A Riverwalk Christmas: Four-in-One Collection

by Elizabeth Goddard, Martha Rogers, Lynette Sowell

  Standing outside room 1233, he heard soft music and light chatter. He hoped to avoid the customary toast, but chances were his mother would wait until he arrived, expecting him to give words. Before entering, Joshua tugged at his collar and adjusted his tie. Without knocking, he simply entered the gathering, noting his mother’s friends and a few of her important business contacts mingling in several small groups around the room.

  He wished he could melt into the wall behind him, become invisible. Then he spotted his mother standing next to Tom near the table. She looked radiant as she stuffed hors d’oeuvres into his mouth. Her laughter reached Joshua across the room. Shoving down his frustrations, he collected his thoughts and forced a smile.

  His mother raised her stemware and tapped the glass with a spoon. Joshua didn’t move as all eyes turned to her. What was she up to? He hadn’t even spoken with her yet.

  “Ladies and gentleman, we have a special guest tonight. Someone I’m delighted for all of you to meet.” A connecting door to the suite eased open. His mother spoke softly to whomever stood in the doorway. “Come, dear.”

  Eliza stepped into Joshua’s line of sight. It was clear she was uncomfortable with the attention.

  Pressure buzzed in Joshua’s ears. What did his mother think she was doing? Didn’t she know? Eliza was the woman that …

  The room swayed. His mind scrambled.

  Chapter 9

  I’d like to introduce you to the lovely Ecko Lewis, Tom’s daughter,” his mother said, and smiled for the crowd. Though she’d forbidden pictures and media of any kind—this was a small private party—she appeared to be performing for the camera.

  Joshua didn’t miss that the act was for him as she flashed him a knowing grin and a small wave.

  Ecko Lewis? The name reverberated through his mind. Ecko Lewis was Eliza Connors? His head spinning, Joshua pressed his hand to his forehead, the gathering around him seeming to fade. Tom wasn’t unfaithful to his mother? Eliza wasn’t the other woman?

  For an instant, his heart leaped, and hoped surged. He’d been wrong about Tom. Equally close to his heart—he’d been wrong about Eliza, or Ecko, her real name.

  He understood about using another name. Life with his mother had taught him that. But why had Eliza—er—Ecko kept that from him?

  Ears still humming, he risked a glance at her. She did not look his way, but rather smiled softly in conversation with his mother and her fiancé. Joshua stood frozen, feeling the fool. But—he supposed—he deserved this.

  His mother had warned him that she had a big surprise for him. He wished he could laugh, join her in the joke. And he would, except he’d said those terrible words to Ecko. It was difficult thinking of her as Ecko rather than Eliza.

  Had he also misread Ecko’s intention to use him to get to his mother? Probably. It was too much to absorb. Joshua wanted to flee the celebration. He needed time to grasp what he’d just heard, to understand all the ramifications.

  Lord, help me to comprehend it all, and—thank You for letting me see things through Your eyes, for letting me see the truth.

  With the simple prayer, he knew that he should immediately seek forgiveness. Joshua tugged the hem of his suit jacket and strode toward the long food-laden table, toward Ecko. If God saw fit to answer the rest of his heart’s prayer, Ecko wouldn’t have already tossed aside her feelings for him. She’d forgive him for being an idiot.

  Upon seeing Joshua’s approach, Tom stiffened, though subtly. Now, it was Tom’s turn to be the protective one. Certain that Tom was well informed of the situation, Joshua didn’t blame him.

  “Tom.” Joshua nodded.

  “Joshua, good to see you.” Tom thrust out his hand.

  Joshua gripped and shook it with a smile. He’d grossly misjudged Tom. “I owe you an apology.”

  Tom stared back. “Apology accepted.” He glanced at his daughter.

  Ecko smiled, but it resembled the performance Joshua’s mother gave. Behind her eyes, he could see all the pain he’d caused. If only they were alone, he could tell her all that she meant to him.

  “And—Eliza.” Wincing, Joshua cleared his throat. He hadn’t said her pseudonym intentionally.

