A Christmas Promise

by Thomas Kinkade

  “THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR COMING, DEAR. I KNOW IT’S AN INCONVENIENCE, but you’ve done such a beautiful job with the costumes, and I really didn’t think I could show the ladies how it’s all supposed to fit together on my own.”

  “That’s all right, Vera. I understand.” Leigh glanced at Vera seated beside her in the car, nervously twisting her gloves.

  Just as she promised, Leigh had worked on the costumes and changed the design to compensate for the mistakes Vera had made cutting the fabric. Leigh had drawn sketches of how the costumes would now look and written out instructions for the sewing, but at the last minute Vera got nervous about showing her group the revised designs. More than nervous, actually; Vera was more like terrified.

  She had practically begged Leigh to come along, and Leigh found she couldn’t refuse—which didn’t really make Vera any calmer. Now she rubbed energetically at a speck of dirt on Leigh’s dashboard.

  “They’ve always done it just the same way for so many years. I hope no one is upset.” Vera turned to Leigh again. “Not that what you’ve done isn’t lovely. It’s even nicer, I think, but some of the women on these committees can be very particular.”

  Leigh smiled to herself, guiding the car into a parking spot. The church committee didn’t faze her—she had certainly faced down far worse—though she doubted they were half as intimidating as her landlady seemed to think. Besides, what did she care what the women thought of her? She might not even be around for the Christmas Fair. In the meantime, though, she could lend Vera some support. Leigh felt as if she owed it to her.

  They started toward the church, each carrying shopping bags with the costume pieces.

  “Into the lion’s den,” Vera murmured. “At least I brought a coffee cake.”

  Leigh only laughed. Vera always seemed to have a coffee cake handy.

  A short time later, Vera was slicing up her cake and basking in the rave reviews. The group of women had looked wary as she confessed to botching the fabric cutting. But once she passed around Leigh’s sketches and showed them a sewed-up sample of one of the costumes, their expressions had changed from apprehension to delight.

  “This is absolutely exquisite. It looks like it belongs in a Broadway show.” Sophie Potter held up the angel costume and spun it around, showing it off from different angles. “I don’t think we’ve ever had anything nicer.”

  “Look at the sheep’s outfit. I love the little ears.” Carolyn Lewis held up the headpiece Leigh had made for the manger sheep. She smiled at Leigh. “Where did you learn to sew like this, Leigh? Have you worked in the fashion industry?”

  “No . . . not exactly.” Leigh paused, unsure of how to answer without an outright lie. “My mother taught me. I’ve just always had a knack for it.”

  Rachel Anderson stood near her mother, admiring the tulle sash Leigh had fashioned for a belt on the angel tunic. “This is so cute. You must be making things for your baby.”

  “I haven’t had a chance,” Leigh said honestly. “I don’t have a sewing machine handy.”

  “I can loan you mine, dear. It’s only a little portable, but it should be fine for baby clothes.” Carolyn hung the angel costume on a hanger again, taking great care. “I’ll ask Ben to bring it over to Vera’s house for you.”

  Leigh was surprised and moved by her generosity. Rachel had already given her several boxes of clothes and linens, most of the items brand new. She did need more things for the baby, though. She would buy most of the clothes, of course. But she had always imagined making some special things if she ever had a child. Still, she couldn’t accept Carolyn’s offer. She didn’t feel right, not when she was lying to her—lying to them all.

  “That’s nice of you, Carolyn, but I don’t know. The noise might bother James and Vera—”

  “It wouldn’t bother me at all.” Vera appeared carrying plates of her cake, which she proceeded to hand out. “You can set it up in the living room if you like. James won’t hear a thing up on the third floor.”

  “If you had a machine handy, maybe you could help us a little more, Leigh?” Sophie’s voice was both hesitant and coaxing. “We’re so short-handed on a sewing crew this year. I know you’re not a church member . . . but it would be a great favor to us. We would appreciate it so much.”

  Leigh felt herself the focus of the small cluster of women, all gazing at her, all waiting for her reply. The attention made her nervous. Her first impulse was to say she couldn’t help and give some plausible excuse.

