Lone Star Holiday

by Jolene Navarro

  She glanced at John and wished she could stare at him all night, but her list called. Looking at her cell phone, she realized the kindergarten group should be lined up and ready by now. Lorrie Ann moved to the large panel off to the left, hoping to find them prepared.

  Only fifteen minutes to showtime. The checklist scrolled through her mind’s eye: the horsemen were in place; Mary and Joseph had Alfredo, the donkey; the choir stood to the right, their robes detailed beautifully; the innkeepers mingled with the crowd, passing out programs and offering hot cider. Pride filled her as they worked hard to set the mood.

  Off to her left, the shepherds watched over their small flock. Some of the audience members had walked over to see what was going on with the herd of sheep. The band filled the night air with soft background music. Her blood rushed with the excitement of all the parts coming together.

  Then her eyes went wide. She hadn’t seen Derrick. She scanned the area, and her mouth went dry.

  John had put so much faith in her. She had to make this right.

  Behind one of the faux buildings, Lorrie Ann found Katy. Celeste and her classmates stood quietly, waiting for their cue to start the events of the night. She couldn’t stop the grin.

  Now she needed to find her drummer boy. “Katy, have you seen Derrick? I can’t find him.”

  Katy shook her head. “He brought Carlos, but I haven’t seen him since.”

  John walked over to her. “Everything looks great, Lorrie Ann.” He smiled down at the short angels.

  She skimmed the area. “I don’t know where Derrick is. He should be here with the kindergartners, but I haven’t seen him.”

  Carlos stood in front of them, tugging on John’s blazer. “Pastor John, I think he’s hiding in the shed.” He pointed to the storage shed next to the fence. His big dark eyes looked up to Lorrie Ann. “Sorry, he made me promise not to tell you.”

  She gave him a relieved smile and ruffled his curly hair. “It’s okay. Thank you for telling Pastor John.”

  She headed toward the shed, covering ground in double time. John kept pace with her. She glanced at him. “We only have about ten minutes before you need to be onstage with the opening prayer.”

  He dared to laugh and moved closer to her. “In a hundred years, I don’t think it has ever started on time.”

  She narrowed her eyes at him. Did he not realize how serious she took her job? “Not on my watch. I’ve never had an event start late. We will start on time.”

  His grin caused her to take a deep breath to calm her nerves.

  “Yes, ma’am.” He flipped his hand from his forehead in a small salute.

  She didn’t have time to reply as they came face-to-face with Derrick, sitting on a gray wooden bench. Knees pulled to his chest, he had his head against the rough wood of the storage shed.

  “Hey, Derrick.”

  He jumped.

  “Pastor John, Miss Lorrie Ann. I...um...I was looking for my drumsticks.” He jumped to his feet.

  John raised an eyebrow. “Really? You sure it’s not a case of stage fright?” John sat on the bench and picked up the drumsticks. “The first few times I got up in front of people, I almost got sick.”

  “You?” The youth’s lanky body folded back down on the bench.

  John nodded his head and handed the wooden sticks to Derrick.

  Misery and doubt clouded Derrick’s dark eyes as he looked up at Lorrie Ann. Her irritation fled, and her heart went out to the vulnerability she saw in this teenage rebel.

  “What if I mess up?” He looked down at his hands. “Some of the old folks don’t like me. They think I don’t belong here.”

  “They’re not the ones to decide if you belong here or not.” She cupped his face and brought his eyes up to meet hers again. “You belong.”

  John placed a hand on Derrick’s slumped shoulder. “You need to remember you’re not performing for the people in the chairs, not even for Lorrie Ann or me. You’re using your music tonight to praise and worship God.” John gave the teen’s shoulder one last squeeze before standing to leave. “He knows none of us are perfect, Derrick. Just give Him one hundred percent of you. If you decide not to do this, we understand. One night doesn’t make who you are.” He looked at Lorrie Ann and winked. “Well, it’s time to get this thing started.” He turned back and handed Derrick a green hard candy. “These have always helped me.”