  Her faced paled. He admired her ability to remain composed, despite the impossible state of affairs.

  “I’m sorry. It will take me time to learn your real name. Ecko, please accept my apology.”

  She said nothing and smiled at one of his mother’s friends who had approached and now drew Ecko into conversation, oblivious to the fact that she was already in one. The gathering had grown hungry, and the table was surrounded. Joshua wished they could leave. He needed to speak to her privately, to convey the depth of his regret.

  People pressed against him, and the room grew stifling hot. He leaned near Ecko, to speak in her ear, noting she wore the soft scent of Chanel No. 5.

  He closed his eyes, breathing in the essence of her and whispered, “I need to speak with you alone. Can we go somewhere?”

  Ecko stiffened and continued to choose her hors d’oeuvres. She’d managed to comb her short hair in a fashion that covered her face when she leaned forward. He could not see her expression. Was she angry, happy, or sad?

  “Eliza,” he whispered again. “I’m so sorry.”

  A man across the table began chatting with her. Impossible. The situation was impossible. He could do nothing more without drawing too much attention.

  Again, the clinking of the glass. His mother’s voice rose above the chatter.

  “Can I have your attention again, please? I’d like for my son, Joshua, to share a toast.”

  Joshua had not grown up without training in performing for the camera and backed from the table, a smile firmly planted on his face. Despite his own debacle, his mother had found the man of her dreams. Finally, he should be happy for her.

  And he was.

  He buttoned his suit jacket as he strode to where she and Tom stood, holding hands. Joshua lifted a flute of sparkling apple cider. He knew this was expected of him and had vaguely considered his words throughout the evening’s struggles.

  Lifting the glass, he began. “Here’s to my mother, the bride-to-be. You’ve finally found him, Mother; you found the man of your dreams. And to Tom—the groom-to-be, you found something rare when you found my mother. May your lives together be long and filled with love deeper than the ocean and happiness that takes you higher than the mountains.”

  The crowd sounded their approval. But Joshua wasn’t finished yet. This could be his opportunity.

  “And to Tom’s daughter, Ecko …” Joshua’s heart hammered as he searched the room. “Where are you, Ecko?”

  There. All eyes turned to her. Ecko stood halfway out the door, looking like a small animal caught in the headlights of a car.

  Ecko looked straight at Joshua, into his dark eyes. As she stared at him, she shook her head so subtly, she hoped only he could read her answer, then slipped the rest of the way through the door. She could not hear what he wanted to say. Remaining one second longer would end in embarrassment, as Ecko could hold back the tears no longer.

  As she rushed down the hallway and onto the elevator, Ecko relived the moment when Joshua had stepped into the room. She’d ignored Laura’s requests to remain hidden, but had lingered near her father. Ecko alone appeared to notice when something changed in the room, almost as if she could feel his presence. She’d instantly glanced around the suite, searching.

  Once she’d spotted him across the room—though the partygoers blocked much of her view—she noticed how handsome he looked in his dark suit and tie. Her knees had gone weak. Yet, how could she continue to feel the same about a man who had treated her that way?

  Ecko stepped into the lobby, intending to dash to her car. But something stopped her. Better to get fresh air amid the Christmas madness on the Riverwalk. She rushed outside into the cold air and onto the sidewalk that rimmed the San Antonio River, tugging her wrap even tighter. Walking fast would keep her warm, th
ough her heels would be a hindrance.

  Seeing Joshua had sent all the hurt rushing back to her. It hadn’t even occurred to the man to trust her or to ask her for an explanation. Not so long ago, she’d gone through the same realization but with Brennan—his lack of trust had also led to his lack of respect for her. She wouldn’t allow that to happen again.

  The activity surrounding her drew her from the gloomy thoughts. Ecko could never have imagined the Riverwalk bustling as it was on a cold night. People were everywhere. Christmas lights hung from every venue, including trees and arbors. Tourist-filled riverboats floated down the river. Restaurants were busy catering to customers, plenty of whom sat at the tables outside, even on a cool night.

