"I know she will."
"It will be fun meeting her,” Jena added. “Maybe she can tell me some stories about the ‘good old days’ that you're always talking about.” She snickered.
"They'd all be good,” Aaron said. “What do you say we go to that ice cream shop? A banana split sounds like it would hit the spot right about now."
"Oh, I love banana splits. Mom likes strawberry sundaes."
"And, if I remember right, she likes lots of whipped cream.” Aaron grinned.
"I still do.” Elizabeth beamed. “I can't believe you remember after all this time."
"Some things are never forgotten.” He stood and pulled her up. “Come on, there are sundaes over there with our names on them."
Elizabeth couldn't remember when she'd had more fun, and Jena seemed to enjoy herself. Maybe things could work out for them. She'd need to take a leap of faith to make sure Aaron stayed in their lives. Could she do it?
* * * *
Aaron watched the wind whip through Jena's hair as she held the reins of the horse pulling the sleigh. He finished tying the rope around the Christmas tree in the back seat. She looked so much like her mother at that age and was just about as sweet. He smiled at her. It had been Beth's idea that they go for the tree by themselves so he could get to know her daughter better.
"You took to horse riding like a duck to water. I'm glad your mom decided to come the day before Christmas Eve."
"Me, too. I've always liked horses. My dad took me the first time I rode one.” Jena rubbed the horse's mane. “That sure was a special day. It was just the two of us."
"Sounds like you and your dad have some good times."
"We did, until I turned nine. Then he left me and Mom."
"That must have been difficult. I can't imagine how you felt."
"It broke my heart, and for a while I hated him. But later on I just wanted to be with him whenever I could. I prayed a lot, but sometimes I didn't think God heard me."
"That's understandable. God always hears us, though, Jena. He just answers those prayers in His own time not ours—and in His own way."
"God kept my dad in my life so I know He answers prayers."
"How do you and your dad get along now?"
"We have good times again. But now it's different. Every time I visit him it's like we have to get to know each other all over again. Sometimes I wish for the way it used to be when he was with me everyday.
"I'm sure your dad misses being with you, too.” Aaron touched her shoulder. “How do you feel about your mom seeing me?"
"At first I wasn't sure. I guess a part of me kept hoping dad would come back to us. But after a while I knew that wasn't going to happen. So now, I want what's best for Mom. She deserves happiness, too. I've watched her. She's happy with you."
"Well, I care for her a lot."
"You have to do more than care. You have to love her.” Jena handed the reins to him. “Let's go, I can't wait to decorate this tree."
Aaron watched her climb back into the sleigh, stunned by her adamant declaration. The pain he'd seen on her face when she talked about her dad's leaving tore at his heart. He could see that nine-year-old-child crying after her father. Suddenly he wasn't sure he was doing Beth any favors by continuing their relationship. What if he also disappointed Jena? After all, what did he know about being a father? Maybe he needed to re-think this relationship.
But it took no rethinking to know that life without Beth and Jena would be empty. He climbed back into the sleigh, then clucked a command to his horse to head on home.
* * * *
[Back to Table of Contents]
Chapter Four
* * * *
The church was filled with people as Elizabeth and Aaron entered. A woman greeted them and handed them each a program for the Christmas Eve service. They made their way down the aisle to where his mother and Jena were seated. He waved when Jena turned around.
"Thanks for saving us a seat.” Aaron motioned for Elizabeth to slide in next to his mother.
"Hey mom, this is Bill and his girlfriend, Margaret,” Jena said. “They've been telling me all about Terryville. I'm glad I came early with Mrs. Blake."
"It's nice to meet you.” Elizabeth shook each of their hands. She then sat and moved over so Aaron could join her.
One by one she watched the red-robed choir fill up the front of the church. Elizabeth felt self-conscious as she noticed people looking at her and whispering to each other.
"I feel like my slip is showing or something,” Elizabeth whispered into Aaron's ear.
"They're not used to me escorting someone else to church. It's usually just Mom and me."
