Christmas Blessings: Seven Inspirational Romances of Faith, Hope, and Love

by Leah Atwood

  “Thank you, Grandma. I might need you to remind me of a few of those things.”

  “In that case, ask your mother. I wrote them all down in a journal and gave it to her before she married your father.”

  “You did?” That made me smile.

  She nodded. “I sure did. And then when the kids come along, it’s a whole different way of life.” Grandma patted my hand. “I have no doubt you’ll do fine.”

  Then she presented me with the beautiful antique pearl necklace, matching bracelet, and teardrop earrings she’d worn on her wedding day more than 60 years before. “I’d love it if you’d wear them in your wedding tomorrow, but only if you want, Ellie. In any case, I want you to keep them.”

  “I’ll be honored to wear them.” I ran a finger over the lovely pearls. “I’ll treasure them.”

  She squeezed my hand. “I’ve been praying for you and Ryan for a long time, honey.”

  My eyes widened. “You have?” She’d lived in Cade’s Corner until Grandpa died three years ago, and then she’d moved to Florida. Mom’s parents were both in a nursing home in Columbus.

  Grandma touched my cheek and gave me the sweet smile I loved so much. “You smashed cake in Ryan’s face at his fourth birthday party, and he repaid the favor the following year. I’ve watched the two of you tease each other and grow to love one another over the years. But when I saw Ryan put his hand over yours at your father’s gravesite”—Grandma’s eyes shone with emotion—“I knew he was the boy for you. Ryan has passion for you, Ellie. He’ll be a very attentive husband. And you will be his perfect helpmate. God’s choice for my dear granddaughter.”

  “Thank you, Grandma.” I kissed her soft, sweet cheek. “I love you.”

  “Can’t wait to see you married tomorrow, dear girl.”

  Ryan and I outlasted everyone as the festive evening drew to a close.

  “I’ll meet you at the church tomorrow afternoon,” Ryan whispered after he walked me home to Mom’s house, and we stood outside the front door. I was sleeping in my old bedroom for the last time as a single woman.

  “I have our travel documents ready to go,” Ryan said. “I double checked with the limo company. They’ll pick us up at the church at 5:00 to take us to the airport.”

  “Can’t wait.” I smiled and gave him a kiss he wouldn’t soon forget. “I’ll be there.”

  ~~♥~~

  My gaze rested on my gorgeous wedding gown hanging on the closet door. My dream dress—cap sleeves, scooped neckline, fitted bodice made from imported white lace with seed pearls and iridescent sequins which tapered to a natural waistline before billowing into a gloriously full, pale blush-colored skirt that made me feel like a beautiful princess. My simple but elegant veil hung in a bag behind the gown.

  My packed suitcase for the honeymoon sat in the back of Mom’s new car, a Toyota Camry. I went through my mental “to do” list. Satisfied that everything was in order, I jumped out of bed. Retrieving my cell phone from the night table, I sent Ryan a text. Now that he was home, I could freely initiate our texting.

  This is the day the Lord has made. Good morning, my husband-to-be.

  Carrying my cellphone with me, I stopped in the upstairs bathroom and then headed downstairs to prepare a light breakfast. Ryan sent a response while I sat eating at the table.

  Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Welcome to the rest of our lives together, Mrs. Sullivan-to-be. Counting the hours. Merry Christmas, baby.

  Three hours later, dressed in my wedding gown, I tucked the voluminous skirt beneath me as I sat on a chair at the small desk in the living room. Glancing over my shoulder, I smiled at the lit Christmas tree behind me.

  I pulled out the specially made, embossed Perchance to Dream notecards we use for writing the personal notes to the children. Bright colors, pink for the girls and blue for the boys. Not original, but it works well. Then I opened my desk drawer and pulled out my best writing pen.

  Since I only have a few minutes before going to the church, I need to make my words count.

  I have in mind what I want to say and set my pen first to the pink card.

  God’s miracles are real, my precious daughter. You are loved and living proof of His greatness. Trust in Him always. Love abounds.

