Under the Christmas Star (Crossroads Collection)

by Amanda Tru

  “But they want the best for us. Just like Anne wants the best for you.” He looked over his shoulder at Peter, no longer struggling in Ollie’s grip, and then back down at her. “And I want the best for you too. What Lena did was inexcusable, and I’m …”

  Shelby placed her hand over his mouth. “Stop. I was wrong to listen to her lies in the first place. I should have gone to you first.”

  He laced her fingers with his and clutched them to his chest. “Can we just forgive each other and move on?”

  “Already have.”

  He pulled her closer and bent his head down, while Shelby rose on tiptoe to meet his kiss.

  “You said you had another buyer,” whined Peter, causing Beau to wince and pull back. Shelby glared at Peter, who didn’t seem upset by it. “Why don’t we go to them and sell the property.”

  “But that wouldn’t keep it in the family.” Anne shook her head. “I won’t sell it to someone who won’t care for it.”

  Beau brought her fingers to his lips and kissed them. “I have a solution,” whispered Beau, just to Shelby. “Would you like to know what it is?”

  She nodded because taking a breath to voice agreement had become impossible.

  “Anne can sell the land to me.”

  Shelby wrinkled her nose in confusion. “But you’re not family.”

  “Good point.” He leaned down and kissed her forehead. “But she never said anything about not selling it to someone who’s marrying into the family.”

  Shelby gripped his hand tighter and shook her head. “Beau, you don’t have to do this.”

  “But I want to. Shelby, you have no idea how much I want to.” He swayed toward her and, she lifted her face for another kiss. He dropped onto his knee, wincing just a bit. She blinked for a second and then tilted her head down. A pained smile plastered across his lips. “I love you, Shelby Matthews. I didn’t realize how much until you left. Would you,” he paused, taking a big breath, “do me the great honor of becoming my wife?”

  “Will you say yes already so we can get on home?” Ollie leaned against the car, a bored look on his face. “I’m hungry.”

  Anne whacked him in the knee with her cane. “Shut up. This is beautiful.”

  Shelby suppressed a smile. “Yes. But only because Ollie wants us to get on with it.”

  “The only reason?” Beau’s slow smile melted her heart.

  She shook her head, black wisps of hair blowing across her face. “I love you, Beau Wright. And I would be just as honored for you to become my husband.”

  “We’ve run out of canapés,” called Ollie as he bustled into the kitchen. “Do we have any more?”

  Shelby pulled a pan out of the oven. “Yes, we do. Get ‘em while they’re hot.”

  Ollie popped one in his mouth. His eyes went wide, and he began to fan air onto his tongue.

  “Is it hot, Ollie?” Shelby raised her eyebrow at him, giving him a half smile that she knew drove him nuts.

  He glared at her while dumping the canapés on the serving platter. Without another word, hot or otherwise, he grabbed the platter and went back into the house.

  “Wait! Those have to be,” began Shelby. It was too late. He’d already gone into the house. “Oh well. At least people are eating the food.”

  Beau popped his head in the door and gave her a smile meant just for her. Shelby felt her heart flutter. The last week had been busy with the final preparations of the pageant. Beau had managed to find time to size his mother’s ring to fit her finger.

  “The pageant is about to start.” He held his hand out to her.

  “You don’t have to tell me twice.” She pulled the apron off and tossed it on the counter. “Did you manage to get the animals to behave?”

  “Sort of. We gave them some sweet grain and placed Mac the goat between the geese and Lucy the pig. It’s all we could think of.”

  “So, what you’re saying,” said Shelby, taking his hand and letting him lead her through the crowd, “is that we’re on borrowed time.”

  “Exactly.” He grabbed her coat and slipped it over her shoulders. “We need to get everyone outside as fast as possible.”

  Stan stood patiently on the doorstep. “Boss, we got a problem.”

  Beau groaned. “What now?”

  “You know that sleigh ride we been giving?” He scratched the side of his nose. “Seems the horses decided they were done and went home. With the sleigh still belted on.”