  Then she thought of Vera and James and how kind they had been to her. The church was important to them both, certainly to James. She would be helping both of them in a way if she helped these women. Perhaps the gesture would help them think a little better of her when she was gone. And the truth was, she didn’t have anything better to do at night than sit in her room reading or in the living room listening to Vera’s knitting needles. Sewing, which she loved, would be a welcome distraction.

  “I guess I could help you if you really need me to,” she said finally.

  Sophie clapped her hands together. “Oh, we need you, dear. I think you were heaven sent.” Leigh found her choice of words amusing. Hadn’t Vera said almost the same thing when she had shown up in the kitchen Sunday night? “I have some more fabric to give you for costumes for the wise men and the shepherd—”

  “I bet you could help with some of the items we’re making to sell at the fair, too,” Carolyn added. “Table runners and aprons, that sort of thing. We sold a ton of them last year and hoped to do even better this year. I can show you what we have so far. Maybe you’ll have some new ideas for us, though.”

  “I bet she will. She’s so artistic.” Vera beamed at her.

  All the praise and attention was embarrassing, but Leigh’s protests—she really didn’t want them to get their expectations up—fell on deaf ears. It seemed settled that she was the newly crowned sewing authority.

  When the meeting ended, Leigh found herself carrying out several more shopping bags of fabric than she and Vera had come in with. She now had enough sewing projects to keep her busy for weeks. How had that happened? She had only meant to stay for a few minutes, to help Vera explain the new costumes.

  This town was a strange place, she decided. She had tried her best to stay aloof and uninvolved, but something about the people here kept drawing her in.

  Vera sat beside her in the car, looking far calmer than she had on the ride over. She smiled and gently shook her head. “Dear me, one thing leads to another, doesn’t it?”

  “It does around here.” Leigh gave a short, amazed laugh. She could tell that Vera didn’t understand her little joke, but it was too difficult to explain.

  It was nearly eleven when they arrived back at Vera’s house. Vera wanted to catch up on some knitting and watch the news. Leigh went straight up to her room. She clicked on the light on her bedside table and carefully shut her door.

  Taking her phone out of her purse, she checked her messages. One from Alice. She had just spoken to Alice last night. The situation was status quo then. Now Leigh wondered if there had been some sudden change. She hoped Martin’s business problems had gotten even worse, so much so that he couldn’t spare the time to pursue her.

  But maybe it was bad news, a change that shifted things the other way. Maybe she would need to leave here right away.

  She dialed the replay code and strained to hear Alice’s soft tone. “Hi, honey, it’s me. I have some news for you. He fired the detective. It was one of his fits. He practically threw the poor man right out of the office. I don’t think he’s found anyone else yet. The bills go through me and these PIs always want something up front to start. The layoffs and investigation have been distracting. He had to turn over some records this week. I thought he was going to lose it. That’s when he fired the guy, took it all out on him, I guess. So much going on. All the better, right?

  “You sounded good the other night. Sounds as if you’ve met some good people down there. God is watchin
g over you, honey.” Alice’s voice sounded a little husky, as though she felt overwhelmed. She was such a good friend. She worried so much. Leigh wished she could tell her again she was all right. “Okay, don’t mind me. Sit tight. I’ll call if I hear anything.”

  Leigh glanced at the clock. It was too late to call back. She would try Alice tomorrow, first thing.

  She got ready for bed and shut off the light, letting the idea sink in that for the first time in a long while, she wasn’t being hunted down, with someone liable to spring out at her from any shadow and drag her back to her ex-husband.

  It was hard to believe it might really be over. But I can’t get too excited yet, she told herself. He might be hiring someone new, any day, someone even better. Still, it was tempting to hope he had given up the chase for good. Couldn’t that happen someday?

  Leigh closed her eyes, pressing her hands on her stomach, aware of the new life inside her. She felt the oddest impulse to pray, though she hadn’t for such a long time.