  I wrote the identical message on the blue card (substituting “son” for “daughter”). Then I signed them Eleanor Rose Franklin Sullivan and wrote the date immediately beneath my signature. As a last touch, I added the reference for Jeremiah 29:11.

  With a smile, I placed the cards in envelopes marked For Our Daughter and For Our Son in my Dream Box. I closed the box and smoothed one hand over the top. I slowly made my way back up the stairs and stored the Dream Box in my closet. I’d take it to the new house when we returned from our honeymoon.

  The idea to write the notes and place them in the box had come to me shortly before I’d drifted to sleep the night before. I’d asked Ryan to do the same. Many years later, we’d share these envelopes with our own children. If we couldn’t have children of our own, we’d adopt several. God has given us so much, and we need to share His love. We can’t know if we’ll have a son, or a daughter (hopefully one or more of each), but we share those dreams, hopes, and wishes.

  More importantly, Ryan and I share our faith and our prayers.

  Lifting the skirt of the gown, I carefully made my way back down the front stairs. Kara had arranged for her friend to come to the house and do my hair (Maura was pleased since it was an elaborate updo, one I’d chosen since it flattered the neckline of my gown). I’d insisted on doing my own makeup using a sheer foundation that allowed my freckles to shine through in all their glory. Ryan loved my freckles, so I’ve decided to embrace, not hide, them.

  Another hour later, in my snow boots and with my white silk high heels in a satin bag, I allowed Kara and Staci to help me into my long, white, fake fur coat.

  Kara shook her head with a small smile. “Are you sure you want to do this, Ellie?”

  “Yes, I do. I want to take a walk with Dad on my wedding day.”

  Staci’s eyes filled with tears and Mom moved her hand over her heart.

  Kara nodded. “Just be careful.”

  I smiled. “I will. I’ll see you at the church shortly.”

  The day was glorious, and I squinted as I stepped outside on the front step. The church bells began to chime, making me smile.

  I breathed in deeply, filling my lungs with the fresh, crisp air as I began my short walk.

  Dad, this is it. I’m marrying Ryan today. He’s the boy Mom told me you always hoped I’d marry. He’s a good man. The best. The man of God’s choosing for me. He’s been my protector since I was a little girl, and he’s watched over me in your absence. He can’t take your place. No one can ever do that. But I know Ryan will love me and do everything he can to protect me for as many years as the Lord gives us together. Whether that’s 10 years or 60 years, I’ll be thankful.

  A few of the neighbors smiled and called out greetings as I passed by their houses. None of them seemed surprised to see me walking down the street in my bridal gown. That’s because they know me so well. Most of them have lived on this street as long as I’ve been alive. They know I walked this sidewalk with my father in every season of the year, and in all kinds of weather. They might even understand that’s what I was doing now.

  Not that I’m saying good-bye to Dad, but I’m sharing my special day with him in a private way. The way we would have done if he were walking beside me, my hand in his. He might not be here physically to walk me up the center aisle of the church to meet my groom, but he’d forever be in my thoughts, my prayers, and in my heart.

  I had the comfort of knowing I’d join him one day in Heaven. I don’t know about the streets paved with gold or winged horses, but I know I’ll walk again with my father. Share the smiles and the joy. No more pain, and no more tears.

  Ryan’s experience in Afghanistan has changed me. Taught me some profound truths. Taught me that small-town livi
ng may have its aggravations, but there’s nothing like knowing my friends and neighbors have been praying for Ryan, for me, and for us as a couple. Nothing like the townspeople coming alongside me in Keeley’s Market or The Soda Shoppe, holding me close, putting their arms around me, and giving me the encouragement and support I need. Saying a prayer for me. Sharing my joy and my pain.

  Could I find that in a larger city? Maybe, to a lesser degree. Perhaps not.

  But then to think what miracles can be accomplished when God’s people pray. Ah, such joy that fills my soul. Good people are everywhere, small town or big city. But this is home.

