“I can repair the lead strips,” I say as we formulate a plan. The glass in stained-glass windows is joined together with strips of lead soldered at the joints, and the window is then grouted with putty to glaze and seal it. Over time, the putty dries and falls out and the lead then has room to stretch and weaken. I’ll carefully remove the decayed parts of the lead strips, adding new lead in its place.
“Since there’s so much lead damage, I’ll help Rae,” Noah says.
“June and I will tackle the cracks,” Frank adds while June nods.
We grab our supplies and begin work. The section is large enough such that all four of us can work on it at the same time and not get in each other’s way. Noah and I start at the top, with Frank and June at the bottom, working towards each other.
I lose track of time as I focus on the work. Noah and I make a good team, while Frank and June appear to do the same. We’re quite an efficient crew, although the work is slow and tedious. We converse quietly in our two-person groups, discussing the repair we’re making and giving each other advice. Fortunately, between all four of us, we have the experience and expertise needed for the job.
Bam!
The church’s massive front door slams loudly and we all jump. Pastor Tim waves and strides up the aisle towards our work area. He has several white paper sacks in his hands, along with a tray of drinks.
“I brought food!” he says in his booming, cheerful voice.
A glance at the clock on the back wall shows 12:15, which means we’ve been working for over four hours. Boy, I sure lost track of time.
The aroma of hamburgers and French fries wafts from the white bags. My stomach growls as if on cue. Noah winks when he hears the embarrassing noise.
Pastor Tim spreads out the lunch on the coffee serving counter located in the breezeway between the sanctuary and the Sunday school rooms. The men haul out some folding chairs so we can sit and eat.
The rustling of food wrappers fills the room. “Shall we pray?” Pastor Tim says. Everyone stops unwrapping the food, a little embarrassed at our lack of manners. “Dear Lord, thank you for this food. May we use it to nourish our bodies. Bless these generous people who are repairing our church window, giving of their time and expertise. Through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.”
Everyone joins in the Amen then proceeds to eat. The hamburgers are still warm and the sodas ice cold—a tantalizing combination.
“This really hits the spot,” Frank says after snarfing down his hamburger. He picks up a second burger and adds ketchup from the little packets strewn across the table.
We all murmur our agreement.
After the tasty meal, we update Pastor Tim on our progress. He looks over the first section as we tell him what we’re doing. “This is amazing. You’re doing a wonderful job. How long will this section take?”
“We’re over half done. Our goal is to try to get it done today and reinstalled, so no one damages it at tomorrow’s services,” Noah says.
The pastor nods. “Well, I better leave you to carry on then. Thank you for all your hard work,” he says as he collects our garbage and leaves.
“He’s sure a nice fellow,” Frank comments as we resume our positions around the window.
“A real blessing to our church,” June chimes in.
“His appreciation makes all our hard work worth it,” I say.
“The guy makes you want to do anything for him. No wonder he’s so successful at getting volunteers to help around the church,” Noah adds.
Frank chuckles. “If he was a salesman, he could sell ice cubes to Eskimos.”
Everyone laughs, then gets back to work.
Six hours later, I stretch my aching back while Frank and Noah reinstall the repaired window. It glistens and looks vibrant, just like new, beside the other sections. The pristine window inspires us to get the three remaining sections completed as soon as possible.
“How about we try to get this job done before the Christmas Eve service?” Noah suggests as we’re standing around admiring our work.
“That would be wonderful! Pastor Tim would be so excited to unveil the completed window at the service,” June says.
I swipe and bring up the calendar on my phone, noting that we’ve got only two more weekends to work on the project. “We may have to work on a few weeknights to get it done since this bit took ten hours,” I remind everyone.
“We should be able to work faster now that we have some experience under our belts,” Frank says and the group nods in agreement. “If we start earlier, we could do two sections on one of the Saturdays,” Frank suggests.
“I might have to bring a five-year-old with me,” Noah warns.
June claps her hands delightedly. “Oh, please do!” Everyone laughs except for curmudgeon Frank.
