Catching Christmas

by Leah Atwood

  She angled her head to look at him. “How did you know that’s what I was thinking?”

  “Because I know you.” He dropped a kiss on her cheek. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

  Her cheek burned where he’d kissed her. Unconsciously, she touched the spot. Where had that come from? It had lasted a millisecond, been completely innocent and chaste, but it stirred emotions she’d have to address. The idea terrified her.

  Once upon a time, she and Derek had gone down that road, and it hadn’t turned out well. One ill-fated kiss the summer after they’d graduated had changed their relationship forever. They had no longer been able to deny their feelings for each other after that, but he’d planned to attend the local community college and she’d been accepted into NYU.

  Rather than deal with a possible relationship from hundreds of miles apart that they’d agreed probably wouldn’t work, they’d emotionally distanced themselves. Would eleven years make a difference? Much had changed, yet even more stayed the same.

  For the time being, she shrugged it off the best she could. They had a mission tonight, and she needed to focus on the event, spend more time in prayer for it, even if it meant quietly talking to God as she walked around.

  A line of cars pulling into the parking lot bolstered her optimism. She grabbed a stack of thin, paper songbooks from a box by the cookie table and stood at the corner of the sidewalk. As each family arrived, she greeted them and handed them a songbook.

  By seven o’clock, several hundred people gathered on the lawn outside City Hall. Overcome by the massive turnout, Brenna choked back tears. They’d run out of booklets, but families shared among each other. The cloud of doom over the town had disappeared, if only for the night. She prayed it wouldn’t come back, but regardless, this was a start.

  Derek tapped on the microphone to collect the group’s attention.

  She couldn’t help giggling at the sight of him holding a fluorescent pink microphone. It looked out of place and didn’t produce the same quality as an expensive sound system, but it got the job done. For that, Brenna thanked God. Despite the obstacles she and Derek had run into, they’d pulled off the event, and she knew it wasn’t their doing but His.

  Derek cleared his throat. “I want to thank each of you for coming here tonight. Our town has seen its share of struggles over the last three years, and it’s understandably affected our morale. But tonight, I invite you to set aside all else going on in your life, and take your heart back two thousand years ago to a night that would change the world.”

  He paused and pointed to the figure of baby Jesus in the manger. “I’ve been reflecting on the lyrics of ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’ lately. The end of the first stanza says, Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light. The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight, and I think about what Noel has gone through. I don’t know all that our future holds, but I know we have a Savior who meets us where we are. He takes our darkness and turns it to light, replaces our fear with hope. Tonight, let’s honor Him and praise Him for all he’s done.”

  Brenna stood near the front, watching the scene unfold. A round of applause went through the crowd. People cheered and joined together with their fellow citizens for a common goal. Friends and family linked arms with smiles on their faces.

  They started with “Joy to the World” and sang every stanza before moving to “The First Noel.” Gwen Mercoles, the town’s oldest resident who sat bundled in a wheelchair but sang loud and clear, requested “O Come All Ye Faithful.” Hundreds of voices, though many out of key, filled the air with beautiful noise.

  The planned order of songs went out the window as person after person requested songs, and no one minded the change. Brenna caught Derek’s gaze and smiled. An understanding transpired between them—Noel would be okay. Maybe not today, or even next month, but in time.

  After ninety minutes of singing came to an end, Derek announced there were cookies and hot chocolate for everyone. Before the crowd dispersed, Edwin Beasley asked for a chance to speak to everyone, and Derek handed him the microphone.

  Edwin gripped the mic tightly and cleared his throat several times. He looked out at the audience, specifically to his wife Susan who encouraged him by blowing a kiss. “When Mason Textiles shut their doors, I lost my job of twenty-two years. I’d given them my loyal service, then suddenly found myself without a job. At my age, it wasn’t easy to find another, and I’ll admit, I’ve been angry at God for the last two years as my wife and I struggled to make ends meet.” His voice dropped and turned hoarse. “I needed this reminder tonight of God’s all-consuming love. Too often, I’ve ignored His goodness because it didn’t come in the form I wanted, yet, His provision has been there all along. So thank you, Mayor, for organizing tonight. It’s done my heart good.”

