Christmas Blessings: Seven Inspirational Romances of Faith, Hope, and Love

by Leah Atwood

  “Yes, but she’ll live in Beckett’s heart forever,” I said. “It’s very sweet.” Earlier that morning, I’d told Ryan about the letter from Beckett and the possibility of my assuming the leadership at The Beckett Agency. He was proud and supportive, and we’d briefly discussed how my priorities wouldn’t change—my husband, family, and Perchance to Dream would always come first. We’d figure it out, and no definitive decisions needed to be made now.

  “Whatever you say,” Nick said, shaking his head.

  As Nick scrolled down the page, I noted the names of more familiar Cade’s Corner citizens. “So, let me get this straight. Our local friends knew about this website, and they’ve never said a word?” I nudged Nick’s shoulder. “Including you?”

  Nick lifted his hands in the air. “I didn’t know a thing. Honest truth. In fact, Mom just heard about it from someone after the church service this morning. I guess they figured we had enough going on, which is true. Maybe they wanted to surprise you. Dad said there were a number of similar websites set up for Ryan and the other missing members of his team. This one was set up specifically for both Ryan and you, Ellie.”

  A large majority of the service this morning—our Christmas service—had been dedicated to praise and worship. I felt somewhat bad for Pastor Derek, but he’d been the one to spearhead the time of testimonies interspersed with Christmas hymns and the message about the birth of the Christ child. My mom and Maura sat on the other side of me, and Nick and his parents sat on the other side of Ryan. My sisters and their families sat on the pew directly behind us. I noticed Dr. Phillip on the pew behind them. If he hadn’t come in late, I would have marched over to him and asked him to join Mom on our pew.

  After the service, Ryan was surprised by an impromptu parade down Main Street. I rode beside Ryan in his red truck as the townspeople lined the streets, smiling and braving the cold, as we drove to Martinelli’s for lunch. While we were having lunch, family after family, and person after person, came over to our table. They hugged us both, told us how thankful they were that Ryan made it back safely, and they wished us well in our upcoming nuptials. Several small boys hung onto Ryan’s every word and begged to hear more about his Army adventures.

  “Ellie?”

  I started and looked over at Ryan through watery eyes. “I’m sorry. I was thinking about everything that’s happened. I’m so overwhelmed, I’m not even sure what to say. For once.”

  “Nick, stop again.” Ryan seemed fixated on the computer screen. “Scroll back up a few names.” He leaned even closer and pointed to the screen. “There. Commander William Jordan Lewis.”

  Ryan’s voice sounded a bit odd. “Look him up, Nick.”

  Nick minimized the current screen and then typed William Jordan Lewis in the search bar.

  I snapped my gaze to Ryan’s as we waited a few seconds to bring up the results. “The guy who flew you out of Frankfurt?”

  “That’s what I’m thinking.” Ryan rubbed his hand over his chin without moving his gaze away from the computer screen. When Nick brought up the search results, he pointed to a link for a website. “That one right there.” Was his finger actually shaking?

  Nick pulled up the link, and we all strained forward to read.

  The screen changed and brought up the man’s full biography.

  “Ryan,” I said, “it mentions he’s part of a Christian missions organization called TeamWork.” I pointed to the computer screen. “Didn’t you say one of the guys mentioned how it takes teamwork or something? Do you think this is what he meant?”

  Ryan nodded. “Maybe. I need to see a photo.”

  Nick quickly brought up a photo of William Lewis in an Air Force uniform. When he scrolled down, I gasped. “He’s an astronaut?”

  “Whoa!” Nick said with unrestrained excitement. “This guy’s with NASA all right.” As a kid, he’d talked about wanting to be an astronaut, and he’d attended space camp one summer.

  “That’s definitely him.” I haven’t heard that kind of awe in Ryan’s voice often, but I heard it now.

  “That’s the guy who flew the private jet?” Nick looked at Ryan.

  “Yes,” Ryan confirmed. “Along with another guy I could tell was military. But William Jordan Lewis was my pilot.”

  Nick sat back in the chair, clearly astonished. “Dude, you were flown home by the next NASA shuttle commander! Not too shabby, bro. Wow! They pulled out the big guns for you.”

