Chapter 8

Laughing, Christian played along with the children as he allowed them to drag him into the next room. But his heart was heavy, thinking about Joy. In a short period of time, God revealed that her greatest need wasn’t food and shelter, but spiritual strength. Christian had his work cut out for him to draw her to Christ, and this time it was personal. He was attracted to his “assignment.”

Come first thing Monday morning, Christian would use his connections and see if he could intercede with the bank on her behalf. With the extent of his family’s wealth, all Christian had to do was write a check to pay down her loan or to clear her debt totally, but that act would be for selfish reasons. How would that increase her faith in God?

Giggling, the children forced him to fall on the sofa where they were sticking to his sides like a bandage. Christian was aware that Mrs. Thomas was watching him.

Clearing her throat, she spoke above a whisper. “What do you do for a living besides rescuing damsels in distress?” She smiled with admiration.

“Well, my two brothers and I run a company where we invest in people and their dreams. We put our money where our mouths are in terms of production, marketing and staff support.”

“Sounds like a mouth full. Why don’t you make it plainer for this sixty-five-year-old woman,” Mrs. Thomas prompted.

“Sorry.” Christian chuckled. “Inventors see visions and we help bring them to life. Imagine mailing a letter on a rainy day. Thanks to African-American Philip B. Downing who thought of the hinge door on the street mailboxes, our mail is protected. He, along with Dr. Charles Drew, George Washington Carver, Morgan Garrett and others were just a small handful of Black pioneers with inventions that sparked something in me to keep the ideas coming.”

Mrs. Thomas seemed fascinated with his explanation.

“As a matter of fact, one of our clients, Stacy Clark’s invention will be in stores next week in time for the holidays. It was a hit with consumers during test market. Her bright idea is bras that have compartments for storing money, medicine or a cell phone. There’s even a punch—”

She lifted her hand to stop him. “I get the point, but you can understand if I’d rather not talk about women’s underwear with a man.”

Christian grinned in embarrassment. “Sorry. I tend to get carried away.”

“Oh, that’s all right.” Mrs. Thomas smiled. “I’d rather see these young minds create big things. I just want to say God bless you, young man, for helping Joy. She’s not a complainer, but if you looked into her eyes, you can see she worries too much.”

Christian nodded. Her eyes also told him that she was attracted to him.

Mrs. Thomas scooted closer and whispered, “She’s been through so much with her sister’s death and brother-in-law’s split personality, but she loves these children. She ain’t got time for foolishness. I’m a praying neighbor.”

“We’re on the same page.”

Satisfied, she relaxed in her chair, then Shane crawled into her lap. Once he nuzzled a comfortable position against her bosom, the toddler drifted off to sleep like the girls.

Minutes later, Joy stepped out of the kitchen with a beautiful smile that didn’t reach into her brown eyes. Without looking at him, Joy spoke to her neighbor. “I’ll take Shane and lay him down in his bed. We have a crazy day tomorrow.”

“How crazy?” Christian frowned.

“Let’s just say I’ll be going insane as I try to catch some of the Black Friday specials, mostly to stock up on clothes. Children grow so fast. Then I’ll let Bethani and Darla pick out a present for their Secret Santas at school and preschool. I’ll get my daughter and Shane something so they won’t feel left out.”

“Yep, you are insane. You may have to park a mile away from the stores. Plus, it will be chilly tomorrow,” Christian said, trying to reason with her. He had never been a fan of mob-like sales.

“I offered to watch the babies,” Mrs. Thomas interjected.

“No, Mrs. Thomas, you need a day off. Anyway, shopping is part of the holiday tradition. This will be my nieces’ and nephew’s second Christmas with me. It won’t be as extravagant as last year, but I’ll make sure they have presents under the tree.”

“Okay, dear. If you change your mind, I’ll be next door,” her neighbor said, slowly standing and patting her round stomach. “I’d better head home. I think I’ll take a nap.”

“Hold on.” Joy adjusted Shane on her shoulder and headed upstairs.

Once she disappeared, Mrs. Thomas faced Christian. “It was nice meeting you, Mr. Andersen, and I hope to see you again.” They chatted a few more moments before merriment danced in her eyes as she wagged her finger, making sure the girls had dozed off. “And no talking about women’s underwear.”

They were sharing a laugh as Joy reappeared and asked, “What about women’s underwear?”

After her neighbor left, Joy seemed more relaxed. She arched a brow. “Okay, do I even want to know what you two were discussing?”

“It was business.” He stepped closer and glanced at the couch. The girls remained sleeping. “I was thinking, how about letting me be your chauffeur during your shopping spree.”

Bethani stirred, but ignored them.

“And while we’re at it, I can show you a stress-free Christian Christmas,” he challenged.

Bethani instantly sat up, fully alert. “Can we, Auntie? I want to know what a Christian Christmas is, don’t you?”

Throwing up her arms, Joy conceded. Bethani grinned, and Christian walked to the sofa and gave her a high five. He was about to leave when Joy stopped him to go into the kitchen and get his mother’s pie pan, which she had cleaned.

“Mr. Andersen, are you an angel?”

Christian smiled at her innocence. He tweaked her nose. “Sorry, I’m not.”

“Great!”

“Great?”

“Yeah, because angels can’t get married.” Bethani beamed.

She had dumbfounded him. For such a young child, she had a better understanding of the Bible than some adults. In Matthew 22, Jesus said those that rise in the resurrection will neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but become as the angels of God in heaven.

Forgetting about him, Bethani woke Darla and Jada. As she guided them up the stairs, Joy returned with the pan in a brown bag.

Bethani glanced back and waved. Christian did the same, then focused on Joy.

The rapture hadn’t taken place yet, so as long as he remained in his earthly body, Christian would desire a woman. He locked Joy in a stare. It seemed as if they were waiting for the other to make the first move since they were alone again. Christian made it and stepped closer. Fighting temptation, he had to take control of the moment.

Although she was the object of his affection, Christian held back. He had to be about his Father’s business, which was to show Joy the true meaning of Christmas. Once he accomplished that, a kiss was on! “Good night,” he whispered. “I’ll see you tomorrow, if it’s the Lord’s will. May the Lord watch between me and thee while we’re absent...”

“While we’re absent.” Joy blinked. “Then I guess I’ll be praying that it is God’s will. Good night.”