  The scene warmed Ecko’s heart, if only a little. Festive music assailed her from every direction as she walked. An elaborate display of lights caught her attention, and she stopped. The presentation depicted the manger scene, including the heavenly hosts of angels hanging from high above.

  Overcome with awe, Ecko stood for several moments, looking at the lights. Was this display a product of Joshua’s company, of Sheppard Christmas Lighting?

  Beautiful beyond words, it was a simple reminder of the birth of Christ, the Savior of the world. Farther down, the lights continued and were fashioned into a crucifix with the words “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

  Ecko’s breath caught in her throat. A single tear slipped down her cheek, and she knew many more could easily come.

  Hadn’t Joshua apologized to her? And even if he hadn’t, as a Christian, she was supposed to forgive. Christ had forgiven her.

  She should forgive Joshua, even if she didn’t …

  Ecko sucked in a breath. She still loved him.

  Joshua had almost made it to the door, his every intention to follow Ecko. Chase her if he must. Win her back. No one was going to stop him, but Tom grabbed his arm, doing exactly that.

  Though frustrated, Joshua would not disrespect the man. He sighed as he turned to face Ecko’s father.

  His mother appeared next to her fiancé. “Maybe you should let her alone for now, Joshua.”

  “I agree. Give her some time,” Tom said.

  Though he wasn’t baring his teeth like an angry dog, Joshua could easily have imagined Tom as such, protecting his daughter.

  “I made the biggest mistake of my life by accusing the woman I love. I have no intention of simply letting her go until she knows how sorry I am. Until she knows how much I love her.”

  Joshua had no idea how—if he loved her—he could have accused her without hearing her explanation. On the inside, he felt like dying.

  Tom slowly released his grip. Joshua was thankful that his mother’s guests appeared to have lost interest and were busy with discussions of their own lives again.

  He released a pained breath and looked at his mother. Even thirty years past her modeling prime, she was still so beautiful. “I see now that I’ve done the same thing to all the men in your life. Always accusing them. I’m sorry for that, Mother. And we can thank God that I didn’t run Tom off, too.”

  His mother’s eyes filled with tears. “Oh … Joshua,” she said, her voice trembling.

  He couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen her cry, especially in a public gathering. Maybe never.

  “You had reasons for your distrust. We both know that,” she added.

  Not wanting to delay further, Joshua simply dipped his head, gesturing he understood exactly whom his mother referred to. He left them standing there to pursue Ecko. But where had she gone?

  Lord Jesus, lead me to her. When the elevator opened on the lobby floor, Joshua stepped off and searched the area. At the concierge desk overlooking the lobby, he asked a young woman if she’d seen Ecko, describing her dress and hair.

  The woman’s eyes grew bright and she nodded. “Yes. She was so beautiful in that dress she stood out from the crowd, especially with the pained expression she wore. I saw her rush through the doors to the Riverwalk.”

  “Thank you.” Joshua hurried after her.

  “Merry Christmas, and I hope you find her,” the young woman called to Joshua from behind.

  Stepping out into the shock of cold, he was greeted by the joyous mood on the Riverwalk, and it warmed his spirits, even in the face of possibly losing Ecko for the second time.

  He looked left then right. Which way should he go? Where are you, Ecko? Recalling their first encounter, he headed in the direction of La Cocina del Rio.

  With his hands jammed into his leather jacket, he made his way through the crowd, all the while searching for the beautiful blond woman in a teal dress and black wrap. Surely, as the woman at the concierge’s counter had said, Ecko would stand out.

  His throat thickened with regret as he considered the consequences of his actions. It was wrong for him to think every man was like his father. Wrong for him to continually harbor suspicion of others.

  Lord, help me to forgive my father for cheating, for his unfaithfulness, for all the pain he caused us. Help me to forgive him for leaving us. Though his father had died years before, Joshua still carried the anger and resentment toward him. Forgiving his father would begin the healing process for Joshua. He knew that. And with the words of his heart, he felt it, too.