  “That also explains why he told me to reach for the stars and saluted me when we landed in Cleveland. I think I need to sit down.” Ryan half-stumbled back to the window ledge behind my desk and perched himself on it. He crossed his arms and shook his head as if in disbelief.

  “Praise God for working out the details in such a unique way,” I breathed. Moving over to Ryan, I wrapped my arms around him. “I’ve always believed in the power of prayer. This is another example of how God’s people rally around each other. And then how God provided His best to bring you home.”

  “There’s something else you two need to know.”

  “Is it good?” Ryan’s voice sounded thick with emotion.

  “Oh, yeah,” Nick said. “It says here they collected donations. Not to bring you home,” he said quickly when Ryan started to protest. “Trust me, it’s all good. They didn’t solicit them, but it says here that enough people asked, so they’ve set up a fund.”

  “Then what are the donations for? Our wedding? Honeymoon?” I couldn’t fathom why anyone had collected money other than to cover the costs of bringing Ryan home. The funds for our wedding and honeymoon had been allocated a long time ago.

  Nick twisted in the chair. “Your mutual pet project.”

  “Perchance to Dream?” Ryan and I both croaked out the question at the same time.

  “None other,” Nick said. “Looks like they’ve collected a very sizable sum. Enough to keep you in business for a whole lot of years. From what it says here, they’re going to leave the website up for a few more months. When you get a chance, check it out. There’s all kinds of prayers, best wishes, and blessings from people all over the world.”

  “We’ll take a look and try to answer them,” Ryan said.

  “There’s a lot of messages, Ryan. It’d keep you busy for a long time.”

  I glanced at Ryan. “Then at the very least, we need to make a statement of some kind on the website and thank everyone for their prayers.”

  Ryan nodded. “I agree.”

  “You two should come and see me, professionally speaking, when you get back from the honeymoon and we can get it all set up.”

  “There’s really that much?” Ryan appeared as dazed as I felt at this new turn of events.

  “Yes, it’s that much,” Nick confirmed. “A very substantial sum. You might even want to think about hiring staff. If I have your authorization, I’ll send an email to Marcus Thompson in Boston and get the wheels turning. I’ll give you an update when you get back from Hawaii. All nice and tan.”

  “Fine by me,” Ryan said. “Ellie?”

  “Sure. I still can’t believe it.” I rubbed my hand over my brow. “How else can you explain this whole thing other than to say it’s a miracle from God?”

  “Believe it, Ellie. Merry Christmas.” Nick lifted from the chair and leaned over to drop a light peck on my cheek. “See you kids at the church in a few hours for the rehearsal.”

  Nick gave me a wink, gave Ryan a brotherly slap on the shoulder, and then departed.

  Sometimes words aren’t necessary. Not at all.

  For a long time, Ryan and I simply held one another, sharing the moment and God’s grace.

  Chapter 33

  ~~♥~~

  As Ryan and I left the Perchance to Dream office for the last time this year, my cell phone rang.

  “Aren’t you going to see who it is?” Ryan asked when I didn’t reach for it right away.

  “I’m tempted not to check. Everything I need is right here with me now.”

  He chuck
led. “Thanks, but maybe you should check.”

  “Okay. To humor you.” I reached into my pocket and pulled out my phone. “It’s from Krista at the nursing home.” I darted a worried gaze at Ryan and bit my lower lip. “I hope nothing’s happened with Cora.”

  “Ellie, hi. It’s Krista. Cora’s fine, but I thought you might want to stop by with Ryan for just a few minutes if you can. I understand how busy you are, so if not, I’ll understand.”

  Twenty minutes later, a tall, slender woman who resembled young Cora in the photograph on her bureau turned as Ryan and I appeared in the doorway of Room 365.

  “You must be Beatrice.” I walked toward her and held out one hand. “I’m Ellie Franklin, and this is my fiancé, Ryan Sullivan.”

  “Nice to meet you both.” She smiled. “My mother has always spoken so highly of both of you. I understand congratulations are in order and that you’re getting married tomorrow.”

  “That’s right,” Ryan said, squeezing my hand.

  “Thank you.” I squeezed back.

  Krista wasn’t in sight, and I wondered why she’d called us to come. Maybe to see that Cora’s daughter had finally come to visit. The holidays were always a sentimental time, so perhaps it had prompted Beatrice to make the trip. For whatever reason, I was thankful.

