by Irene Brand
Sean closed the distance between them in two long steps. He grasped Les’s hands in his. “Don’t blame yourself. I didn’t make a good first impression because I don’t like winter weather, and I was irritated that I couldn’t go home.”
“While we’re in a confessing mood,” Allen said, “I need to say something.” He stood and walked around the room, and with his back toward them, he said, “Probably you’ve guessed that I don’t have the same faith the rest of you do. I’ve not had much use for church people, and I wasn’t keen on spending this time with you. But you’ve taught me that I’ve been wrong. Seeing the way you handled this change in your plans has taught me a thing or two.”
Allen turned to face them, his expression serious and confused. “After the rest of you were sleeping last night, I lay awake doing a lot of thinking. I’m bewildered now, and I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I do know I want to be like you people. I hope you’ll pray for me.”
“We’re all praying people,” Quinn said. “Give us your telephone number, so we can call and check on your spiritual progress to encourage you.”
“I’ll need all the help I can get.”
“As I said last night, God had a purpose for bringing all of us together,” Eric commented. “We’re beginning to see the reasons. The future will probably tell us more,” he added, with a speculative glance between Quinn and Livia.
“Wouldn’t this be a good time to open our presents?” Marie said, to spare Livia the embarrassment that reflected in her eyes. “We should do that before we start to fix our food.”
“Suits me,” Eric said. “I’ll do the honors and pass the gifts around. Let’s open our gifts by age—oldest ones go first. We know lots of things about each other, so we might as well tell our ages. Is that okay with everyone?”
They soon sorted out their ages, so that Les was the first to open his gift, with Roxanne in second place. As the youngest in the group, Livia wouldn’t open her gift until last.
Only two of the packages were professionally wrapped. The others showed the absence of expert handling.
Sorting through the eight gifts, Eric picked up a flat, loosely wrapped gift, which he handed to Les.
“To Les from Sean,” he said.
Les threw a smile Sean’s way. “As mean as I’ve been to you, hard to tell what this might be.”
“I just wanted to show you I can do something else besides play basketball,” Sean said, returning the smile.
“Oh, my,” Les said when he tore the paper away. He held up a pen-and-ink drawing of the interior of the Sheltering Arms Church, focusing on the chancel—the way it must have looked in its heyday. The dirt and cracks had been removed from the windows, and the furniture and floor shone as if they were new, giving a splendor to the old building.
“Sonny, I’ll treasure this all the days of my life. Thanks.”
“Well, mother-in-law,” Eric said. “You’re next. ‘To Roxanne from Lester.’”
Her gift was wrapped in a brown paper bag, and Roxanne took out a carved wooden dog. “So that’s what you were making yesterday,” Roxanne said. “Thank you so much. It looks like the little terrier I had when I was a child.”
“I always did like to whittle,” Les said, embarrassed.
“Allen,” Eric said, “I had a gift for you—a pair of gloves that I’ve only worn a few times. But in light of what you’ve just told us, I’m going to give you something else.”
He handed his Bible to Allen. “I’ve used this Bible for several years, and it’s well-marked with my favorite verses. It’s something I cherish, but I want you to have it with my blessings.”
It seemed odd to see tears brighten Allen’s eyes.
As the rest of the thoughtful gifts were passed to the recipients, it was difficult to remember that they were stranded travelers. Goodwill and love filled the old building as a few rays of sunshine brightened the room.
Roxanne had her daughter’s name, and she gave her a set of pearls that she’d bought and had wrapped in Detroit. Marie gave Quinn a set of cologne and after-shave lotion that she’d bought for Eric. “Sorry, honey,” she said to her husband, as Quinn unwrapped the gift.
Sean appreciated Livia’s scarf, and immediately tied it around his neck. “Wish I’d had this when we were on our rescue mission this morning,” he said.
Livia received the last gift, and she’d already figured out that Quinn had pulled her name. Her hands moistened as she unwrapped the beautifully wrapped box that had obviously been bought before they’d been stranded. Whose gift was she getting?
The box contained a music box, with a twirling silver angel on top of the revolving base. With trembling hands, she wound the tape, placed the music box on the table and as the angel revolved slowly, the music of “Angels We Have Heard on High” swirled throughout the room.
Meeting Quinn’s eyes briefly, Livia said with all the warmth she could muster, which wasn’t much, “Thank you. It’s a beautiful gift.”
She wanted to say, “Did you buy this for the woman you’ve been dating? Because if you did, I don’t want it.”
She knew her thoughts were mean-spirited, because others had received gifts bought for someone else. But her heart was still vulnerable where Quinn was concerned, and she was unsure of herself.
And of Quinn’s feelings.
Chapter Nine
By humming “Jingle Bells,” and moving in time to the music, the stranded travelers created a festive air, as they heated the sweet potatoes on the stove and sliced the cold ham for sandwiches. As a surprise, Allen had brought two pumpkin pies and one cherry pie to top off the meal.
“As good a Christmas meal as I’ve ever had,” Eric said, with an apologetic look toward Roxanne. “When we’ve eaten with you on Christmas Day, Mom, I’ve never really been hungry. I was hungry today.”
