Evan looked upward, into the sky, searching the heavens. It had been so long since he’d whispered a prayer or even believed God was listening. Yet, now his heart told him he needed to try, to seek the light in his darkness. “I still don’t understand about Robin and Sean. But this time I’m not asking for me. Lord, these are good people and they need Your help. There aren’t other jobs for them to get. You know that. And You know that the older ones will be the worst off. I’ve poured everything I’ve got into keeping the place alive and I won’t be able to help them. But You can. At least that’s what I always believed.” Evan felt his throat working and he paused. “I’ll accept whatever direction You guide us in.” Again he had to stop, to fight against the shaking in his chest. “And, I’ll try to understand why You took my boy so soon.” Evan bent his head as he appealed to the Lord’s gift of grace. Around him, the wind whistled, picking up faded petals, scattering them upward and away. Taking his plea, Evan prayed silently. And bringing back hope.
Chloe kept busy between volunteering at school in a few classes, and with the Christmas play.
Then she helped Thelma prepare and deliver numerous Christmas baskets. No one was overlooked. Shut-ins, the people from Thanksgiving dinner, others on their own, aging couples, and some large families. In addition, a basket was prepared for each employee and his or her family. Chloe felt the most emotion when they reached Melanie’s house. The woman threw her arms around Chloe in a spontaneous hug, thanking her for keeping her job available. Proudly, Melanie showed her the new baby who happily kicked his chubby legs in greeting.
Now, the play wasn’t far away. It was held in the week school let out for Christmas break, giving families time to gather.
And they were gathering. Chloe had seen some unfamiliar faces in the stores recently, Rosewood descendants who had moved away, but returned to celebrate with their families. If Rosewood were her home, Chloe mused, she would never leave. It had everything. All except one very important person, her mother.
In numerous phone calls, her mother assured Chloe that Christmas was celebrated fully at the care facility, that old friends might visit, that she would be completely all right. But Chloe couldn’t stop worrying.
Combined with waiting for Evan’s confrontation, she was on edge when her cell phone rang. Seeing that it was Mr. Wainwright’s private number, Chloe answered on the first ring.
“Mitchell’s loan has been approved,” he began without wasting time on small talk.
Relief flooded her. “That’s wonderful. Thank you, Mr. Wainwright.”
“What about Jimmy? Has Mitchell made his decision?”
Chloe bit down on her lip. Not officially. “Not yet. Mr. Wainwright, if he does say no, will the loan be withdrawn?”
“No. I won’t blackmail the man. And Jimmy certainly wouldn’t have a happy home under the circumstances.”
She closed her eyes, remembering Evan using that same awful word. Blackmail. “Thank you.”
“Let me know as soon as you can about Jimmy.”
Agreeing, she bid her boss goodbye.
Now she just had to tell Evan.
Evan stared at the pile of envelopes stacked neatly on his desk. Christmas bonuses. Each and every employee had returned what most certainly could be their last bonus. Their sacrifice touched him greatly. While they were all paid well, each could use the money to provide Christmas for their families.
Hearing a stir in the hall, Evan glanced up. Chloe stood hesitantly in his doorway.
He rose, staring while she reached his desk and faced him. Belatedly, his voice returned. “Sit down.”
She did, perching on the edge of the chair. “I suppose you wonder why I’m here.”
Evan sank down into his own chair, wondering that and so much more.
“I want to explain why I collected the information about Mitchell Stone.” Chloe swallowed visibly. “When you told me that the financing fell through and that you didn’t believe you could secure it anywhere else, I had an idea.” Glancing down, she took a deep breath. “I remembered that one of our clients at the law firm is a privately owned bank and that Mr. Wainwright is a member of the board there. After I got all the data together, I called him and asked if he thought the bank might finance your deal.” She heard Evan’s sharp intake of breath but didn’t dare stop. “He agreed to present it to the loan committee. And…” She took a deep breath. “I heard back from Mr. Wainwright. The loan’s approved. You have your financing. No strings attached.”