  “I asked Krista to call you,” Beatrice said as if she could read my thoughts. “She’s told me how faithful you’ve been to come and see my mother. I wanted to thank you in person.” She lowered her gaze from mine and stepped closer to her mother’s side.

  “I’ve always loved Cora. She’s a very special person in my life.” I tried my best not to allow any sarcasm or anger to seep into my voice. It wasn’t anger I felt toward this woman, but sadness.

  “Thank you for your faithfulness to her. After my father died, I’m the first to admit that I haven’t been as good about visiting Mom. That’s to my shame, but I’ve made a decision recently.” Beatrice raised her head and looked at me. “I’m moving Mom to Minneapolis.”

  Part of me hated to hear this news. I’d miss my dear friend, and the staff here in Cade’s Corner also loved this precious soul. But, as much as we loved her, we weren’t Cora’s family.

  I swallowed hard. “I’m sure you’re doing what you feel is best, but this has been Cora’s home most of her life.” Whether or not she’d ever regain consciousness, Cora’s friends were here. She had a plot reserved in the church cemetery.

  “I know that.” Beatrice’s tone sounded rather snappish, and I could tell the decision weighed heavily on her mind. “But I’m her only child, and I’ve built a life in Minneapolis. I have a career there and, with Mom nearby, I can better watch over her.”

  “I understand,” I said, lowering my voice. “I know you’re only doing what you need to do.”

  “Stay.”

  My eyes widened, and I looked around the room. Who had said that?

  Ryan angled his head to Cora in the bed.

  “Stay.” There it was again!

  I moved to the opposite side of Cora’s bed from Beatrice. “Cora? Cora, it’s me—Ellie. Ryan’s here with me, and your daughter Beatrice has come to see you. Isn’t that wonderful?”

  The older woman’s eyes fluttered open, and she stared at me, glassy-eyed, for a long moment. A smile touched her lips. “Ellie.”

  “Yes, Cora. It’s me.” I took her hand in mine as I’d done so many times before.

  On the other side of the bed, Beatrice took her other hand. “Mom? It’s Beatrice. I’m here. Is that what you want? To stay here in Cade’s Corner instead of coming to Minneapolis with me?”

  Cora’s nod was barely perceptible, but the three of us in the room witnessed her acknowledgment of Beatrice’s question. We’d all heard her say the word Stay. Twice.

  The older woman’s eyes opened once more and she moved her gaze to Ryan. “Love her well.”

  “I will, Cora.” Ryan’s blue eyes met mine. “The rest of my life.”

  “Cora, we love you,” I said.

  Her smile stayed in place. Although she said nothing, Cora squeezed my hand.

  Beatrice glanced across the bed at me. “Well, I guess that’s the answer.”

  “If you feel the need to take her home with you, Beatrice, everyone here will understand. You’re her family, so it’s completely your call.”

  “No, it’s not.” Beatrice wiped away tears, smoothing one hand over Cora’s hair. “It’s Mom’s decision, and she’s made her wishes known. In many ways, you’re every bit as much Mom’s family as much I am. This is where she’s meant to be. Who am I to take that away from her?”

  Beatrice patted her mother’s hand. “I’m going to come and see you more often, Mom. I promise you that much. And I’m going to give Ellie my contact information and hope she’ll let me know how you’re doing.” She looked up at me. “I hope you won’t mind.”

  “Of course not. It would be my honor.”

  I walked around the bed and enveloped Beatrice in a warm hug. “Thank you.”

  Chapter 34

  ~~♥~~

  December 25, 2006

  The sun awakened me as it streamed through the open blinds of my childhood bedroom the next morning. I’d enjoyed the best sleep I’d had in weeks.

  “Thank you, Jesus.” I sat up straight in the bed.

  Today is my wedding day!

  A huge smile crossed my face. The rehearsal at the church had gone off without a hitch. I had been in such a euphoric mood—and so had Ryan—that nothing could have diminished our joyful anticipation. My sisters’ kids acted up a bit by crawling beneath the pews and sliding on the floor while we were going through the motions, but I just smiled while Kara and Staci called for their husbands to corral them. As kids, Ryan and I had done the same thing. That slippery floor was difficult to resist.

