Yuletide Redemption

by Jill Kemerer

“Parker,” she said breathlessly. “He’s baby Jesus!” Her eyes glistened with tears and she searched Celeste’s face. Celeste nodded, grinning at the wonder in her expression. Grandma Pearl dug through her enormous black purse and found a handkerchief, wiping her eyes. When she pulled herself together, she took Celeste’s hand in both of hers and held tightly. “I never thought I’d see the day... You’ve made me so happy.”

  The service continued with recitations and hymns. Parker sat quietly in the fake manger, and Shelby kept a hand on him, brushing the hair from his forehead. The moment came for the shepherds to arrive. One of the sheep ran crying down the aisle to his mother. The movement startled Parker, and he sat up, spotting Celeste and Sam.

  “Mama! Dada!” He held his arms out. Muffled laughter spread throughout the church. Celeste covered her mouth and glanced at Sam. He grinned, winking at her. Shelby soothed Parker, and he quieted down. The rest of the service flew by in a blur, and before they knew it, they were in the fellowship hall with Sue Roper, a swarm of parents and hyper kids.

  As Sue and several women explained their surprise to Grandma Pearl, Celeste noticed Sam approaching her dad. Dad clapped him on the shoulder and nodded.

  Hmm...

  Sam returned to her. “Your parents are taking Parker home for the night. I have a surprise for you.”

  “What kind of surprise?” This was getting strange.

  “It’s an early Christmas present.”

  “Are you sure about this?”

  “Never been so sure about anything in my life.”

  Thirty minutes later, Celeste sat on Sam’s couch, wondering what on earth she was doing there. Sam had disappeared to his bedroom. He’d refused to say anything about the surprise on the ride over. Instead, he talked about the presents he’d bought his sisters and the Christmas movie he’d watched late last night. Stalling and evading. She had to admit he was good at it. The lights from the tree they’d decorated together sparkled, casting a Christmas glow.

  And then there he was.

  She stopped breathing.

  Absolutely gorgeous.

  His blue eyes radiated love. A dark gray sweater perfectly showcased his broad shoulders. Dress pants hid the brace she could just make out beneath the fabric. Something was in his hand in addition to his crutches. He approached, carefully lowering himself to the couch next to her.

  “I didn’t know where or how to do this, but when I think of you, I know God sent you here to me. You helped me get right with Him again. So this, where we met, is perfect.”

  “For what?” Nervous anticipation made her words rush out, but she wasn’t scared.

  “This cottage is where you helped set me free.” He looked serious. “Give me your hands.”

  She held out her hands. He massaged them with his. The intensity in his eyes made her gulp.

  “Celeste, I love you. We both know life can change in an instant. That’s why I’m doing this now. I already spoke with your dad.” He held a small black box. “You’re the only woman for me. I love you. I love Parker. I want to be your husband. I want to be his daddy. I want forever with you. Will you marry me?”

  “Yes, oh, Sam, yes! I love you. I want to be your wife. I want you to be Parker’s daddy. And, God willing, we’ll have more babies, too, if that’s okay with you.”

  He slid a ring on her finger. A dazzling diamond winked at her.

  “I definitely want more babies.” His husky tone matched the gleam in his eyes. And he kissed her, thoroughly. “Thank you. Thank you for saying yes.”

  “Thank you for being my yes.”

  He kissed her temple. “You’ll always be my yes.”

  Epilogue

  Ten months later, Sam stood gripping his cane at the front of the church. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Today was the day. He’d met Celeste exactly one year ago, and now she would finally be his wife. Thank You, Lord.

  “Are you ready?” Bryan, his best man, whispered, nudging him.

  “I’m ready.” Sam adjusted his tux. The doors were opened and the bridesmaids—his sisters and sisters-in-law—slowly walked up the aisle in matching red dresses. Macy followed, spreading flowers from her basket. Emily, wearing a white dress, and Parker, in a tiny tuxedo, held hands as they ran top speed up the aisle. Laughter erupted from the pews. And then Celeste appeared on her dad’s arm.

  Breathtaking.

  If his knee hadn’t been in the brace, it probably would have collapsed at the beauty coming toward him. Her white satin dress had short sleeves, lace and beading. He barely noticed it. It was the woman behind the veil that held him captive. Moments later her dad lifted the veil, put Celeste’s hand in Sam’s, and together they walked the few steps to the front.

  “You’re beautiful,” he whispered. “I don’t have words. You’re the most stunning woman I’ve ever seen.”

  “I’ll never get tired of hearing it,” she whispered back.

  The pastor opened the Bible. They listened to the scripture. Exchanged vows and rings.

  “I now pronounce you man and wife.”

  He grinned, and she grinned back. When they’d walked all the way back to the entryway where everyone would greet them, Sam propped his cane against the wall, cupped her face in his hands and kissed her.

