“Aw, they loved having you there,” he told her from behind his armload. “You and that crazy bird of yours were a big hit.”
She lifted a smaller pile and went ahead to hold the door for him. “That’s sweet, but if I’m going to live in Maine, I need to be able to take care of things like that on my own.”
Sliding his stack into place, he added hers and pinned her with a curious look. “So you’re really dug in here, then? No more hanging out with the jet-setters on the Riviera?”
“No more,” she confirmed with a smile. “These days, I’m more interested in sledding and having quiet dinners with my friends.”
When she patted his arm, he understood she was including their simple dinner the other night in that list. Resting a hand over hers, he gave a gentle squeeze. “It’s good that you’re happy.”
“What about you, Nick?” she asked quietly. “Could you be happy here?”
He’d fled his tiny hometown years ago, anxious to escape his father’s condemning presence and the awful memory of Ian’s death. But now, with Julia’s help, he’d begun making peace with his past. Each day since his visit to the cemetery, he felt its grip on him loosening a little more. Before too much longer, he was confident he’d be able to think of his big brother with a smile.
While he considered her question, he was pleasantly surprised to discover the idea of staying didn’t make him want to bolt. Looking into those incredible eyes, he sensed his heart leaning toward her, reaching for something he’d once thought he’d never find.
“I don’t know.” Looking down, he twined his fingers through hers because he liked the way it felt. “Maybe.”
Tipping his chin up with her finger, she met his gaze with an understanding one of her own. She added one of her beautiful smiles and covered their joined hands with her other one. “I’ll take a maybe.”
As she headed back inside, Nick couldn’t get over her casual acceptance of his hedging. In his experience, most women wanted a firm answer, yes or no. Then again, Julia was as different from the other women he’d known as someone could get. That she wasn’t pushing him for some kind of commitment he wasn’t quite ready to give was a refreshing change.
When all the gifts were loaded, Nick got Julia settled in the passenger seat and belted himself in beside her. As he started the engine, he joked, “I still can’t believe I’m doing this. I feel like I should be driving a bunch of reindeer instead of an SUV.”
“In an SUV or a sleigh, you’ve come a long way from the first day I met you,” she agreed while she found some Christmas carols on the radio. “It’s quite a turnaround.”
After pulling onto Main Street, he smiled over at her. “You had a lot to do with it.”
“Sometimes people need a little persuasion to see things differently.”
“Did you use some of your father’s tricks on me?” When she didn’t respond, he knew he’d hit that one dead-on. Now he understood he hadn’t stood much of a chance against the experienced ambassador’s well-meaning protégée. A lightbulb went off in his mind, and he groaned. “That’s why you suggested doing this bio series. You wanted me to stay in town and make up with my dad.”
He’d expected a denial or some convoluted set of excuses that would make him angry all over again. Instead, she connected with him in the rearview mirror, her eyes a calm, clear blue. “Yes.”
Her direct answer cooled his spiking temper, but it didn’t explain much. “Why? I mean, why go out of your way like that? You hardly even knew me.”
“At first, I meant it to be a gift for your family. For Lainie, your parents, the kids. In spite of what your father claimed, they all wanted you back in their lives, and I asked God to help me make it happen. When you and I started getting to know each other, I knew it was the right thing, for all of you.”
Nick had no clue what to think of her stunning revelation. They reached their first stop, and he got out to open the tailgate for her. Fortunately, the gifts were small so she could manage them on her own. He closed the back and waited for her in the warm cab. While he sat there trying to absorb what she’d told him, her words echoed in his mind.
I asked God to help me make it happen.
Leaning his head back, he stared out at the darkening sky. “I thought You were done with me. Was I wrong?”
A hazy shaft of light broke through the clouds, and he followed it down to where it brightened the grimy snow ahead. Just beyond that pile was the entrance to the cemetery, and even though his mind rejected the idea, in his heart he knew that was his answer.
Going to honor Ian had put him back on the path his father had spoken about the other morning. Furious and grieving, Nick had turned his back on his faith and done everything in his power to get on with his life. Now, he realized that while he’d given up on God, the feeling wasn’t mutual.
God was still there, waiting for him. All he had to do was keep going in this direction, and he’d end up where he needed to be.
The passenger door opened, jolting him from his thoughts. When Julia sat down, he said, “All set?”
“Yes. One house down, forty to go.”
“There’s way more than forty presents back there.”
“More than one child lives at a lot of the houses,” she explained patiently. “That’s why there are so many.”
“Then we’d better get a move on. If we’re late for Christmas Eve service, I’ll never hear the end of it.”
*
“Kids on Christmas Eve,” Lainie muttered while she stitched up the torn hem on Mary’s dress. “They’re wound tighter than a hundred little springs.”
Julia laughed. “There’s only twenty of them.”
“Could’ve fooled me.” Glancing up, her friend added, “You really love all this, don’t you?”
“Ever since I can remember, I’ve gone to Christmas services in the world’s most incredible cathedrals,” Julia replied, “but I’ve never been part of the entertainment. Working with the kids has been fun, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it all turns out.”
“Are you heading out to Cooper and Bree’s party afterward?”
