Love Finds You Under the Mistletoe

by Irene Brand

  Julia stopped woolgathering and turned her attention to Pastor Brown’s message. “Friends,” he began in the slow, nasally vernacular common to most of the natives, “I wrestled with the Lord most of the night about today’s sermon. When I went to bed, I was easy in my mind that I’d be preachin’ on the Shepherd Psalm. Soon after midnight, the Lord woke me up and changed my mind. After tos-sin’ and turnin’ for over an hour, I got up and started searchin’ the Scripture for a new message.”

  He put on his spectacles and lifted his Bible. “Today’s text is from the writings of the Old Testament prophet Joel, chapter three, verse fourteen. ‘Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.’”

  He cleared his throat and spoke in a loud yet compassionate voice. “These words describe what’s goin’ on in our country today. All durin’ the war, everybody was busy, focused on winnin’ the conflict. Now that peace has come, a lot of people are at a standstill. Men came home from war expectin’ life to be like it was before they went away. It wasn’t. Women, who’d always stayed home, worked at men’s jobs while they were away fightin’. The menfolk expect their women to take up livin’ the way they did before the war, and it’s caused a lot of trouble.” The pastor continued his sermon by citing incidents to bring out the truth of the message.

  Although in other situations Julia would have expected his homespun delivery to bore her, she leaned forward, intent on every word he said.

  “We might as well forget about ‘the good ol’ days,’” the preacher continued. “They’re gone forever. Our country didn’t come out of this war with the innocence it used to have. Even this little holler along Buffalo Crick has changed. A lot of our boys who went to war, and other people who moved to the big cities to work in defense plants, didn’t come back to Mistletoe. They’d found an easier side of life, and they weren’t willing to give it up.”

  Julia could readily understand why former residents of the hollow, once they’d become accustomed to modern conveniences, would prefer to live elsewhere.

  “But we’ve still got a lot to give. We’re God-fearin’ people, and it’s up to us to proclaim the Word of God up and down this holler. Too many people have come back from the war wonderin’ if God is alive. Imagine! Wonderin’ if the Almighty is still on the throne. I’m here to tell you that He is, and it’s time for you to decide where you stand with Him today.”

  Pastor Brown motioned to his wife, who went to the piano bench and started playing softly. Because of her infrequent church attendance, Julia was surprised that she recognized the words of a song she’d heard when she was a child.

  “I’ll go where You want me to go, dear Lord,

  O’er mountain or plain or sea;

  I’ll say what You want me to say, dear Lord,

  I’ll be what You want me to be.”

  Julia could identify with the song lyrics. She had been on plains in the West during her basic training for the WAC. She’d spent two years overseas, and now she was in the Appalachian Mountains. She didn’t believe that she’d ever been what God wanted her to be, but at this moment, she desperately wanted to know His will for her life. She focused again on Pastor Brown as he called for commitment from the congregation, knowing in her heart that God had sent his message especially for her.

  “Brothers and sisters, we’re at a crossroads. Someone in this congregation—or maybe lots of people—needed this sermon today, or God wouldn’t have laid it on my heart. People will make decisions in the next hour or the next week that are gonna change their lives forever. Maybe you’re one of them. I don’t know, but God knows. And you know.

  “Maybe the crossroad you’re facin’ is to get right with God. Is your heart burdened down with a load of sin? Don’t put off settin’ your feet on the right road today. Be like the prodigal son, who left the worthless life he’d been livin’ and came runnin’ home to his father. Just like that earthly father, God stands with open arms waitin’ for you.”

  Preacher Brown pulled a bandanna from his hip pocket and wiped his brow. “You may be standin’ at a crossroads wonderin’ what decision to make about a job. Or about gettin’ a better education. Maybe you’re all mixed up inside, not knowin’ which road to take. The future lies before you. My friends,” he implored, “which road are you gonna take?”

  When the pastor asked for those who wanted to rededicate their lives to come forward and pray at the altar, Julia wasn’t tempted to go. She had serious decisions to make, but she was a private person. If her future changed directions, it would come at a meeting between herself and God alone.

