A Christmas Promise

by Thomas Kinkade

  Jessica nodded. “Yes, I’ve thought of all that. I guess I will have to wait.”

  She sat back, feeling curiously lighter. She was glad she had confided in her sister and aired her feelings honestly—more honestly than she could with Sam right now. Although she knew that nothing had actually been solved and the question of taking Darrell in remained, at least she wasn’t so confused about it anymore.

  Lucy returned with their dishes and Emily began talking of other things, lighter matters than wedding planning and pregnancy problems.

  Emily was relating some annoying incident from a town council meeting when her expression suddenly brightened. She sat up and waved to someone up front and Jessica turned to see her niece Sara walking toward them. Sara’s long dark hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and her cheeks were flushed from the cold outside. She wore a navy blue peacoat, her leather knapsack slung over one shoulder.

  “Hi, honey. What a nice surprise.” Emily stood up and quickly kissed Sara’s cheek, then slid over in the booth to make room for her.

  “I called you back and your secretary said you were probably still here. Sorry I couldn’t make it for lunch. I wouldn’t mind some dessert, though, if you’re going to hang out longer.”

  “I’d like some, too, now that you mention it.” Jessica glanced around for Lucy. “But your mom’s on a diet.”

  Sara turned and gave Emily a look that Jessica identified as pure Emily. Sometimes their resemblance was so strong, Jessica couldn’t believe it. Though Sara had her father’s coloring, she definitely had her mother’s eyes and many of her expressions.

  “You don’t need a diet, Emily. For goodness’ sake.”

  “I absolutely do. For the wedding. It’s a tradition.”

  Sara looked surprised. “Don’t tell me. Have you and Dan finally set a date? Can I have an exclusive for the paper?”

  “Not exactly, but we’re making progress. . . . And no need to be snide.”

  Sara glanced at Jessica and shook her head, trying hard to keep a straight face. “I didn’t mean to tease you but honestly, I’m starting to worry. I almost agree with Lillian. Don’t you dare tell her I said so, though.”

  Jessica and Emily laughed, and Emily put her arm around Sara’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, honey. We definitely won’t.”

  “WELL, WHAT DO YOU THINK, DOC?” JAMES SAT ON THE EDGE OF THE examining table and slowly buttoned his shirt.

  Matt Harding’s expression hadn’t been very encouraging throughout the examination and now, as the final verdict was about to be delivered, he looked even grimmer.

  Matt sat in a chair at a small wooden desk and looked over his notes. “I wish I could give you better news, James,” he began, and James felt his heart fall. “But it doesn’t seem to me that you’ve improved very much at all from your last visit to a doctor. Your blood test wasn’t very good and your kidney function is still impaired. Frankly, from what you’ve told me—and I doubt you’ve told me everything—I’m surprised that you’re able to manage working at the church.”

  James rubbed his forehead with his hand. “I must feel a lot better than those tests indicate or—”

  “Or you’re just a stubborn Scotsman,” Matt finished for him.

  “That too.” James slipped off the table and picked up his sports coat from the back of a chair.

  “I’m not a specialist in malaria and its complications. But from what I can see and what I know about your mission, I wouldn’t advise you to return there yet.”

  “Isn’t there something more you could give me, to speed things up?”

  Matt glanced at the chart again and shook his head. “I think we’re doing all we can medically. Your body needs more time to build up strength and rebuild your immune system. Your vital organs are working hard, too hard sometimes. You’re in danger of a relapse and vulnerable to any kind of bug that comes along, some that I don’t even know the names of.”

  James didn’t answer. He’d expected better news—well, perhaps wished for better news was more honest. He still had his bad days, feeling weak and feverish despite the medication. Often it was just his willpower that kept him moving. But he didn’t think he could wait for an entirely clean bill of health to return to the mission. That day seemed as far off as ever.

  The two men stood facing each other and James could see that Matt Harding, too, had found their meeting difficult.

  James held out his hand to bid Matt good-bye. “Well, thanks for seeing me on such short notice.”