  Lorrie Ann watched as he headed for the stage.

  “He’s right, you know.” Derrick’s voice carried softly across the night. “Tonight won’t make or break you. It’s not your fault if we make a mess of the pageant.” He popped the Jolly Rancher in his mouth.

  A supple laugh escaped her lips. “Now you’re giving me advice?” She smiled at him. “Good advice at that.” She sat on the bench where John had just been. “By the way, I like your haircut. You have beautiful eyes. You also took out the piercing. Why?”

  He shrugged and picked up the drum, running his fingers along the stretched top. “Didn’t want to give them any more reasons to be mad at you.”

  Her heart melted. “Oh, Derrick, thank you, but you didn’t need to change for me. I’ve been taking care of myself for a long time.”

  “Yeah, maybe you should let someone else help you every now and then.” He flashed his seldom-used smile. “Someone told me that not long ago.”

  She heard John’s strong voice quiet the crowd, and the monkeys in her stomach started jumping around again. She gave Derrick one last look. “Are you good?”

  He nodded and picked up his drumsticks.

  With a thumbs-up, she went off to find Katy and Celeste.

  As she drew closer, Celeste waved at her, the long white drape of her sleeve flying with enthusiasm. No stage fright for this one.

  Lorrie Ann smiled at Katy as she hugged Celeste and mouthed, They look ready. Ten little six-year-olds smiled back at her, their battery-powered candles ready to light the way.

  Katy nodded and signaled them to turn on their candles. John said his final words, and as he stepped offstage, the overhead light went dark, leaving the kindergartners’ candles as the only light.

  Celeste led her group down the aisle, singing “The First Noel.” Each student stopped at their assigned lantern that hung along the rows of chairs and in front of the buildings of the village. One by one, the lamps came to life as the children’s sweet voices filled the air. They slowly disappeared behind the storefronts that made up stage left. Their song faded out.

  Surprised at the overwhelming sense of pride, Lorrie Ann bit her bottom lip.

  “They did great!”

  John’s whisper caused her to jump. She placed her hand over her rapidly beating heart.

  He leaned in again. “Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you.”

  Apple candy filled her senses. She smiled at him, and her heart soared, loving that he chose to be next to her as their little production unfolded.

  In the heavy silence, people started shifting in their chairs. Anticipation of the unknown filled the atmosphere.

  From the front entrance, hooves hit the concrete floor. People turned to see Alfredo the donkey led by Seth, playing Joseph. Sarah Garcia, a fourteen-year-old middle schooler, had been transformed into Mary, tired and miserable.

  “Hang on, Mary. I’ll find us a place to rest.” Seth opened with the first line.

  They made their way through the audience, stopping at each facade. Each time they were turned away. Finally they made it to the last inn, next to the stage. Alfredo, the sweet little donkey, plodded along without a fuss or rude odors. Lorrie Ann couldn’t contain her smile.

  They made their way up to the stage. The lights dimmed as the band and choir started “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.”

  A spotlight found Rachel with large golden wings above the crowd. T
he audience gasped in surprise as they watched the cherry picker rise above them, cloaked as a white cloud.

  Lorrie glanced at John and nodded with a full grin. His eyes glowed with pride, and he draped his arm over Lorrie Ann’s shoulder and gave her a quick hug while staring up at his daughter.

  The music faded, and Rachel spoke to the shepherds in a strong voice that brought good news and joy. As the light faded, the band and choir started “O Holy Night.”

  Horses’ hooves pounded the ground from the outdoor area. People turned, and some stood as light flooded the right side of the grounds. Three riders, all from the high-school roping team, brought their horses to a sudden stop.

  Bobby Gresham pointed to the east, toward the stage. “Magi, look! There is the Eastern Star we have been waiting for.”

  Kevin, his brother, removed his cowboy hat. “Where is the newborn King of the Jews? We see his star, and we’ll go worship him.”

