by Leah Atwood
“But if we were that young, I wouldn’t be able to do this.” He moved his head toward hers and kissed her lips, ever so briefly.
Her heart fluttered wildly, and if not for her physical reactions, she would have thought she’d imagined it.
As though nothing had happened, Scott whistled and swooped a giggling Lacy onto the wagon. He turned and grabbed Tanya’s waist—as if he did that all the time—and lifted her up too. After hoisting himself up, he stood and held out a hand to help her up. They claimed a spot on a hay bale in the middle of the wagon. Not Tanya’s preferred location—she liked to be on the perimeter—but nothing could ruin this night.
The tractor roared to life, and the driver shouted, “Hold on to your hay, folks!”
Merriment filled the air and everyone whooped, swayed, and laughed through a couple of jerking gearshifts when they took off. And just as they settled into the normal bumpiness of a hayride, the speakers on the back of the tractor belted out Frosty the Snowman. All the kids on the ride began singing along, and most of the adults joined in as well.
She exhaled to see her breath turn to fog. Why not indulge in the joys of childhood? Despite the near freezing temperatures, the body heat from the packed wagon provided organic warmth.
Lacy made friends with a girl closer to her age sitting directly across from her. Somehow she finagled a seat next to her, leaving Tanya to sit alone with Scott.
The tractor followed the path of stringed light and bright stars and ornaments. It began to slow down, and allowed a view of the first scene, a family standing around a Christmas tree with song books in their hands. After lots of oohs and ahhs, they moved forward, slowing down again for another scene, a winter wonderland of wildlife. On the way to the next stop, a two-dimensional sleigh glided through the trees, led by flying reindeer.
The light displays that flashed in a pattern to mimic movement were some of her favorites. The sleigh and reindeer led to Santa’s workshop, where animated elves made gifts and checked the Naughty or Nice list. Here Comes Santa Claus blared over the speakers.
Squeals of delight erupted when a live Santa came out from the workshop shouting, “Ho, ho, ho” and climbed onto the wagon. He handed out candy canes to everyone onboard and took a few seconds to greet each child, leaning down to hear their whispered plea for a certain toy. When Lacy’s turn came, Tanya tried to read her lips, but to no avail. Probably the same toy she’d been asking for.
Santa disembarked, and the ride continued, to her all-time favorite spot. Wooden cutouts of Mary and Joseph were trimmed with all white lights. Mary, with her swollen stomach, sat atop a donkey, with Joseph leading her to the manger. If the setups hadn’t changed, the last display would be baby Jesus in the manger with the wise men presenting gifts. These two were her favorite—it reminded her of the discomfort Mary surely experienced as they traveled to Bethlehem, and Jesus’s humble beginnings. When life got tough, she would remember that one of Mary’s greatest trials gave birth to the Savior of the world, putting any obstacle she faced into perspective.
She turned her head to look at Scott in the same instant he turned to face her. An earnest exchange passed between them, a need to connect. Scott took her hand and wove their fingers.
At his touch, she was thankful she’d forgotten her gloves on the counter. The warmth of his hand was all she needed. Snow flurries drifted from the sky, completing the perfect moment. Wrapping her fingers more tightly around his, she leaned against him, completely at peace.
Chapter Eleven
Scott carried Lacy over the ten inches of snow that had fallen since yesterday morning. The storm caused the Christmas Eve candlelight service to be canceled, along with the annual family get-together after the service. The roads were clear enough this morning to make it to Gran’s house, finally. He still felt the tension in his shoulders, though he’d managed to appear calm while driving. A few steering-wheel clenching moments tested him, but he relaxed completely with Lacy’s giggling at Tanya’s narration of the snails’ races they kept encountering through the slow spots.
The front porch had been cleared of snow, and he set Lacy down to ring the doorbell.
Madison opened the door to Gran’s house. “Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas.” Scott shook hands with her then moved aside for the women to hug.
