Christmas Comes to Bethlehem - Maine

by Ludwig, Elizabeth

  “Not very many, I guess.”

  “The first night we only had one. It’s an improvement, and if we keep increasing each time, think of the people we could reach for the Lord. Our goal is to bring the Christmas story to life. To show the significance of the event, not just sit there like mannequins, assuming everyone understands the meaning of the moment. Immanuel.”

  Callen raised an eyebrow. He still didn’t remember what it meant.

  “God with us.”

  He should have deduced that from the narrative during the nativity, but he’d been distracted, searching out Angie and watching her every move. He’d only paid passing attention to the actual drama. Except for the angel at the end. A dark-haired woman had stood on the high platform lit from a single spotlight and sang “Hark the Herald Angels Sing.” The song had touched something inside him, something long forgotten, but he couldn’t put a name to it. Probably a long dead memory of a happy holiday. One of the few he could claim. For most of his life he’d ignored Christmas. Except for the years with Angie.

  “Are you hungry?”

  Callen pulled his attention back to the woman in front of him. “Always. What do you have in mind? And what about Lily?”

  “She’s with my babysitter. I usually go out to eat with some of the cast afterward.”

  “So this will be a big party, then?”

  Angie shifted her weight, shoving her hands into her coat pockets. “No. Just you and me.”

  He tried to ignore the jolt of excitement that raced through his nerves. “Lead the way.”

  “Do you mind walking? It’s not far.”

  Callen fell into step beside her, only half listening as she told him about the little problems that had popped up during the event and how they’d all scrambled to keep things going. He was content to listen to her. To be at her side. Her voice rose and fell with her excitement, making him smile.

  They turned the corner onto Chandler Street and she fell silent. The question he’d been longing to ask slipped out before he could restrain it. “What happened to you, Angie? One minute you were the hottest singer in the country, and then you dropped out of sight.”

  “I told you. It was because of Lily. Her mother, Nell, was my best friend, my assistant, and sometimes backup singer. She was my rock during the rise of my career. She was also my challenge. She wasn’t a believer, and I wanted her to be. I loved her so much, but she’d only laugh at me and call me Church Girl.”

  “You always were strong in your faith.”

  “Not back then. I should never have entered that contest.”

  Angie stopped in front of a charming restaurant called Sally’s, tucked invitingly between two other buildings. Christmas lights adorned the front door under the sign.

  Inside, the hostess led them to a quiet table in the back corner and took their drink order before walking away. Callen appreciated the quiet, intimate atmosphere. He looked at Angie, determined to get some answers. “Why do you think you shouldn’t have entered that American Star contest? That was your dream.”

  “No. My dream was to sing Christian music. But you know that wasn’t working. The doors kept closing. I was so frustrated. I wanted to use my voice for God’s glory, but it wasn’t happening. So I took matters into my own hands, and I entered that contest, knowing in my heart it was wrong.”

  The waitress brought their drinks and took their orders. Callen picked up the conversation as soon as she left. “You won that contest.”

  “I thought so, until I got to Nashville and saw how things worked. I told myself it was worth the price, and I could exist with one foot in the world and one in my faith. At first it was easy. I was high on the fame and the money and the joy. But as the years went on, it got harder and harder.”

  Callen wanted to take her hand, but he feared she’d stop talking, and he needed to know the whole story.

  “Nell, despite her unbelief, refused to let me lose mine. She kept me anchored. She buffered the bad stuff and became my emotional bodyguard.”

  “So what went wrong?”

  “She got pregnant. The baby’s father wanted nothing to do with her or the child. Then a few months before she was due, Nell found out she had cancer. A very aggressive form. She asked me to raise her little girl. I couldn’t refuse. I knew I couldn’t have both a career and a family. It just wouldn’t work. One would have to suffer for the other to thrive. I chose Lily. But I wanted to raise her without bringing my past into the mix. So I made arrangements to walk away.”

  “That must have been complicated, with all the contracts and business dealings.”

