Catching Christmas

by Leah Atwood

  “If you let it slip, I’ll forgive you.” She stood on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. “Now let’s go before we get distracted again.”

  “Those are the best distractions, though.” He wouldn’t mind another one if duty didn’t call.

  “I forgot to ask, Mom wants to know if you’ll join us for dinner before the candlelight service tonight.”

  “What time?”

  “Four-thirty.”

  He sucked in a breath. “I’m here until five, but if no one stops by or needs anything I can leave early.”

  “Come when you can. It’s nothing formal.”

  “Should I bring anything?”

  A mischievous grin appeared. “A pair of festive socks.”

  His eyes widened. “A what?”

  She laughed and pulled him toward the door. “When Beth and I were kids, we’d pick out a fun pair of socks as a gift for the other. As we got older, it became a Christmas Eve tradition to have a sock exchange and Mom and Dad got in on it.”

  “Sounds…fun.”

  “It is.” She descended the steps, and he guided her to miss the small patches of ice that refused to go away. “We haven’t played in years, but Mom decided we need to resurrect the tradition this year.”

  “Where do I find a pair of these socks?”

  “Haley’s Hobbies has some. That’s where I got mine.” She pulled her gloves from her pockets and tugged them over her hands. “You can pick up a pair when we drop off her card.”

  “Okay, but you’ll have to wait outside.”

  “Really? Why?”

  “You can’t know which ones I choose.” He wagged his brows. “That would take away the fun.”

  She rolled her eyes, but her smile denied annoyance. “I like the ones with aloe in them.”

  “Is that a hint?” They crossed the street and began hand delivering their cards.

  “I’m amazed at the difference in Noel from the time I came a month ago until now.” Brenna shifted her eyes to take in the whole of Main Street. “Noel had never looked so dreary, but it’s joy has returned.”

  His gaze skimmed the evergreen boughs and red bows hanging from the streetlamps and eves. “I like the subdued effect. There are only a small fraction of the decorations as in years past, but it doesn’t feel like anything is missing.”

  “That’s because there’s enough Christmas spirit infused in the air to cover the missing décor.”

  “Maybe.” He pointed to a manger scene painted on a storefront. “Or maybe we’ve realized as a town that Christmas doesn’t need decorations or gifts. It only needs a remembrance of Emmanuel’s birth.”

  She nudged his arm. “That’s what I mean, but you said it much more eloquently.”

  They saved the bakery for last. Once inside, he handed Vanna her card and ordered a coffee and donut each for Brenna and him. He left with his coffee in one hand and a glazed maple donut with red and green sprinkles on top.

  He stopped mid-step on the return walk to City Hall. It couldn’t be, but…

  “Do you see that, Brenna?” He tapped her furiously on the shoulder with his wrist.

  She peered forward. “See what?”

  “The man at the fountain.” Shoving the last of the donut in his mouth, he kept his eyes on the man.

  “Is that? But it couldn’t be.” Brenna stumbled over her words.

  “Wait until he turns around again. He’s most definitely Sam Houston, or whatever his name is.”

  “That’s not a cheap suit he’s wearing.” Tsking, Brenna shook her head. “His hair is clean and trimmed, and he has no facial hair.”

  Derek squared his shoulders. “I’m going to get to the bottom of this. I have a responsibility to this town, and that man’s up to something.”

  “Wait.” Brenna stopped his march with a hand to his shoulder. “You also have a duty to represent this town in a positive light, and he might have a logical explanation. Give him a chance to explain before you accuse him of anything.”

  “I’ll be professional.” He tugged on his sleeve. “But he owes me a coat, as well. I borrowed this one from Carson, and it’s a size too small.”

  “Be careful and calm.” She followed him, keeping pace with his long strides.

  When he reached Sam, he tapped on the man’s shoulder. “Excuse me.”

  Sam turned around, and recognition lit his eyes. “Hello again.”

  “So it is you. Not that I doubted.” He worked hard to keep the wariness from his tone. “I trust you stayed warm in the storm?”

  “Thanks to your generosity, yes.” Sam grinned, unaffected by any tension in the air. “I brought your coat and scarf with me to return to you. It’s in my hotel room. I apologize for not getting it to you sooner.”

  Derek eyed him closely. “With all due respect, Sir, you have some explaining to do. We welcome visitors in Noel, but not ones who dupe us and play on our sympathies.”

  He felt a sharp pain in his side and realized Brenna jabbed his rib, and she gave him a warning glare. “Be nice,” she mouthed.

  “It’s okay.” Understanding filled Sam’s face. “I’d also be suspicious if the roles were reversed, but if you give me time, I can explain everything. I’m not here to fool anyone, rather I hope to restore your town’s economy.”