Roxanne laughed at him. “No need for an apology. I agree with you.”
They were sitting around, relaxing after the meal, when Quinn stood suddenly. “Do you hear what I hear?”
And Sean broke into the lyrics of a traditional song. “Do you see what I see?”
Quinn shook his head. “No, I’m serious. I hear a tractor.”
They all rushed out on the porch as a huge tractor plowed to a noisy stop before the steps. A burly farmer, dressed in a red woolen coat with a knit cap pulled over his ears, jumped down from his enclosed cab.
“I thought there must be somebody stranded over here,” he said. “I heard bells ringing in the night and thought Santa’s Rudolph had a bell around his neck.” He laughed heartily at his joke. “But I got to studying on it this morning, and I told my missus I’d better have a look-see.”
The fog had lifted slightly, and he glanced toward the snowbound vehicles. “Looks like you had trouble. Anybody hurt in the accident?”
Recognizing the farmer, Quinn stepped forward.
“Why, Quinn Damron, what are you doing here?” the farmer exclaimed.
Quinn shook hands with him. To his companions, he said, “I’ve been to Mr. Dunlow’s farm several times, doctoring his animals. He lives over near the interstate, so the bell carried a long way.”
Briefly, Quinn explained what had happened to them, how they’d taken shelter in the church, and he introduced his companions. Quinn said, “Come inside, if you have time.”
“I won’t come in, but is there anything I can do for you? You got anything to eat?”
Quinn motioned to the upended truck. “We’ve had plenty of food, because that’s a grocery truck. Depending on how long we’ll be here, we may run out of fuel. Are the roads being plowed now?”
“Yes, the interstate is pretty well cleared, and if the sun shines like they’re predicting for the afternoon, there will be some thawing.”
“Then we can last through the rest of today and tonight,” Les said, stepping from behind Allen.
“Hi, there, Lester,” Dunlow said. “How’d an old-timer like you get stranded in a snowstorm?”
“Well, you do look hale and hearty,” Dunlow said. He reached in his tractor and pulled out a chain saw.
“I’ll see to it that you’re plowed out as soon as possible,” the farmer said, “but there’s no reason for you to be cold.” He motioned to a dead tree along the roadbed, not far from the church. “I’ll saw that tree up for you, and you won’t run out of fuel.”
More optimistic now that they knew rescue was near, they laughed and joked as they followed Dunlow to the tree. He quickly felled the tree and cut it into lengths that would fit the stove. The snowbound travelers carried the wood to the woodshed and several armfuls into the church, singing as they worked. The extra exertion made Livia feel warmer, and she was perspiring before the last chunk of wood was taken inside.
Before Dunlow climbed back on his tractor, he said, “We’ve been using our telephones right along, and soon’s as I get back, I’ll report your whereabouts to the state road workers. Do you want me to call your families and tell them you’re all right?”
“That would be wonderful!” Livia exclaimed. “Our families don’t have any idea where we are, and I get no cell phone reception out here.”
“My wife likes to talk on the phone, ’specially now that she’s snowbound. You write down the telephone numbers and names. She’ll notify your kin.”
Livia got her notebook and wrote down the numbers as each one dictated.
“Just one call will do for the three of us,” Roxanne said. “I’ll give you the name of my sister.”
The farmer absolutely refused to take the money they offered him for the long distance calls. “Nope. I’d be a miserly creature if I can’t help my fellowmen once in a while without being paid for it.”
Dunlow tucked the paper in his coat pocket, climbed back into the tractor cab and shouted above the noise of the engine, “Merry Christmas!”
He waved, and went roaring back the way he’d come. Knowing that their rescue was imminent, the group returned to the church building with a lighter heart.
Despite the warmer weather, when the sun went down, the building was cold, and they again took shifts keeping their sanctuary warm. A lot had changed since Quinn and Livia had sat together two nights ago. Although Livia was anxious to get home, she had mixed feelings about being rescued because she was enjoying her time with Quinn.
Although they’d sat silently for a long period, Quinn must have shared her thoughts, because he said, “Sounds as if this time tomorrow night, we’ll be going on to our respective homes,” Quinn said. “Livia, it’s been wonderful running into you again. Will we continue to see each other now?”
“Do you want to see me?” she asked.
“Well, of course,” he said quickly. “I just said I’d enjoyed seeing you again.”
“But you’re dating someone.”
“Yes, but we’re really more like friends keeping each other company for dinners and things.”
“Did you buy the music box for her?”
His green eyes widened in amazement. “No, I didn’t. I bought her a gift, but it wasn’t the music box.”
“Then who did you buy it for?”
“You.”
“Me! You didn’t know you’d even see me!”
“No, I didn’t know it, but God knew we’d be together for Christmas. I saw the music box in a jewelry store display case when I was shopping in the mall. I thought it was a beautiful thing. I bought it on impulse, not having any idea what I’d do with it. When I met you again and was fortunate enough to choose your name, I was sure the gift was meant for you.”
Shamefaced, Livia said, “I’m sorry I jumped to the wrong conclusion. Thinking you’d bought it for someone else, spoiled the gift for me. I’ll really treasure it now.”