He slipped his hand in hers. “You're going to love the choir. They're really good."
"I'm sure I will. I've always loved Christmas music.” She liked the feel of his hand in hers. The fact that the town's people were seeing them as a couple also pleased her.
Elizabeth looked around the little country church. The pot-bellied stove in the corner heated the room. On one side of the room were the American flag and Christian flag. On the other side was a piano decorated with holiday greens. Behind that stood a Christmas tree decorated with homemade decorations. The center of the church held a small table with a large ceramic Nativity Set. Everything looked beautiful. Jena sat talking to the couple again.
"Jena looks like she's enjoying herself."
"I figured Mom would introduce her to someone closer to her own age."
Lights dimmed, signaling the beginning of the program. The pianist began playing. The choir director raised her hands and Away in the Manger filled the room. Elizabeth settled back against the pew enjoying the wonderful music.
After the song ended a young girl about eleven stepped forward and began singing Silent Night in one of the sweetest voices Elizabeth had ever heard. The church was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop. Goose bumps skittered up and down her arms.
"So what do you think?” Aaron whispered slipping his arm around her shoulder.
"They're wonderful!” She smiled enjoying the feel of his arm around her shoulder. “Thank you for inviting us. This is what Christmas is all about."
"I agree. Too many people think getting presents is Christmas and forget about the birth of Jesus.” Aaron shrugged.
Elizabeth looked at Jena again. “I'm glad Jena knows the difference."
They relaxed to enjoy the remainder of the cantata.
"The last song is coming up,” Aaron said, lightly squeezing her shoulder.
Elizabeth looked down at the program. “Ava Maria. That's my and my mom's favorite song.” Elizabeth hummed along. This was another moment she would hold forever in her heart.
* * * *
Aaron pulled out the string of lights from one of the boxes stacked on the couch. As usual he was going to have to untangle them. Every Christmas he told himself he was going to wind the lights around a box so they wouldn't get tangled. But then he got in a hurry to take down the tree and just piled the decorations in the box. He let out a groan as he struggled with the tangled lights. Beth, Jena, and his mom laughed at him. He was glad they were having a good time, even if it was at his expense. If he ever got these lights straightened, he'd enjoy the rest of the night, too.
"Got a mess on your hands again?” His mom put some iced sugar cookies on the coffee table.
"Aaron, how on earth did you get the lights tangled like that?” Beth held up the other end of the lights. “You know it might be better if we just get a new string."
"Give them to me, mom, I'll have them straightened out in no time.” Jena took the lights and began working her magic. Sure enough, in no time she had the string untangled.
Aaron watched her in amazement. “How did you do that?"
"You just have to find the lead line.” Jena smiled and handed him the lights.
He began stringing the lights around the tree and then stood back to see if he had all the limbs covered. “How does that look?"
"Good.” Beth grinned as she picked up a glass angel ornament. “Can we put the ornaments on now?"
"Yep, it's all ready for you ladies. I'm not very good at putting the decorations on the tree. I break them.” He sat down on the couch, grabbed a cookie, and bit into it. “These are good, Mom."
"Thank you. I know they're your favorite."
Aaron watched as they decorated the tree. Everything felt so right having Beth and Jena here to celebrate Christmas with him. He raised his eyes in silent prayer. I want to thank you God for bringing Beth back into my life. I'm still scared of falling short with Jena, but I know You have my future planned. So I'll just have to wait and see.
"Aaron, we want you to help us decorate.” His mom tapped him on the shoulder as she stood behind the couch.
"Sorry, I guess my mind was somewhere else.” He stood and looked at the tree. “If you really want me to. But don't blame me if I break anything.” Aaron picked up a glass angel and placed it on one of the limbs. “How does this look?"
"Really cool, Aaron.” Jena reached over to a limb near him and placed another decoration.
In a half hour the tree was finished. They stood back admiring their work.
"That's the prettiest tree I've ever seen.” Aaron slipped his arm around his mom. “What do you think, Mom?"