  “It was. I carried a lot of guilt. I had people depending on me, but by that time I’d lost my passion for singing. So I came here and started fresh.”

  “With a new name. Do these people know who you are, were?”

  “Yes, but they don’t care, and they don’t talk about it either.”

  Their food arrived and they ate in silence for a while. But Callen sensed there was more to Angie’s story. “How did you find this place? It’s barely on the map.”

  “I played a concert in Portland early in my career. I’d had a taste of the fame, the fans, and the crazy lifestyle. I was feeling overwhelmed and wondering what I’d gotten myself into, so I asked my manager to find me a secluded place to stay, and he found a bed and breakfast on the coast. It was wonderful. The owners knew who I was, but they didn’t care. They said the people here valued their privacy and assumed everyone else did as well.

  “There was a couple staying at the inn with me; they were thinking of starting a B&B in a nearby town. When I was looking for a place to live I remembered them. Edna and Simon. Lily and I stayed with them for several months before I bought the house.” She looked up at him. “So, now you know it all. I just want my life to be ordinary. To raise Lily in a good Christian environment, with people who care about her.”

  “Your parents?”

  “They retired to Arizona. My brother and his family are in Charleston, and Ellen and her brood are in Kentucky. We see them as often as possible.”

  “I always envied you your family.”

  “I never appreciated them until I got Lily. My sister told me once that having a child was like looking through a telescope and adjusting the lens. Suddenly things are more clear. You understand your parents in a whole new way. And then you get an inkling of what our heavenly Father feels, too, how He wants the best for us, even when we don’t understand what He’s doing.”

  “You really believe that? That God makes everything okay?”

  “Absolutely. Look at what He’s done in my life, Callen. I turned my back on His plan and took things into my own hands. But He placed an unbeliever in my life to keep me on track. He placed me in that B&B where I met Edna, who was there waiting when I needed her. He gave me Lily at a point in my life when I realized I might never—” She stopped and took a deep breath. She couldn’t tell him about her voice. “When I’d lost my way. I can look back and see His hand in every aspect of my life, Callen. You could, too, if you’d only look.”

  “Maybe I will. Someday.” He looked at her, his heart filling with affection. She looked so beautiful in the soft light. He knew he should probably leave well enough alone. She’d told him her story, but his reporter instincts suspected there was more. He waited until their dessert arrived before pressing on. “Why didn’t you make some kind of statement? Disappearing the way you did only fueled people’s curiosity.”

  “We did. We released a statement that I had adopted a child and wanted to take time with my family.”

  “I don’t remember seeing that anywhere.” She looked surprised, and he grinned. “I’ve kept tabs on you over the years.”

  “The announcement came out at the same time JoJo had her meltdown at the AMAs and all her dirty linen was being exposed. My life fell off the radar. Believe me, I was grateful. Another one of God’s blessings.”

  Callen remembered the scandal over the pop singer. It had consumed the me
dia with never-ending revelations of sex, drugs, and criminal allegations. He looked at Angie, thanking the Lord for protecting her from those evils.

  The street was nearly empty when they left the restaurant. “I guess the streets are rolled up early here? Even on a Saturday night?”

  Angie nodded with a chuckle. “If you want to party late, you have to go to Portland.”

  “Where are you parked? I’ll walk you back.”

  “Behind the church, across the green.”

  They walked in companionable silence for a while, the soft glow of the Christmas lights along storefronts adding a romantic atmosphere to the night. A few cars passed by on the narrow street. One honked, and Angie waved.

  Callen looked at her again, longing to bring her against his side and hold her close. He settled for taking her hand. She looked at him with a surprised expression that quickly changed to a warm smile. “I’ve missed you, Angeline.”

  “Me, too. I’m glad the Lord brought you back into my life.”

  “You think my being here is part of some divine plan?”

  “Of course. He always has a plan.”

  Angie stopped beside a dark SUV and turned to face him. The soft glow of a nearby floodlight lit her smiling face. Callen sucked in a sharp breath. What was happening to him? He’d been here only a week, and all he could think about was Angie.