  I breathed in and then watched the small puffs of air escape my warm lips as Cade’s Corner Community Church comes into view. Such a pretty white church building with its steeple rising majestically in the sky as if to greet the Son. A gathering place for many in town since the 1950s. My parents married in this church. We’ve buried countless family members, neighbors, and friends in the cemetery behind the church, including my father.

  Ryan and I will have a rich life together, Dad. I hope the Lord blesses us with children to carry on the Franklin-Sullivan legacy. Even though I won’t be able to see you today, I feel your presence, and I know you’re happy for me. Thank you for helping to make me a better person.

  Lifting the skirt of my gown, smiling, I slowly climbed the front steps of the church.

  Most of all, Dad, thank you for teaching me to love.

  Teaching me how to love.

  And for teaching me to love well.

  Chapter 35

  ~~♥~~

  “Ellie, there are reporters on the front steps.”

  “How many are there?” I watched as Maura scooted back inside the bridal party changing room and closed the door.

  “At least four or five from both local and national news outlets. I think some of the big magazines are here based on the names they called out when I peeked out the door.” She grinned. “I feel like the press secretary for the president.”

  “What do you mean? What are they saying?” Kara the Protector was in place. She might come in handy today. Not much could bother me today with the exception of reporters.

  “I thought once they knew Ryan was home safely they’d leave us alone,” I said. I’d thought my exclusive interview granted to the Cleveland Plain Dealer would negate our current situation. “I guess that was wishful thinking.”

  Kara’s dress swished as she walked past me. “Let me at them! Is nothing sacred anymore?”

  “Kara, we’ll handle it.” My tone of voice stopped my oldest sister.

  “I need to see Ryan,” I said. “He’ll know what to do. Maura, can Nick keep the reporters at bay for now?”

  “Already done,” she assured me. All over again, I silently thanked those two wonderful people. The last few days would have been much more stressful without them to pray with me, counsel me, and stay by my side.

  “Wait!” Staci called from behind me as Maura opened the door for me to exit the room. “It’s bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the ceremony.”

  I whirled around, and Staci almost ran into me.

  “Whoa. Sorry!” Backing away, she held up her hands.

  “That’s only a silly superstition.” I surprised myself by how calm and in-control I sounded. “This is something unexpected, and I need to discuss what to do with the man who will be my husband in less than an hour.”

  “Of course,” Kara said. “Let us know if you need any help. Or need us to rally the troops.”

  “Thanks.” I relaxed as a feeling of calm swept through me. I couldn’t allow anything to spoil this beautiful day. Not even pesky reporters.

  Maura stepped over to the door again. “I’ll go get Ryan. Ellie, wait for him in the church nursery. I’m sure he’ll be in shortly.”

  I nodded my thanks and started down the hallway.

  Within a few minutes, Ryan strolled into the church nursery and closed the door behind him. Turning to face me, his bright smile emerged and made me weak in the knees. Standing before me was the most devastatingly handsome man I’d ever seen, inside and out. A man of God, a man of faith.

  Ryan moved his hand over his heart. “Ellie, you are more beautiful today than yesterday, and I didn’t think that could be possible.”

  “You say the sweetest things, Man of my Dreams. You clean up very well yourself.”

  Laughing, Ryan turned in a circle, modeling his dashing black tuxedo. “This old thing?”

  “You can’t begin to know how much I love you,” I told him. “I’d come closer, but I honestly don’t trust myself with you looking as good as you do right now. Besides that, I can’t risk shedding tears and messing up my makeup before the ceremony or my sisters will yell at me.”

  The corners of Ryan’s lips upturned. “I understand. We can’t have that. But I’m going to come closer now, hold your hands, and kiss your cheeks.”

  “I’ll try to control myself. It will be difficult.” He chuckled, but I was totally serious.

  I placed my hands in his, and my eyes misted as Ryan softly kissed one cheek and then the other. When he pulled back, his eyes shone with anticipation of what was to come. The day we thought might never come. With one hand, he gently trailed his fingers over my freckles with the lightest touch.