  Afterwards, the group—including Grandma Franklin and a few assorted relatives—all went to the Sullivan house where his mother had prepared a feast of Sullivan family holiday favorites.

  “Ellie has learned how to make Ryan’s preferred dishes now,” Mary announced to the group crowded around their dining room table.

  I held up one hand. “Except for the one with beets,” I said, kissing Ryan’s cheek. “He can learn to make those recipes himself.”

  “I’ll get you to like them yet,” Ryan said, tapping my knee with his beneath the table. “Love me, love my beets,” he whispered in my ear. His lips tickled my skin, and I laughed.

  As Ryan’s best man, Nick rose to his feet and toasted us. “Ryan’s been my best friend since we were kids. I figured out that the pesky little kid wouldn’t stop following me around,” he said, and we all laughed. “Then I finally accepted the fact that he wasn’t going anywhere soon. He’s always been the first one to step up if I needed a friend. The first one to tell me what needed to be said, even if it was hard to take, and I’ve done the same for him. I’ve watched him grow from a reckless kid who drove his bike too fast to the kind of man who’s served his country with uncommon loyalty and valor.”

  Nick paused, and I could see the emotion in his eyes as he continued. “Through the years, I’ve seen him fall in love with the cute little neighbor girl from down the street.”

  A chorus of aww floated around the table. I dipped my head and smiled.

  “And now Ryan and Ellie have created Perchance to Dream, their joint project—their ‘baby’ for now if you will—that provides more than toys to children. It provides hope for kids who desperately need it with Bibles and a personal note. It’s a ministry that will continue to flourish and grow and bless hearts not only in the Cleveland area but around the globe. Separately, these two are terrific individuals. But together? They’re the best example of what can happen when God’s people pray. Simply put, Ryan”—Nick turned to his younger brother and raised his glass—“you are the kind of man I hope to be one day. I love you, brother.”

  Ryan rose from his chair, and my eyes misted as the two brothers embraced.

  K
ara and Staci delegated the honor of the toast to the bride to Maura. She glanced at Nick and he gave her a smile as she slowly rose to her feet. “I’m not as eloquent as the good counselor here,” she said, and everyone smiled.

  Maura swallowed and met my gaze. “I haven’t known Ellie as long as the rest of you here tonight, but Ellie makes it so easy to know her. She’s one of the first people I met here in Cade’s Corner. Ellie showed up in Nick’s law office and welcomed me with a smile and a homemade blueberry pie.” Her lips curled. “I’d been told to stay away from anything with vegetables, but that her baked goods are excellent.”

  Ryan kissed my cheek while I rolled my eyes and the others laughed quietly.

  “I don’t have a sister,” Maura said, “but Ellie’s my sister.” Okay, that one made me tear up again. I’d already told Ryan there would be a “No Tears” clause for the honeymoon although the wedding would be pretty much a given.

  Maura paused to gather her thoughts, her gaze never leaving mine. “Her love for Ryan is an inspiration to many here in town and, after recent events, around the country and the world. She never gave up hope that Ryan and his team would be found safe. She believes in the precious promises of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Ellie pours her all into everything she does for her family, for Perchance to Dream, and for her friends. She has more energy than ten people, she has the kind of compassion that’s remarkable and memorable. When Ellie Franklin—soon to be Ellie Sullivan—moves into your life, even from the first meeting, you’ll know your life will never be the same. Ellie,”—Maura lifted her glass and raised it in my direction—“here’s to you and a lifetime of love with Ryan and continuing to bless everyone you meet. I love you, my friend.”

  With tears streaming down their faces, Staci and Kara hugged Maura and then all three women came over to me for a group hug. Mom and Mary joined us. I’m glad they came prepared with a box of tissues. My goodness. But it’s all wonderful.

  After dinner, Grandma Franklin took me into Mark Sullivan’s study for a private chat. She shared a few tidbits of advice with me about marriage. “Don’t stress over the little stuff,” she said. “Focus on building up Ryan and he’ll honor you in return. If you burn a dish, don’t cry and fret. Shrug off the things you can’t fix, and accept and take care of the things you can fix. Try to speak in a soft tone, especially when you’re aggravated. Hold your tongue. Instead of lashing out when you’re angry, take Ryan by the hand, and fall on your knees together. Give over any struggles to the Lord.”