Now, she smiled as she watched Asa put his arm around Noah. They look so much alike, she thought as he tousled Noah’s hair. Noah grinned and leaned against him. Asa still had that same easygoing manner ... but, in other ways, he had changed. His hair, still streaked with blond, was longer now and it fell over his eyes so that he had to sweep it back with his hand; his face, still young and boyish, conveyed that life’s lessons hadn’t always been easy; and his eyes, still blue and intense, revealed a sad wisdom that was older than his years. Asa looked up and saw Maddie watching him. He smiled and winked at her, and Maddie’s heart sang ... oh, Asa, if you only knew ...
Sarah watched the silent exchange ... and realized that the beautiful girl sitting across from her son was in love. The thought of Asa in a relationship with someone new warmed her heart and she wondered how long it would be before he realized it, too. She glanced up at the clock. “Oh, my goodness! When did it get so late?” she exclaimed, standing up and reaching for several plates to clear.
“I guess we’ll have to wait on dessert,” Samuel said, looking over his shoulder at the clock and standing, too. They hurriedly carried plates, silverware, serving dishes, and glasses into the kitchen. Sarah pushed dishes aside to make room on the counter for the last pile that Asa had in his hands, untied her apron, and said, “I think we should just leave everything. I’m sorry ... I should’ve been paying better attention.”
Samuel smiled as he quickly covered several dishes with foil. “That’s all right, dear, we forgive you.” He looked at Asa. “Why don’t you three go on ahead in the truck ... your mother and I have a quick errand to run on the way home.”
Asa eyed his father suspiciously. “I think I should probably go with you.”
“Oh, no!” Samuel said with a grin. “You have to hurry back here so Maddie can start cooking.” He nodded his head toward the door. “Go on ... and save some seats. We’ll be right along.”
Chapter 6
“Dad, look! It’s snowing!” Noah whispered. Asa looked out the window and nodded. The old New England church was filled to overflowing, but Asa, standing in the once familiar sanctuary after so many years, hardly noticed. He gazed at the falling snow and his mind filled with memories. He thought back to his boyhood summers on the Cape, sitting in church on Sunday mornings, longing to be on the other side of the magnificent many-paned windows ... and then he recalled the sad occasion when he had stood there last ... it had been for Noelle’s funeral after she died giving birth to Noah. So lost in thought was he that Maddie had to nudge him twice before he realized his parents were standing in the aisle, waiting for him to make room.
As they squeezed into the pew, an older gentleman with white hair came over to greet them. Samuel stood to shake hands and they exchanged a few friendly words. The man turned to Sarah and took her hands in his. As they spoke, Asa tried to place the gentle smile and kind, gray eyes ... and then he realized it was the minister who had served the church for many years.
The minister looked up, as if on cue, and nodded to Asa and Maddie, and then leaned toward Noah. “This must be Noah—all grown up!” Noah nodded shyly and the old gentleman continued. “How would you like to help with the service tonight?” Noah smiled and nodded again and the minister handed him a program highlighted with notes. He pointed to one of the highlights and then to the front of the sanctuary and explained what the job entailed. Noah listened carefully, clutching the program in his lap. The minister stood up and winked at him, clapped Samuel on the shoulder, and walked to the front of the church. Moments later, a hush fell over the sanctuary as the first chords of “O Little Town of Bethlehem” were played.
The service was beautiful and, just as Samuel predicted, perfect for young families. Carols were sung and passages from the New Testament were read; between each hymn and reading, a youngster from the congregation tiptoed to the front, picked up a small wooden hammer decorated with a red bow, and tapped a shiny brass Christmas bell that had been set out just for the occasion.
Noah followed the program carefully with his finger. There was an asterisk penciled in the space between the reading of Matthew 2:9–12 and the hymn, “We Three Kings of Orient Are.” His heart pounded as he listened ... “And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.” Just as the reader finished, Maddie gently nudged Noah and he stood up resolutely and squeezed to the aisle.
