“No. That’s not it, Doug.” She pressed her lips together, knowing she’d made a mountain out of a tiny bump in the road. “I’ve been wanting to tell you something, but it’s been difficult.”
A frown struck his face. “Did you hear something? Did you see the doctor and—”
“Yes, I saw the doctor, but I have no news.”
Doug patted the seat beside him on the sofa. “Sit with me, Nina.”
She rose and settled beside him. “The doctor spotted a discrepancy in the first doctor’s diagnosis and he scheduled me for two tests.”
“When? When will—”
“Doug, I had them already, and I should know the prognosis soon, but—”
“You’ve gone through this alone? Without telling me? Nina, why? You know how much I care. Why wouldn’t you let me support you in this? I’m the one who asked you to have a second opinion. I did it for you as much as for me. Naturally I hoped the second doctor would disagree with the original diagnosis.” Doug touched her cheek and turned her face to his. “And that’s what happened.”
“But it’s not a sure thing, Doug. The tests may prove that—”
“They may prove anything. The first doctor was right or...the first doctor was wrong. Nina, I’m willing to take the chance so you know for sure. You’ve changed your life, afraid of being left again. I’ve promised you that I will never go anywhere without you at my side no matter what prognosis we hear. I hoped you’d understood me and believed me.”
“I trust you, Doug. I do, but—”
He nestled her in his arms. “But you’re afraid to hear what they say. It’s natural, Nina. You don’t want to get your hopes sky-high to have them nose-dive to earth again. I understand. But we can pray that whichever we learn, we can accept it and move on. Children are wonderful gifts. Most everyone wants their own flesh and blood, but Kimmy wasn’t your flesh and blood and you adored her. Can’t you see that no matter what, you can have children in your life?”
Tears broke through the dam. Hearing the wise words come from him, the depth of his sincerity, had broken the floodgates. He cuddled her against him until she calmed, and then he peeked at her, puckered his lips and whistled “Jingle Bells.”
How could she not adore a man who could bring her to laughter in the midst of tears? She loved him.
Chapter Fifteen
On Christmas Eve, Doug had longed to talk privately with Nina but the time got away from him. She’d been busy the day before preparing the house for her parents’ visit. Though they had come to Owosso close to Thanksgiving and had planned to stay home for Christmas, something had changed their minds. Now both families would be together for Christmas, and this was the perfect time for him to tell Nina how he felt about her.
But his plan failed and now they were in the midst of a neighborhood party. The only time they would have together was later tonight. The past days’ tension had created concern, but when he stopped at her house to walk with her to the party, her Christmas spirit had lifted higher than Santa’s sleigh. She swept into his arms, a look on her face that had been nonexistent for a long time.
Longing to understand her change, he drew in a breath and filled two punch glasses with sparkling apple cider. As he headed back to Nina, she’d begun to talk with one of the party guests he’d never met. He didn’t think Nina knew the man either, but somehow Angie knew everyone. She and Rick seemed to be the neighborhood friendship league. Though he felt guilty leaving his mother and stepfather behind, they were in good hands at Roseanne’s and had encouraged him to enjoy the festivities.
As he maneuvered his way through the neighbors, El beckoned to him. Surprised to see Birdie nowhere in sight, he turned toward El, curious. “Where’s your friend?”
El chuckled, the usual glint in his eyes. “Birdie’ll be here soon. Her cousins invited her to their home for a visit, and she couldn’t say no on Christmas Eve.”
He nodded, though he was still curious about El’s relationship with her. They’d become a twosome and the friendship, though unexpected by most everyone, made him happy. Companionship now meant more than Doug might have imagined a year ago. “Is your granddaughter here?”
His eyes lost their bright flicker as he gave a toss of his head. “She’s over there somewhere in the corner. She didn’t want to come, but I encouraged her. Finally she gave in, but I know it was against her wishes.” For the first time, El had a hopeless expression.
“This is a new situation for her. Hopefully once she’s here awhile, she’ll change, El. We all know what to do.”
“Pray. That’s what I’ve been doing.” He lowered his eyes a moment. “I’ve always been a proponent of prayer, and my heart aches when I face what I already know. Nothing is in my time. It’s in the Lord’s hands. I only wish she could find a friend. Someone closer to her age who would make her time with me more fun.”
Doug’s gaze drifted to the neighbor still with Nina but now with the added audience of Rema. Doug made a subtle motion toward the man. “What about him. Do you know the man?”
“Met him once. I think his name is Craig. He must have inherited his grandfather’s home or maybe he’s just staying there to prepare it for sale.” El shrugged but continued to study the man. “I’m not sure how old he is. Hard to tell. The younger ones all look like kids to me.”
Doug laughed. “I suspect he’s in his mid to late twenties.”
“He’s only a kid then.” He chortled a moment. “Once a person’s close to pushing up the daisies, everyone’s a kid.”
“Who’s a kid?”
Birdie’s voice sailed between them, giving Doug the opportunity to say hello and continue to Nina with the drinks.
Nina grinned when he slipped to her side. “Doug, this is Craig Dolinski. He lives on the turn at the end of the cul-de-sac.”