  “You can call me anytime, you know that.” Matt shook his hand and sighed. “I’m sorry I couldn’t give you better news, James. As I said, I’m not an expert. You might want to get another opinion from that infectious disease specialist in Boston.”

  “Maybe I will. Thanks again.”

  JAMES HAD BEEN THE LAST PATIENT OF THE DAY, AND THE WAITING room was empty when he came out. His exam had taken a long time and though she was free to go, Leigh decided to wait for him. She smiled when she saw him; his answering smile was faint.

  “How did it go?”

  “More or less what I expected.” By now she knew him well enough to tell that he was trying to be offhand about the exam, but it hadn’t been good news. She could see he was disappointed, and she felt badly for him.

  “Do you need to make another appointment?” she asked politely.

  He glanced at his watch then back at her. “No . . . I don’t. Have you been waiting here all this time just to ask me that?”

  “Of course not. I just needed to work a little later, clear some things off my desk.” She had stayed late to talk to him but didn’t want to admit it. “They’re going to light the Christmas tree in town tonight. Molly told me about it. She says it’s fun. Are you going?”

  “Oh . . . the tree. I almost forgot. . . . I don’t know.” He gazed down at her. “I’m feeling a little tired. I might just head home.”

  Leigh had half a mind to say the same. She wasn’t in the mood for Christmas this year and didn’t need any large-scale reminders, like a giant outdoor tree and a high school chorus singing carols. But the look on James’s face changed her mind. He was always so kind to her; she could put her feelings aside tonight and try to cheer him up.

  “Don’t go home yet, James. Come with me and see the tree. It won’t take very long. I bet it looks pretty set up in that park, near the harbor.”

  He looked surprised at her invitation. Very surprised, she thought, still wondering if he would say yes. Then he smiled, a real smile this time, making her glad she had gone out on a limb and asked him.

  “Sure, I’ll go with you. I haven’t seen a tree lighting for years. It might be fun.”

  Once outside, they decided to walk down Main Street to the green, rather than take a car. There wouldn’t be any parking left, James thought, and Leigh wanted the exercise after sitting all day.

  They reached the area set up for the tree lighting and found a huge crowd already gathered.

  “Looks like every seat is filled. I didn’t think we were late.” She glanced at James, who was still scanning the rows for some empty seats.

  “There must be someone here who’ll give up a seat for a very pregnant lady.”

  “No, don’t be silly. Besides, then we wouldn’t see it together. That’s not the idea.” It wasn’t her idea, at any rate. “Let’s just walk up front and stand on the side.”

  James considered her suggestion a moment. “I think I know a good place—if someone hasn’t already claimed it before us.”

  He grabbed her hand, catching her off guard, and led her away from the crowd into the green.

  Leigh followed James down a gravel path and past a stone monument. On the other side of the monument, she saw a high stone retaining wall, exactly in line with the big tree and the chorus risers.

  Leigh gazed at the wall and then at James. “Perfect. If you have a crane in your pocket to lift me up there.”

  James laughed at her. “Come along, O ye of little faith.” They f
ollowed another path that led to a flight of stone steps, and when they reached the top Leigh could see that they were now above the monument, looking down.

  “Here, let me help you sit down,” James said, holding her hand again as she lowered herself onto the wall. “Are you all right up here?” he asked with concern. “Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea, after all.”

  “I’m fine.” Leigh sat back, swinging her legs a bit over the edge. “I just hope no one mistakes me for Humpty Dumpty.”

  “No chance.” He shook his head and grinned at her.

  “Wow, what a view.” Leigh stared out, amazed at her bird’s-eye perspective of the harbor and green. “Look at the sunset. I didn’t really notice it before.”

  The sun was low in the sky, casting the horizon in a rosy hue, with large blue-gray and lavender clouds puffing up behind it, the colors reflected in the dark harbor. As they watched in silence a few radiant golden beams arched up, like final, silent bursts of a fireworks show.