  “How do you plan to do that?” Brenna stared at Sam with a curious gleam. “We need industry.”

  “The short answer is, I bought the old Mason Textile factory.” Sam gestured toward City Hall. “Why don’t we go inside and discuss this where it’s warm. My southern roots aren’t made for this cold.”

  “Follow me.” Though Sam’s statement piqued Derek’s curiosity, he wasn’t letting up on his doubts. He took hold of Brenna’s hand, and the three of them crossed the sidewalk.

  Inside his office, Derek offered Sam one of the visitor seats. Instead of taking the second free chair, Brenna came and stood by his side with a hand on his shoulder. Her show of support touched his heart and warmed his soul.

  He folded his hands in front of him on the table. “First things first, what is your real name?”

  “Sam Houston Donaldson, at your service.” His eyes sparkled. “My parents are proud sixth-generation Texans.”

  “Ahh.” Derek cracked a small smile. “What company are you with?”

  “Have you ever heard of Tenley Dolls?”

  Derek shook his head, although the name sounded vaguely familiar.

  Brenna, however, came alive and flailed her arms in animated gestures. “Those were my favorite dolls as a girl. I had three of them and every accessory they came with. Well, maybe not every single one because they were costly and my parents said no, but I had all the ones they allowed me to have.”

  Apparently, she’d forgotten they were suspicious of this man.

  Sam’s grin grew at Brenna’s excitement. “Did you ever attend one of our teas?”

  “Yes.” Brenna’s voice squeaked with pleasure. “I had my tenth birthday party at the one in Portland.”

  “Good, good.” Sam’s head bobbed slowly.

  Not that Derek minded a trip down memory lane, but this wasn’t the time. He wanted answers for his town. “What is your role with the company?”

  “My wife and I own Tenley Dolls. We started the company twenty-eight years ago to honor our daughter Tenley who passed away at the age of six.”

  A shot of compassion flowed through him. “I’m sorry for your loss. I’m sure you still miss her even now.”

  Sam nodded. “You never get over the loss of a child. The only bright spot, if one could call it that, is her legacy left through Tenley Dolls. Our daughter, though young, had a huge heart to help the less fortunate. Because of the Tenley Foundation, created through our company, we’ve provided homes to hundreds of homeless families and every Christmas, we donate five thousand of our dolls to children spending the holidays in hospitals or shelters.”

  “That’s amazing.” Derek wanted to dislike the man for his initial dishonesty but foun
d it impossible.

  “We believe strongly in giving back to our communities, and thus, wish to establish ourselves in communities with similar values.” Sam leaned forward. “I apologize for deceiving you several weeks ago, but I had to know the true spirit of Noel, not just what they might pretend because they want my business.”

  “I understand.”

  Brenna entered the conversation again. “What time frame are we looking at for reopening the factory?”

  “Much of the equipment needs to be changed out, but my team estimates six months.” Sam held up a finger. “But, I’d prefer to start the hiring process soon after the new year. All new employees will come to Texas at our flagship factory and store for a month of paid training.”

  Awe filled Derek. He’d prayed for an opportunity like this, but his faith had wavered a time or two—more if he were honest. “Do you plan to open a retail location here?”

  Sam shook his head. “Your local toy store already sells our products, and we don’t want to interfere with that. We will have a small gift shop at the factory for those who come on a tour, but those items will be from a line developed specifically for the gift shop and sold there exclusively.”

  It all sounded too good to be true. He’d find it hard to believe, except he knew God’s abilities went beyond explanation.

  “What about a tea shop?” Brenna’s voice rose with hope, and Derek suppressed his laughter.

  Her childlike enthusiasm endured her to him all the more.

  “That has been discussed, and we are leaning heavily toward pursuing one on Main Street. It wouldn’t compromise any business already established, plus it would restore a portion of the tourism industry.” Sam looked at Derek. “What do you think?”

  “You’d have to apply for the proper permits and have it approved by the city council, but it sounds like a win-win for everybody.”

  “I’ll be in touch with more information after the new year.” Sam rose to his feet. “I hate to cut this short, but I promised my wife I’d return to the hotel in time to eat and find a Christmas Eve service to attend. Will any of the restaurants be open this evening?”

  “You’d have to go to Portland or Augusta.” Brenna leaned over the desk and scribbled on a piece of paper. “But don’t leave town. This is my mom’s address. I’d be honored if you and your wife would join us for Christmas Eve dinner.”

  “And you can come with us to our church afterward. It’s the only brick one with a steeple on your way into town from the north.” Derek stood and handed Sam one of his business cards. “All of my contact information is on there, but I hope to see you in an hour or two.”