“Since we got started off on the wrong foot once before let’s start over. I won’t ask for any commitments now, but I’d like to see where this leads. God seems to have thrown us back together for a reason. Will you let me come and visit you at Heritage Farm? After that, I’ll have my mother invite you to come to our home. Then if we still enjoy being together, it’s an easy trip for me to drive to OSU every other weekend. Does that sound like a good plan to you?”
Livia didn’t know why she hesitated. He was offering what she’d wanted for three years. Was she going to be foolish again and drive Quinn away from her forever?
“Yes, it does. I’ve always wanted you to see Heritage Farm and meet my family. Let’s exchange phone numbers, and we’ll arrange a weekend visit as soon as possible. I find it hard to forgive myself for the awkwardness of the past and our lost friendship.”
He took her hand. “Don’t be hard on yourself. I was at fault, too. Let’s forget it.”
“I’m not sure it’s best to forget what happened. We need to learn from our mistakes. I don’t want to go through again what I have for the past three years.”
“These few days we’ve been together, and they seem like weeks, I’ve kept playing the ‘What Might Have Been’ game, wondering where we’d be today if we hadn’t lost track of each other.”
She looked at him, amazement on her face. “I’ve been doing the same thing,” she said. “I’ve wondered if we’d still be seeing each other, or if a few months of dating would have shown us that we aren’t compatible at all.”
He shook his head. “I don’t really believe that would have happened.” He pulled her into the shelter of his arm, and kissed her forehead. “I’ve felt kinda sad when I’ve noticed how much Eric and Marie love each other, wondering how much I’ve missed by not continuing to see you.”
Livia didn’t answer, and he realized she was crying. Tears slowly found their way down her cheeks, and she swiped them away. He didn’t think he should ask her why she was crying, but he wrapped his arms around her and rocked her gently back and forth.
Livia yielded to the driving sobs that shook her body as the tears washed away the rejection and unhappiness that had dominated her heart. In Quinn’s arms, she put the indecisive period of her past behind her. Someday she would tell Quinn how she felt, but not tonight. All she wanted now was to continue to enjoy the security of his arms.
When she quieted, with a tender hand, Quinn lifted her face. Tears still trembled on her eyelids, and he wiped them away. Quinn’s lips caressed hers tenderly until he realized that Livia was responding. His lips were warm and sweet on hers, and Livia knew that today marked a new beginning for them.
After the interlude with Quinn, Livia thought she would sleep, but the pews she occupied with Roxanne seemed harder than the night before. How easy it had been, in Quinn’s arms, to put the past behind her and bury the disappointments and embarrassments which had made her miserable for years.
She realized now that her faith had been weak, or she wouldn’t have let one bitter incident distress her for so long. Her parents had taught their children from infancy that God had a plan for each individual’s life. To find true happiness, one had to submit personal will to God’s will. She hadn’t done that. She had made up her mind three years ago that she wanted Quinn, and instead of waiting for God’s timing in the matter, she’d planned her own agenda to get him.
Now she fully understood it had been God’s will all along for her and Quinn to be together. Considering her immaturity at age seventeen, if she had started dating Quinn, their relationship probably wouldn’t have lasted. Eight years difference in age now didn’t seem nearly as much as it had been when they’d first met.
What would her parents think when she sprung Quinn on them suddenly? She’d never mentioned him to any of her family, although she’d often wanted to confide in her brother. But her ego had been so wounded that, like an old dog, she had crawled off by herself to lick her wounds. Probably her mother had known all along that something was bothering her youngest daughter, but Hilda Kessler was a wise wo
man. She’d raised her children to be self-reliant, and she hadn’t pried into her daughter’s emotional problems.
God, forgive me, for not trusting You to guide my life. I’m grateful that You brought Quinn back into my life. I won’t try to outrun You again. You lead the way—I’ll be happy to follow.
Livia sensed a marked difference in the attitude of her companions when she woke up the next morning and stepped stiffly off of the church pew. For one thing, the sun was shining, which seemed to add to their hope that they would be rescued before the day was over.
They grouped around the stove for breakfast, and Marie must have echoed all of their thoughts. As she chewed halfheartedly on a cold doughnut, she said, “I hope the Lord will forgive me for an ungrateful attitude, but once we get out of this predicament, I don’t think I’ll ever eat another doughnut.”
Her comment brought a universal laugh from her companions.
“The same thought was rolling through my mind,” Sean said, “but I’ve complained so much, I decided to keep my mouth shut for once.”
“Matter of fact,” Les said with a mischievous grin, “I never did like store-bought doughnuts. My missus used to make doughnuts that would melt in your mouth. I’d sure like to take a bite of one of them.”
“Please,” Sean said, “don’t talk about home-cooked food. My mouth had been watering two days for a large slab of turkey, mashed potatoes, bread stuffing and hot rolls. Lead me to it.” He rubbed his stomach and groaned.
“Don’t forget about the rest of basketball season,” Eric warned. “If you gain a lot of weight, the coach will keep you sitting on the bench.”
“You can’t gain a pound by dreaming,” Sean retorted. “Besides, by the time I get home, my family will be tired of turkey and dressing and will probably be eating pizza.”