“Come in and get out of the snow.” Gran showed up and waved them into the house. “The boys are about to take care of my driveway, and then you all can move your cars.”
“Can I help?” He dreaded the idea—Archer offered reserved friendship, but Landon remained cool, if not unfriendly—but if Gran needed assistance, he’d be there.
“If you could take care of the back patio that would be great.” Turning her head, Gran looked down the hallway that led to the back door. “I hate taking away the beauty of the snow, but if it’s not taken care of now, it will invite icy patches.”
“We need you safe and healthy.” After removing her coat and hanging it on the pegged rack, Tanya kissed Gran’s cheek. “Merry Christmas.”
“You too, dear.” An affectionate look passed between granddaughter and grandmother. “Come help in the kitchen. I finally convinced your parents to let me cook a part of the meal.”
“Can I help too?” Lacy piped up.
“Yes, ma’am.” Gran put an arm around Lacy, took Madison’s hand and led the girls to the kitchen.
Scott returned to the car, snow crunching and compacting under his feet as he walked. He popped the trunk and piled the colorfully wrapped presents in his arms. His arms were too full to close the trunk, so he used his elbow to slam it shut. He trudged through the snow again, taking his time and scouting out the neighborhood, enjoying the white Christmas.
The presents shifted as he walked, and when he reached the door, he discovered there was no way to free his hand to turn the knob. Careful to not topple the fragilely stacked pile, he lifted a finger to ring the doorbell.
Archer opened the door and helped free Scott’s hands from several of the most precariously positioned gifts. “Did you buy for an army?”
“You know your sister. She loves ‘Christmas giving’ more than ‘getting.’”
“She’s always been like that, and Lacy takes after her in that way.” Archer slapped his back. “Want to help with the driveway after we get these dropped off by the tree.”
Scott smiled at the invitation and the chance to be included, but had to decline. “Gran’s already assigned me to the back patio. Where can I find a shovel?”
“There should be a few in her garage, and I also bought one along with the snow blower. We’ll have it taken care of in no time.”
Presents already surrounded the tree. They sat them to the side, then went about their outside tasks. Once the driveway and patio were clear, the men came back inside.
Hot chocolate awaited each of them, homemade by Tanya’s mom.
Each sip of the sweet liquid warmed his chilled body. Tanya slid an arm around his waist. Was it a show for her family, or because she wanted to be near him? Something about their relationship had changed the night of the hayride. She had been more affectionate, but hadn’t declared any change of heart.
Their marriage was young, barely a month old. Just because I love her, doesn’t mean she has to love me. And if she does fall in love with me, the process will take longer because there’s more to forgive. The reminder didn’t comfort him much. Unwilling to ruin Christmas with thoughts of what could have been, he counted his blessings.
Gran popped her head into the room. “Present time in fifteen minutes. Everyone gather in the family room.”
He grabbed Tanya’s hand, and they were about to leave the room when Landon stopped them.
His shoulders slumped, uncharacteristic of his typically confident demeanor. “Can I talk to both of you for a minute?”
Tanya shifted her gaze to him. He nodded his consent.
“I want to apologize to both of you. Even after the wedding, I still wasn’t happy abo
ut Scott coming back into your life, but I’ve seen enough to know he is a changed person.” He took a deep breath. “Either way, it wasn’t my place to act like a jerk, especially on your wedding day. And I’m sorry.”
“Thank you, Landon. That really means a lot.” Tanya’s eyes filled, and she gave him a hug.
Scott shook hands with him. If a proud man like Landon apologized, he meant it, and Scott wouldn’t withhold forgiveness. He’d received enough of his own to know its value.
Landon brought a small gift-wrapped box from behind his back. “This is for both of you, the wedding present I should have gotten weeks ago.”
She stopped fanning her eyes to halt her happy tears and took the box. She examined it, and asked, “Should I open it now?”
“Go ahead.”
