Silent Stars of Bethlehem (O Little Town of Christmas)

by Laura Hodges Poole

  Fun? That was one word for it.

  Chapter Eight

  A light snowfall dusted the evergreens lining the circular drive of the country club on Friday night. Delicate strands of icicle lights tastefully edged the building’s roofline. An oversized Christmas tree twinkled through the full-length windows as Drew inched closer to the valet parking attendants.

  “Everything is so beautiful.” Carly pulled her silk shawl around her bare shoulders and peered through the window. The last time she’d worn this sleek black cocktail dress was…She frowned…Maybe never. It’d been at the back of her closet and the only thing available on such short notice.

  When Drew pulled to a stop and climbed from the car, she took a moment to glance at the other patrons. Would she fit in?

  He opened her car door and extended a tuxed elbow. Still overwhelmed by the scene, Carly barely noticed when the valet took the keys and drove off.

  “You okay?” Drew’s dark eyes searched her face. His lightly gelled woodsy brown hair and freshly shaven face accented a black tux. The scent of his Armani cologne and the warmth of his body next to hers sent her pulse into overdrive.

  “Yeah.” Did her answer sound as strained as it felt? She’d counted on the country club setting stretching her comfort zone, but why did he pick tonight to look like he’d stepped out of a GQ magazine spread?

  Inside a hostess ushered them into a ballroom with the other guests.

  Drew surveyed the room. “I don’t see my client. It would be like him to invite me and then not show. He’s not exactly the formal type.” He nodded to a few people who spoke to him as he held Carly’s hand and directed her through the crowd.

  She didn’t see how he’d pick one person from the throng that sat at tables or lined the edge of the ballroom. Not to mention the couples already swaying to the music.

  He stopped at the bar and ordered two ginger ales, then handed one to her as they moved to the side of the dance floor.

  The bubbly drink tickled her nose as she drank, making her realize her thirst. Maybe it was just nerves.

  “How ‘bout a dance?” His eyes sparkled like the chandeliers overhead.

  She rattled the ice in her glass then glanced around for a waiter to hand it to or a table to set it on. “I’d love to.”

  Drew motioned to a waiter who appeared at their side carrying a tray. He deposited the glasses on it and led Carly onto the dance floor.

  “I really appreciate your coming tonight. I know this isn’t exactly your forte, but I hope you’ll have fun.”

  She relaxed in his arms, her head tucked nicely against his chest. His warm breath puffed against her hair as they glided easily among the other couples. “I’m glad you asked me. You’re right. I was a nervous wreck, but now that we’re here, I’m enjoying myself.”

  “I’m glad you feel that way.” Drew stepped back and twirled her.

  Carly’s breath caught as she successfully completed the spin and fell easily back into rhythm in his arms. When the song ended and another started, they continued to dance until Carly saw someone motion their direction. “Someone’s trying to get your attention.”

  Drew swung his gaze around and smiled. “That’s Austin, my client. We need to go say hello.”

  “Okay.” Carly followed him to the bar where Austin extended his hand to Drew and then to her.

  “Nice to meet you.” Austin signaled the bar tender. “Can I get you something?”

  “Nice to meet you, too. Another ginger ale might be nice.” Carly glanced to Drew.

  He nodded. “Same for me.”

  Austin motioned to a table after they got their drinks. “I want to talk to you about taking a trip down to North Augusta next week.” He fished his cell phone from his pocket and scrolled. “My calendar’s pretty flexible. I’ve taken a temporary office down there, but we need to get moving on the construction for the new office before the weather turns bitter.”

  Drew’s face blanched, and he cleared his throat. “I didn’t realize this would come up so soon.” He slid a glance at Carly, his eyes betraying what she’d surmised.

  Moving? She had no hold on him. He’d been perfectly clear that they were only friends.

  Or had he? The dancing, the moonlight walk at the park…

  She sucked in her breath.

  He was leaving.

  And she’d be alone. Again.