  Beau blanched and reached for his coat. He took a step outside but stopped, pivoted, and dropped a kiss on Shelby’s nose. “I’ll be back. I promise.” He gave her an apologetic look before hurrying away with Stan to rescue the horses and sleigh from each other.

  A throat cleared behind Shelby. When she turned around, she found Verity d’Neal behind her. Shelby tensed for an argument.

  Shelby took a closer look at the small black book Verity held in her hands. “Is that my sketchbook?”

  Verity raised her eyebrows, tipping her head back just a bit. “It is.” She handed it to Shelby. “I found it while completing the church mural. Kudos on your design. It worked splendidly.”

  “Thank you.” Shelby gave her a tight smile, but Verity stayed put, fidgeting in place. “Was there something else?”

  “Hmm? Yes.” Verity drew herself up and inhaled deeply. “Your sketches in that notebook match the style of paintings that Dana said were hers. After some careful examination, I discovered that your signature had been painted over.” She cleared her throat again, and a slight blush turned her bony cheeks crimson. “I am sorry that I doubted you. I would like your forgiveness if you are willing to give it.”

  “Of course, I’m willing.” Shelby stepped forward and gave the woman a small hug. Verity straightened into a board and only relaxed when Shelby stepped back.

  “Thank you.” Verity gave her a small smile. She hesitated a moment and rushed out, “I’d like to show your work in my gallery if you’re willing.”

  “I’d like that.” Shelby gave her a grin. “I’ll have my work in two galleries. Yours and Ya Ya’s.”

  Verity’s hand clutched her chest. “Ya Ya Pugh?”

  “Oh, you know her?”

  Verity mumbled a ‘kind of’ and wandered away, a stunned look in her eyes. Shelby chuckled, not one bit sorry that she’d thrown the gallery owner for a loop.

  She managed to get down the steps and out to the Pageant. The wise men—three children from the church dressed in their parents’ bed sheets—were walking away from the stable, leading the other children in a procession.

  “I missed it.” She waved at the kids as the passed by.

  “It’s okay, Mith Thelby,” said little Tommy, still struggling with his missing front teeth. “The pig wrecked it anyway. But it thure wath funny.” His gap-tooth smile made her giggle.

  “Now don’t you be telling tales on me, Tommy O’Brian.” Beau slid an arm around her shoulders.

  Tommy’s face immediately became serious. “No, thir, Mr. Wright.” Then he grinned at them and ran away.

  “The pig got loose?” Shelby snuggled into Beau’s embrace. “Did anyone get hurt?”

  “Only our pride.” He guided her toward the back of the house. “I think I saw Pastor Grimes in the back near the gazebo.”

  She flushed with happiness. “I hope he agrees to officiate our wedding.”

  “I’m sure he’ll be happy to, sweetheart.” Beau stopped for a moment, his gaze searching the area. “There he is.”

  Pastor Grimes stood next to the gazebo, his back to them. He chatted with another person but was blocking their view of who it was.

  “Pastor Grimes!” Beau raised his hand to get his attention. Grimes stepped back and revealed who’d he had been talking to. Behind him stood a very red-faced Lena Hart. In a quieter voice, Beau added, “That was unexpected.”

  “Think they saw us?” Shelby turned her head up to look at him. “We could do a runner.”

  “You’ve got to stop watching British t
elevision. And no, we’re not ‘doing a runner.’” A frown hovered around the corners of his lips. “Come on. Looks like the pastor won’t let it lie.”

  Grimes led Lena toward them and held up his hand in greeting. “Hey there, Beau. Shelby. Thank you for your hospitality. It’s been a great party so far.”

  “Glad you’re enjoying yourself, sir.” Shelby nodded to Lena. “Lena.”

  Beau stayed silent and turned his attention back to the pastor, ignoring Lena. Shelby saw the hurt look cross Lena’s face and disappear again.

  “Sir, we wanted to ask you something.” At the pastor’s encouraging nod, Beau added, “We’d like you to marry us.”