"The best we've ever had.” She smiled.
"Well, can you please turn on the lights?” Jena asked. “It's not finished until we see it lit. Then we'll be able to tell for sure. Right, everybody?"
"Right,” Beth and his mom replied.
Aaron walked over to the tree, reached behind, then plugged in the cord. The tree came alive with bright twinkling lights. “Beautiful."
"Can we open the presents under the tree?” Jena pleaded.
"Has someone been peeking?” Aaron teased. “Sure why not.” He reached down and handed them each a present.
Jena plopped down on the floor, quickly ripping open the paper. She squealed as she looked down at the blue iPod. “How did you know I wanted this exact one?"
"Santa told me.” He waggled his brows up and down.
"Well, thank Santa.” Jena put the plug in her ear. “It's got my favorite song."
"There's a gift certificate to get more downloads."
"Thanks, so much!” Jena sprung up throwing her arms around his neck giving him a big hug.
"You're welcome.” The gesture touched him.
"Open yours, Mom."
Beth smiled at Aaron and shook the box as she stood next to his mother. “They say good things come in small packages."
"You won't know until you open it.” A mixture of excitement and nerves coursed through him.
Jena's head bobbed up and down. “Yeah, Mom, open it. We're waiting to see what's inside."
His mom looked on, smiling.
"Okay, I'm opening it.” Beth ripped open the package and found a small white box containing a heart necklace with a tiny diamond in the center. “Oh, it's beautiful, Aaron!"
"Here, let me put it on.” Aaron's fingers trembled as he tried to work the clasp. But he finally fastened it. “It looks just like I thought it would, beautiful just like you. Now you'll think of me every time you look at it."
"Flattery will get you everywhere.” She gazed into his eyes as she fingered the necklace on her neck. “But I don't need a reminder for that."
"I'll try to remember that.” He ran his knuckle across her chin, lost in her beautiful green eyes.
"There are two packages under there from me,” his mom announced.
Aaron stepped back. “You heard Mom.” He reached under the tree and got the two large packages, handing them to Beth and Jena.
"Thank you but you didn't have to get us gifts.” Beth smiled at her.
"I thought you both might like these."
They quickly tore open the packages. Inside was a multi-colored knitted vest. “Oh, this is beautiful!"
"I had my friend make them for you."
"This will look good with my black jeans.” Jena slipped hers on. “It fits perfect!"
"It looks good on you, honey.” His mom beamed with pride.
Jena gave her a big hug. “I made you both something, too.” Jena reached behind the chair near the tree, pulled out two long tubes and handed one to him and one to his mom. “I hope you like them."
His mom opened the tube and pulled out a rolled up paper. She gasped as she opened it. “This is beautiful. Did you draw this?"
"Yes, it's a charcoal drawing. Aaron told me you like lighthouses."
"I do and this will be hanging over my fireplace.” She hugged Jena. “You're very talented."
"I just fool around a bit.” Jena shrugged with self-consciousness.
"Let's see what you drew for me.” Aaron opened the tube and slid out the rolled paper. He unrolled a picture of himself on a horse with the pasture spreading out behind him. “Wow! This should be more than a hobby. God has given you a real gift, Jena."
"Thanks.” Looking a little embarrassed, she glanced over at her mom and reached behind the chair again. “This one is for you, Mom."
Surprise crossed Beth's face. “When did you have time to do this?"
"I worked on it at night when you thought I was sleeping."
"Oh.” Beth pulled off the top and slid out the picture. She unrolled it and gasped. “It's Aaron and me at the ice cream shop in the mall."
He moved next to her to examine the picture. She had captured that special moment forever. He shook his head. “That's a wonderful present for your mom."
"Thank you so much, honey. I'll treasure this.” Beth bent over and kissed her cheek. “You get better all the time."
* * * *
"That's enough compliments. There are three more gifts under the tree.” Jena pointed at the Christmas tree.