  The youngest of the trio and a cousin of Lorrie Ann, Rafe Ortega, swung his hand over his head, spinning his horse around. “Let us ride!”

  Some of the spectators chuckled at Rafe’s enthusiasm. All clapped as the three wise men rode out and the spotlight shut down.

  The shepherds came and worshipped. The Magi brought gifts while the choir and band went through their songs. Rachel stayed overhead, leading the voices in praise.

  The music stopped and the actors froze. Once again, the audience started murmuring. Whispers grew louder. Anticipation stirred the cool air.

  Lorrie Ann bit her lip and reached for John. Would Derrick come through, or was it too much for him?

  She looked up at John. His fingers interlocked with hers and squeezed. Then she heard it, the light tapping. It built as the drum moved closer.

  As one, the audience turned to the front doors. Derrick stood still, playing a steady beat on his drum. The rebel teen’s eyes remained glued to the stage, on the baby.

  One boot at a time, he moved down the aisle. With each step, the beat became stronger. His voice joined the cadence, giving his only gift, the gift of his music.

  Not another sound could be heard; even the animals remained silent. Derrick stopped in front of Mary and the baby. When his song came to an end, he bowed his head. The baby reached out to him, touching his hair. Derrick looked up to see the tears on Mary’s face.

  “Thank you for your song.” Her soft voice carried throughout the silent building.

  Lorrie Ann wiped the wetness from her face and realized many of the audience members had tears in their own eyes, including Mrs. Miller, the Dragon Queen.

  Rachel raised her arms. “In the highest heaven, glory to God! And on earth, peace among people of goodwill!”

  All stage lights went out, and the actors exited backstage as the choir sang “Joy to the World.”

  Lorrie Ann’s heart burst with pride and happiness. She watched John make his way to the stage, giving credit to the members of the band and choir. He called the kinder group up and introduced each as they waved to family members. The actors came onstage, and he called their names. Derrick hung back, but John motioned him forward, and as he nervously stood center stage, the audience surged to their feet with applause.

  Lorrie Ann clasped her hands together and brought them to her mouth. Her throat tightened as she tried to swallow. Derrick shifted his weight from one foot to the other, gripping the drumsticks tightly. She smiled and waved at him. He sent back a crooked grin.

  John had the committees stand and acknowledged everyone who’d worked on the pageant. Celeste and her friend Carlos brought flowers to John, giggling the whole time. The pastor smiled at Lorrie Ann and waved her over. She shook her head, her muscles suddenly going numb. Could she refuse? She felt over two hundred pairs of eyes turn to her.

  “There is one last person we would like to thank before we leave for the night.”

  Celeste jumped up and down. John laughed as he placed his hands on her small shoulders.

  Swallowing, Lorrie Ann made her way to the stage, one slow step at a time. She battled a strong desire to run the opposite direction as fast as possible. Her skin felt too tight for her muscles as blood ran a furious race throughout her body.

  She made sure to stay focused on John in order to avoid the stares of the townspeople.

  He took her hand. “Lorrie Ann, you have brought so many gifts to our town and its people. But mostly to me.”

  To her horror, he dropped to one knee. She became immobilized; the crowd froze.

  “Lorrie Ann Ortega, I love you.”

  The townspeople gasped as one.

  “You have brought more joy and happiness than I thought possible. You already have my heart. Will you do me the honor of sharing my life and becoming my wife?” He held a ring up to her.

  Her eyes went wide when she realized it wasn’t just any ring but her grandmother Ortega’s ring. Her gaze shot up to find Aunt Maggie standing with Sonia, offstage behind John. They had known? The sisters, both her mothers, stood in identical stances with hands clasped over their chests and tears in their eyes.

  She forced air back into her lungs and looked down at John, still holding his pose. She saw his throat work as he kept his gaze locked on her.

  She smiled.

  He raised his eyebrow.