  Sam slipped the card into the inside pocket of his suit jacket, then gave Derek one of his. “I’ll have to ask my wife, but she loves to meet new people.”

  Derek walked him to the front door. Brenna stood at his side, and they watched Sam until he disappeared from view.

  She slid an arm around his waist and leaned into him. “Can you believe that?”

  “I had to pinch myself.”

  “Anything is possible at Christmas.”

  A smile crept to his face. “Anything is possible at any time with God.”

  “Amen. As much as I loved Christmas before Dad died, I took it for granted without understanding and appreciating it’s full value.” She leaned her head on his shoulder and sighed. “Ever since Dad died though, I dreaded it but not anymore. This one especially will be one that I’ll always remember. I reconnected with my family, restored friendships, found love with you, and most importantly, renewed my faith.”

  He dusted a kiss on her forehead. “Sounds to me like you caught Christmas.”

  Epilogue

  One year later

  One thousand people crammed into the town square for the First Annual Noel Christmas Eve Outdoor Candlelight Service. In the name of community, all the churches and organizations came together to celebrate the Savior’s birth.

  Derek stepped to the podium. “I want to thank everyone for coming out tonight. Before we jump into our service, I want to introduce our honorary mayor. Sam Donaldson, will you come up please.”

  The crowd cheered for the man who’d brought jobs back to Noel.

  Sam wore a festive red suit with holly leaves embroidered on the chest pocket. “I’m truly honored to be here tonight. Choosing a new location for business often brings a unique set of challenges, but the opening of this new factory has occurred without a hitch, and that’s owed to the passion and determination of this town’s citizens. I can’t count the number of men and women who’ve come up and thanked me for their new job, but this truth is, each of you deserve a bigger thanks than me. You’ve demonstrated faith during trials and generosity in poverty. Your Christlike attitudes keep me here longer than business requires, simply because I enjoy your company. Merry Christmas and God bless.”

  Another round of applause circled through the town square.

  Derek took the microphone back and introduced Tae Redmond, the worship leader for the evening. The up and coming music star said a few words before she led the town in a traditional version of “O Little Town of Bethlehem.”

  Free of his duties until the end, Derek slipped behind the crowd and found Brenna. He wasn’t about to miss spending his first candlelight service as a married man without his wife, especially since they’d only been married for several hours.

  He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her in close to him. “Merry Christmas.”

  Smiling, her eyes met his with an adoring gaze. “Remember last year when I said it was the best Christmas ever?”

  “Yes.”

  Her eyes twinkled. “This one topped it.”

  Dear Reader,

  I love Christmas, but in recent years, I’ve found myself so bogged down by life, work, and other commitments, that Christmas comes and goes before I’ve had a chance to stop and reflect on the wonder of this day.

  This year, in particular, has been a struggle. I started off the month determined to add an advent devotional to my daily Bible study. By day three, I’d fallen off schedule. I’d love to tell you I’m back on track, but the truth is, I’m not.

  However, something shifted in me this morning. At church, we sang traditional Christmas hymns and ended the service with O Holy Night. In those brief minutes, I set aside everything else in my mind and did what I should have been doing all along—I fell into worship, reflecting on the glory of our Savior’s first coming, and the beautiful hope He brought to us.

  If the world has you weary this year, I challenge you to reach beyond your own strength and see the bright and shining light of His love.

  Merry Christmas!

  Until next time,

  Leah

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  About the Author:

  USA Today Bestselling Author Leah Atwood is a small-town girl at heart and currently lives in a rural town in the deep South, though Maryland will always be home. She graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in International Business but gave up a career in sales and marketing to follow love, a decision she's never regretted.

  From the old west to Cajun country, Leah infuses true-to-life characters with small-town charm to invite her readers into a world where faith and love will always prevail. In both her historical and contemporary works, she believes in delivering inspirational stories that will leave her readers with a smile.

  When not writing, she's busy raising two kids and corralling three dogs (a three-legged, cancer surviving eighty-four-pound shepherd/lab mix, a sweet pit mix who doesn’t know a stranger that she found left for dead on the road, and a lab/hound mix she adopted from the shelter when his golden eyes wouldn’t stop watching her), or participating in a myriad of community and church events.

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  Come to Me Joyful (Bonus Novella)

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  Please enjoy this excerpt from Born to Love, Jasper Lake One, Available HERE

  Stacks of papers piled high on Jessa Graff’s desk. The reports the secretary printed out for her yesterday remained unread. The end of summer’s tourist season kept her busy with a steady stream of visitors into the chamber of commerce, which doubled as a tourist information center.