  As he handed Derek the microphone, Faith Young stepped up for a chance to speak. She gave a testimony of losing her job in human resources at the factory. For years, she’d worked herself dry at the expense of her family. She’d made her career her identity, and when she found herself without a job, she no longer knew who she was. While spending time at home, she reconnected with her family and restored relationships long neglected. What had seemed to be a curse turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

  Brenna dabbed at her eyes with the tail of her scarf. Glancing around, she saw few sets of dry eyes. Who would have thought an idea as simple as joining together to sing could produce such effects. Citizens of the town found their hearts in tune with the true meaning of Christmas and discovered they didn’t have to hide their problems, nor suffer alone.

  In one night, Noel regained its sense of community.

  Once the crowd thinned out, Brenna grabbed two hot chocolates and made her way to Derek. She’d tried going to him several times, but got interrupted on the way or saw him whisked away by a town member wanting to talk to him. Finally reaching him, she handed over a Styrofoam cup of hot chocolate.

  “Thanks,” he said, lifting it to his mouth.

  She nudged him in the ribs and winked. “You’re quite the hit, Mr. Mayor.”

  He swallowed the sip and smiled. “This never would have happened without all your help. Everyone’s impressed with your door-to-door invitations.”

  “Is it too early or naïve to hope this aura of peace and goodwill sticks around?”

  “No.” Stepping aside for a family to get by, he continued. “The level of emotion and positive attitudes might fluctuate, but when I was up front, watching the faces and actions of every person here tonight, I sensed the change.”

  “I just pray opportunities open that will rejuvenate the economy.” A flash of movement across the way stole her attention. She peered at the departing figure hidden by a cloak of darkness. The light of a street lamp illuminated him enough, however, for Brenna to recognize Sam Houston. She tapped Derek’s shoulder in excited, quick touches. “Look over there.”

  “Where?” Derek glanced all around.

  She pointed in the direction where she’d seen Sam. “Over there. I saw Sam again. He should have been gone hours ago, according to what he told us.”

  “Hmm.” Derek squinted his eyes and craned his neck. “I don’t see anything.”

  “He was there. I know I saw him.”

  Worry creased Derek’s forehead. “I’m going after him. My instincts tell me he’s not telling the truth.”

  “Why would he lie?” She couldn’t tear her gaze away from where she’d seen him.

  “Scammers are known to come out in droves at Christmas.” He clenched his fist, inadvertently crumbling his cup. “Noel’s been through enough, and I won’t let someone come in and cause any more harm to this town and its people.”

  “I hope you find him.” She did, but not for the same reason as Derek. The man had seemed lonely and in need of help but harmless. She hated to think of him out in the weather tonight, all alone and frail.

  A realization struck her so strong that her head jerked with
the force of it. The man didn’t actually look frail. Beneath his unkempt hygiene and tattered clothes, the man had seemed in good health, albeit hungry and thirsty. The more she thought about it, his teeth didn’t match the rest of his appearance. They were too clean and straight.

  What did it all mean? She had to admit, the facts as she knew them didn’t add up, but she couldn’t believe the man was out to scam the town. Maybe he was an angel. Didn’t the Bible have a verse about entertaining angels unaware?

  She picked up empty cups and crumbled napkins from the table while she waited for Derek to come back. Glancing around, she didn’t see any trash on the ground, which made her proud and happy. It meant a return of pride in Noel.

  Beth came up to her. “Are you coming home?”

  “In a little while. I’m waiting for Derek.”

  “Where is he?” Beth lifted her chin as she looked at the vacant grounds.

  Not wanting to cause unnecessary alarm, she told a fib. “He’s inside talking to someone. He shouldn’t be much longer.”