  “I suppose this wouldn’t be a good time to ditch our family and friends and run off to the Justice of the Peace?”

  I laughed. “Soon enough, my love. How’s your ankle? I see you’ve ditched the crutch and the sling.”

  “I’m moving a little slow, but I’ll be fine.” Ryan’s blue eyes darkened, his lids appeared heavy. “I can’t wait to be married to you, Ellie.” He said those words in a deep, smooth tone he had to know got to me every single time. “I’ll make you happy, and we’re going to have a great life together, baby.”

  “I’ve never doubted it for a minute.” I looked away for a moment to regain my composure. “You must stop saying sweet things like that before the ceremony.” I sniffled. “Not that I don’t love them, but first things first.” I blinked hard a few times and then shook my head to clear my thoughts. “I understand we have some unexpected guests.”

  “Yes,” he said. “I say we go outside on the front steps of the church for five minutes. Give them a statement and allow them to take their photos.”

  I tilted my head. “In exchange for leaving us alone during the ceremony and the reception?”

  “That’s my plan.” Ryan shrugged, drawing attention to his broad shoulders. “I hope it works. Are you game?”

  A smile covered my face. “Bring it on.”

  He laughed and kissed my cheek. “That’s my gorgeous girl. Do you have a coat?” His gaze skimmed over me in a way that revealed his strong desire and deep love for me.

  “I’ll be warm enough,” I assured him. That was a huge understatement. “Let’s go.”

  With Ryan’s hand in mine, we stood on the front steps of the church and faced the reporters together. Bright lights from the cameras nearly blinded me to the point where I could barely see individual faces, only hear the questions being called out to us.

  “Ryan, why do you think you were one of the lucky ones who survived?”

  “Because God’s not done with me yet,” Ryan said. “He has a purpose and a mission for me that I have yet to fulfill.” Ryan squeezed my hand. “Job number one is marrying my beautiful girl.”

  “Ellie, your story with Ryan is being called a fairy tale. What do you say to that?”

  “I’m just a small-town girl who loves the small-town boy from down the street. And blessed beyond measure that Ryan loves me back. I don’t look at our story as a fairy tale. To me, it’s a living, breathing example of God’s infinite grace.”

  I glanced up at Ryan and he lowered his lips to mine for another sweet kiss.

  Turning to face the small crowd once more, Ryan informed the reporters and photographers that we would not be answering any more questions.

  A
nd then he politely and diplomatically told them to leave.

  ~~♥~~

  As we waited in the vestibule for Mom to walk me up the aisle to meet Ryan, I noticed light snowflakes dancing outside the frosted windows. Kara and then Staci gave me quick hugs and whispered they loved me before they began their slow walk up the center aisle.

  “Don’t forget this.” Mom handed me the gorgeous wedding bouquet made by Nancy and Luther Nelson. I couldn’t begin to name the flowers, but the arrangement consisted of large blooms in deep purple and off-white with baby’s breath and a few sprigs of Christmas greenery. I’d never seen anything quite like it, but it was breathtaking and exquisite.

  “Ready, Ellie?”

  I smiled at my mother. She looked radiant, lovely and elegant in her wine-colored, tea length gown. I’d noticed Dr. Bernard sitting at the back of the sanctuary. He was quite a distinguished-looking man. Mom must have invited him to come, after all. That made my heart smile, and I was truly happy for her.

  “Mom, I was born ready to marry Ryan.”

  She pressed her cheek to mine. “Good answer. I love how God’s had His hand in your relationship with Ryan from the time you were babies. Yours is truly a love story for the ages. That kind of love is rare. I know you will cherish one another. As I cherish you, my darling daughter.”

  “Thanks, but we’d better start up the aisle now or I’m going to cry.”

  Mom smiled. “Then let’s take you to your groom.”

  I wasn’t nervous. I only had eyes for Ryan, and he for me, as the prelude began, and I started my slow walk to the front of the church with Mom. A string quartet played a classical piece, and it sounded beautiful in our beloved little church.