You have your financing.
Lord, can this be so?
Chloe scooted forward another inch or so. “As I said, no strings attached. The loan isn’t dependent on your answer about Jimmy. Mr. Wainwright…and I…know that wouldn’t only be unfair, it wouldn’t be in Jimmy’s best interest.”
Evan tried to collect his thoughts. “Are you sure you told him how large a loan we need?”
“I confirmed it with Perry…. Mr. Perkin.”
“Perry didn’t say anything.”
“I didn’t tell him why I needed to know,” she admitted. “I didn’t want to raise any false hopes, just in case….” Chloe opened her purse and pulled out an envelope. “Mr. Wainwright had the loan package faxed to me. The contact person and phone number at the bank are on the cover letter.”
For once in his life, Evan could not think of a single thing to say. Chloe had just presented him with the means to save his business, his employees. And, the first time he had prayed since the accident, the Lord had answered loud and clear. He had forgiven Evan’s railings, blame, accusations of betrayal. In His grace, He had taken care of His children.
It was too much to take in at once.
“Well, then.” Chloe stood. “I have to get back to the school. I’m helping out with the rehearsals for the Christmas play.”
She reached the doorway before he found his voice. “Chloe.”
Pausing, she turned back to face him.
“You don’t know what this means.”
Her eyes darkened and a surprisingly sad smile tipped her lips upward slightly. “I think I do.” Spinning around, she hurried out of his office.
Evan watched even when he couldn’t see her any longer. Still mesmerized, his gaze fell on the neat envelope sitting on his desk. Emotions crowded faster than shoppers at a discount sale. Why hadn’t she told him when he first confronted her?
If Grace hadn’t explained the reason Chloe had been so desperate for money, he still wouldn’t know about her sacrifices. As the impact continued reverberating, Evan picked up his phone, knowing there was one thing he could do.
A few nights later, Chloe was surprised when Evan appeared for dinner, his mood calm. Jimmy chattered at him, pleased that he was there.
After they ate, Chloe expected Evan to disappear into his study. Instead, he accompanied them into the den while Jimmy told him every tiny detail about the play.
“And Susie Brady’s gonna be the lamb. But I get to sit on the big rock. I’m the only one who does in the whole play.”
“I’m the one who gets to move that boulder,” Evan reminded him.
“So you’ll be there?” Jimmy asked excitedly, his eyes lighting up.
“Of course. Would I miss seeing you play the shepherd boy?”
Chloe nearly dropped her cup of cider. Perhaps her imagination had run amuck. Evan couldn’t have actually said he was attending the play.
Jimmy bounced in his chair. “Do you want to see my costume?”
Inwardly Chloe groaned. She had hoped to herd Jimmy upstairs before he latched on to Evan.
“Sure.” Evan leaned back in his chair.
Jimmy ran from the room, his sneakers hitting the stairs in rapid succession.
Immediately, Chloe felt the pressure of Evan’s gaze. She hadn’t been alone with him since the day in his office when she’d told him about the loan. Since then she rationalized that he wouldn’t choose that particular time to get into the subject of her deception. Not when he’d been presen
ted the critical financing on a platter. But nothing was stopping Evan now. Except possibly his father.
Gordon emptied his pipe, then placed it in his lips without adding any tobacco.
“Running low on tobacco, Dad?”
“Just need it for thinking.”
“Anything in particular?”
Gordon hesitated, then glanced up at the portraits lining the mahogany walls. “Just missing your mother.”
Chloe sighed. She certainly was missing hers.
“Chloe?” Evan asked.
She jumped. Embarrassed by the reaction, she felt her cheeks flushing. “Yes?”
“Does Jimmy need help with his costume?”
“Just with the head covering and belt. The staff he’ll carry that night is stored at school.”
Only minutes later, Jimmy pounded down the stairs. As Chloe predicted, he wore the one piece shepherd’s robe and carried the accessories. He ran straight to her for help.
