The Christmas Angel Project

by Melody Carlson

  Because she’d been so tired and weary—after losing Adam and then Abby—Louisa had really grabbed onto that verse. And every morning for nearly a week, she’d taken the time to sit quietly in her living room with a cup of tea and her Bible, waiting on the Lord. Already, she felt stronger. Even after her art therapy class today, she was still energized. She couldn’t wait to see the angels and to hear how their week had gone.

  The first to arrive was Grace, and she looked a little worn out. “Come get yourself something to eat and drink,” Louisa told her as she led Grace to the dining room. “You look like you need it.”

  “Thank you.” Grace sighed. “It’s been a long week.”

  “So how is your Habitat project going?”

  Grace smiled brightly. “Thanks to everyone’s help and contributions, it’s coming together beautifully. Everything is falling right into place—almost on its own.” She laughed. “As if it would come together even if I wasn’t involved.”

  “Interesting.” Louisa studied her closely.

  “And your paintings,” Grace told her. “I cannot even tell you what a difference they’ve made in the rooms. I hope you go to the open house on Sunday to see how good they look. It’s nothing short of miraculous.” She sighed as she stirred cream into her decaf. “I really have to give God the credit. I never could’ve pulled this off on my own.”

  Louisa blinked in surprise. This didn’t sound like Grace. But it sounded good. “That’s wonderful,” she told her. “I’m sure the new homeowners will feel very blessed by your efforts.”

  “Not my efforts,” Grace said quickly. “It’s thanks to all the lovely donations from generous folks like you, Louisa.” She told her how good some of Louisa’s old furnishings had looked in the rooms. “It’s the sort of thing a designer can’t plan,” she explained. “All the pieces came from different places and for all intents and purposes should never have worked—and yet they do. It’s truly a God thing.”

  Cassidy and Belinda were coming in now and, although Louisa was curious to hear more about Grace’s project, she went to greet them. Louisa invited them to get food and drinks and then, as they settled in the living room, she asked Grace to continue telling them about her project.

  “Grace is giving God all the credit for the Habitat homes coming together so nicely,” Louisa told the others. “It sounds as if it’s a miracle.”

  “A miracle that had very little to do with me,” Grace explained. “I never could’ve pulled it off on my own.” She smiled at them. “And, besides God, I have all of you to thank. Your contributions were absolutely perfect. I hope everyone will attend the open house on Sunday.” She pointed to Belinda. “And now I want to hear how your fashion show is coming. Do you still need us on Saturday?”

  “Absolutely.” Belinda told them about her dress rehearsal and how hard the girls were working. “But I’m worried,” she confessed. “The whole thing could so easily fall apart. It’s not that I care so much for my own sake, but I really don’t want to see the girls embarrassed or hurt by this. I want it to be a success so they’ll feel good about it and good about themselves. That’s really what it’s all about.”

  “We’ll do everything we can to help ensure this,” Louisa told her.

  They discussed the ins and outs of Saturday’s fashion show for a few minutes. Finally Louisa looked at Cassidy. “You’re being awfully quiet tonight. What’s going on with you?”

  Cassidy looked close to tears. “Nothing much.”

  “What is it, Cass?” Belinda asked with compassionate eyes. “Tell us.”

  “It’s just that—well, it feels like everything is going wrong. Dr. Auberon wants to pull the plug on my volunteer work. He says people are getting confused, thinking that it’s a service that he’s offering. He’s worried pet owners are going to complain about paying for appointments. I tried to explain that it’s not like that. I tell anyone I help that it’s not related to Auberon Animal Hospital. But he won’t listen. He said I have to stop or he’ll let me go.”

  “Oh, Cassidy.” Louisa shook her head. “That’s not right.”

  “I know.” Cassidy’s chin quivered. “I already bought a bunch of vaccines and meds. What am I supposed to do with them? And I have pet owners who are counting on me. But I can’t afford to keep doing the volunteer stuff without a way to support myself. It’s such a mess.”