The congregation watched expectantly as the little boy in the handsome red sweater made his way shyly to the front. He picked up the wooden hammer, hesitated briefly, feeling the weight of it, and then gave the bell a resounding clang. Everyone smiled at his enthusiasm and then there was a rustling of pages as they stood to sing. Noah hurried back to his seat, bursting with pride and delight. Asa gave him a thumbs-up and Noah returned the gesture with a grin that showed off his missing tooth. Asa smiled ... still amazed that this little wisp of a boy, so full of love and excitement and promise, was his son.
After the hymn, Noah promptly put his head on Maddie’s shoulder and listened to the final reading.... But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart ... and the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen ... A hush fell over the congregation as the lights dimmed. Each person held a small white candle and waited as the flame was symbolically passed from one to another. When his turn came, Noah solemnly tipped his candle into Asa’s flame and then turned to Maddie and held his candle steady. She smiled gently as she dipped her candle into his. The candle illuminated her face in a soft warm glow and Asa suddenly felt as if he were seeing her for the first time ...
Soon the entire sanctuary was shimmering in radiant light and a chorus of reverent voices joined together in singing “Silent Night.” Maddie looked over and caught Asa’s eye and noticed that he wasn’t singing. She gave him a funny frown and he smiled and joined in softly ... almost mouthing the words ... so he could hear Noah’s innocent voice mixed with her sweet soprano.
How is it, he thought to himself, that I’ve known Maddie all these years ... and I never realized she had such a beautiful voice?! Am I really so self-centered that I never paid attention? He shook his head in dismay. I must have learned a dozen new things about her today. How could that be? How did I not consider that she was missing a big family celebration to spend Christmas with us? Or that thirteen children who love her and call her Aunt were counting on her to play Christmas carols ... and would miss her when they realized she wasn’t coming? How is it that I didn’t know she had a Christmas tree planted in her honor? Or that her mom liked things that were made with dried fruit ... or that her family always made a festive drink on Christmas Eve? And ... why in the world did this sweet and selfless woman give all that up ... to spend Christmas with me?
As Asa softly sang the last words of the beautiful hymn, he looked around at the many faces illuminated by candlelight ... and realized that each one had a story to tell. He was not the only one who had seen tragedy or known heartache—the little church was overflowing with people who had faced life’s trials ... and persevered. He was surrounded by people who, despite the burdens they carried, longed to celebrate the blessing of Christ’s birth. Asa gazed at all of the kind and weary, innocent and solemn, reverent and peaceful faces around him ... and as he did, he felt an odd lightness fill his heart. It was as if the burden of sorrow and guilt that, for so long, had permeated every aspect of his life ... was lifting. Asa stood in silence, watching the glistening snow fall outside the window and realized, in amazement, that coming to this sacred place ... on this wondrous night ... had brought healing and peace to his heart.
The hymn ended ... the candles extinguished ... and the congregation waited, shrouded in silent darkness and wonder. A moment later, the chandeliers glowed brightly, the organ came to life, and robust voices filled the air ... “Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King!”
From the balcony, the regal sound of a trumpet joined in,
declaring the majesty of the moment, and the little New England church vibrated with joy and excitement. Noah looked up in awe, grinning from ear to ear ... and Asa smiled and brushed back his tears.
The organ continued to play as the congregation filed out into the snowy night. “Merry Christmas!” was repeated over and over as parishioners shook hands and gave hugs. The old minister shook Noah’s hand and said, “You are, by far, the best bell ringer we’ve ever had!”
Noah nodded in agreement and said, “I know!”
Samuel laughed, picked him up, and gave him a big hug. They stood in front of the church and Samuel told Asa about a live Nativity that was out on Route 6. Asa eyed his father with suspicion. “Don’t you want to see it, too?”
“Your mother and I saw it last night. Besides, we have an errand to run.”
“Yes, I know. That’s what worries me.”