Smiling, she adjusted his cotton hat and tied the rope that served as a belt. Then she winked. “All set.”
He grinned and turned to Evan. “I get to carry this stick thing while I talk.”
“Do you know all your lines?”
“I should say so,” Gordon replied for him. “He’s practiced all afternoon, every afternoon, since he got the part.”
Evan’s expression grew reflective, almost nostalgic.
Chloe guessed he was missing his son.
“And everybody’s coming to see me,” Jimmy declared. “Thelma’s gonna make a special cake.”
“Sounds good. Thelma makes the best cakes in town. Maybe the world.”
“It’s gonna be chocolate and have lots of frosting. Thelma said,” Jimmy confided.
Looking at and listening to the child she had come to love as her own, Chloe hoped the night of the play wouldn’t be the last that she and Jimmy stayed in this house. Or the last they were together.
Chapter Fourteen
“It’s bona fide.” Perry plopped the financing contract on Evan’s desk.
“Legal opinion?” Evan asked.
“Combed through word by word. It’s solid. No balloon payment, no prepayment penalty. The terms are better than the deal that fell through.” Perry studied his friend. “I don’t know how Chloe pulled this off, but it’s a gift straight from heaven.”
Took the words right out of his mouth.
Perry looked at him. “Do you want to give the official go-ahead?”
Evan expelled a deep breath, then shook his head. “I thought our next official statement was going to be…”
“I know.” Perry thumped the edge of the desk with his fist. “Probably isn’t the best time to say this, but I’ve been thinking it a while now, so I might as well. The day Chloe and Jimmy showed up on your front porch was a gift, too.”
Evan swivelled in his desk chair. “It’s complicated.”
“Ouch.”
Turning back to Perry, Evan frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It’s a cop-out. Life is complicated. You know that better than most people.” Perry narrowed his gaze. “Are you really going to let her slip away?”
“How do you know she’s interested?”
“Unlike you, I’m not blind.” Perry shook his head in two rapid nods of disbelief. “Message received.”
“Same message—part two. Don’t waste any more time.”
Evan couldn’t keep the sardonic tone from his voice. “That all?”
“I’m sure I can think of plenty more.”
“Do me a favor.”
Perry grinned. “Stop thinking?”
“Nah. Keep reminding me.”
The night of the play was clear and cool. Although snow wouldn’t blanket the hill country town, it hadn’t blanketed Bethlehem either. Parents, siblings, students and interested community members filled the school auditorium.
Evan was backstage, waiting until it was time to move the boulder. And, ridiculously, he felt nervous. What if Jimmy forgot his lines? What if he got scared? Didn’t want to go on? The teacher had the children lined up in groups, in order of appearance. So it was difficult to talk to him with the other kids around. And Jimmy was one of the last to go on.
As the play began, the older kids did well. Some kindergartners and first graders froze, a few cried. And Evan’s nerves accelerated. Then it was time for him to move the boulder. The lights dimmed, the curtain closed and Evan quickly crossed the stage, lifting the large rock to the center.
A few parents, waiting to reassure their children, crowded into the space where he’d been waiting. The side drape blocked the stage while Evan found a new spot. When the main curtain rose, Jimmy sat on the boulder, alone. Evan sucked in his breath, mentally reassuring Jimmy that he would be all right.
The large star, constructed by the high school art department, hung at the highest point. It lit up suddenly, eliciting murmurs of admiration from the audience.
Jimmy stood, the curved staff by his side. Gazing up at the shining piece of scenery, Jimmy’s face was radiant. Then the words he’d so diligently practiced poured out. “Papa! Papa! Do you see the star?”
Frozen with pride, a surge of love overwhelmed Evan, amazing him. He didn’t think he had that much love left in him. Evan thought he’d given all of it to Sean and Robin. But his heart expanded, telling him there was room for Jimmy. Mindless of anyone who might see, he let the tears fill his eyes.