  Hadn’t his heart been pricked with every Christmas light installation? He always tried to include the message of Christ’s forgiveness along with the story of His birth. But now he realized—Thank You, Lord—that the message had been meant for him.

  God had been speaking to him through his lighted displays all along. Even as he had the thought, one of his company’s displays came into view.

  The baby Jesus with Mary and Joseph tucked warmly in a manger scene and surrounded with shepherds, animals, and a host of angels. Then … Christ on a cross.

  Slowly, he read the words. “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

  Joshua felt the release in his heart. “Thank You, Lord,” he said, not caring who heard.

  Many potential customers had complained at first about his insistence that the Cross be included in his displays, but soon enough, Sheppard Christmas Lighting was recognized everywhere to include the full Gospel message.

  Now, if he could just find Ecko. With difficulty, Joshua pulled his eyes and thoughts from the display, knowing that he shouldn’t forget the pain he’d caused her. He turned his back to the lights and faced the river, allowing his gaze to travel over the Riverwalk.

  Then, he saw her.

  Chapter 10

  Joshua was too far behind for Ecko to hear him if he called out to her. He hurried through the bodies, seemingly bouncing off them as if he were in a pinball game. Fearing he would lose her again, he called her name.

  “Ecko!” He continued moving in the direction he’d last seen her.

  He stood on his toes to see above the crowd. No! He’d lost her. But surely, she couldn’t be too far from him.

  Ahead of him a large gathering congregated around a mariachi ensemble that featured violins, trumpets, guitars, the works. “Feliz Navidad” seemed to be the song of the evening, echoing from all corners of the Riverwalk.

  Joshua slid his hand down his face. How would he get through the crowd? Excusing himself as he went, he pushed gently between the men, women, and children, their faces filled with the wonder of Christmas joy. The images brought to mind Maria’s face when she first saw the doll Ecko had chosen for her.

  Lord, please, if it’s Your will, let me find her. Give me a chance to make this up to her.

  Pushing further through the crowd, the music grew even louder. Joshua pushed up on his toes to see above heads.

  There! Ecko neared a bridge in the distance.

  “Ecko! Ecko, wait.”

  In return for his shout, he received a few glares—but he continued pushing through.

  “Ecko, I love you!”

  A strange event began to unfold before his eyes. The music subsided, slowly, and the crowd aroun
d him began to part. Joshua knew his eyes were wide in disbelief.

  What was happening? Were they stopping for him?

  “Go get her, son.” An older man was the first to speak.

  “Yeah, don’t let her get away,” a little boy said and tugged Joshua’s hand, pulling his gaze down to see warm eyes staring back.

  Feeling as if God had done this, God had opened a way for Joshua, tears of joy almost overcame him. The noise subsiding, the crowd opening up for him—it was nothing less than a Christmas miracle.

  “Thank you,” he said, the words barely audible. “Thank you, all.”

  Confidence returned to his voice, and he shouted at the top of his lungs, this time with permission and encouragement from the people around him.

  Let the world hear it, let them know. “Ecko, if you can hear me—I love you!”

  The chill of the night began to eat at Ecko. She’d finally walked off the ache in her heart, emptied her emotional angst. Her prayers asking the Lord to help her forgive Joshua were working.

  She was responsible for his knee-jerk reaction—she’d kept the truth from him. Even though she’d felt justified in playing things safe by using her pen name, it was wrong to withhold her real name.

  Still, even if she hadn’t played a role in the misunderstanding, even if he had no reason to react the way he had, she had to forgive him.

  Oh, Joshua …

  Standing near a bridge, she drew in a deep breath of the night air, feeling spent. She now wished she had stayed to hear what he planned to say to her during his toast. Oh, how she loved him.

  If only she hadn’t run out.

  “Ecko! I love you!”

  The words filtered to her from somewhere on the Riverwalk. Was she dreaming? Simply wishing too hard that he was here? Was there someone else named Ecko?

  She made a full circle. A distance away, she spotted Joshua with a crowd behind him as though they were his followers. The band on the stage near them also watched.