“You needn’t worry,” Samuel insisted. “We won’t be long.” Asa sighed resignedly. It was obvious he wasn’t going to find out anything more.
There was a small crowd already gathered around the fenced-in area, but by the time Asa found a place to park, some folks were getting ready to leave.
Maddie climbed out and Noah jumped into her arms. “Wow! John’s right. You are heavy!” she exclaimed.
“Wait until I have dessert!” he said with a grin. “I’ve got plenty of room now.”
“Me, too,” Asa agreed. “I can’t wait for a piece of those pies.”
Maddie smiled. “Well, I bought cream for whipped cream, but I’m afraid I left it home in the fridge.”
“I bet we have some,” Asa assured her.
Everyone at the fence was quiet as they walked over, and Noah’s eyes grew wide when he saw what they were looking at: there was a beautiful russet-brown cow contentedly munching on hay, and her speckled calf was curled up nearby; there were two curly white lambs nosing around in an almost empty grain trough, and a fuzzy goat was getting a drink from the water trough; under the sturdy wooden manger there were two geese curled up side by side ... and right beside them was a duck with her head tucked under her wing. The humans in the crèche were not real but had been so beautifully made and illuminated that they appeared lifelike. The animals nosed about peacefully and seemed completely unaware of the gathering at the fence. Noah quietly watched the scene for several minutes and then whispered, “Was it snowing in Bethlehem that night?”
Asa smiled and said, “I don’t think so.” He picked Noah up and felt him shiver. “Are you cold?”
Noah nodded and Asa said, “Well, I guess we better get going then.” When they got back to the truck, Asa pulled a blanket from behind the seat and Maddie tucked it around Noah ... and, by the time they reached the house, he was sound asleep. Asa carried him inside, still cocooned in the blanket, and gently laid him on the couch in front of the fireplace. Then he knelt on the hearth, opened the damper, and struck a match to light the crumpled paper. As the flames curled upward and licked at the kindling, Asa swept the hearth with a small broom and fanned the tentative flame. Before long, a cheerful fire was crackling away, taking the chill from the air. Asa stood, took off his jacket, laid it on the end of the couch, and stood by the fire.
Maddie peered around the kitchen door. “Is Noah still asleep?” she whispered.
Asa nodded and followed her into the kitchen. He looked around and saw that the dish drainer was already full. “Boy, you don’t mess around!”
She smiled and held a towel out to him. “Problem is, I don’t know where anything goes.”
“Me neither, ” he said with a grin.
She gave him a funny look. “You do so!”
He took the towel, still grinning, and began to dry. “So, what do you think my parents are up to?” he asked.
Maddie shook her head as she continued to wash. “I have no idea ... but it seems like your father can hardly contain himself.”
“I know ... that’s what has me worried,” Asa said as he put a pile of dishes back on the shelf. They continued to work, side by side, and, as Asa reached for the utensils, he glanced at Maddie’s pretty profile. She had pulled her chestnut-colored hair back into a ponytail and her cheeks were still rosy from the cold. With her freckles and petite figure, she looked more like a girl than a twenty-four-year-old woman. “By the way,” he said, “I didn’t know you played the piano.”
“Yup,” she said with a grin. “Eight long years of lessons. . .”
“Eight years?! Well, I’m sure the piano in the living room needs tuning—it’s probably been at least twelve years, maybe longer, since it was last played. But you’re welcome to give it a whirl. Noah would love it.”
Maddie put the last glass in the dish drainer. “Are you going to wake him?”
“I think so ... he’ll be disappointed if he misses dessert ... or when you make Glug!”
Maddie grinned. “Oh, I almost forgot! Where did you put the bag?”
“Right there.” Asa pointed to a brown bag tucked behind the pie carrier.
“I’ll need a big pot, too ...”
Asa pulled one out of the drawer below the oven. “Anything else?”
Maddie dried her hands on the towel that Asa was holding and said, “Matches.”
Asa looked puzzled. “Matches?”
“Yup!”