  ***

  Drew kicked himself mentally for allowing the situation to unfold like this. How could he know Austin would bring this up in such a formal setting? Where everybody and their brother could listen in? Of course, many a deal had probably been struck right here. He rubbed the back of his neck.

  “Austin, could we do this tomorrow? I can meet you at your office.”

  Austin’s gaze shifted to Carly’s face, the first time seemingly aware he’d created a problem. “Sure.” He laughed heartily and clasped Drew’s shoulder. “Tonight’s for dancing. Having fun. Prime rib’s mighty tasty. I’ll see you before you leave.”

  Carly murmured a “thank-you” and mustered a smile before Austin moved on to another group of people. That he’d blindsided her was obvious.

  “I’ve not committed to anything.” Drew pulled his chair closer and took her hand in his. “I was going to tell you.”

  “When?” Her voice stung.

  “I certainly wasn’t going to ruin tonight with it.” Drew lifted her chin with the crook of his finger. “Please, let’s have fun like we planned. Besides, it’s not permanent. North Augusta is only a few hours from here. Sure, I won’t be around every day, but as busy as we both are, we don’t see each other that often now.”

  The light flickered in her eyes. “You’re right. I’m sorry for being less than enthusiastic. Tell me about the job. What do your mom and Keenan think?”

  “I haven’t told them, either.”

  She quirked a half smile. “At least you won’t have to worry about Austin telling them for you.”

  “No, but they’re both used to me being available on a moment’s notice.” Drew’s stomach churned. If Carly reacted like this, he could only imagine the guilt trip Keenan would try to put him on.

  Carly squeezed his hand. “Maybe Keenan will step up and help out with your mom now.”

  Drew resisted the urge to laugh. Carly couldn’t know how far-fetched that idea was. Keenan step up? Yeah. Like that would happen. “Well, Christmas is a time for miracles.”

  She chuckled. “Come on. He’s not that bad, is he?”

  “You know what? I don’t want to talk about Keenan or the job. We came here to have fun. I worked up an appetite dancing.” Drew stood and offered her his arm, which she slipped her hand into. “Let’s go to the dining room. The prime rib sounds like a great idea.”

  “I’m all for that.” Her smile lit her eyes, and she pressed closer to him as they wound through the crowded ballroom and into the hallway leading to the dining room.

  If only life could be less complicated. He prayed the day would come when they’d be together. A real couple. Maybe even husband and wife.

  His heart pounded. Where had that idea come from? He glanced down and met her gaze. The ballroom lights bounced off her silky blond hair flowing over her bare shoulders. He longed to pull her close and kiss the soft, rose-scented skin of her neck. His gaze stopped at her crimson lips, and he swallowed hard.

  Lord, give me strength.

  ***

  “Drew.” Carly frowned. “Are you gonna just stand there, or are we going in the dining room?”

  He shook his head. “Sorry. I guess I wasn’t paying attention.”

  She reached up and let her fingertips trace his jaw line. “I don’t think that was the problem.”

  He caught her hand in his and slid his other one around her back and pulled her closer. “No, that’s definitely not the problem.”

  She looked into his eyes, almost startled by the depth of longing she saw there. What was he waiting for?

  “I can’t do this.�
�� He glanced away. “I mean, not here, not now.”

  Tears blurred her vision, and she stepped back.

  “I have way too much respect for you to start something I can’t finish.” Drew motioned to a settee in an adjoining sitting area. “We need to talk.”

  Carly sat on the edge of the seat with Drew holding her hand. Silence hung between them for a moment before he finally spoke.

  “I care for you, Carly.” He paused. “I don’t want to lead you on, though.” He raised his head and met her gaze.

  She squared her shoulders and braced for what would come next. This is where she usually got dumped.

  His thumb caressed the back of her hand. “My faith means everything to me. I can’t be with someone who doesn’t share that.” He smiled. “But despite your misgivings, I sense you’re not actually a non-believer. You’re struggling with what you believe. Am I right?”

  Trembling, she covered his hand with her other one. Could she be honest with him—even if it meant he walked away? “When you first walked into that tent in Cashiers, and before I really got to know Lottie, I was as far from God as anyone could be. I didn’t think he even existed.”