  Dear God, thanks for the good news I heard tonight from Alice. Thanks for this safe place I’ve found. Please watch over us, especially my baby. Please help me to protect her, no matter what . . . and when the time does come for me to leave here, she added, please don’t let James and Vera think too badly of me.

  That last request might be unreasonable, she realized. She had deliberately deceived everyone; sooner or later, they were bound to find out.

  But maybe she would never be forced to leave Cape Light, Leigh thought. Maybe she had stumbled into the place where she was meant to be, just as Vera had said. Did things like that really happen to people? It was a pleasant thought. Pleasant enough to lull her into the first peaceful sleep she’d had in months.

  JESSICA STOOD UP FROM HER SEAT AS THE CHOIR BEGAN THE FINAL hymn. “This Is the Day” was one of her favorites, but she listened impatiently, eager for the service to end. She knew the thought was irreverent, but instead of the lyrics recalling the Scripture, all she could think was “this is the day” she’d planned to start her Christmas shopping, a full-scale attack at the mall. There were only three more weeks left, more or less, and she usually had more done by now.

  She glanced over at Sam and Darrell, sharing a hymnal. Sam’s hand rested casually on the boy’s shoulder. She didn’t mind that Darrell had asked to sit with them again, but she hoped Sam didn’t plan on spending the day with him. She needed help to pick things out for his family; there were so many Morgans and so little time. Taking Darrell along would be a major distraction. He would just get bored and antsy and they would probably wind up in a bowling alley or at a skating rink. And she wouldn’t get anything done.

  The hymn ended and Reverend Ben delivered his final words of blessing. Jessica followed Sam and Darrell out of the sanctuary. There was such a long line waiting to stop and chat with Reverend Ben, she felt impatient.

  “I’ll go get our coats,” she whispered to Sam. “I’ll meet you out front.”

  “Okay. I won’t be long.”

  Jessica left the sanctuary from the side door, then gathered up the coats from the hooks near the all-purpose room. She navigated through a swarm of friends and fellow committee members, carefully avoiding anything more than a quick greeting. The last thing she needed was to be lured back for yet another Christmas Fair meeting.

  A few minutes later, she found Sam again. She was relieved to see him standing with Luke McAllister. Darrell was no longer in sight.

  But as she drew closer Jessica could tell that the two men were discussing something serious. Sam’s expression looked grim. He barely noticed when she came to stand beside him.

  “. . . But when did this happen? I mean, she can’t just make a phone call and yank him out of here.” Sam sounded shocked and angry.

  “I’m sorry, Sam. She’s his mother. She can do whatever she wants . . . well, practically.”

  Sam looked shaken; Jessica could tell it was hard for him to speak. She turned to Luke. “What’s happened? Has something happened to Darrell?”

  “His mother is taking him out of the program,” Luke explained. “She’s decided she wants him back.”

  “Just like that?”

  “Just like that. The social worker called me yesterday. I’m driving him down to Boston this afternoon.”

  Jessica didn’t know what to say. The news solved her problem, instantly. Yet, to her surprise, it was also disturbing. She felt so bad for Sam. And for Darrell, too. The poor kid was being tossed around like a piece of baggage. No wonder he acted defensive at times.

  “That’s too bad. I mean, he seemed to be doing so well here.”

  “Yes, he was—mostly due to your husband’s interest in him.”

  Sam finally snapped out of his daze. “But his mother, how can she care for him? I thought the social worker said she wasn’t able to right now.”

  “She agreed to go into rehab again and do what she has to do. They’re going to live with Darrell’s grandmother for now. The social worker has approved the plan. So his mother will get another chance.”

  Sam took a breath. Jessica saw how hard it was for him to take this all in, and her heart went out to him. “Does Darrell know?”

  “I told him last night.”

  “I’m surprised he didn’t say anything to me. I mean, this morning during the service.”

  Luke shrugged. “I guess it may have been too hard for him to tell you.” Luke paused, considering what to say next. “Darrell misses his mother and grandmother. He’s happy about going back to them. He was worried about you, though, Sam.”

  “About me?” Sam nearly laughed but it was a sad sound.

  “He knew you would be sad to see him go.” Luke stood by quietly, concern in his eyes as he watched his friend.

