I’m happy. Though it hasn’t come without challenges, making Christmas happen for this family has been the most fun, and sharing it with you takes it over the top.”

  His eyes sparkled. “You’re really something, Sara.”

  “Back at you.” When she awakened this morning she had no idea she’d experience her own Christmas miracle. Having Gabe here with her right now and sharing this experience was nothing short of a miracle. Yesterday, she hadn’t been sure he would ever talk to her again much less kiss her. And what a kiss that was too.

  Gabe stilled, studying her. “I don’t recognize that look in your eyes.”

  “Good.” He didn’t need to know she was thinking about his kiss. There would be time for that later. Right now they had a job to do.

  Gabe whistled as he strolled into the hanger. Forrest sat in his usual spot behind the counter.

  “’Morning.”

  “Why are you in such a good mood on a Monday?”

  Gabe rested his elbow on the counter. “Christmas Eve is tomorrow. This is the only day I work until Friday, and Sara and I are together.”

  Forrest slapped a hand on the countertop. “It’s about time. Merry Christmas!”

  He chuckled. “Merry Christmas to you too. I’m trying to track down five inner tubes for sledding. Any idea where I can find some?”

  “As a matter of fact I do. When do you need them?”

  “Tomorrow at the latest. They’re Christmas gifts.”

  “Shouldn’t be a problem. Want me to drop them by your place?”

  “That’d be great. You have plans for Christmas?” Gabe asked.

  “Nothing special. I’ll watch football, eat a frozen dinner, and take a nap.”

  “You’re welcome to come to my parents’ place for dinner. Mom always makes more food than we can eat. Should I ask her to set an extra place at the table?”

  “Why not? I won’t turn down a home-cooked meal.”

  “Smart man. My mom’s prime rib will melt in your mouth. Don’t get me started about her pies.” His mouth watered just thinking about them. Apple was her specialty and his favorite.

  Forrest chuckled. “Wish you’d invited me last year and the year before that and the—”

  Gabe waved a hand. “I get it. I’m sorry for not thinking of it sooner.” He’d told Sara he’d stop by her place in the afternoon, but now that Forrest was coming over he’d have to make it a little earlier in the day.

  “Looks to me like you’re a changed man. A good woman can have that effect on a person.”

  Gabe chuckled. “I better get to work. Don’t forget those inner tubes.”

  Forrest nodded and reached for the phone. “I’m on it right now.”

  The day went fast, and before it seemed possible, Gabe was walking into Sara’s shop, which was a frenzy of activity. Sara stood at the cash register ringing up a purchase. To the casual observer, she looked in high spirits, but he knew better. She was exhausted. He pulled out his phone and ordered them a thin crust cheese pizza—her favorite.

  He stepped up beside her. “What can I do?”

  Her eyes lit. “Do you remember how to use the register?”

  “It’s like riding a bike.” Besides, he’d stepped in for her when she’d met with that attorney about Charity’s request a little more than three weeks ago.

  “Good. I need to check on some customers.” She rested a hand on his arm. “Thanks.”

  He rang up the next customer and the next until there was only one person left in line. Sara was still nowhere in sight. Where had she disappeared? He rang up the last customer then walked her to the door. “Thanks for coming in. Merry Christmas.” He flipped the sign to closed and turned off one overhead light grid. Their meal would be here any minute. “Sara? I ordered pizza. Where are you?”

  He heard a door open and close and went to the back to check it out. Sara walked in, her cheeks pink from the cold and Annabelle on a leash. “There you are.”

  “Sorry. Annabelle was desperate to get out. It’s been nuts here all day.”

  He closed the distance between them and pulled her into his arms.

  She pulled her head back and looked up at him. “Did I hear you say something about pizza?”

  He grinned. “Thin crust
with extra cheese.”

  She rose up on tiptoes and kissed him.

  The bells on the front door jingled.

  He released her. “That’s probably the pizza.”

  “Right. Will you lock up and bring it back here?”

  He nodded. If he knew Sara, which he did, she’d be tending to her dog’s dinner then setting the little table with paper plates and napkins. They’d shared more than a few meals in her storage room, which was really quite large.

  Gabe paid and tipped the delivery guy then locked up and headed to the back room. He breezed through the doorway and stopped. “What’s this?” She had set the table with a silver tablecloth and added white dinner candles.

  She shrugged. “Just trying to be romantic.” She wrinkled her nose. “Too much?”

  He raised the box and continued to the table. “For pizza, maybe, but I appreciate the effort.” He placed the pizza on a workbench near the table then drew Sara close and held her. Her breathing slowed as she relaxed in his arms.

  “This is nice.”

  “Mmm-hmm.”

  Her stomach growled. “I didn’t have time for lunch.”

  Gabe reluctantly lowered his arms to his side. “Then we should feed you before you fade into nothing.”

  She laughed and pinched some extra skin on her upper arm. “That’s not happening anytime soon.”

  He deposited pizza on each of their plates, offered a blessing for the food, then dug in.

  “Thanks for getting thin crust.”

  He nodded as he chewed. Although deep dish was his favorite, he didn’t mind thin now and then. “I’ll have the inner tubes delivered tomorrow to my place.”

  “Perfect.”

  He pulled an envelope from his jacket pocket and handed it to her.

  “What’s this?”

  “Nolan’s gift.”

  “That’s right. What did you get?”

  “It’s a voucher for two for a scenic tour in my helicopter.”