  “It’s a beautiful night. It was a good idea to come. Thanks for persuading me.” James glanced down at her and smiled.

  “I’m glad you decided to. I don’t think I would have come to watch it alone,” she said honestly.

  A town official welcomed everyone and the chorus sang a few familiar holiday songs. Leigh enjoyed watching the show from a distance, away from the crowd with everything in miniature, though she wasn’t sure quite why. Maybe because she was a loner at heart, always feeling on the outside, looking in. She glanced at James, who also seemed at ease in this secluded perch. She wondered if he was more like her than she had first thought.

  No, of course not. He was a minister; he loved working with people. Hadn’t he once told her he considered the church his family? They were very different that way.

  Emily Warwick, the town’s mayor, spoke for a moment. Leigh had not yet met her, but Molly Willoughby seemed to know her well and sometimes mentioned her in passing. She kept her remarks light and brief, just right, Leigh thought.

  Emily announced it was time to light the tree and started a countdown. The audience quickly joined in, their voices growing louder and louder. Leigh watched silently. Then beside her, she heard James counting. “ . . . Seven. Six. Five . . .”

  She joined in. “ . . . Three. Two. One!”

  She stared out at the tree and watched the lights flicker a moment then go on fully. She suddenly realized James was holding her hand again—for no real reason, unless he thought she was so excited she was liable to slip off her seat. But she did like the feeling of his large, warm hand surrounding hers. She couldn’t deny that. Not even to herself.

  He turned and smiled at her. “I think Santa’s arrival is next on the program. Want to stay?”

  Leigh shook her head. “If we leave now, we’ll beat the rush.”

  “Good idea.” James helped her stand up and they left the green, heading back to Main Street. Leigh heard a siren and they paused at a corner as a fire truck slowly rolled by. Santa was in the front seat, waving wildly while his elf helpers tossed out candy canes to the crowd. James reached out and caught one, then handed it to her with a gallant flourish.

  “Here you go. That’s for the baby.” He grinned at his own joke, and she was glad to see him looking cheerful again.

  “Thanks. But I have a firm rule about candy so close to dinner.”

  “Very wise. Why don’t we grab a bite to eat somewhere? Are you hungry? I don’t think Vera’s home tonight so it won’t spoil her plans.”

  Leigh recalled that Vera had said she would be out and wouldn’t be serving dinner. But she hadn’t expected to eat with James. It wasn’t why she’d invited him to the tree lighting.

  This was starting to feel like a regular date, she thought with alarm.

  Then she caught sight of her reflection in a store window—mainly, her very pregnant tummy—and reminded herself she had nothing to worry about on that score. She didn’t feel very attractive these days; she couldn’t even imagine anyone being interested in her that way. James was just being friendly.

  “Sure. Where shall we go?”

  “How about the Clam Box?” James pointed to the diner just across the street. “Have you tried it yet?”

  “One of my favorite lunch spots. The waitress already knows my name.”

  “Lucy Bates? She makes it a point to know everyone. She could run for mayor if Emily Warwick ever steps down. Though I understand that’s her husband Charlie’s fondest ambition.”

  Leigh had met Charlie, too, but wasn’t very impressed. The brief moments of interaction she’d seen between Lucy and her husband had left her ill at ease, bringing on a wave of her own bad memories. If she ever got to know Lucy better, maybe she would have an honest talk with her about the dangers of putting up with someone like Charlie.

  But she wasn’t going to be around here that long, Leigh reminded herself. She might get to know people by name and even be friendly, but that wasn’t the same as making real connections and true friends.

  Except maybe for James, she realized as he held open the diner door for her. James was in a different category, maybe because of the way they’d met or simply because of his caring, disarming personality. Even so, she couldn’t let their relationship go very far. She suddenly felt a little sad about that, and a little guilty.

