A Season of Love

by Kim Watters

  Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, she lifted the lid and stared at the crinkled newsprint used to protect the contents. The article for the annual lighting of the Christmas tree in the town square caught her eye.

  Life went on. As it should. For two years, she’d put everything on hold, grasping the memories of what she’d had and closing her eyes to her future.

  Or what she hoped to be her future.

  The paper rustled as she unwrapped the carved wooden animals first. Fingering the carvings, she marveled at the intricate whittling, even down to the texture of the lamb’s wool. Jared had worked on these for hours while they’d sat and talked about their days, their hopes, their dreams. Back then, she’d wanted to be an interior designer, but life had a funny way of intruding. Maybe now that the shop was officially closing December 27, she could revisit that dream.

  She set the animals on the glass surface and reached in again as her cat sniffed at the wood figures. “Leave them alone, Figgy.” Holly shooed him away. Mary and Joseph came out next, followed soon by the shepherds, three kings and then baby Jesus and the manger. The last piece she took out was the stable that sheltered the nativity set.

  She’d missed her mantel centerpiece.

  A quiet knock sounded on the front door, breaking the stillness in the room. Figaro fled and scampered upstairs as she stood. Holly flipped the switch when she walked by the stereo but resisted lighting another candle. The five candles in the fireplace were enough and the Christmas tree already fragranced the air. She glanced up at the ceiling between the living room and front hall and smiled. Her last impromptu decoration was ready.

  After opening the door, Holly admitted Ethan, took his jacket and hung it on the antique coat tree. He looked tired, but good. Now what? Should she just come right out and blurt what she wanted to say or work into it and wait for the right opportunity? She ran her fingers along the roughness of his jacket, gathering her composure. Okay, Lord, I could really use some support here. Turning around to face him, she fisted and unfisted her hands. “Thanks for coming over on such short notice.”

  Not exactly what she had in mind. Guess she’d have to work into it.

  “Is everything okay? You sounded—”

  “Everything is fine. I wanted to share something with you.” Inhaling deeply, Holly wrapped her hand in his and pulled him into the living room, feeling more nervous than a schoolgirl at her first Sadie Hawkins dance. Then she motioned for him to sit before she handed him a cup of hot chocolate she’d brewed while waiting. Another Christmas carol hung in the air and the candlelight flickered, casting shadows against the brick wall of the fireplace.

  Holly sat on the couch next to Ethan as he examined the figure of Joseph. This wasn’t how she’d envisioned the moment, but then again, she hadn’t had much practice in this area lately. Butterflies took flight and even a sip of hot chocolate didn’t soothe them. Her fingers tightened around her mug. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all. Ethan seemed almost as uncomfortable as she felt.

  “This looks like Jared’s work.”

  “It is. They took forever to carve, but the five nativity sets he completed sold for a thousand dollars apiece. This is the last one.”

  “You’re not going to sell it, are you?”

  Holly stared at the set on the table, emotion hovering near the surface, begging to be released. “Of course not.” She took a deep breath and flexed her fingers. It was now or never. It was what she wanted and knew that Cameron wanted as well even though they hadn’t discussed it. Holly figured she’d better see where Ethan stood on the issue. “I thought you’d like to see it. And maybe help me set it up.”

  His eyebrows rose. “This is amazing. The detail is incredible, but it’s small. I don’t see why you need my help.”

  Holly was tempted to throw a pillow at him but didn’t for fear of damaging the carving. Was he that obtuse? Or had she and Kristen misread him?

  No. His eyes twinkled and his lips twisted into a grin that she’d come to associate with him. He wasn’t going to make this easy on her. “Really? Then I guess it’s time for you to leave. Thanks for coming by.”

  “Not until you tell me why you wanted me to come over after nine o’clock at night.” He set the carving back down on the table and stood. Seconds later, he pulled her to her feet and held her close. “So are you going to tell me or do I have to coerce it out of you?”

  He inched her backward.

  Her fingers splayed across his shirt and she allowed him to lead, one baby step at a time. “Thanks for knowing where to find Cameron today.”

  “Holly, I—”

  “Shh.” She put a finger to his lips and stared into his eyes. “And for making me realize I need to move forward.”

  After he removed her finger, he gently kissed the tip of it. “You’re not the only one who needed to put the past to rest. I had a lot of time to think about things in the hospital last night. With all my Bible studies, I should know that everyone has only a finite time on earth before they are called home. I did the best I could over there.”

  “And you continue to do His work by taking care of our service men and women’s animals while they’re gone and reuniting them with the strays they’ve adopted once they’re back here. Plus, you’ve worked wonders with Cameron. I think that’s why you’re here.”

  Ethan took another step back and dragged her with him. “He had his reasons, and I’m not the one to question it.”

  “I’m not, either. I realize now that Jared’s time was done, but mine and Cam’s and even yours still continues.” Despite all her hardships over the past few months, she knew everything would be okay as long as she allowed God to remain a part of her life. Would Ethan remain part of it, too?

  “So where does that leave us?”