“Straight from here. Nick volunteered us to help set up.”
“Really?” Clearly astounded, Lainie stopped midstitch and frowned. “That doesn’t sound like him at all.”
“Maybe he’s starting his New Year’s resolution early.”
She laughed. “More like he’s trying to impress you. I don’t know what your secret is, but he’s like a different guy.”
From up front, Julia heard a few tentative chords on the organ and looked over to find Nick seated there. She’d gotten accustomed to seeing him at the piano, but the sight of him in front of the multilevel organ was a huge surprise. Beside him sat Hannah, dressed for her starring role as the lead angel, her halo waving as she bounced excitedly in place.
Leaning over, he whispered something to her, and she dutifully reached up to turn to the next page of music. He was so wonderful with her, Julia thought. She could only imagine what a wonderful father he’d be someday.
The thought had popped up out of nowhere, and she quickly pushed it away. Although Nick’s recent change of heart had given her reason to hope that he was finally seeing the light, it would be foolish of her to spin daydreams around a future that might never come to be.
Since Julia’s group of shepherds and animals seemed to be under control, she strolled toward the organ to find out what was going on.
“Before you ask,” Nick said before she could open her mouth, “no, I don’t really know how to play this beast. But the usual organist is down with the flu, so Mom shanghaied me. Again.”
He was scowling, but the glimmer in his eyes gave him away, and Julia laughed. “I’m no expert, but it sounds to me like you play it just fine.”
Obviously thrilled with her new position, Hannah piped up, “I’m helping Uncle Nick run over the music.”
“Run through it, munchkin,” he corrected her with a laugh. Glancing u
p at Julia, he added, “I’m a total klutz with the pedals, so don’t listen too closely.”
The pageant director appeared in the back of the chapel, clapping her hands to get people’s attention. “It’s almost showtime, kids! Everyone back here with me, please!”
Like a flash, Hannah was gone, and Nick groaned. “Great. I need another hand for the pages.”
“How about this one?” Julia asked, waving hers to make the sterling-silver jingle bells ring.
Grinning as if she’d just told him he’d won a Ferrari, he slid over to make room for her on the bench. “That’d be a big help. Thanks.”
All those violin lessons came in handy, allowing Julia to follow the four lines of music while he played. Paying close attention, she turned the pages as smoothly as she could to avoid distracting him. She might be biased, but she thought he was doing an excellent job, especially considering the short notice he’d gotten from his mother.
When the choir began warming up, she noticed Ann at the piano, giving them the appropriate chords. “Are you going to play both tonight?”
“Mom’s handling the piano,” he replied with a wry grin. “Apparently, it’s not impossible for her to take care of that after all. It was her sneaky way of getting me to do something I didn’t want to do.”
He angled a chiding look at Julia, and she barely managed to smother a grin. “I’m sure I have no idea what you’re referring to.”
“Uh-huh. Fortunately for you, I don’t mind. Much.”
He added a quick wink, and she couldn’t help laughing even as she scolded him. “We’re in church. Mind your manners.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
From the corner of her eye, she noticed Ben and Craig stomping off their boots in the entryway. Nick glanced up, trading a not-so-subtle nod with his friend. It got her curiosity humming. What were they up to?
Before she could ask, she saw Pastor McHenry coming up the side steps that led to the hand-carved podium. When their eyes met, his showed surprise, then his face broke into a warm, approving smile. He strolled across the stage, pausing in front of the organ. “This is a pleasant sight.”
“I need three hands for this,” Nick explained. “Julia volunteered.”
“I heard you two made quite the impression around town today, delivering all those presents.”
Nick grinned. “Yeah, some of those folks looked like they’d seen Bigfoot or something when I showed up at their door with presents.”
“I’m proud of you, son,” Daniel said quietly. “And you should be proud of yourself.”
Nick’s smile faded, but the expression that took its place wasn’t angry or sad. It was content, which was something Julia had seldom seen in him. “Thanks, Dad. That means a lot to me.”
“Will you both be joining us at Lainie’s tomorrow?”
“Eight o’clock sharp,” Nick replied with a chuckle. “Orders from the princess herself.”
“Wonderful. I’m looking forward to having everyone together on Christmas morning.”
The pastor included them both in a fatherly smile before heading over to speak with the choir. Once he was gone, Nick murmured, “Amazing. A few days ago, I thought I’d never hear him say that.”
Julia wanted to hug him then and there, but she held back out of respect for their surroundings. “Now that you have, how does it feel?”
“Weird. But good,” he added quickly. “Really good.”
Before long, the church was so full there was nowhere left to sit. Standing, Ann sent Nick a questioning look, and he nodded back. She motioned for the stage manager to dim the lights, then sat down and cued her singers to start “The Little Drummer Boy.”
Down the side aisles of the small church, several older children marched solemnly, holding up battery-operated candles that glowed in the subdued lighting. As they passed by the tall side windows, the beams were reflected by the stained glass, adding warm colors to the traditional procession.