Heads nod and we agree to the schedule for the next two Saturdays. I’m especially looking forward to the plan. Working with Noah on this project is the next best thing to dating him. Plus, we have built-in chaperones with Frank and June. Or maybe Noah and I are chaperoning them?
As we all walk to our cars, I realize just how tired I am. I may have to attend the late church service tomorrow. 9:00 a.m. sounds early to me right now.
Noah loads my box of supplies back into my trunk. “We make a great team, Rae,” he says with a flirty sparkle in his eyes as he walks away.
Whew! That man makes my heart do flips. I can’t wait for May 23 either.
Chapter Twelve
Noah
CHRISTMAS HAS NEVER BEEN MY favorite time of year. In fact, the old Noah would grumble about all the fuss. Now I’m as invested as the jolly white-haired man himself.
Ellie helps me string lights all along the front porch. “When did you start decorating for Christmas?” Ellie teases.
I chuckle from my position on the ladder. “Have you seen this neighborhood? My house sticks out like a sore thumb with no lights. Peer pressure is a powerful thing.”
My sister barks out a laugh. “And is peer pressure making you go buy a tree? That’s all Sofie can talk about.”
Busted. I made the mistake of telling my daughter where we’re going this afternoon.
I shrug nonchalantly at Ellie’s teasing and peek in the front window to make sure the loudmouthed little sprite hasn’t gotten into any trouble, but she’s still happily watching Elf.
Ellie and I double-check the lights once they’re installed to make sure all are still working. I did a thorough check before putting them up because I didn’t want to be like Chevy Chase in Christmas Vacation. The lights pass inspection and I smile at how festive the red and white twinkle lights are going to make my front porch look.
“Want to go to lunch with Sofie and me before we head over to the tree lot? I owe you for helping with the lights.”
“Sure, I’d love to. How about we try that new sandwich shop that opened just down from Twice Again? I haven’t had time to try it yet.”
“Sounds good. Sofie and I’ll meet you there in half an hour. It’ll take me that long to get her ready.”
Ellie nods and waves as she drives off.
“Sofie, we’re going out to lunch with Aunt Ellie,” I say as I walk back into the house.
She shakes her head and pouts. “But my movie isn’t done yet.” Her voice sounds whiny, and she gives me the “I’m not doing it” Sofie look.
Hoping to head off a confrontation with my sometimes-stubborn daughter, I pause the DVD for a second and determine that there’s only fifteen minutes left in the film. “Okay, you can watch the rest and then we’ll go.”
Sofie grins as I resume the show. I decide to watch with her, and soon we’re both laughing at Will Ferrell’s antics. I’d forgotten how funny this movie is.
We stroll into Sandwiches and Stuff thirty-five minutes later. I mentally pat myself on the back that we’re only a few minutes late. Ellie waves from a booth in the corner. A waitress comes over immediately as if she were trailing me on the way in. Wow, they have fast servi
ce here.
Quickly scanning the menu, I order for Sofie and me. When Ellie orders a sandwich made with organic sprouted rye bread, I don’t ask about what that really means. After the overly anxious waitress leaves, my sister says, “What kind of tree are you going to get?”
“A Christmas tree!” Sofie exclaims.
Ellie laughs. “What I meant was, are you going to select like a Fraser fir, Douglas fir, or balsam fir.”
I give my sister a clueless look. Was I supposed to research types of Christmas trees?
She reaches across the table and pats my hand. “No worries, Noah. Just go with your gut and get the one you and Sofie like the best.”
I nod but remind myself to do a little Googling on my phone when we get to the tree lot. I can’t go in unprepared.
“Do you have any decorations?”
“Yes, I didn’t forget those. Sofie and I went shopping last week.”
“I got a stocking, too!” Sofie says. Unfortunately, there were tears when she got home and realized we don’t have a fireplace. So, I told Sofie that Santa uses a window if there’s no chimney. The stocking is now proudly hanging beside the front bay window.