  Holly glanced up and realized Ethan had maneuvered her into the hallway, specifically under her impromptu decoration. “Where do you want it to leave us?”

  “That depends.” His head dipped down and his lips captured hers, and Holly returned the kiss with all the emotion and love she felt inside. “I like the mistletoe. Nice touch.”

  “I thought it might help move things along.” She inhaled sharply. Ethan had awakened her, opened her up to understanding and forgiveness and made her want to take another chance. “I love you, Ethan.” Holly never thought she’d ever utter those words again and yet she had no problem now. She’d managed to forgive herself and move on, and Ethan had done the same.

  “I love you, too, Holly.” He captured her lips again, bringing back her Christmas spirit.

  Reluctantly, Ethan pulled away. “You know there’s only one thing to do about it, don’t you? But I’m not really prepared.”

  Holly hugged him around his waist. “Who cares about material things? It’s what’s in our hearts that counts.”

  A hesitant look flitted across the features Holly had come to love. “About the store—”

  “Don’t worry about it. That was Jared’s dream. I have others. I’ve also decided that instead of keeping the woodworking shop locked up, I’m going to give the keys to Cam for Christmas. Those are the final pieces to letting go.”

  “That’s a great idea. You are amazing. But still...” His gaze wandered past her shoulder. Seconds later, he pulled an ornament from her Christmas tree, strode back and got down on one knee. Maneuvering the ornament to the thumb on his right hand, he grabbed her left hand and pulled it toward him. He hung the small knitted wreath on her ring finger. “The physical therapist was right. It does get easier with time.”

  “Of course it will.”

  A smile lit his lips, yet she heard the seriousness and hesitation in his voice. “Holly, will you marry me?

  “Yes.” Tears filled her eyes again and a smile danced on her lips.

  “So when do we tell Cameron?”
r />   “How about Christmas? I think that would be the best family present we could give him.”

  “And that will give me some time to find just the right symbol to show my love. This just doesn’t seem to be working.” He picked up the wreath that had slipped from her finger and slipped it on again. “Maybe I can incorporate your birthstone somewhere in the equation. When’s your birthday?”

  “December 25.”

  “A Christmas baby?”

  “That’s why my parents named me Holly. It was the last thing my mom saw as they were leaving for the hospital. Apparently I wanted some Christmas ham, because I interrupted their dinner.”

  “At least it wasn’t mistletoe she saw.” He sneaked another kiss. “So do I still need to help you with the nativity set?”

  “Of course. I’m not going to let you out of my sight that easily.” She dragged him back to the coffee table. “We set it up on the mantel. Of course, we didn’t do it until Christmas Eve, but somehow I felt the need to do this now. I think it’s the final piece of saying goodbye to Jared but still keeping a part of him in our lives at Christmastime. You don’t mind, do you?”

  “Of course not. Jared was my friend and a very important part of your and Cameron’s lives. What do you say we start a new tradition, though? We did this in Afghanistan. We put the pieces apart from each other and moved them toward the stable as we got closer to Christmas.” Picking up the stable and manger, he set them on the mantel, positioning them in between the two small silk poinsettias.

  Holly picked up the donkey and lamb. “So by Christmas morning, everyone will be together. Like us.”

  Ethan nodded, the love shining from his eyes enveloped her in their warmth, and she looked forward to many more years to come.

  “The animals should be in the stable, shouldn’t they?”

  “Yes, and Mary and Joseph should be over here.” Ethan placed them on the far side of the mantel.

  “The shepherds would be on the other side?”

  “You’re getting the idea.”

  “But where should we put the three kings? They wouldn’t even be in the picture yet.”

  “We can leave them on the coffee table unless Figaro would be a problem.”

  “Maybe we’d better set them on the side table.” Remembering the cat’s curiosity earlier, Holly picked up the carvings and set them on the small table in the corner, where her cat wouldn’t bother them.

  “I think I’m going to like this new tradition.” Holly dusted her hands and stepped back into the room so she could survey the scene. What they’d created was more realistic, and moving the characters each day would bring the real meaning of Christmas closer to their hearts.

  Ethan reached for Holly and held her close again. “And I think I’m going to like creating new ones with you and Cameron, as well.”

  “You know what, Mr. Pellegrino? The future Mrs. Pellegrino is going to like that herself. She’s also thinking another tradition might be to put mistletoe in each room, too.” She wrapped her arms around Ethan’s neck, pulled him closer and sealed her vow with another kiss.

  Epilogue

  Holly stepped out onto the back porch of the old farmhouse and handed a glass of iced tea to Ethan. She sat on the rocker next to him and breathed in the last of the warm scent of the lingering summer. The diamond flanked by blue topaz in her wedding ring glistened in the September sun as she took in the green splendor of the trees and grass. Puffy white clouds dotted the light blue sky, and the sound of chirping birds surrounded her. More peace settled across her shoulders.

  “Thanks, Holly. May I offer you a cookie?” Ethan held up the tray of chocolate-chip cookies he and Cameron had made earlier while Holly rested.

  The scent of chocolate drifted by her nose and she put her hand on her middle. “I think we’d like that.”