"You're right. We're not through opening presents yet.” Elizabeth bent down and retrieved the presents she had placed under the tree. She handed one to Aaron and another to his mother.
They both tore open their packages.
"Oh, Elizabeth, this light blue cardigan is beautiful.” Aaron's mother held it up to her chest. “I'll wear it to church next Sunday."
Aaron pulled his new sweater over his head. “What do you think?"
"It fits perfect.” Elizabeth smiled.
"Mom picked a good color. It does such wonderful things for your eyes.” Jena fluttered her lashes.
Aaron threw some balled up wrapping paper at her and everyone laughed.
"It's my turn.” Elizabeth handed Jena her present. Jena tore at the wrappings. “Oh, Mom, it's my FSU jacket.” She quickly slipped it on, then threw her arms around Elizabeth. “Thank you so much."
"You're welcome, honey."
Aaron looked at Beth shaking his head. “An FSU jacket?"
"Go figure!” Elizabeth shrugged. “I blame it on her Uncle David."
"Come on, it's cookie time.” Jena grabbed Aaron's hand, pulling him toward the coffee table.
Elizabeth slipped her arms around Aaron's mother and they both headed for the cookies.
Aaron and Jena playfully teased each other with the cookies as Beth and his mom looked on, laughing. He hoped this was a night that would forever be carved into all their hearts.
* * * *
From the front porch at the farm in Terryville, Elizabeth and Aaron watched Jena and Aaron's mom feed the chickens. Christmas Eve had been wonderful, and today was proving to be even better. But anytime Elizabeth thought life was too perfect, trouble soon followed. She'd do well to remember that.
The snow had just started falling. Jena stuck out her tongue, catching the snowflakes. Elizabeth knew she could be happy here for the rest of her life. From what she saw, Jena could be, too. Dangerous thinking, however. Aaron had spoken plenty of flowery words, but he'd never said he loved her or mentioned the word marriage. Best to put those thoughts out of her head and save herself some hurt.
"You're deep in thought.” He put his arm
around her shoulder pulling her closer. “Is anything wrong?"
"No, not at all. I was just thinking about how beautiful and peaceful it is here. I could get used to this.” She nestled up against his warmth.
"Could you, really? It's a far cry from what you're used to in Tallahassee. Most city folks find this boring. I'm afraid after a while you would too."
* * * *
Aaron winced. He really wanted to tell her how her words pleased him. His heart was leaning toward happily-ever-after. Why not just say so? He knew why. Jena.
Jena had crept into his heart before he knew what was happening. And she scared the living daylights out of him. She'd had one big disappointment in her life already. He didn't want to be another.
"You sound like you don't think I'd fit in around here.” She ran her hands up and down her arms as if cold. “Don't worry, Aaron, it was just a remark. I'm not asking for a commitment. We're leaving tomorrow."
"Wait, Beth,” Aaron called after her. But she kept walking away from him and disappeared inside the house. The hurt in her eyes pierced his heart.
He'd really put his foot in his mouth. Somehow he had to make things right again before she left in the morning.
* * * *
[Back to Table of Contents]
Chapter Five
* * * *
At the airport on Saturday, Elizabeth sat while Aaron played the pinball machine with Jena. They were having fun together. It would break her heart to have to tell Jena she wouldn't be seeing Aaron again. She'd grown attached to him. But if he couldn't make up his mind about a place for them in his future, Jena would be disappointed and hurt again by the adults in her life. Everything had been like a dream until last night on the porch, when Aaron's words had pierced her heart and left her with so many doubts about his true feelings.
Sadly, Aaron had proved what she'd suspected all along: He'd been saying pretty words he didn't really mean. Thank God they were leaving today. But she couldn't leave without telling him how she felt.
She stood and walked over to him. “Aaron, could we talk for a minute?"
"Sure.” He followed her back to the waiting area and sat next to her. “You've been giving me the cold shoulder. Are you still mad about what I said last night?"
On A Cold Winter's Night Page 15