  She patted her car. “Thanks for walking me home.” A smirk accompanied her remark.

  Callen didn’t want to say good-bye. “I could get my car and follow you home.” A warm rush of embarrassment warmed his neck. He was behaving like a lovesick schoolboy.

  Angie reached up and touched his cheek. “That’s sweet, but it’s early yet. I’ll be fine. But thank you for caring.”

  He placed his palm over her hand as it rested on his cheek. He gazed into her eyes, dark green in the evening light. His heart raced; his entire body warmed with a long-forgotten affection—no, love—that he’d suppressed for years. He took her hand from his face and pulled her closer. With his other hand he gently tilted her face upward and placed a small, feather-light kiss on her lips. He forgot to breathe.

  Neither moved. The white puffs of their breath intermingled in the frosty air.

  “I’d better go.” Angie stepped back, her remote key clicking the car locks. She pulled her gaze from his and opened the door, sliding behind the wheel. She reached for the door handle and looked up at him again. “Will you come to church with me tomorrow?”

  Callen knew in that moment he’d go to the moon with her if she asked. “Sure. What time?”

  “I’ll pick you up at Edna’s around ten. We dress casual, so no need for a tie.”

  “Good. I didn’t bring one.”

  He watched Angie drive away, mentally starting the countdown until he’d see her tomorrow. He turned toward the other end of town, grateful for the long walk back to the Stoval-Mills house. He had a lot to think about.

  How could he have such intense feelings for Angie after only a week? It was nuts. He zipped up his jacket and shoved his hands into his pockets as he made his way along Main Street.

  No. What he was feeling was the effect of letting the genie out of the bottle. He’d stuffed his love for Angie deep inside his heart the day she won the contest. He knew he’d lost her forever. He’d loved her and had wanted her to have her dream, but achieving her dream meant that his had to die.

  Tonight had taken the cap off those bottled-up emotions and set them free. Over time, they’d distilled, become richer, sweeter. He hadn’t expected that. Like a sacked quarterback, he hadn’t been prepared for this sudden, all-consuming love.

  Chapter 5

  Angie sat beside Callen in the pew the next morning, willing herself to pay attention to the sermon. It was nearly impossible to ignore the tangy scent of his aftershave or the warmth of his shoulder so close to hers. She had intended to invite Callen to eat with the cast last night but when the time came, she’d wanted to be alone with him. She had to be careful, because her feelings were starting to override her common sense.

  The choir filed out of the loft, and Angie exhaled a sigh of relief. She needed distance. Later today she’d pull up Pastor Mike’s sermon on the church website and listen to it online. He never failed to inspire her, but today she’d be hard-pressed to recall a word he’d said. She sent up a quick prayer for forgiveness as she stepped into the aisle. Callen walked with her to the three-year-olds classroom to pick up Lily.

  “So, why aren’t you in the choir? I never thought I’d see the day when Angie Silkowsky could listen to music of any kind without belting out some notes.”

  Angie’s heart stopped. Her skin chilled. She’d prayed Callen would never ask that question. She couldn’t answer without revealing the truth, and that was too big a risk. She had to remember Callen was a reporter at heart. He’d want to publish her story.

  She forced a smile, keeping her gaze on the door to Lily’s room. “Oh, you know. I’m so busy with Lily, and I’m going to school. I don’t think I told you that.”

  “No, you didn’t.”

  “I’m taking classes online through the university to get my business degree. I’d like to start my own business here in Bethlehem.”

  “Mommy.” Lily darted from the classroom and wrapped her arms around Angie’s leg in a big hug. Angie welcomed the contact and the diversion from Callen’s question.

  “Hi, Misser Grant.” Lily smiled.

  “Hey, Lily. Did you have fun in Sunday school today?” Callen touched her lightly on the head.

  She held up the papers in her hand. “We colored the wise men. I made mine purple, ’cause it’s my favorite color.”