From her seat, Julia subtly held up a hand to signal the lead shepherd on her side to stop, and the others lined up behind him. When they were all evenly spaced, the wise men started down the center aisle, carrying their gifts for the newborn Jesus. They paused just short of the manger, staring up at the star Ben had suspended from one of the ceiling beams. Right on time, the preset dimmer he’d installed increased the beam coming from it, sending that light to every corner of the chapel.
The effect was stunning, and a murmur of approval went through the congregation. That was the sign for Hannah to make her entrance, and she all but floated down the center of the church, stopping in the middle of all those people to give the speech she’d practiced so many times.
“Rejoice! This night our savior, Jesus Christ, is born. Let us adorn him.” There was a quiet ripple of laughter, and she rolled her eyes at the mistake. “Let us adore him.”
Beside her, Nick was shaking with barely restrained laughter, and Julia elbowed him in the ribs. Unfortunately, her effort backfired, and he choked with the effort of keeping quiet to avoid embarrassing his niece. Leaning in, he whispered, “She never once messed up that line until now.”
“It was adorable,” Julia whispered back. “Now hush.”
When Hannah glanced over at them, Julia smiled encouragement, getting a bright grin in return. Once Hannah was in her place on the steps above the stable, Mary and Joseph made their entrance, accompanied by a flock of angels. In the manger, Mary pulled back a wool blanket and clasped her hands together melodramatically, sending a joyful look up into Heaven. “Thank You, Lord, for giving Your son to save us all.”
Everyone, from wise man to shepherd, went down on their knees, hands extended in welcome to the baby in the manger.
Julia’s vision blurred, and she blinked back tears. During a lifetime of traveling, she’d witnessed Christmas reenactments much grander than this. But here, in this humble chapel in northern Maine, was the first one to affect her so deeply. The simple costumes and setting made it feel real, closer to the truth than any of the other, more lavish scenes.
But more than that—it was the appreciation of the people watching their children and grandchildren act out a story that took place so long ago. The day that God pledged His only son as the savior of His people.
That was love, Julia thought, offering up a silent prayer of gratitude. A father’s love.
When Nick’s hand closed over hers, she glanced over to see his head bowed, eyes closed in a reverence that both amazed and touched her. It seemed the black sheep had finally found his way home.
On this very special night filled with blessings, nothing could have been more perfect.
*
Nick didn’t realize he’d reached for Julia’s hand until he felt her clasping his back. What had possessed him to do that—in church, no less—was beyond him, but now that he’d gone there, it felt right. More than right, actually.
Perfect.
As the ceiling lights gradually came back up, he played the opening chords of “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” which brought everyone to their feet. Slightly off-key in places, the congregation worked their way through every verse with gusto. From his spot, Nick saw his parents at the front of the choir, holding hands while they sang from memory.
Seeing them that way, he flashed back to the Christmas Eve services he’d attended as a child. Only this time, the memories he’d buried for so many years made him smile. Sitting here in his father’s church, Nick finally felt at peace. More than that, he felt at home, and he was grateful to God for welcoming him back after all this time.
When the music died away, Dad strolled to midstage and held his arms out as if he were embracing the entire parish at once. “Merry Christmas.” Everyone echoed the sentiment, and he continued. “On this night, we celebrate not only the birth of Jesus, but of every child who comes into our world. Whatever their circumstances, whatever their nationality or creed, every new soul brings with it the hope of a better future for us all.”
This was nothi
ng like the sermons he remembered, and Nick found himself fascinated by the bold direction the pastor had chosen. What should have been a solemn, traditional lesson became a celebration of the children who’d participated in the pageant, working together to tell the story of Jesus’s birth.
“Inspiring,” Dad said, winging a smile around the packed church to every kid dressed in a costume. “You captured the wonder of this night perfectly, and I applaud you all.”
When he began clapping, people looked at each other with the same confusion Nick was feeling right now. Clapping in church? Daniel McHenry’s church? Unheard of, but he was hearing it all the same and was the first to join in. A few at a time, others did the same until the chapel echoed with applause. Odd, but heartwarming, he mused with a grin. Who’d have guessed his very conservative father had it in him?
From there, Dad focused on the Christmas story that had been told and retold for over two thousand years. But he had one more trick up the sleeve of his choir robe, and he saved it for last.
“No matter where we are, how far we might have wandered from our Heavenly Father,” he said in a comforting voice, “He sees us. In a manger in Bethlehem, or in a high-rise office or on a fishing trawler, God is always with us. When we look to Him in faith, with humility in our hearts, He will open His kingdom to us and keep us in His grace forever.”
Nick wasn’t singled out in any way, but he instantly recognized that the closing of that sermon was meant for him. In that crowded church, his father had devised a way to reach him personally. Not long ago, he’d have rejected a message like that as a manipulative attempt to bring him back into the fold.
Now he treasured it because it was more than words a small-town preacher had strung together to make a point. His father honestly believed what he was saying, and Nick found himself believing it, too.
*
“‘A few friends,’ Cooper said,” Bree complained to Julia while they mixed more fruit juice and ginger ale for the punch. “I should’ve remembered the first time he said that, and two hundred people showed up here for the Fourth of July.”
Love Inspired December 2013 - Bundle 2 of 2: Cozy ChristmasHer Holiday HeroJingle Bell Romance Page 57