  James suggested a table by the window. The restaurant was nearly empty, with only a few other customers. Leigh slipped off her coat and placed it on the chair behind her. Lucy Bates stood behind the counter, leaning over a thick book. She hadn’t lifted her head at the sound of the jingling bell over the door, or even seemed to notice when they entered. Holding a yellow highlighter in one hand, she practically pounced on the page and began underlining text.

  “Lucy is trying to finish her college degree,” James explained quietly. “She wants to be a nurse.”

  “That’s wonderful. That must be hard while working here.”

  “Yes, it is. But she’s a hard worker and very persistent. I think I’ve come to see that, more than anything, persistence is the key if you’re trying to accomplish something. And faith, of course.”

  “That’s probably true.” Leigh thought of her own life, what she’d been through lately. She had only escaped her nightmarish marriage by sheer force of will and that’s what still kept her going: her will to protect her baby.

  “Oh . . . for goodness’ sake. I’m so sorry.” Lucy looked dismayed as she rushed over to the table with two menus. “I hope you weren’t waiting long? Hello, Leigh. Hello, Reverend James.”

  “Hello, Lucy. We just walked in, honestly. How are you tonight? Catching up on schoolwork?”

  “Aren’t I always?” Lucy shook her head and smiled. “I have midterms next week and a bunch of papers due. And of course, one of the boys is sick with the flu. But we’re still running a diner here.”

  Lucy quickly took down their orders and ran off to the kitchen. James watched her go, smiling ruefully. “I don’t know how she does it. I wish I had half her energy.”

  His wistful words reminded Leigh of his health problems. He had brushed off her questions at the doctor’s office. Maybe he would open up more now.

  “I was wondering, James, were you in Dr. Harding’s office for a checkup today—or was there some specific reason?”

  He seemed startled by her question and didn’t answer right away. “It was a checkup, more or less. I’ve been meaning to stop by and see him for a while.” He paused and fiddled with a spoon on the table. “Something came up this week at the mission, a pretty big problem. I was thinking I ought to go back right away. But I needed to get an update on my condition first. Ben thought so, anyway.”

  Leigh felt a small jolt as she took in his reply. He had been thinking of leaving here, just like that? She knew he didn’t plan on staying in Cape Light for very long, but she had always assumed she would be the first to go. The idea of staying on without James around seemed unthinkable. Like finding herself stranded on a desert island.<
br />
  “So . . . what have you decided?” she asked carefully.

  He glanced up at her, his blue eyes looking dark and shadowed. “I’m going to stay a while longer. Seems I really have to. At least Matt Harding thinks so. I’m going to see a specialist in Boston, though, just to get a better idea of what’s going on and find out if there’s anything more I can do to speed up my recovery.”

  “That makes sense.” Leigh sat back in her seat and stared out the window. She took a breath. So he wasn’t leaving, after all. Thank goodness, she thought. Then she wondered at her own reaction.

  Well . . . I just like him, as a friend, she reasoned. He’s so easy to talk to. I’m so emotional these days, up and down. And he’s so steady and reassuring to be around. It doesn’t mean anything.

  “This whole malaria thing is really frustrating. Well, it was this week anyway.”

  The tone of his voice caught her attention. She’d rarely heard him sound so upset. Here she was, lost in her own feelings and he had a real problem to talk about. He was always so good at listening to her. She ought to be here for him now.

  “What was going on at the mission? Why did you want to go back?”

  James briefly explained the situation to her. “I’ve always been the intermediary between the mission and the local authorities and politicians. At times it can be critical to say just the right thing to just the right person. It’s not as if I don’t trust anyone else to do it . . . but in a way, I guess I don’t.”

  “So you felt you had to go back to work things out, so that the project wouldn’t be ruined by the delay?”

  “I was ready to run off on Monday, as soon as I got the fax. But Ben made me slow down and think it over.”

  “I’m glad he did,” Leigh said impulsively. Then she wished she could take back the words. James met her gaze, staring at her across the table. She couldn’t quite read the expression on his face, but she felt embarrassed by her rash admission.

  “I mean, from what Dr. Harding said, it sounds as if it isn’t really safe yet for you to return.”