  “Have you prayed about it?” Grace asked.

  Cassidy blinked at her. “Well, yeah, of course.”

  “I know,” Grace said almost apologetically. “You guys don’t think of me as the praying type. But I’m changing. This angel project has helped me to see things differently.”

  “That’s great,” Louisa told her. She wanted to add that she could see that Grace was different, but didn’t want to offend her.

  “So how did your date with the grandson go?” Belinda asked Cassidy. “What was he like?”

  “Brent Morgan was . . . he was . . . fabulous!” Now Cassidy broke down into full-blown tears.

  Louisa moved over to sit on the sofa next to Cassidy, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “If he was fabulous, why are you crying?”

  “Because he didn’t like me,” she sobbed.

  “How do you know that?” Belinda demanded. “I mean, if he was fabulous. What did he do?”

  “He couldn’t wait to get away from me—he couldn’t leave fast enough.”

  “Oh, well.” Belinda bit her lip. “Then he’s not worth fretting over.”

  “Yes.” Louisa nodded firmly. “You’re better off without him.”

  “But Brent was fabulous!” Cassidy insisted.

  “If he was that fabulous, he would’ve seen how fabulous you are,” Grace argued.

  They all commiserated with Cassidy for a bit, and finally, she blew her nose and sat up straighter. “I’m sorry to be such a baby.”

  “You’re not a baby,” Louisa assured her. “You just got hurt, that’s all. We understand.”

  “I think I need to give up on men altogether.” Cassidy nodded firmly. “I can be happy and be single.” She pointed to Belinda. “Just like you’ve been all these years, Belinda. You’re an inspiration. Seriously, if you can do it, so can I.”

  Belinda gave them a slightly sheepish expression, as if this was somehow not quite true—and then she actually giggled.

  “What’s up with you?” Grace asked her. “What are you keeping from us?”

  “Is there a man in your life?” Louisa demanded.

  “Not exactly.” Belinda sighed. “But somehow I managed to invite the principal of McKinley High to join me for Christmas.”

  “What?” Louisa stared at Belinda. For all the years she’d known her, she couldn’t recall one time when Belinda had brought a fellow home for the holidays. What was going on?

  “It’s only that he’s single and he was going to be alone for Christmas,” she said quickly. “So I mentioned I have some single friends.” She clasped her hands together. “Please, I’m begging you guys. Say you’ll come to my house for Christmas—please!”

  “I’d be glad to,” Louisa told her.

  “I don’t have anyone to spend Christmas with,” Cassidy muttered. “Why would I?”

  “I know you probably have plans with your kids and family,” Belinda told Grace. “But you’d all be welcome too.”

  Grace nodded. “Let me get back to you on that.”

  They continued to chat and plan, and next thing they knew it was getting late. But before Louisa would let them leave, she insisted on a prayer. “I think if Abby were here, she would agree,” Louisa said somewhat apologetically. “I’d like to pray for Belinda’s girls and the fashion show on Saturday. And for Grace’s open house on Sunday.” She turned to where Cassidy was still sitting with a dejected expression. “And for Cassidy’s future as well as her hurting heart.” Then Louisa led them in a prayer. And it felt good.

  14

  Belinda would’ve liked to say that the fashion show went off without a glit
ch, but that wasn’t quite true. It was, however, a triumph. At least as far as she was concerned. Sure, some girls missed their cues. One girl tripped on the steps. And there were a couple of wardrobe malfunctions—nothing serious, just awkward.

  Belinda knew she never could’ve pulled it off without the help of her angel friends. While she emceed the show, Louisa managed the roster and kept everything moving along fairly smoothly. Grace supervised hair and makeup, mostly to assure the girls didn’t apply more makeup than needed. Especially since Belinda had gotten them essentially ready before the show. Cassidy helped Savannah with wardrobe and changing.

  Belinda thanked her dear friends afterward with luxurious gift bags she’d prepared earlier in the week. “I owe you all big-time,” she said as she hugged each of them goodbye. “I’ll see you tomorrow afternoon at the open house.” She winked at Grace. “It’ll be your turn to shine.”