  Chapter Seven

  David carried Bobby as they walked home from the church service, and Granny congratulated the two-year-old on being a good boy at church.

  “I good?”

  “I’ll say,” David said. He tickled Bobby’s ribs lightly, which elicited a delighted giggle. Bobby proceeded to dig his fingers in David’s side.

  David yelled, squirming, as if he felt the pressure of those tiny fingers. “Don’t tickle me,” he begged, holding Bobby so he couldn’t move.

  “I was surprised by how good he was,” Julia said. “Mother and Dad take him to church every Sunday, but children under three stay in the nursery during the worship service. I thought Bobby would want to play like he does at home.”

  “No. Good boy,” Bobby insisted.

  “Yes, you were, and I’m proud of you.” Julia bent to kiss his cheek.

  David whispered, “I was good too. Don’t I get one of those?”

  Choosing to believe that he was joking, Julia lifted her eyebrows. “Not yet!”

  At the house, Granny took off her hat and explained to Julia, “We have just a light dinner at noon on Sundays. I’ll cook at suppertime.” She stirred up the coals in the cookstove and filled the teakettle. While the water heated, she sliced a loaf of bread and placed it on the table with butter and strawberry preserves.

  “David, bring apples from the cellar and some milk for the boy. Julia, if you’ll put Bobby in the high chair, you can set the table. David and I will drink coffee. Do you want a cup too?”

  “Yes, please.”

  “So how’d you like our preacher?” Granny asked after they started eating.

  “He seemed very sincere in his beliefs,” Julia answered truthfully. “He gave me a lot to think about.”

  Her comments must have pleased Granny, because she nodded. “He’s a good man. He works long hours in the coal mines for a livin’ but still finds time to visit the sick and help out where he can.”

  Julia and Granny washed the few dishes they’d used and cleaned the oilcloth table covering while David took Bobby to the front porch. Julia heard one of the rockers moving rhythmically, and it wasn’t long before David brought the sleeping boy inside and laid him on Granny’s bed.

  “I’d like to take a walk while Bobby is napping,” Julia said. “He usually sleeps two hours or more.”

  “A walk will be good for you,” Granny agreed.

  “I’ll go along,” David volunteered.

  “If it’s safe enough, I’d rather go by myself,” Julia said, hoping that she wouldn’t hurt his feelings. “I have decisions to make, and this may be the only time I’ll have any privacy.”

  “It’s safe enough anywhere,” David assured her. “Nobody will bother you.”

  “I won’t be gone long.”

  “Take all the time you need. If Bobby wakes up before you get back, I’ll take care of him.”

  Julia went into the bedroom, took off the clothes she’d worn to church, and put on pants and walking shoes. David was on the porch reading a newspaper when she left the cabin. “I’m going up the hollow toward your house,” Julia said, grinning. “Is it all right if I trespass on your property or sit on the porch?”

  “Sure. Go inside if you want to. The door isn’t locked.”

  “Thanks, but it’s a beautiful day. I’ll stay outside.”

  As she walked,
Julia remembered Pastor Brown’s message. She was at a crossroads. She was committed to write a book about her war experiences, but that wouldn’t take more than six months. What then? Before she’d enlisted in the WAC, she’d attended two years of college majoring in journalism, but she was undecided about continuing her education.

  Julia sat on the steps of David’s cabin and surveyed the narrow valley before her. Again she noticed the peace and quietness. She recalled the noises that had shattered her nerves in the army—especially the rumble of engines, which had always made her wonder if Allied or enemy planes were approaching. Many times she was close enough to the battlefront to hear the guns. She’d seldom had a moment alone and was constantly surrounded by the sound of other people–breathing, talking, and singing.

  The sounds she heard now were peaceful. The little stream sighed contentedly as it approached a slight waterfall a few feet from where she sat. A male cardinal perched on a fence post before he swooped to the ground and grabbed a grain of corn from the pile that David had left for the wildlife when he’d shucked his corn crop. A slight breeze wafted down the hollow, spinning an ornamental windmill in the yard. She wished that her mind was as peaceful as this setting.