“Gramps died and left the place to my dad. Since they moved to California, he offered me the house at the greatest discount I’ll ever find so...you know what I did.”
Doug patted his back. “Can’t blame you. That was generous.”
He agreed. “Mom and Dad don’t need the money, and I’m just getting started.”
Rema took over the conversation, and Nina eased closer, eyeing the threesome in conversation. “El looked rather serious when you were talking.”
He told her El’s concern, and Nina agreed with his mention of Craig. “I think I’ll sidle over there and invite her to join us. What do you think?”
He agreed, and she excused herself a moment while he joined in the conversation.
Minutes passed before Nina returned with Ginger at her side. The girl’s sullen look remained, but a look of interest flashed in her eyes. “You must be Ginger.” Doug extended his hand. She eyed it a moment before grasping it with a less-enthusiastic shake. “I’m Doug Billings. I live across the street. I know your grandfather very well.”
She gave a halfhearted flinch of her shoulders. “Gramps knows everyone, I think.”
Though she seemed disapproving, her eyes shifted to where her grandfather had settled now with Birdie. A tender look slipped to her face and thwarted her attempt to be hard and disinterested. Doug wondered what had happened to the young woman, and he prayed Ginger would heal in her own way. Without the deep frown, she was quite pretty.
Before he turned, he heard Nina introducing Rema and Craig to Ginger, and he noted that the young man’s gaze connected to Ginger’s for a telltale moment, and he hoped he’d been right. A friend her age might draw her back into the world again.
Ginger appeared to let down her guard and get involved in Craig and Rema’s conversation. She even joined in the laughter.
When the conversation shifted to fun things to do in town, Nina gave him a poke. “I think that did the trick.” She eased her head in their direction.
“We do good wor
k.”
She tucked her arm into his. “Should we stand here or be more social?”
He eyed the other neighbors around the room and suggested they meet a few more people. They worked the room, introducing themselves to neighbors they’d never formally met, and spent time with Angie and Rick, thrilled to hear a baby was on the way.
“What do you say we leave?” He monitored his tone, not wanting to put a damper on the party if she wanted to stay. But he had too many things on his mind to stay much longer.
“I’m ready. It’s been a long day.”
With a quick goodbye, they slipped on their coats and stepped outside. Winter filled the air. An icy breeze whisked at his back and penetrated his limbs. He clutched Nina’s arm as they made their way along the shoveled sidewalks and across the street where the tree lights brightened the windows. The hope of time alone with Nina warmed his heart. Tonight would change his life one way or the other.
As they stepped inside, warmth greeted them. He hung Nina’s jacket in the closet and motioned her into the living room as he slipped his beside hers. “How about a fire?”
“It’s a good night for one.” She sank onto the sofa, her face hinting of preoccupation.
He let it go and added kindling and piled a fresh log on top. When the match caught the sticks, he watched it a moment. Satisfied, he settled beside her. “You seem happier than usual. Are you pleased your parents came for Christmas after all?”
“It’s nice to see them, especially with the beginning of a better relationship. That’s like a wonderful gift.”
“I’m sure it is.” He studied her face, sensing something else distracted her. “What are they doing tonight?”
“They have some friends who live closer to East Lansing, and they decided tonight was a good time to see them. They’re staying with the friends until morning. I gave them a key to the house in case I’m in church.”
“That worked out well.”
She nodded, a faint grin on her face. Though it had taken him a while, he suspected he had the answer to her distraction. He’d hinted at a special surprise for her at Christmas, and now he was positive she knew what it was. “Are you thinking about my surprise?”
Her lips curved upward, no longer able to hide her smile. “A little, but—”
“I knew that was it. It took a while but—”
“You’re wrong.”
He drew back, his pulse skipping from her abrupt response. “What do you mean?”
Her eyes captured his and a sparkle lit her face and gave her skin a rosy glow. “It’s not your surprise. It’s mine.”
His heart skipped, constricting his lungs, and it took him a moment to speak. “Your surprise? I knew something had made you happy.”
She nodded as a smile broke free.
“Tell me, Nina, before I burst. Did you hear the test results from your doct—”
“I did.”
Tears swelled in her eyes but not tears of sadness. He knew they were tears of joy. “What? What did he say?”
“I have a small growth, not serious, but preventing a safe birth. A noninvasive procedure can change that, and then there’s no reason I can’t have a baby, the Lord willing.”
He opened his arms, drawing her into his embrace, tears rimming his eyes with the same happiness he witnessed in her face. “I’m so relieved for you, Nina. I know that apprehension had overtaken your life but you’re free now. Free to make decisions without the dread of disappointing another man.”
He touched her cheek and eased her around to look in his eyes. “I told you before I would not let your problem stop me from wanting to spend my life with you, and I meant that.”