  “Oh, my!” She looked dazed. She rested her palm against his chest. “Just think—one year ago was the day we met. I never would have imagined then that we’d be married now.”

  “I couldn’t walk.”

  “And my scars were much worse.”

  “They were never bad.” He touched her cheek. Celeste had tried a laser treatment, which had reduced the appearance of her scars. Only two were visible. Not that she could ever be less than exquisitely beautiful in his eyes, but he was glad she’d gotten the results she’d hoped for.

  “A lot has changed since then.” He kept her close to him as the bridal party approached.

  Sam had gone back to work in January—and he was thriving. He no longer had to use his wheelchair at the dealership, but he still needed crutches sometimes. Mostly, he relied on the cane. He was fine with that. And Celeste had been taking online classes to become a teacher. It would be another year until she’d meet the requirements, but in the meantime, the high school cross-country coach had asked her to be an assistant coach.

  After the obligatory hug-fest in the receiving line, where Celeste and her mom hugged for so long they had to be broken up and Aunt Sally jumped back in line three times, Sam tapped Bryan’s shoulder. “Can we escape?”

  “Absolutely.” Bryan and Tommy rounded up the bridal party, including Claire and Reed’s baby, Robert, for pictures. Then they headed to the reception at Uncle Joe’s Restaurant.

  Sam didn’t smash cake in Celeste’s face, but he could tell how tempted she was to smear cake in his. Thankfully, she refrained. The night wore on, and when they’d talked to everyone, Sam pulled Celeste to him, kissed her and said, “It’s time.”

  Her eyes sparkled as she nodded.

  “Goodbye, Parker! Have fun with Grandma and Grandpa!” Celeste kissed Parker’s cheek one more time and waved as her mom and dad carried him away.

  “’Bye, Mama! ’Bye, Dada!” He blew them kisses.

  Sam blew them right back. He’d miss the little guy while they were on their honeymoon in Hawaii. Sam leaned on his cane and kept his other hand wrapped around Celeste’s waist. He leaned close to her ear. “Let’s get out of here. I have a surprise for you.”

  She twined her arms around his neck. “Last time you said that, we got engaged.”

  “I know.” He tugged her close and kissed her.

  “Whew.” She fanned herself. “Is it hot in here?”

  “Yes. Way too hot. Let’s go.” He moved toward the door. “I’m not going to convince you to let me
drive, am I?” Earlier in the summer, he’d finally been cleared to drive. The freedom meant more to him than words could express.

  “No way—I’m driving.” She tapped her chin. “I told you I’ve always wondered what it would be like to drive a truck in a wedding gown.”

  He laughed. “I think you should wear it every day. You’re beautiful in it. Well, you’re always beautiful.”

  They headed out into the cold October air and shivered in Sam’s truck as Celeste let it warm up a minute. “So where are we going?”

  “The cottage.”

  “Really? I thought you’d want to go to a hotel or something.”

  “Nope. I have something I need to do.”

  “I’ll take your word for it.”

  It didn’t take long to get there.

  “Wait right there a minute and meet me at the patio door.” He raised a finger and got out of the truck, carefully walking up the ramp with his cane. He switched on the little white Christmas lights strung across the porch rail. Then he brought out the wheelchair and turned it so the back would be facing her.

  He’d been imagining this moment for months.

  A minute later, she ran up the ramp to him, holding her pretty wedding gown in her hands. As soon as she saw the wheelchair, she burst out laughing. It had white balloons attached to the handles and a Just Married sign stuck to the back.

  “I’ve always wanted to carry a bride over the threshold.” He sat in the chair and patted his lap. “Hop on. I’m carrying you over.”

  “I’ll hurt your leg.” She tentatively stepped in front of him.

  “No, you won’t.” He pulled her down onto his lap. Her full white satin skirt trailed over the edge, and she wrapped her arms around his neck. He held her tightly. He’d never let her go.

  “Are you ready?” he asked.

  “I’m ready.”

  And he rolled the chair through the patio and into the cottage.

  “Now it’s official. Welcome home, Mrs. Sheffield.”

  * * * * *

  If you enjoyed Sam and Celeste’s story,

  pick up Jill Kemerer’s books

  about the other Sheffield siblings:

  SMALL-TOWN BACHELOR

  UNEXPECTED FAMILY

  HER SMALL-TOWN ROMANCE

  Available now from Love Inspired!

  Find more great reads at www.LoveInspired.com

  Keep reading for an excerpt from THE NANNY’S TEXAS CHRISTMAS by Lee Tobin McClain.

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  Dear Reader,

  When I started writing the Lake Endwell series, Sam Sheffield was a charming guy who embraced a challenge and loved his family. But a boating accident in Her Small-Town Romance changed him. His near-death experience and ongoing physical pain and disabilities robbed him of his joy and hope. Spending time with Celeste and Parker showed him he can have a full life again, one with the blessings of a wife and family. Best of all, he finally came to terms with the fact that God loves him and has been with him all this time.