She tore at the tape gently so as to not rip the paper. Under the wrapping was a plain white box. Her hands shook as she lifted the flap and removed a piece of Styrofoam.
“Oh, Landon, it’s gorgeous.” She lifted the gift from the box and showed it to Scott.
It was a snow globe with a winter scene, and an older couple leaving a church in a wedding gown and tuxedo.
“It plays music too. The name of the song is Waiting on Love.” Landon’s voice dropped an octave. “Other than the couple being older, this reminded me of you and Scott. I hope the two of you have a long and happy marriage.”
Tanya let the tears fall freely. “I love it. Thank you.”
Even Scott found himself overcome with emotions. Landon’s gift went above and beyond anything he’d expected. “It’s a wonderful gift.”
“Could I have a few minutes alone with my sister?”
Scott nodded and addressed Tanya. “I’ll wait for you in the foyer.”
Many things ran through his mind while he waited. He imagined a multitude of scenarios of what was happening in the kitchen. Judging from the apology and thoughtful gift, he didn’t think Landon would say anything hurtful, but his nerves wouldn’t settle until he knew for sure.
After five minutes, Tanya came into the foyer. She didn’t say a word, but walked straight to him, never breaking eye contact. Her hands lifted to his face and caressed his cheeks. She brought his mouth to hers until their lips met in an explosive kiss.
He didn’t know what was going on, but he went with it, returning her kiss with equal fervor.
Finally, they broke apart, breathless and dazed.
He missed the contact and traced her lips with a finger. “What was that for?”
“Landon told me what you said to him on our wedding day, and how you put Lacy and me before yourself.” She covered his hand with hers. “He also told me you loved me. Is that true?”
“Yes.” It was the easiest question he’d ever had to answer.
“I love you too. I think I always did, which is why it never worked out with anyone else.”
His love for her overwhelmed him. “It was always meant to be us. We just had to wait for our happy ending.”
Tanya smiled, her tears brimming with happy tears. “Good things come to those who wait.”
Epilogue
Three Days Later- December 28th
Scott held one side of the cake and Tanya held the other. The flame atop the purple candle shaped in the number seven flickered and waved as they walked from the counter to the table where Lacy sat surrounded by all her family and a few friends from school.
Smiling at her husband, Tanya let him take the lead. His baritone voice began singing, and everyone joined in after the first beat.
“Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday, dear Lacy. Happy Birthday to you.”
They laid the dinosaur princess cake on the table. Lacy stared at the candle for a solid minute before drawing in a long breath, then puffing her cheeks to blow out the flame.
Tanya knelt beside her. “Did you make a wish?”
“Yes.” A big smile spread over Lacy’s face. “My wish for a daddy came true this Christmas, so I know I’ll get my birthday wish, too.”
“What did you ask for?” Scott asked.
“A baby brother or sister.”
Laughter circled around the table.
She hugged her daughter’s shoulders. “That’s a great wish, sweetheart.”
Locking eyes with Scott, Tanya grinned.
Scott winked. “Maybe next year.”
“Therefore, God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, accepting one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive. Above all, put on love—the perfect bond of unity.” Colossians 3:12-14
Love in A Fix
Sample Chapter
“No.” Lyndsey Allen drew out the word as she pulled the frozen casserole from the oven with her bare hands, no potholders needed.
She plopped the ceramic dish on the counter then pushed several buttons on the oven. Not that it mattered if she turned off the appliance or not. The uncooked cheese-laden vegetables were testament enough that the appliance wasn’t working. Suspicions had lurked in her mind for several weeks that the oven wasn’t operating properly, but she’d prayed it would hold out until tax season. Goodness only knew she couldn’t afford a repair bill right now, let alone a whole new range if it came to that.