He drew back his hand and slipped it into his pocket. “Earlier tonight, I came prepared with my surprise, before I knew about the doctor’s call.” He eased back, withdrawing the small blue velvet box from its hiding place. He held it in front of her and pressed it into her hand. “Nina, I’m asking you to be my wife. You are the love of my life, the air I breathe each day. You are the shining sun to me even in the cold of winter. I love your generosity, your honesty and your willingness to seek the truth. You trusted me and saw the new doctor. And you love children, Nina. I pray the Lord blesses us with children. If not, I pray we can agree to adopt a child who needs love and a home.”
A sob broke from her throat, and she looked at him with a flood of tears that spoke of love. “I want to marry you more than anything else in my life, Doug. You helped me become the woman I never suspected was in me. You opened windows and doors. You taught me all the things you say you admire in me. You are everything I could ever want and more.”
He opened the box, and she gazed at the diamond with clusters on each side, glinting in the light of the Christmas tree. The fire crackled and flames licked the burning log, warming the room as it warmed their spirits.
When he slipped the ring on her finger, Nina brushed his cheek and brought her hand to his neck, her lips greeting his with a new life and depth he had never known. His heart sang carols of love and peace, and a faint jingle in his chest made him smile. Tonight he had experienced the real meaning of jingle bells.
* * *
Nina’s joy was heightened by the beauty of the Christmas Day worship service. Carols soared to the vaulted ceiling, the message rang with hope and peace, and her heart warmed at the sight of Doug, Roseanne, Kimmy and Doug’s mother and stepfather side by side along the church pew. Another new experience Doug had given her.
Her ring glistened in the overhead lights circled with colorful glass. Wreaths and garland draped from arch to arch along the walls, and candles glowed in sconces. Today her world had opened. Fear had flown away and hope had sprung free from the depths of her being. As the service ended with the glorious carol “Joy to the World,” the congregation rose and filed down the aisles, greeting one another with hugs and handshakes.
She’d attempted to keep her ring hand hidden from his parents until the announcement when they had all gathered. The scene created visions of congratulations and good wishes from his family, and she prayed from hers, as well. Still fearing an outburst from her mother, she worked to keep the anxiety at bay. If she had only learned one thing in her journey to faith, she’d learned that the Lord was in charge. She was but a reed in the wind.
A chill clung to the air, but the sun sent bright rays into the sky, which helped to dispel the gloom of winter. The news they would share later when her parents arrived would be the brightest moment of the day.
When they rolled onto Lilac Circle, her parents’ car was parked in her driveway so Doug pulled in and she headed inside, promising to see them shortly. She knew that Doug’s parents had already caught on that Doug and she had made a commitment to each other. Whether they knew anything else, she would learn later that day.
She hurried inside, keeping her hand covered with her coat or stuffed into a pocket. She joined them in the kitchen for coffee before suggesting they leave for Doug’s.
“You went to church—is that right?” Her mother’s eyes darkened with her question.
“It was beautiful, Mom.” Instead of getting defensive, she shared the message, the carols and choir, and ended with the decor. “I was glad I attended.”
“I suppose you were with Doug...and that little girl. What’s her name?”
Nina gritted her teeth beneath her smile. “Doug and his family. Roseanne is off her crutches and doing well. Kimmy is back to normal. Their healing was a true gift to all of us.”
Her mother studied her a moment. “I’m sure it was. That little Kimmy is a sweet child.”
“She is, Mom. One day I hope to have a little girl of my own.” She swallowed, anticipating her mother’s response.
“But...what are you saying, Nina?” Her mother pinned her with a look. “Are you telling me that—”
<
br /> “I am, Mom. I saw a new doctor, and after the exam, he recommended a couple of new tests.” She explained the findings and the anticipated solution, and as she talked, her mother’s expression grew tender.
“That’s amazing news, Nina.” Tears inched from beneath her lashes, and she reached across the table to grasp her hand. “Did you hear that, Howard?”
“I’m sitting here, ain’t I?”
“Aren’t you.” Her mother gave him a frown.
“Nina, that’s the best gift you could have given me. I’m not a faith-filled woman as you are, but if anyone can bless you, it’s God. I know that.”
Nina’s eyebrows arched with the double surprise. “Thank you, Mom. I’m pleased you’re happy for me.”
Her mother’s gentle look and nod said more than words.
“Are you ready to walk down to Doug’s? It’s a short walk. Just five houses down.”
“I think I can do that.” She rose and Howard followed her through the kitchen doorway into the living room.
Nina grabbed her coat and led them down the street to Doug’s. When they entered, the smell of ham hung on the air. She’d convinced him a turkey and stuffing was too much work, and he’d finally agreed on a ham. She’d helped prepare a few things in advance and delivered them before church, and since they’d returned from the Christmas service, his mother had taken charge in the kitchen.
Introductions took a few moments, but soon her mother had donned an apron and had joined in stirring and cutting, while Nina worked to keep her hand undercover and help as much as they would let her. Kimmy and Roseanne finished setting the table, and before too much time passed, they gathered around the dining room table.
“Let’s have Christmas music?” Kimmy ran from the dining room and found the TV holidays carols they had listened to before. The background music heightened the spirit, and Doug held out his hands while others joined hand in hand. Even her mother and Howard caught on to the tradition and joined in.
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