  Callen dutifully admired the handiwork, falling into step beside Angie as she steered her daughter down the hallway to the exit.

  “Mommy, look. It’s baby Jesus.” Lily pointed to a couple standing nearby, holding an infant. Lily grabbed Callen’s hand and tugged him over to see. “It’s the baby Jesus. See. He’s real.”

  Callen followed, a confused look on his chiseled features. Angie touched his arm and made hasty introductions. “Callen Grant, this is Jenny and Ben Horvath, and baby Eli. Eli plays the part of baby Jesus this weekend.”

  “He’s not playing, Mommy,” Lily insisted. “He’s real. Baby Jesus is real. You said so.”

  The adults exchanged smiles. “Come on Lily, we need to go. We’re having your favorite lunch today, remember? Spaghetti.”

  Angie pushed open the exit door, holding tight to Lily’s hand, keenly aware of Callen right behind her.

  “I like spaghetti.”

  His statement made her heart skip a beat. Before she could respond, her daughter issued an offer no one could refuse.

  “Mommy makes good sketty. You can come eat with us.”

  Angie glanced over at Callen, the amused smirk on his face revealing his not-so-subtle plan. She wasn’t sure if she was pleased or upset. Both. Neither. It didn’t matter. The damage was done. She smiled. “We’d love to have you. If you’re not busy.”

  “There’s no place I’d rather be this afternoon.”

  The smile he gave her sent her heart skipping again.

  Callen leaned against the same tree later Sunday night as the live nativity got underway. The positioning of the tree gave him the perfect vantage point to watch the performance and catch glimpses of Angie as she directed the players from the shadows, making sure everyone reacted on cue.

  The afternoon had passed quickly, with a delicious spaghetti dinner and a tea party with Lily. He smiled as he thought about balancing his six-foot frame on an eighteen-inch chair, pretending to drink tea and munch wooden cookies. It had made Lily happy, and he’d discovered a side of himself he’d never explored. What would it be like to be a father?

  He had no role models. It had only been him and his mother, until she’d died his junior year of college. But little Lily, with her sweet smile and her loving spirit, made him want to be a dad, the best dad he could be.


  “Away in a Manger” poured from the speakers, drawing Callen’s attention to the nativity where Mary and Joseph looked lovingly at the baby Jesus. Little Eli. Lily had been convinced he was the real Holy Child. But little Eli was human. Fully.

  Immanuel. God with us. God, come to earth as a human being. Callen pivoted to rest his back against the trunk of the tree, his mind sorting through that information, lining up what he knew with what he was beginning to understand.

  God as a human child, with all the experiences and knowledge of life. Callen rubbed his head. The thought was too big, too fantastic to process all at once. He turned back to the nativity. The lights were coming up to illuminate the angel above the stable, her arms spread wide. The music swelled, the words wafting out over the cold, crisp night air.

  Veiled in flesh the Godhead see. A man. Like him. Could it be?

  The program came to an end. The pastor walked out front and said a few words, inviting anyone with questions to come speak to him. Callen straightened and started across the green, searching out Angie.

  She looked up as he approached, and smiled. “Well, was it as good as last night? My goal is to make each one better than the last.”

  Callen wasn’t sure if the event was better or if he’d just paid closer attention. Either way, he could answer truthfully. “It was moving.”

  Angie grinned. “Moving. That’s good. I want to touch people. I want them to be drawn to the Lord through this event. Christmas is more than Santa and presents and garland draped from every surface.”

  “I know.” He loved her enthusiasm, her devotion. It made him want to be a better man, a better Christian.

  “So, are you tired of me yet?”

  Her question caught him off guard. “No. Why?”

  She shrugged. “I could use some hot cocoa and homemade soup. And Lily wanted to know if you could come back and read her a story before bedtime. But if you’d rather go back to your room…”

  Callen laughed. She was an ornery minx. “Let’s see. Room alone…house full of beautiful ladies…”

  “Come on. You can build a fire while I fix the soup.” She took his hand, and he felt as if he’d come home.