“Did you remember a tree stand?” Ellie asks with a smirk.
“What? Do you take me for a Christmas novice?” I say, then scribble a note in my phone to get one of those at the tree lot. After we’re digging into the tasty sandwiches, I change the subject. “How’s the new employee?”
A frown crosses Ellie’s face. “Riley works hard, but she sticks to herself. She doesn’t make any attempt to get to know me or Margaret better. I don’t know what’s up with her.”
The words hit a little too close to home. Makes me wonder what the other employees at Robertson Industries thought of me. “Give her time, I’m sure she’ll come around.”
Ellie shrugs. “At least she’s a whiz at refinishing furniture and very knowledgeable about antiques.”
Sofie hands me her dill pickle. “I don’t like that, Daddy.”
I chuckle and put it on my plate. “Do you like your grilled cheese, sweet pea?” Sofie nods and takes a big bite out of her standard-fare sandwich. “Make sure you eat your apple slices too.” She ignores my comment and sneaks a few potato chips from my plate.
“How’s the new business? I heard that Grace McCallister is your new client,” Ellie resumes the conversation between bites.
“Yep, her quilting shop is my seventh client already. And to think I met her when I was selecting our Thanksgiving turkey.”
We both chuckle.
“That’s terrific, Noah. Got any other leads on new clients?”
I bemusedly shake my head. “One of the guys who helped us move has a brother who owns an auto repair business. I’m meeting with him next week.” I continue to be amazed at how my little start-up business is thriving due to word of mouth. It’s truly a miracle, and I feel God’s help in making this happen.
Lord, thank you for my many blessings, including my new clients. May I help them and their businesses.
When we’re done eating, I pay for lunch, hug my sister, and head to the Christmas tree lot. I’ll do a little research when we get there, and hopefully they’ll have a tree stand I can purchase.
~*~
“Ever heard the saying ‘You don’t know what you don’t know’?” I ask Rae during our nightly phone call.
She laughs and replies, “Oh yes, I’m all too familiar with that. My kindergarteners remind me of the fact every day.”
I love how I feel totally comfortable confessing my shopping blunders to Rae. “Well, today was one of those days. I thought I had done all my research and was quite prepared for the tree shopping, but then Ellie threw a wrench in everything when she asked me what type of tree I was getting.”
An unladylike snort floats across the line. Rae knows my tendency to over-research everything. “And what type did you get?”
I groan. “My research said that the noble fir was best for not shedding needles. But when we looked at one, neither Sofie nor I liked how it looked. They’re tall and skinny, not full like a normal Christmas tree.”
Giggles resonate over the line.
“We ended up ignoring all my research and just picked the one we liked best.” So much for research and preparation.
“Well?”
“Well, what?”
“What type did you get?” Rae says, enunciating slowly so I finally catch on.
“Oh, yeah, that. The tag says it’s a Douglas fir,” I say with a loud sigh, since my research said those are the worst for shedding needles. Looking at the tag was an afterthought once I got the tree home.
“Oh, Noah. You’re so cute.”
Um, not sure I like the term cute—I hope she means handsome and funny. “My sister also reminded me that I needed a tree stand, which luckily they had at the tree lot. One thing led to another, and the teenage salesgirl there sold me an embroidered tree skirt, an angel tree topper, and two stuffed reindeer to sit beside the tree because Sofie just had to have them. When all was said and done, I was out over two-hundred bucks.”
The giggling on the other end resumes, and in fact it gets louder. After a few beats Rae says, “Just a second, I need to grab a tissue to wipe my eyes from all this laughing.”
Way to make a guy feel about two feet tall.
“I’m back.” Giggle. Giggle. Giggle. “So, after all that, how’d the decorating go?”
“Oh, I couldn’t handle anymore learning today, so we’re going to decorate the tree tomorrow. I’ll get back to you on how that goes.”
More giggles and a loud blowing of the nose follow my words. Guess I’m more entertaining than I thought.