  “At one time, you asked me if I could trust God,” she whispered, leaning down. “Yes, I do. I love you and—” she swallowed the tears back and said the words that came the hardest “—I trust you.” Pulling him up, she gave him a huge smile and cried. “Yes, I’ll marry you—” Her words cut off when John grabbed her and swung her around.

  “You scared me.” He laughed.

  The girls ran to them, Celeste’s flowers losing petals as she squeezed tight. “We can have sleepovers now.”

  Her aunt, mother and cousin joined them, surrounding her in family love.

  The audience stood on their feet, clapping and whistling. Some chanted, “Kiss her!”

  John cradled her face in his hands and gently touched her lips with his. She closed her eyes, feeling cherished.

  Someone else broke the spell by yelling, “None of that until the wedding!” Everyone laughed.

  John rested his forehead on hers. “Are you sure you want to be a preacher’s wife?”

  “I’m sure I want to be your wife.” She smiled at the rightness of the words. “I’ll leave everything else up to God, including the dragons.”

  * * * * *

  Keep reading for an excerpt from STORYBOOK ROMANCE by Lissa Manley.

  Dear Reader,

  Thank you for taking the time to visit my small town of Clear Water in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. I’m thrilled to share it with you. Even though the little town is fictional, the Frio River is very real. Much of the landscape and a few of the places fill my own memories from childhood.

  To share Clear Water’s hundredth Christmas pageant with you has been a pleasure. I adore the Christmas season and all the traditions that go along with it. Between spending time with friends and family, baking the classic holiday treats and singing my favorite Christmas songs, I can feel the very creation of joy that makes the holidays something to remember.

  In Lone Star Holiday, John and Lorrie Ann both have to accept God’s forgiveness and people’s love even when they don’t think they deserve it. I enjoyed my time with them while they discovered the power of complete trust along the path to a new love.

  I would also like to thank all first responders for their dedication and hard work, especially Brenda Gonzalez for answering all my questions about water accidents and airlift.

  Stop by for a visit at jolenenavarrowriter.com. I would love to hear from you. The teacher in me would appreciate your opinions and answers to the discussion questions. Everyone gets an A!

  You can also trac
k me down on Facebook or Twitter.

  Jolene Navarro

  Questions for Discussion

  Which character do you identify with the most? Why?

  After the death of his wife, why was it a challenge for John to fully receive God’s forgiveness?

  As a child, then a teenager, Yolanda resented Lorrie Ann for her success. Have you ever been in a situation where a source of joy for others was a source of resentment for you? Explain.

  What role do you think trust plays in Lorrie Ann’s relationship with John, her family and God?

  How does Maggie show her love for Lorrie Ann and Yolanda? Do you think both daughters were treated the same by Maggie? Why or why not?

  Lorrie Ann saw herself as more of an outsider looking in; therefore it was hard for her to accept the love Maggie and Billy, then John, offered her. Do you see yourself as an outsider looking in or an insider looking out? Explain.

  What was the turning point for Lorrie Ann’s spiritual life?

  On the outside Pastor John appears to have it all together, but on the inside he is struggling. What brings about the point of his self-awareness of his own lack of trust?

  John tries to control everything because of his fear. How does this show in his life? How does it affect his relationship with his daughters?

  Vickie takes her anger, hurt and bitterness over her life out on Lorrie Ann. On the night Brent came into the church, Vickie also attacked Lorrie Ann. How would you have reacted to her? Did John do the right thing for everyone involved? Explain.

  Lorrie Ann’s nonreligious lifestyle leads to spiritual bankruptcy. Do you think she needed to return home in order to reconnect? Can a religious lifestyle like Yolanda’s or John’s also lead to spiritual emptiness? Explain.

  John tells Lorrie Ann God can use her mistakes and poor choices to help others. He doesn’t use his own advice when it comes to counseling married couples. Why is it easier for us to tell others the truth but not show our own faults to others? Do you find yourself hiding some of yourself from others?