  A delighted smile formed on Pastor Grimes’ face. “I’d be honored. When will the happy occasion occur?”

  “February. Not sure what date yet. Kind of depends on your availability.”

  “I’m sure we can work something out. Feel free to call on me at the church on Monday.” The pastor cleared his throat. “There is something I think that Miss Lena wants to say to you folks.” He pulled Lena forward and nodded to Beau and Shelby. “Go on.”

  Lena turned her head away from them. She cleared her throat, and when she turned back, there were tears in her eyes. “If I said anything that made you uncomfortable, or if you misconstrued what George told me, then I’m sorry for any part I played in your misunderstanding.”

  Shelby pressed her lips together. It wasn’t much of an apology but considering who stood in front of her, it was probably the best one they would get.

  “George is so fired,” muttered Beau. Shelby resisted the urge to elbow him in the ribs, despite agreeing with him.

  She stepped on his foot instead and said as sweetly as possible to Lena, “An apology like yours makes all the difference. “

  “Excellent! I’m glad we’re moving forward from this nasty business. Lena, I’ll take you home now.”

  “Pastor, you don’t have to leave.” Beau looked at Lena. “She can stay, too.”

  “No, no.” The pastor put his hand under Lena’s elbow. “Martha’s expecting us. Until Sunday my friends.” He ushered Lena toward the front of the house. Shelby and Beau watched them turn the corner.

  “What do you mean ‘an apology like yours makes all the difference’?” Beau stared down at her, confusion and a little anger stamped across his face.

  “Well, it does. It was an apology and made the difference in if I liked her or not.” She winked at him, and Beau began to chuckle. He bent down and kissed her on the forehead.

  “You never cease to amaze me, sweetheart.” He squeezed her shoulders and urged her toward the gazebo. “Let’s go to the gazebo.”

  They crunched through a tiny untrampled patch of snow and then stepped into the gazebo, with its gabled roof and open sides. It was hung with tiny fairy lights and boughs of evergreen decorated the railings. He looked around and nodded at her. “No squirrels.”

  She laughed. “Good. I’d hate to be attacked by one tonight.” The band began to play Silver Bells, and Beau pulled her into his arms, and they began to sway together. “I’m so glad Ollie found the band to play for us. I never would’ve thought of looking at the retirement village.”

  “Have to admit, they’re pretty good.” He swung her out, turning her and pulling her back into his arms. “I have something for you.”

  “Is it a kiss?”

  Beau tilted his head, thinking. “Not this time, but hold that thought.” She giggled as he let go of her and pulled out a wrapped present from beneath a pine bough. “Hid it here earlier. I want you to know that I love you.”

  “I know that, Beau.” Shelby smiled at him, he was so serious.

  “And I wanted you to have this.” He handed her the box.

  “Is this from Rose’s shop?” She tugged on the velvet ribbon, so dark green it was almost black. The paper crinkled as she carefully peeled it back from the box. “It is. I had no idea you were such a romantic. First your marriage proposal, then your mom’s ring, and now this.”

  “To be honest, I was so nervous asking you to marry me, my knees went weak, and it was either drop down to propose or fall on my face.”

  Shelby’s lips twitched with the laughter she was trying to suppress. “At least you’re honest.”

  Beau’s eyes twinkled. “Open your present, sweetheart.”

  Shelby’s breath caught in her throat as she opened the lid. “Oh, Beau.” She pulled the glass ornament from the box and held it up, the twinkling lights bouncing off the purple flowers inside.

  “I looked it up, and those are violets.” He stepped closer and touched his fingernail to the glass ball. “The purple ones mean love and faithful devotion.” He slid his hand around hers, so they held it together. “Just like I have for you.”

  Shelby felt a tear slide down her cheek. “I love you, too. And while it’s been hard, I’m glad that God had a plan for us to be together.” She looked down at the ornament, so full of joy she could barely contain it all. “Let’s go put it on the tree.”

  “Together,” murmured Beau, “I like that word.” He kissed her softly, and as they walked back to the house to place the ornament in a place of honor on the Christmas tree, Shelby sent up a small prayer. Thank you, dear Lord, for my Mr. Wright.