“Hmmm,” he teased. “Sometimes, you’re so mysterious. .
“I know,” she said with a grin. “I like to keep you guessing. . .”
Chapter 7
Asa peered over the back of the couch. Noah was still sound asleep. He laid two more pieces of wood on the fire and reached for the matches on the mantel. As he did, he heard a commotion at the front door. He looked down the hall and saw his father trying to close the door and maneuver up the stairs with a cumbersome cardboard box. His mother was brushing snow from the sleeves of her coat, but, when she saw Asa, she smiled. “It’s really coming down out there!”
“Is it?” Asa said with a suspicious smile. “So, what’s Dad sneaking up the stairs with?”
“He’s not sneaking, dear,” she said with a smile. “If he was sneaking, he wouldn’t be making so much noise.” She hung up her coat and headed for the kitchen. “Did you go see the Nativity?” she asked, changing the subject.
“Yes, we did. It’s pretty neat,” Asa said, following her. “Does Mr. Thompson still own that farm?”
Sarah nodded. “He does, but his son does most of the work now.” She pushed open the kitchen door and stopped suddenly. “Oh, my goodness! Maddie, I didn’t expect you to do all this.”
Maddie smiled at Asa. “I didn’t do it alone ... I had a helper.”
“Well, thank you both very much!”
Samuel pushed the door open behind them, looked around at the kitchen, and shook his head. “You know, you two, we would’ve liked to have helped with this.”
“No, you wouldn’t have ...” Asa teased.
Samuel was still shaking his head when he peered into the still-empty pot on the stove. “So, Maddie, what’s in this Christmas drink?” he asked, and then using his best up-and-down dialect, added, “I know those Svedes like to keep varm!”
Maddie laughed. “That’s true!” She reached into her bag and produced a half gallon jug of port wine and poured it into the pot. She turned on the burner and said, “I’m cutting the recipe in half because there’re only four of us ... and even that’s probably going to be too much. But we can reheat it tomorrow, too ... if you like it.”
“I like it already!” said Samuel. Then, he looked around. “Where’s Noah?”
“Asleep on the couch,” Asa replied.
“He is? I didn’t even see him.”
“Yup ... I think I better wake him, though,” Asa said, and disappeared into the living room. A moment later, he came back with Noah in his arms, still rubbing his eyes.
Samuel took him from Asa and said, “C’mere, you!” Then he looked at Asa. “You’re lucky he doesn’t wake up in a mood like you used to do.”
Noah peered around the kitchen. “Is Maddie making her stuff?” he asked.
“Yup ... do you want to help?” she asked. He nodded sleepily and Asa pulled a chair over near the stove, and Samuel set him on it.
Noah looked in the pot and yawned. “Do we have to measure?”
Maddie reached into the bag, took out the remaining ingredients, set them in front of him, and replied, “Nope, we just have to count.” She opened a pint-size bottle that her father had given her and poured in the contents.
Samuel watched curiously and asked, “Now, what was that?”
Maddie held the bottle out to him. “It’s called akvavit ... or aquavit. It means ‘water of life,’ or some say it means ‘water of the vine.’ It’s a Scandinavian vodka.” Samuel nodded, handed the bottle back, and Maddie went on. “There are different recipes for Glug, but this is the one that my grandfather has always made.”
She looked at her recipe and then at Noah. “Ready?” Noah nodded. “We need four prunes.” Noah counted out the prunes, plopped them in, and watched them pop back up and float to the edge. “Next, we need three dried apricots and a handful of raisins ...” With Maddie supervising, Noah dropped in the dried fruit, nuts, and spices. The last ingredient was a cinnamon stick. And then Maddie said, “Now we let it simmer.”
Samuel smiled. “It smells pretty potent!”
Sarah agreed. “It’s very fragrant ... very Christmassy!”
And Asa asked, “What about the matches?”
Maddie grinned. “We haven’t gotten to that part yet ...”
“Well, while we wait, who’s ready for pie?” Sarah asked.
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