  Julia hadn’t expected her war experiences to impact her psyche, but apparently they had, for she couldn’t get enthusiastic about anything. For as long as she could remember, she’d had a troubled relationship with her sister. She had determined that, when she came home, she would put forth an effort to establish rapport with Margaret. She had hoped that they could share an affection they’d never enjoyed. To come home without her sister being there was almost more than she could bear. She had felt completely alone and cheated of an opportunity to deal with the past.

  Throughout the war, while her coworkers had one love affair after another, Julia wondered why she couldn’t be interested in any of the fine young soldiers she’d met. It seemed inconceivable that when she’d been thrown together with some of the best men the country had to offer, she hadn’t encountered anyone who piqued her interest. Now, after two mere days in this isolated Kentucky hollow, she was attracted to a man who was content to stay here for the rest of his life. No one could be more unsuitable for her. So what was different about David to stir her interest in him?

  Before she could consider why David drew her like a magnet, she had more pressing concerns. Julia had come to the valley of decision, and she had no idea which way to go. Should she leave tomorrow and forget she’d ever heard of David Armstrong and Mistletoe? And what was she going to do after she finished the writing assignment? Something was missing in her life, and she knew what it was. She was miserable because she no longer looked to God for guidance as she had when she was a teenager.

  Kneeling in the shade of a tall evergreen, Julia closed her eyes and opened her heart. “God,” she prayed, “I don’t know the right path to take. Please guide me in the way You want me to go. Help me to become the kind of follower I ought to be.”

  When she stood, peace flooded Julia’s soul, and she recalled a Scripture she’d learned long ago in Bible School: “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” When she’d memorized that verse, she hadn’t understand what it meant. She did now.

  Looking at her watch, she stood and stepped off the porch. She walked toward the large log cabin David had pointed out to her yesterday, climbed the steps, and peered through the window. The interior of the house was dark, but it appeared that the cabin was still furnished. Julia walked toward the creek and retraced her route to Granny’s home.

  When Bobby wakened, she took him outside, played tag with him, and walked with him to the barn, where they watched David milk the cow and feed the chickens. It seemed easier to keep Bobby occupied now, and he was more relaxed with her. Or had she changed and was no longer intimidated by her nephew? Hoping it was the latter, she returned to the cabin in time for the light supper that Granny had prepared. After helping with the dishes, Julia went to the porch where David sat on the steps keeping his eye on Bobby, who seemed inclined to investigate every rock, bush, and flower in the front yard. Julia sat on the steps beside him.

  After a while, he said quietly, “I’m sure you haven’t noticed, and I don’t want you to look now. Keep watching my face. Do you understand?”

  Puzzled by his manner but aware it must be something important, Julia nodded.

  “Someone is lurking in that thicket of elderberry bushes at the edge of the woods. I think it’s Bobby’s grandmother.”

  Startled, Julia stared at David. It required tremendous willpower not to look at the thicket he’d mentioned. “Really?”

  “I’m pretty sure. I’m going to the barn, where I can get a better view. I’ll pretend to check the horses so she won’t know that I’ve seen her. Don’t look her way.”

  “What do you think it means?”

  “That Mrs. Walden is trying to see the boy and decide if he is Robert’s son. Knowing that they have a grandson might be the best way to bring them out of their depression. If you stay in Mistletoe a little longer, they may ask to see him.”

  Julia grimaced.

  “I don’t mean to place a guilt trip on you, but I think there’s a possibility that the Waldens will accept the boy if you give them more time.”

  Now that she was getting along better with Bobby, Julia considered his suggestion. She was a person who always finished what she started, and she knew she’d never be completely satisfied if she didn’t carry out Margaret’s request. If she thought this would happen in a week or two, she might stay, but she’d seen enough to know that events moved slowly in this hollow. It could be months before the Waldens would acknowledge Bobby as their grandson—if they ever did. Recalling her renewed faith in God’s guidance, she wondered what He wanted her to do.