  Pain flickered in Drew’s eyes. “And now?”

  “The love Lottie has shown me. Being back at church. The…caring way you’ve been helping me…” She motioned to her surroundings. “Inviting me here. I do believe he exists, but…” Her voice broke.

  Drew leaned over and touched her forehead with his head. “Oh, sweetie, let him show you his love.”

  “I want to.” She sniffed. “I don’t see where my life really matters in the whole scheme of things. I mean, I’m one in how many billion other people? He’s got way more important stuff than me.”

  “Oh, but you do matter. You truly do.” Drew pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to her. “I’m not going to press you, but I will continue to pray for you.”

  She screwed up her courage. “So you can date me?”

  His eyes narrowed, the pain apparent again. “No, for you, Carly. I meant what I said at the beginning. You’ve brought such joy into my life. I never want to lose that, but we would make each other miserable if that one fundamental thing wasn’t right between us. But you can’t make a decision about God for our relationship. Don’t you agree?”

  She nodded. Why did life have to be so difficult? Why couldn’t God speak to her like he did Drew and Lottie?

  “Ready to eat?” He stood and extended his hand.

  “Sure.” She mustered a smile and took his hand. As they walked the hallway in silence, Carly thought about what he’d said. She wanted more. Much more. And not just a relationship with Drew. She wanted a relationship with his God. Lottie’s God. She couldn’t voice this to Drew. Not yet. Because somewhere deep inside, she still wondered if God truly wanted her.

  Lord, if you are up there, will you intervene in my life? I don’t know what it’ll look like, but I’m ready to accept your way…if you’ll show me what that means.

  Chapter Nine

  Carly awoke to her phone buzzing on the nightstand. Was it morning already? She rubbed her eyes. Last night’s party flooded her mind—dancing with Drew, enjoying Christmas music and delicious food—she’d felt like Cinderella not wanting the evening to end. Yet, the possibility of him being gone for weeks at a time left her unsettled. Even with her conflicting emotions, deep inside hope dared to flicker.

  Her hand groped for the phone and pulled it underneath the covers. Jenna’s text popped up asking her when she’d be in. Ugh. It was later than she’d planned to get up and be in the store—although she’d told her friend not to expect her before noon. Carly quickly texted her that she’d be there within the hour, then threw back the covers and hurried to the shower. She was awake, and it was the holiday season. Likely, more customers had shown up than anticipated.

  An hour later, she pulled into the half-filled parking lot of Designs by Carly. Inside the line leading to the register seemed manageable.

  “What’s up?” Carly tossed her purse under the counter and pinned on her nametag.

  “Let me finish here.” Jenna rang up the customer while Carly motioned the next customer in line to a second register. Within ten minutes, the line was taken care of, and only a few customers lingered throughout the store.

  Jenna pressed her hands to her temples and drew a deep breath. “This woman…well, that’s a stretch…a girl, really. She stopped by last night before I closed and insisted on your cell phone number. Of course, I told her no—she could come back today.”

  Carly frowned and leaned against the counter. “Did she leave her name or a card or anything?”

  “No, she’s not a vendor. I’ve figured that out, for sure.” Jenna rolled her eyes. “She’s already been back this morning and called twice.”

  “Give me her number, and I’ll call her back.”

  “Don’t worry. She said she’d be back before noon.”

  Carly unwrapped a box of Christmas sugar cookies and laid them out on a Santa plate for her customers to sample. “Next weekend is the Christmas play at the church, so I want to change up our hours.”

  “How so?”

  “We’ll open an hour earlier on Saturday and then close by five o’clock.”

  “Five?” Jenna almost squealed. “The weekend before Christmas?”

  “Yes. And that’s not all. We’ll be closed Sunday morning for church services and open up around noon.”

  Jenna sat down hard on the stool. “This guy has really cast a spell on you.”