  I don’t know if I would be as resilient as Sam or Celeste after what they’d been through in their accidents, but I hope I would cling to my faith. God will see us through our hard times. He loves us with a love so big it can’t be contained. No matter what problems we face, we have a God who cares. This Christmas season, I encourage you to reflect on one of my favorite Bible passages, Philippians 4:7 (NIV): “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

  I love connecting with readers. Please stop by my website, www.jillkemerer.com, and email me at jill@jillkemerer.com.

  God bless you!

  Jill Kemerer

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  The Nanny’s Texas Christmas

  by Lee Tobin McClain

  Chapter One

  “Not again.” Flint Rawlings frowned as he clicked up the volume on his cell phone and backed into the barn. He motioned to the three teenagers in front of him to keep working on the hay swather that lay disassembled in the dirt parking area.

  “I’m terribly sorry.” Mrs. Toler, his son’s elderly nanny, sounded upset. “I’ve looked all around the cabin and yard. I suspect he’s run off with that gang of hooligans from the ranch.”

  “He won’t have gotten far. I’m sure he’s up at the main house, just like last time.” At six, Logan had developed a habit of running away, but he always went to the same place. “Don’t you get yourself stressed out, Mrs. Toler. I’ll go right over there and find him.”

  “All right, but, Flint...” Mrs. Toler paused, then spoke again, her voice shaky. “This just isn’t going to work.”

  “What’s that?” He pinched the bridge of his nose as the rising sound of a teen argument came through the barn’s open doors.

  “He’s picking up some of the same bad habits that brought those delinquent boys to the ranch. Why, you wouldn’t believe how he mouthed off when I told him he couldn’t have a second piece of cake.”

  “The mouthing off will stop. I’ll talk to him.”

  “Please, do. But meanwhile, I’m too old to be running all over the Triple C looking for that boy. I’m giving notice.”

  Flint restrained the groan that wanted to emerge from deep in his chest. “You go home and get some rest, and we’ll talk later tonight.” More like he’d beg her to stay on. “Don’t worry about Logan. I’ll find him. I always do.”

  The stack of overdue paperwork he’d hoped to tackle this afternoon seemed to glare at him, but he turned away and headed outside. The teenagers were arguing over what engine part went where. Flint put a stop to that and explained to the boys that they’d have to take up their large-equipment-repair lesson tomorrow after school.

  Then he headed up to the main house double time. He’d spoken reassuringly to Mrs. Toler, but the reality was that Logan was just six. Although the two of them had moved to their little cabin on the Triple C Ranch over a month ago, Logan didn’t know the Triple C nearly as well as he’d known the Silver Star, the previous location of the Lone Star Cowboy League’s Boys Ranch.

  What if Logan had gotten lost? The days were at their shortest in early December, and the weather was getting steadily cooler. Logan was notorious for forgetting to grab a jacket before running outside.

  And Flint, rushed as he’d been with the move and the general craziness of a working ranch for at-risk boys, didn’t always think to remind him.

  A famil
iar sense of inadequacy rose in him. He’d been doing his best to raise Logan alone, but he wasn’t one of those cookie-baking, playgroup-organizing kind of fathers featured in the parenting magazines he dutifully subscribed to. He was a ranch foreman, a veteran, a man’s man. Which worked great with older boys, but as the single dad of a six-year-old, he wasn’t passing muster.

  Two of the teenagers he’d been working with raced ahead toward the main ranch house. Automatically he turned to see whether the third boy was coming, the one who’d looked the most disappointed when Flint had postponed the lesson. Robby Gonzalez was a new resident at the ranch, thirteen but big for his age, and he was kicking at a stone as he walked along behind.

  Flint felt a twist of sympathy despite his own troubles. “C’mere, Robby.” He gestured for the boy to join him. “Need some help.”

  Robby brightened and jogged to catch him. “¿Qué pasa? I mean, what’s up?”

  Flint considered trying to answer the kid in Spanish and decided against it. He knew a little, like most folks in this part of Texas, but he was too worried to find the right words. “Know where the younger kids are hanging out?”

  “Sí. Most of them were going to the library. They said Senorita Alvarez was doing story time.”

  Miss Alvarez. Logan’s pretty teacher, who volunteered at the ranch after school. Flint’s certainty about where Logan had gone bumped up a notch, along with his discomfort.

  “I saw Senorita Alvarez,” Robby continued with a sly grin. “She could read me a story anytime. Es muy atractiva!”

  “Respect, Robby,” Flint said automatically. The boy was probably too young to be interested in girls his own age, or at least, too awkward to know how to interact with them. But a crush on an older teacher? Maybe. Or maybe the kid was just trying to get attention—something all the at-risk boys craved. Flint thumped Robby’s shoulder. “You did a good job helping to take apart that swather,” he told the young teenager. “Make sure you show up tomorrow, and we’ll put it back together.”