  “Be careful out here alone. Noel’s always been safe, but you never know anymore.” Beth pointed toward City Hall. “Why don’t you wait inside?”

  A cold chill shot through her. First the strange Sam Houston, then Beth’s out of the blue, ominous warning. “I will if he doesn’t come out before I finish cleaning up.”

  “Want some help?”

  “I’m good, but thanks. The quiet gives me time to think and process the evening.”

  “Okay, but you have your phone on you, don’t you?”

  Brenna patted her pocket where her phone was. “Yes, Mom.”

  “Sorry.” Beth blushed. “I feel like I just got you back. I don’t want to lose you already.”

  She made a brushing movement with her hands, indicating for Beth to leave. “Go home. I’ll be fine.”

  “All right, all right.” Wrapping her scarf tighter, Beth stepped away. “I’ll see you at home.”

  After Beth was out of sight, Brenna continued cleaning. She tied off the trash bags and stacked the empty cookie trays to return to Vanna tomorrow. When Derek still hadn’t returned, she turned the tables sideways and folded in the legs, propped them against the street light for Derek to carry inside later.

  Her concern deepened when he hadn’t returned within twenty minutes. She tried calling him, dismayed when his phone went straight to voicemail. How long did she wait before calling the police? Anxiety built in her chest. She went ahead and moved the tables inside to alleviate the nervous energy.

  The door opened behind her as she placed the last one in the lobby. She jumped, and all her blood pumped through her heart at once. She spun around and saw Derek standing at the door.

  “You scared me.” All her relief spilled out in a raspy giggle. “Did you find Sam?”

  “No, it’s the weirdest thing.” Derek removed his hat and shook it. “I couldn’t find a sign of him anywhere, and it’s starting to snow. Whatever his story is, he doesn’t belong outside all night.”

  “You did what you could.”

  “Maybe, but I hope he doesn’t cause any trouble.” His gaze drifted to the tables. “You brought these in?”

  She nodded and shrugged. “It kept me busy while waiting.”

  “Thanks. I appreciate it.”

  “Do you need anything else before I leave?” She rocked on her feet, hoping he’d address that peck on the cheek earlier.

  “I’m good. Let me lock up here, and I’ll walk you to your car.”

  “Don’t you need to move the tables?”

  “Nah, I can stop in tomorrow and take care of it.” His keys dangled from his fingers. “It’s been a long day.”

  Disappointed in his less-than-romantic attitude, she shuffled to the door. She had no reason for her expectations, no indication he felt more other than that innocent kiss and a handful of moments when their eyes locked. Perhaps it was for the best.

  If she did move home, that would be a major life change, and she’d have to adapt to that before flying into a relationship. And if she decided to stay in the city, that would end things before they began. She had no intentions of having a long-distance relationship.

  Who was she kidding? She’d already made her decision and had sent her boss an email. If that didn’t work out, she would step out in faith and start her own graphic design firm. If only her Derek dilemma had an obvious solution.

  Dilemma, Brenna? Aren’t you acting slightly dramatic?

  A little.

  Sighing, she resigned herself to the fact she’d let the magic of Christmas get the better of her.

  Derek opened the door for her. “Are you okay?”

  “Yes. Why?”

  “That was a pretty heavy sigh.”

  “Oh.” She walked outside and stopped to watch the snow. “I hope I never lose the wonder of seeing snow float from the heavens.”

  “It’s one of the most beautiful scenes to behold.” Holding her arm, he helped her down the steps. When they reached the bottom, he didn’t release her, rather slid his arm through hers and locked their hands.

  So much for resignation. She shut down her internal debate to live in the moment. When they reached her car, she scrambled for something to say other than goodbye. Despite the cold, she didn’t want the night to end.

  He stood still beside her, in no rush to leave either. “We make a great team.”

  “Yes, we do.”