  Carly drew a deep breath. “Jenna, you and I are friends. We pretty much say what we think, but—”

  “Sorry.” Jenna cocked her head and studied her. “I’ve never seen you like this.”

  “Nothing has changed.” Not much, anyway. “When I agreed to help Lottie that meant helping all the way ‘til the end.”

  “I thought you were only doing the sets.”

  “It kind of grew from there. She has a lot of other help, but…” Could she admit what she had finally realized just this moment? Carly set the potpourri burner on the countertop.

  “But?”

  She winced, anticipating Jenna’s response. “I kind of like being there.”

  “Whew, boy.” Jenna shook her head before her face lit up. “Since you’re closing the store, maybe it’s time for me to pay a visit to church and meet this Drew.”

  Carly put up her hand. “Wait a minute. Can I trust you to behave?”

  “Moi?” Jenna pointed to herself. “Why, of course.” Giggling, she went into the back and returned with a box of ornaments to restock the tree.

  Carly waited on a steady stream of customers before the store was almost empty. She handed the last one a Christmas bag and closed the register drawer. “I think I’ll brew some coffee.”

  “Sounds heavenly.” Jenna tied on an apron and pulled out the vacuum cleaner and quickly ran it over the carpet. The morning rush had left dirt on the carpet along with crumbs from kids who’d devoured the cookies.

  “Maybe I should consider putting out hot cider this afternoon,” Carly called from the back room.

  “Not if you want your artwork intact.” Jenna lounged against the door jam. “These kids trample through here loaded with sugar already and spilling crumbs left and right.”

  Carly laughed.

  The bell at the front sounded, and Jenna tilted her head toward it. “There’s your mystery guest.”

  Carly pressed the coffee maker’s button and wiped her hands on a hand towel then hurried out to the front.

  A college-age girl with long chestnut-colored curls flowing over her shoulders and down her back stood at the counter. Her high cheekbones, full ruby lips, and blazing charcoal eyes lent an air of sophistication to her. Although obviously quite young, she held Carly’s gaze with an assurance that left her unsettled.

  Carly cleared her throat. “May I help you?”

  “Are you Carly Shepherd?”

  “Yes.” />
  The girl extended her hand. “I’m your sister, Jasmine Gray.”

  Her sister? The room spun mercilessly. Carly tried to regain her bearings. Jenna’s hands steadied her.

  “Here, sit down.” Jenna guided her to a chair and handed her a bottle of water.

  Carly’s hand shook too hard to open it. What was this girl talking about?

  “Now, little miss.” Jenna rose to her full height of five feet four inches, thrust out her chest, and crossed her arms. “I’m not sure what your game is, but you best rethink it. Carly doesn’t have any siblings.” She jerked her thumb to her chest. “I’m her best friend. I think I’d know if she had family, and she doesn’t. Nada. Zip.” She pointed her index finger at the girl. “And she doesn’t have any money, either.”

  “Well!” Jasmine took a step back, her face clouding in shock.

  Carly winced at Jenna’s less than glowing description of her, despite her friend’s best intentions. Whatever this girl’s angle was, she’d best get to the bottom of it before Jenna tossed Jasmine in the street. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Standing, she mustered a smile. “I’m sorry. I think I heard you wrong. Perhaps you were looking for a different Carly Shepherd.” Okay, that was lame.

  The girl eyed Jenna then refocused on Carly. “Is there another one in Bethlehem?”

  “No.”

  “Then you’re the one.” Jasmine pulled a photo from her purse and extended it to Carly.

  The faded face of her mother stared back at her. The room began to spin again. She gripped the counter. “How—how did you get this? How did you know my mother?”

  Jenna peered over her shoulder at the picture and then glared at Jasmine, who glared back.

  “From my father. Our father.”

  “Who? What?” Carly shook her head. “Wait a minute. Jenna, go put the closed sign on the door, please. I can’t handle customers and this…whatever this...situation is.”

  Jasmine sighed heavily. “My father was Hamilton Gray. He died a month ago and left a box full of pictures. Your mom’s pic was in it. I confronted my mother, who told me the truth.”