When we sign off, I have a smile on my face despite the frustrations I was feeling earlier. Rae makes every day brighter. I send up a much overdue prayer of gratitude thanking God for bringing her into my life.
Chapter Thirteen
Raelynn
IT’S THE LAST SATURDAY BEFORE Christmas Eve and we’re doing the big push on repairing the stained-glass window. Today we’re tackling the final two sections—it’s going to be a long day.
Frank and June are already working on removing the last sections when I arrive. Noah isn’t here yet, but that’s no surprise because Sofie’s coming with him. His daughter will be here until Ellie gets off work sometime this afternoon.
“Good morning! Anyone want coffee?” I hold up the tray containing four paper coffee cups.
“You’re a lifesaver, Rae,” June says as she abandons Frank while he’s still up on the ladder. She comes over and grabs the cup marked June. Hers is a blend of cinnamon and cayenne pepper. You wouldn’t think those two flavors would go together in a coffee, but they work.
Frank grumbles as he climbs down, giving June a pointed look. She shrugs and continues sipping the hot brew. Is there trouble brewing in paradise with these two? (pun intended) I hand him the plain black coffee marked with his name. None of those fancy flavors for him.
The front double doors fly open and Noah rushes in. Sofie’s tagging behind him looking cranky and sleepy.
“Sorry I’m late. We had a little trouble getting up this morning.” A subtle head movement indicates it was the pint-sized girl who’s the reason for their tardiness.
June and I laugh quietly while I hand Noah his coffee cup. He smiles and immediately starts sipping.
Sofie hides behind Noah’s legs, looking everyone over. He pulls her forward and makes introductions. “Sofie, this is June and Frank.”
June waves. Frank shocks me when he walks over to Sofie and bends down to her height. “Pleased to meet you, young lady,” he says and extends his hand. Sofie chews on her thumb for a second, looking him over from head to toe, then extends her tiny hand. They shake and both grin from ear to ear.
After the touching scene, I come over and hand Sofie a white paper bag. “Thought you might like this.”
Her eyes light up and she hugs my legs. “I’m so glad to see you, Miss Da
iley!” With that greeting, you’d think it had been a week since we last saw each other rather than one day.
Noah points to a pew and Sofie sits down, then opens her bag. She squeals with delight and pulls out a carton of chocolate milk and a blueberry muffin. Noah smiles at me and says, “That’s perfect since we didn’t have time for breakfast. What do you say to Miss Dailey, Sofie?”
With her mouth stuffed full of muffin Sofie replies and it sounds like “tunks.”
Frank points to the ladder. “Shall we get started? There’s a lot to do today.”
Noah takes another quick sip, then joins Frank by the window and over the next half hour they proceed to remove the next two sections. Both are getting much faster at this process.
June and I sit next to Sofie and enjoy the rest of our coffee as we watch the men work. “How old are you, Sofie?” June asks once Sofie’s finished her muffin. She holds up five fingers. June looks appropriately impressed. “My granddaughter is six; maybe you can meet her sometime.” Sofie’s eyes widen, and she nods her head excitedly.
This is all news to me. “Where does your granddaughter live?”
“Near Denver, but she visits all the time.”
“That’s nice, I’m sure,” I say.
Obvious delight lights up June’s face. “I have one granddaughter and three grandsons,” she adds with pride.
After Sofie’s done with her treat, she gets restless, so I find her bag and pull out her tablet. “Is there a game you want to play?”
“Yes!” she wiggles her fingers and I hand her the tablet. She’s got the game up and playing in a matter of seconds.
June shakes her head in amazement. “She’s a lot more proficient on that thing than I am.”
I giggle to myself at how true that statement is. My kids surprise me all the time at their skills with technology.
When the guys bring the sections over to the two sets of worktables, June and I join them. As per the previous weekends, Noah and I team up, as do Frank and June. We talk quietly in our small pairs, just enough conversation to discuss the repairs. Noah glances over to Sofie and she’s still absorbed in the game.
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