  His arm slid from hers, but the broken contact didn’t last long. He reached for her gloved hands and clasped them in his. His voice dropped even deeper. “I don’t want to mess up our friendship again.”

  “We were young, ill-equipped to handle our emotions and changing lives after graduation.” Her raspy breaths were visible in the air.

  “And now?” Longing and hope filled his question.

  “We’re older, wiser, and mature enough not to let a single kiss come between us.”

  He brought her hands to his chest. “I won’t kiss you if a single one is all there is. Stolen kisses and friends with benefits aren’t what I want.”

  Her heart thumped against her chest. “What do you want?”

  “A relationship.”

  “I…” She couldn’t form the words to express her sentiments. To tell him she wanted the same. That it had always been him, even when she ran from it. Instead, she lifted her face, moved her lips closer to his.

  “Last chance,” he whispered as his mouth lowered to hers.

  She answered by closing the distance between their lips.

  A second-chance first kiss eleven years in the making.

  Chapter Eight

  “Thanks for helping me with the cards.” Derek gathered the scattered envelopes into one pile. “I promise I won’t wait until the last minute next year.”

  Brenna laughed. “If you waited any longer, they’d be New Year’s cards.”

  He flashed a boyish grin. “That’s what I have you for.”

  “Really?” She swatted his arm. “If you would have told me you needed cards, I could have designed them for you.”

  “Maybe next year we’ll send them out together.” He held his breath and watched for her reaction. Too much too soon?

  A slow smile spread over her face. “I like the sound of that.”

  He let out the breath. “Let’s make it happen.”

  “First, we have to hand deliver these cards to every store before they close.” She wagged her brows. “Then we can talk about next year.”

  “The cards can wait. Stores are open for another two hours, at least.” He circled to the other side of the desk and pulled her to her feet. Moved in to kiss her.

  “You’re the boss,” she mumbled, giving in to him without a fight.

  Reluctantly, he broke the kiss, but couldn’t tear his gaze from her. The words weighed unspoken on his heart, and he couldn’t keep them in much longer. “I love you, Brenna Forsythe. I loved the person you were in high school when I first fell in love with you, but the
Brenna you are now takes my breath away.”

  Moisture sheened in her eyes. “I love you, too.”

  “Promise me we’ll make this work, even when you go back to New York.” He braced himself for the offer he was about to make. It wasn’t ideal, but he’d given it lots of thought. “When my term is up, I can find a job closer to you, but until then, I know we can make this work.”

  “I love you even more for making that offer, but it’s not necessary.” She broke out in a wide grin. “As of noon today, I’m no longer employed by the Holden Design Firm.”

  His jaw dropped, and he eyed her with curiosity. “You’re not?”

  “I’ve been negotiating with my boss to work from here and make occasional trips into the city, but we couldn’t come to agreeable terms. Ultimately, I decided to make an amicable exit and start my own design firm, based here in Noel.”

  “You’re moving home for good?”

  She nodded, and he wrapped his arms around her and spun her in a circle. She started laughing, and he had to steady her when he returned her feet to the ground.

  Her eyes twinkled. “I take it you approve?”

  “Wholeheartedly.”

  “Good.” She reached into her purse and withdrew an impeccably wrapped box. “I’ll give you this now since it’s no longer a surprise.”

  He accepted the gift and peeled off the tape with care. She’d put too much effort into wrapping it to tear into the box. He lifted the lid of the box and saw a business card. His lips curled into a smile when he read it. “The First Noel Inc.—A Graphic Design Boutique.”

  “What do you think?” Her top teeth grazed her bottom lip.

  “It’s amazing.” Drawing her into one more embrace, he caught the scent of snowberries in her hair. “I’m so proud of you.”

  “Thank you. That means a lot to me.”

  He released her and grabbed the stack of Christmas cards. “Can we share the good news while we’re out?”

  “After Christmas.”

  “I’ll do my best, but I can’t make promises.” He winked. “I’ve never been good at secrets I’m happy about.”