Desperate for a solution that wouldn’t incur an expense she couldn’t pay, she pulled out the range from the wall and unplugged its cord. After thirty seconds she plugged it back in and pushed the appliance back into its spot. She bit down on her bottom lip while she pressed the preheat button and waited a few minutes to see if the oven warmed. It was a long shot, she knew, but if it worked for the wireless router, why not give it a try for the oven?
Holding her breath, she lowered the door. No heat. No orange glow cast from the heating elements.
A loose strand of strawberry blonde hair tickled her face when she exhaled a defeated sigh. Bending at the waist, she opened the drawer that stored various kitchen sundries. She pulled out the aluminum foil and tore off a sheet long enough to cover the casserole. After she pressed and fitted the foil over the dish, she shoved the uncooked food into the fridge.
She closed the door and shrugged—so the dish she’d thrown together wouldn’t make it to the church potluck. At least she and Josh could eat from it as a side dish for the next week. Money was too sparse to waste that amount of food, even if it would become mushy once it was cooked in the microwave.
The thought of money reminded her about the stack of bills on the table. Time for the monthly game of what bills can be delayed without severe consequence—a game in which she only participated out of necessity.
After checking on Josh, her four-year-old son, she sat at the table and flipped through the bills. She opened the envelope from Calding County Electric Co-op. Final Notice stared at her in bold red letters. Experience taught her the power company’s final notice meant final notice. Without an exemption, her power would be disconnected in four days. Since she’d already gotten an extension last month, she knew one wouldn’t be granted again so soon.
She reached for the checkbook and wrote a draft for the past due amount. Hopefully that would be enough to buy her some time. Until when, she didn’t know. Her full-time job as an administrative assistant at a safety technology firm had been cut to part-time last spring, and she’d lost her benefits in the process. To make up a portion of the difference, she’d picked up a second job at the grocery store, but even those shifts had been trimmed to a total of eight hours per week.
With a heavy heart, she continued sorting, forming two piles as she went—pay now and put off until later. She reached the bottom and opened the final bill. The mortgage. If a miracle didn’t occur in the next month, foreclosure proceedings would begin.
Where would she and Josh be then? She pinched her temples, warding off the headache.
Drawing in a long breath, she debated whether to laugh or
cry. More than enough tears had traced her cheeks in the past two years, so she opted to laugh. What else could she do? For Josh’s sake, she had to hold it together. He didn’t need to walk in and see her breaking down. Losing his father a few months before he turned two was a heavy enough burden for him to carry without her adding to the load.
Lyndsey caught sight of the digital clock on the stove. Go figure, that component worked just fine, the one she could do without. The potluck began in ten minutes, and now she’d be late, on top of not having anything to bring.
She marched across the kitchen and peeked into the living room. Josh sat in a circle of brightly colored building blocks. In front of him, a towering construction of something—a spaceship, if she had her guess—teetered on a delicate balance. Lifting an arm, Josh placed a blue block on the top, causing the creation to tip over.
Blocks scattered everywhere.
Josh’s bottom lip protruded, turning down at the edges.
Bracing herself, Lyndsey hurried to him. Maybe she could ward off the imminent—
A loud wail pierced her ears.
—Tantrum. Her chest deflated as she finished the interrupted thought with a sigh and knelt beside Josh.
“My rocket ship’s broken,” Josh stuttered between cries.
“It can be fixed.” Supermom powers kicked in, and she reassembled the blocks in seconds. “See, all good again.”
The fit ended as quickly as it had begun. Josh broke out into a wide grin, gripping the rocket ship with two hands—one at the bottom and one at the top. He lifted it and ran around the room, zooming the rocket ship through the air.
Lyndsey stood to her feet, a smile fighting to turn up the corners of her mouth. What difference would a few more minutes make when they were already going to be late? Moments like these kept her going while everything else crashed around her.
Josh’s smile. His fits of giggles. The imagination he’d inherited from his father. Mark was dead, but he lived on through his carrot-topped son. Nothing could ever fill the hole left by Mark’s premature passing, but Josh kept her heart from hollowing.