  “This raises a problem that’s been in the back of my mind,” Julia said. “What if the Waldens want to keep Bobby? My parents wouldn’t be happy about that. He’s been theirs for two years.”

  “If they’re convinced he belongs to Robert, they might want him. I suppose it would take a court decision to determine who has prior claim to Bobby. Considering their present mental conditions, I doubt they could get custody of the boy.”

  “It wouldn’t be good for Bobby to have his grandparents fighting over him.” Julia shook her head. “They’ve had their chance, and I’ve done my best to fulfill Margaret’s request.” Suspecting that her determination to leave Mistletoe was caused by her mounting interest in David, Julia said firmly, “I’m going home.”

  Her decision left Julia with an indefinable feeling of emptiness. Judging from the resignation on David’s face, she suspected he shared her feelings.

  “Then I’ll take you to Booneville tomorrow, so we can have a few more hours together. Tom leaves about seven o’clock, but there’s no reason for you to go that early. I’ll let him know that you won’t ride with him.”

  He unlimbered his long frame from the steps and walked slowly toward the barn. When Bobby fell and started crying, Julia picked him up and took him inside the cabin. By the time she’d undressed Bobby he was almost asleep, but Julia lay beside him, hands crossed behind her neck, contemplating her future.

  Chapter Eight

  David’s car, an eight-year-old dark blue Chevrolet, was parked in front of Granny’s cabin when Julia got up after a restless night. She’d finished packing before she awakened Bobby. He started giggling as soon as he opened his eyes, which Julia took as a good sign. She didn’t know what the day held for her, but having a happy baby was encouraging.

  Fortified by a plate of Granny’s cornmeal cakes, a slice of ham, and a cup of strong coffee, Julia thought she could face the week that was bound to be exhausting.

  “Dade,” Bobby called, holding out his hands when David walked into the cabin. David lifted Bobby from the chair and tossed him upward several times, Bobby squealing joyfully. When David put him on the floor, Bobby begged for mo
re.

  “Nope. I want another cup of coffee, and then we’ll start to Booneville.”

  “Oonwill?” Bobby questioned.

  David laughed. “Well, I guess that’s close enough for a little shaver.” After he drank the coffee Granny handed him, he turned to Julia. “Are you ready?”

  “Yes,” she replied in a dull voice.

  He went into the bedroom for her luggage. “Granny, look for me when you see me coming. If Julia can’t get a bus today, I’ll stay the night in Booneville to keep them company.”

  Leaving Granny was more difficult than Julia had anticipated. It was uncanny that she’d become so fond of this woman in such a short time. Since childhood Julia had suppressed her emotions, but telling Granny good-bye caused a deep, unfamiliar pain in her heart.

  “You’ve been very good to Bobby and me. I’ll never forget you.”

  “My door is always open to you, my dear. Let us know how you and Bobby are gettin’ along.”

  “Yes, I will.”

  Granny lifted Bobby into her arms, hugged and kissed him. Her eyes filled with tears, and Julia quickly took her nephew and left the cabin. She didn’t look back as David drove away.

  Julia watched closely as they passed the Walden house, but she couldn’t tell if anyone was looking out the window.

  David was unusually silent, and Julia wondered what he was thinking. When they came to the spot where she and Tom had been stranded three days ago, Julia said, “Thank goodness there isn’t much water today.”

  “I didn’t think there would be. It hasn’t rained for several days.”

  Julia and David had always found plenty to talk about, but today the silence in the car was almost unbearable. Julia devoted most of her time to entertaining Bobby until he finally went to sleep. Then she counted the many clumps of mistletoe decorating the oak trees. Today her longtime fascination with mistletoe took second place to the sorrow of saying good-bye to David and Granny. She was sorry she wouldn’t have the opportunity to celebrate Christmas in this area, the very name of which was reminiscent of the holiday, but she couldn’t see that she had any choice except to return to Maryland.