  Sam’s dark head was bowed, as if he had just taken a blow. Jessica reached out and touched his arm, but Sam didn’t seem to notice the gesture.

  “Can he at least spend some time with us?” Sam asked Luke. “A few hours? I’ll drive him to the city myself.”

  Luke considered the idea a moment. “Sure, I think that will be okay. I’ll take him back to Boston, though. I have some business at the main office tomorrow morning. Can you get him back by four o’clock?”

  “Absolutely.” Sam glanced at Jessica. Did he think she was going to object?

  “We’ll do something special with him—take him out to a video arcade or something,” she suggested. “Isn’t that what kids his age like to do?”

  “That would be a treat . . . if you don’t mind a funny ringing sound in your ears for a few days afterward.” Luke smiled knowingly at her. He had been inside a few video arcades lately, she gathered.

  Sam looked surprised but pleased by her suggestion. “We’ll do some shopping, too,” he added. “He needs some things before he goes.”

  Yes, they ought to buy him some new clothes. That was the least they could do. Still, Jessica’s good feelings about these generous impulses felt tainted, mixed with a vaguely guilty feeling. She had gotten her way, and now she felt ashamed that she had wished him away.

  Well, she couldn’t help what had happened. The boy’s mother wanted him back. She had her rights as his parent and no one could stand in her way. Hadn’t Luke just said that?

  They found Darrell waiting outside on the green, playing tag with the other kids and two counselors. He acted a bit shy with Sam at first, Jessica thought. Until he realized that Sam wasn’t mad at him for keeping his sudden departure a secret.

  “Don’t be crazy, Darrell. Why would I get mad at you for that? I’m just surprised. It’s sort of sudden,” Sam admitted. “Luke said it was okay if you wanted to hang out with us today. We thought we might try that video arcade near the mall and then find you some new clothes and things to take home with you. What do you think? Want to come with us?”

  Darrell’s eyes grew wide and bright. “Are you fooling me?”

  “No, I’m not joking.” Sam rested a hand on Darrell’s shoulder. “Come with us. We
’re going to have a good day, a real blowout, okay?”

  Darrell looked incredulous but followed. He paused abruptly and looked at Jessica, checking to see if maybe she was going to be the one to pop this happy bubble.

  She smiled at him, feeling wistful and not understanding her reaction at all. “Hey, the arcade was my idea. I ought to get some credit, please.”

  “Oh, boy, now I know I’m dreaming,” Darrell said.

  Sam burst out laughing and mussed the boy’s hair with his hand. He glanced over his shoulder at Jessica, to see if she shared in the joke. She smiled, despite herself. I guess I deserved that, she thought.

  The day went by quickly. The arcade was as noisy, overwhelming, and insane as she expected. Sam and Darrell seemed enthralled, however, taking in a simulated jet, a NASCAR race through a field of volcanoes, and a deep-space clone adventure all in the first fifteen minutes.

  Jessica tried to keep up with the score but couldn’t follow any of it. She turned over her Christmas list and made another, of items she thought Darrell might need, clothing mostly—though she was sure Sam would find time to hit a toy store or two.

  There was a quick lunch break—Darrell’s favorite, pizza—then off to the mall, where Sam swept them through the boys’ department, having Darrell choose jeans, shirts, sweaters, and even underwear. They shopped for new sneakers and snow boots. Sam took great care choosing a thick, warm jacket, too.

  “It’s going to be a cold winter,” he kept saying. “I think you need a jacket with down inside, something with a hood that keeps the wind out.”

  Darrell tried on the jackets Sam offered, very agreeable about colors and styles. He was in a happy daze. “Tell the truth,” he said to Jessica as Sam paid for the jacket. “Am I on one of those TV shows where you’ve won some big super prize, but you don’t see the hidden camera?”

  Jessica couldn’t quite tell if he was kidding or not. She shook her head. “It’s sort of Christmas coming early,” she explained.

  “I never saw this much stuff for Christmas. Not under ten Christmas trees.” His tone rang with disbelief at his good fortune.