  “Is everything okay?” In a flash, Ethan was on his feet, concern overriding the love etched into his features.

  “Everything is fine. I’ve been through this before.” She smiled and gazed at her husband before she looked up. Thank you, Lord, for bringing us together. For showing us that there can be life after tragedy. And for giving me the strength and courage to move on.

  “But what took you so long? I was beginning to think I’d have to do a search and rescue.”

  More happiness filled Holly. Closing the shop and putting Jared’s dream to rest had allowed Holly more time to do what she discovered she really loved— taking old things and recycling them into something usable. “I just got another call about a decorating project over in Flagstaff. Apparently, the man saw what I did with some of the old stuff from the Weaver estate and wants me to rehab some of his things.”

  “That’s awesome. Just as long as you don’t overextend yourself.” He looked at her stomach before his gaze rose to her face again. “There’s something you’re not telling me. What is it?”

  “I also took another phone call from a staff sergeant who leaves next month.”

  “And you told him we were full, right?” Ethan rubbed his neck, his gaze frozen on the barn to their right.

  “Of course not.” Holly laughed. “We also just received another check in the mail. I think it’s time to start renovating the loft and build a real staircase and ramp. We can probably fit about eight kennels up there if we really squeeze them together.” Holly bit down on her lip to keep her laughter in.

  “What?”

  “Hazel the ferret is about to get some company. Two cats are coming with the new dog.”

  Ethan groaned and sank back down into his rocking chair. “I hope they get along with Figaro.”

  “I’m sure they will.” The topic of their conversation padded onto the porch and jumped into Holly’s lap. She patted him, resulting in a satisfied purr. “So you never did tell me why you don’t like cats.”

  “It’s not that I don’t like them. It’s just that I don’t understand them. They’re just so aloof, and what’s with all the things Figaro is constantly leaving on the doorstep?”

  Holly couldn’t help but laugh this time. “Those are presents. It’s just his way of showing you how much he loves us.”

  “Funny way to show it. Why not lick your face like a dog? Never mind, don’t answer that. Those cats will be your responsibility, except for the litter box.”

  “Why, thank you, Ethan. I’m glad you’re going to let me do something to help after all this time.”

  Ethan grabbed her hand, held it to his lips and kissed each knuckle gently. “Despite your role as a board member and taking care of the books, you’ve been a bigger help to me than you’ll ever know.”

  “Patrick, you’re not doing it right. Let me show you again.” An animated Cameron and Patrick emerged from the barn. Two other at-risk youths followed them with dogs in tow. Boys and dogs. Ethan’s idea to do youth interventions had been accepted by the town, and there was currently a waiting list to get in. With the added dogs and work, he’d be able to take one more boy and hopefully turn his life around just as Ethan’s had been all those years ago.

  “And everything has turned out just fine, hasn’t it?”

  “Better than I could have ever imagined, Holly. Better than ever.”

  * * * * *

  Keep reading for an excerpt from LONE STAR HOLIDAY by Jolene Navarro.

  Dear Reader

  I love the holidays; I always have and always will. I especially love Christmas with the lights, trees, decorations and music, and don’t even get me started on the food. But Christmas isn’t just about all the commercialism associated with it; it’s about the birth of our Lord. The reason for the season.

  The Christmas pageant scene in this book is taken from a tradition that our little town has done almost every year for over fifty years. And yes, just like Cameron, my son played baby Jesus when
he was an infant.

  Trimming the tree in our house has become another tradition with the kids and me. For the first few years, all the ornaments were at the bottom of the tree. Now my son, who is almost as tall as I am, has the honor of putting the star on top. Pulling out the ornaments the kids have made or holding that special ornament of that place we visited (yes, I collect ornaments from each vacation) easily transports me back to that time and all the thoughts and emotions that happened. Our tree is filled with wonderful memories and lots of toys for the cats to play with.

  But holidays aren’t always easy for some, and it can be a lonely time. The first year after losing a loved one is hard. So can the following years be, as our heroine, Holly, has discovered. So with the holiday season almost upon us, keep those people in your heart and say an extra prayer for them. If you are experiencing this yourself, please remember, as long as we keep the Lord in our lives, we are never truly alone.

  Blessings,

  Kim Watters

  Questions for Discussion

  Holly suffered a great loss when her husband died. Why do you think God allows such difficult things to happen to His children? Have you ever suffered this kind of loss? How did you handle it?

  What do you think the appeal is for small-town living? What do you feel the pros and cons are between rural areas, small towns, urban settings and the big city? Does where you live affect your outlook on life? How?

  Reflect on psalm 71:20, written in the front of this book. Have you ever been in a situation where this psalm would have helped you? Can you think of another Bible verse that might have been appropriate for this book?

  What is your favorite character and why? Your favorite scene and why?

  Ethan carries around survivor’s guilt because people who depended on him died, while he survived. Guilt is a powerful and crippling emotion. What are some other things that guilt can do? How can faith help you overcome that feeling? How can we help others who are faced with this type of emotion?