  The End

  1. While this story isn’t an exact retelling, the themes of rejection, redemption, and family connections are still there. Were you able to see the parallels between Shelby and Beau’s story to those of Ruth and Boaz? What elements stood out most to you? (See the Book of Ruth)

  2. Like Boaz in the book of Ruth, Beau tried to show what he thought of Shelby rather than telling her. What problems could have been prevented by him also speaking of his love and care for her? (See Proverbs 25:11)

  3. People made assumptions about Shelby because of how she looked—both her naturally youthful features and her choices of hair color, tattoos, and piercings. What does the Bible say about making judgments about people based on their looks or social standing? (See I Samuel 16:7 and James 2:1-7)

  4. In Brushed with Love, family is important to Anne. Much like with Ruth and Boaz, as a modern Naomi, she appeals to family to help when threatened with debt and poverty. How does Beau fill the role of a kinsman redeemer for them? (See Ruth 4:9-10)

  5. The Paveys, Sam and Dana, and Lena Hart, all tried to take what wasn’t theirs (the paintings and Beau). How does this relate to Naomi’s cousin’s willingness to redeem the land but not take the responsibility that goes with it, namely, Ruth? Beau and Ollie play the part of Boaz in that they both “pull a fast one” on Dale Jackson and take care of the land as Anne wished. (Ruth 4:4-6)

  www.aprilhayman.com

  April Hayman creates adventures in ink wielding a fountain pen with the finesse of a sonic screwdriver. Author of the Heirlooms of Deception series, April combines humor, mystery, and quirky characters into stories that you’ll remember long after the last page.

  April loves hearing from readers. You can contact her through her website, www.aprilhayman.com, or sign up for her newsletter, www.aprilhayman.com/newsletter to hear about news, upcoming releases, and more!

  by April Hayman

  Find the latest information and connect with April at her website: www.aprilhayman.com

  Trip the Light Fantastic

  Lead a Merry Dance

  Brushed with Love

  The Trouble with Christmas Cheer (coming soon)

  April Hayman Introduces Chautona Havig

  I’m thrilled that you chose to read Brushed with Love. I truly hope that it blessed and inspired you. I wrote Brushed with Love to explore the different topics and themes within one of my favorite books of the Bible, the Book of Ruth, in a modern setting. As you can tell, it’s still very applicable in our own lives!

  Now, it is my distinct honor to introduce the next book in the series by my dear friend, Chautona Havig. She is a truly gifted writer and an inspiring Christian who has blessed me in many ways. I admire her for her humo
r, dedication, and directness.

  Chautona’s story is about Wayne and Lena, two characters introduced in her book, Premeditated Serendipity. In Tangled in Tinsel, a story of misunderstandings and tangled tangoes, Wayne and Lena learn that they cannot let the past dictate their futures. This Contemporary Christian Romance is sure to get your heart dancing this holiday season.

  Author of Brushed with Love

  a novella by

  Copyright Notice

  Tangoed in Tinsel, original copyright © 2018 by Chautona Havig, all rights reserved.

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to amazon.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  Fonts: Garamond, Berton, Austina, Eras Medium

  Edited by: Haug Editing

  The events and people in this book are purely fictional, and any resemblance to actual people is purely coincidental, and I’d love to meet them!

  All Scripture references are from the NASB. NASB passages are taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE (registered), Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation

  Fiction / Christian / Romance

  Description: It took twenty years for Wayne Farrell to find the love of his life and only a sprained ankle to lose her. Still, when a new shot at romance presents itself, Wayne finds himself tangling and tangoing his life in unexpected directions.

  Disclaimer: Each book in this collection is the intellectual property and copyrighted material of the respective author and/or publisher and is reprinted as a part of this collection (anthology) only once, only for a limited time, and only by permission of the owners. Olivia Kimbrell Press™ makes absolutely no claim on, or to, the property of the owner(s) which exceeds that permission.