  Grace solemnly shook her head. “I don’t want to shine.” She smiled. “But I do want the homes to sparkle.”

  After her friends left, Belinda gathered with her models in the dressing area. As she thanked and congratulated the girls, she was surprised by the tears and the hugs and gratitude. “You all did a fantastic job,” she told them. “You were really amazing. And did you see how many people came?” She took a moment to present the gift certificate prize to the girl who’d sold the most tickets. “I’m so impressed, Amelia,” she told the quiet girl. “You might have a future in sales.” She smiled at the rest of them. “And I hope you all enjoy your outfits. You all look beautiful.” She had planned the show so that they modeled their gifted outfits last. That way they could wear them home.

  “This was the best day of my life,” Remmie said as she hugged Belinda again. “Thank you so much!”

  The others gushed their appreciation as well. So much so that Belinda was starting to feel self-conscious. “Remember, you girls are the ones who did the hard work,” she said. “I simply organized it.” She reached for her bag and coat. “And don’t forget my offer.” Belinda reminded them of the idea that she and Carey had come up with over coffee the other day. “You’re all invited to intern at Glad Rags. Mr. Trellis will make the arrangements with Mrs. Wilcox in the business department in January. So really think about it, okay?”

  They all seemed eager to intern, and Belinda was already imagining ways she’d keep them busy. But the truth was she’d be surprised if they all signed up. “You girls gather up your stuff from home. Try not to leave anything behind.” She exchanged a glance with Savannah. “I’ve got to get back to the shop. You all have a very Merry Christmas!”

  They echoed her greeting, calling out more goodbyes and “I love yous” as she hurried out the back door. There, to her surprise, she ran smack into Carey Trellis.

  “Oh!” She caught her balance and he steadied her with one hand.

  “I was hoping to run into you.” He chuckled. “Well, not literally, but hey, it works.”

  “I was telling the girls goodbye.” She paused to button up her coat.

  “I bet they didn’t want to let you go.”

  She smiled. “They make me feel kind of like a rock star.”

  “In their eyes you are a rock star.” He walked with her toward her car. “I was wondering if you’re busy . . .”

  “Right now?” She glanced at her watch. “I really need to get to my shop. I promised Mimi that I’d relieve her by four.”

  “What about later?” he persisted. “Any chance I can entice you to have dinner with me?”

  She tilted her head to one side. “Are you asking me on a date, Mr. Trellis?”

  He grinned nervously. “I am, Ms. Michaels. But I thought we were already on a first-name basis.”

  “Okay then, yes, I’d like to have dinner with you, Carey.”

  “Is seven okay?”

  “I’ll make it okay,” she told him, knowing she’d have to talk Savannah into closing for her tonight. But if Savannah knew it was for a date, she’d probably be more than willing. Savannah had been nagging Belinda to go out for ages.

  Carey offered to pick her up, and she told him where she lived. It wasn’t until she was driving back to her shop that it really hit her. She was going on a date with Carey Trellis. A warm rush of anticipation surged through her—she was going on a date! A real date! And she actually wanted to go. She wondered what Emma would think when she told her. Of course, she’d probably be happy for her, but she’d probably be a little uneasy too. Sometimes it felt like Emma assumed that Belinda would always be the same—her hardworking single mom. To be fair, it was probably Belinda’s fault, since that was how she always portrayed herself. A no-nonsense, independent, set-in-her-ways, single woman.

  “It’s not like he’s proposed marriage to you,” she said to herself as she parked behind her shop. “He asked you to dinner, silly. And it’s probably just his way to thank you for working with ‘his’ girls.” Yes, she decided as she went inside. That was it. Carey simply wanted to show his appreciation for the fashion show. And why not? Belinda had invested a lot of time and energy into it. She’d done it more for the girls than for him. Still, it would be nice to be appreciated.