Blind. Perry was right. He hadn’t seen what was in front of him. None of it.
Someone gasped near him. Evan didn’t want to tear his eyes from Jimmy, but shifted slightly, just in time to see Chloe withdrawing her hand, then quickly walking away. Had she been about to comfort him? Did she care that much?
A group of children crowded close, ready to go on next. Evan had to move so they could get past him. In the confusion, he missed seeing Jimmy as he left the stage. Several older high school boys carried scenery, blocking the exits.
Evan waited, then finally eased out the back door. It didn’t take too long to circle the school, then come back in through the front. The play had ended and the crowd was breaking up, some pausing to chat, others waiting for their children.
Dodging small groups, he made his way to where he had seen Chloe sitting. Gordon, Thelma and Ned visited with the Markhams. Jimmy ran from the stage to Chloe. She knelt, giving him a huge hug. Getting closer, he could hear her praising his performance.
. “You were the very best one!”
He bounced on his dark sneakers. “Really?”
“Really!” She hugged him again. “The very, very, very best.”
Jimmy hugged her back hard before finally letting go.
“You haven’t told me what you want for Christmas yet, big guy.”
“A family.”
She leaned her head against his, caramel and dark twined together. “Me, too.”
Evan stopped, struck by their words. The star on the stage twinkled, beaconing its message of hope. And he wondered if he dared believe.
Hanging the phone up slowly, Evan sank back in his chair. The normally comforting feel of the den didn’t help. Jimmy’s grandparents in Egypt were ready to step up and take guardianship. They planned to enroll him in the same school Spencer had loathed. They hoped to spend some holidays with Jimmy. Just as they had intended to with Spencer.
Cousin Spencer had always been so excited when he got to Rosewood. And the night before he returned to school he always cried himself to sleep. Years had passed, but the memories had never left. Evan remembered his parents’ discussions about Spencer. They had always hoped to convince his parents to let him stay permanently in Rosewood. But they insisted Spencer’s education was paramount. His feelings hadn’t been.
Evan’s throat closed, imagining Jimmy crying himself to sleep, longing for a family. The family he was wishing for right now. The family Chloe wanted.
Now he had to tell her what Jimmy’s grandparents wanted. Pushing his own want aside,
Evan couldn’t help wondering if family would be the deciding factor. Or, if Wainwright’s offer would win out in the end.
Sitting at the kitchen table, Chloe carefully cut some beautiful burgundy foil paper. She and her mother had always made gift wrapping an event, finding the most unusual papers, creating beautiful ornaments to place on the packages. Then hot cocoa and cookies.
This year, Christmas was going to be a post office event. She’d mailed her mother’s presents. The home’s director had repeatedly assured her there would be a celebration that day. Thinking of it, Chloe wanted to cry.
Her brother couldn’t help. Chip apologized, but there was no way he could afford the trip. Just sending a gift had strained their tight budget.
Jimmy ran into the kitchen, Bailey on his heels. “Ned said I could help him in the shed if you say it’s okay.”
“Sure. Be careful and mind Ned.”
He skipped out the back door in seconds.
Chloe hoped Ned would like the gloves she’d bought for him. They were a quality leather pair that he could wear to church. She fitted the paper beneath a box. Hearing the door from the dining room open, she was glad the gloves were hidden. She liked all of the presents to be a surprise for everyone. It had been a family tradition. “If you need the table, Thelma, I’ll be done in a jiff.”
“I don’t need the table,” Evan replied.
Surprised, she glanced up at him. “I just assumed—”
“Jimmy’s grandparents called.”
The blood seemed to drain from her entire body. Hands slack, she dropped the scissors.
Evan ignored them. “They’re ready to take guardianship.”
Appalled, Chloe stared.
“Unless I do,” Evan finished. He walked to the window, staring out back. No doubt Jimmy and Bailey were in sight.
Jingle Bell Blessings Page 14