  It was after five by the time Savannah got back. As Belinda helped her unload the clothes into the back room, she told her about her dinner plans.

  “You’re going out with Carey Trellis?” Savannah cried.

  “We’re merely having dinner together.” Belinda picked up a blouse from the floor. “I’m sure he only wants to thank me for—”

  “You’re not that dense.” Savannah waved a finger at her. “Haven’t you seen how that man gapes at you? And, by the way, have you noticed how good-looking he is? Good grief, Belinda, the first time I saw him I thought he was Denzel Washington—you know, back in Denzel’s younger days. You’re going on a date, Belinda Michaels, and I suggest you get yourself home and get ready for it. I’ll take care of everything here.”

  With a little more prodding, Belinda finally gave in. As busy as she’d been with the fashion show, the girls, and running her shop, she knew her own beauty routine had been slipping. Maybe it was time to spend some energy on her own image for a change.

  By seven, Belinda felt like a new woman. She’d enjoyed a nice soak in the tub, given herself a manicure, done her hair, and finally dressed in what she hoped was an appropriate outfit—since she hadn’t asked where they were going. But her plum-colored knit dress with her tall brown boots would fit most restaurants. If Carey planned to take her bowling, they might have problems. In her usual style, she layered on some jewelry—dangly earrings, a couple of interesting cuffs, and a long, simple necklace. If she was doling out fashion advice, she usually warned women that less was more when it came to jewelry accessories. But since her outfit was simple and she was tall, she thought it worked. According to her full-length mirror it worked.

  And, even though she still kept telling herself that this date might only be a thank-you date, she suspected that it was something more. She hoped it was something more. When her doorbell rang, she reminded herself of the verse that had been hidden in her angel. God had good plans for her . . . a good future.

  “You look stunning,” Carey told her as she invited him in.

  “So do you.” She nodded approval at his stylish sports jacket, gray shirt, and dark tie, relieved that he wasn’t wearing a bowling shirt.

  “I like your house.” He glanced around. “Very homey.”

  “It was actually my mother’s house. She left it to me. Sometimes I think I should sell it and move on—you know, into something that’s more modern and hip, more my style. But then I remember all the good times we had here, the memories . . . and I can’t imagine letting it go. Besides that, Emma would kill me. I’m supposed to leave it to her.” She laughed. “Not that I’m going anywhere anytime soon.”

  “Besides to dinner.” He checked his watch. “Our reservation is for 7:15, so we should probably go.”

  Belinda felt almost like she was in a
dream as he walked her to his car, opened the door, and helped her in. She’d never been on a date where a guy had been that gentlemanly—and, she decided, she liked it!

  “I know, I know,” he said as he started the car. “I’m old-fashioned about manners. Some women have even called me chauvinistic because I want to open doors for them. But it’s how I was brought up.”

  “Your mama raised you right.” She laughed. “My mama would approve.”

  “I got us in at the Tree House.”

  “Are you kidding?” She turned to stare at him. “I’ve been dying to go there, but I heard that their waiting list was months out. How did you manage that?”

  He chuckled. “It’s the old case of not what you know, but who you know. It’s owned by the parents of one of my students at McKinley.”

  “So you used your principal clout?”

  “I only mentioned the student’s name and that I was the principal and new in town, and voila—it worked like magic.”

  Everything about the evening felt magical—or maybe miraculous was the right word. As they were driving home, Belinda decided she’d have to give the three Cs an A+. The company, the conversation, and the cuisine had all been superb. It was so enjoyable that she really didn’t want the evening to end.

  But she started to feel nervous when Carey walked her to her house. Hopefully he didn’t expect her to invite him in. “I had a lovely time,” she told him. “Everything was perfect.”

  “Thank you for going with me,” he said as he lingered on her porch.

  “Thank you for taking me.” She felt a fluttering inside her as she gazed into his dark eyes. “I’d invite you in, Carey, but I—uh—the truth is, I’m really not comfortable with that. I suppose it’s from having raised my daughter, you know, trying to set a good example.”