Chapter 11

Once they were in the food court, Christian took their orders and strolled to the counter. Joy watched him walk away still wearing his silly chauffeur cap. She sighed, enjoying a moment of contentment. When she noted others admiring Christian, she couldn’t believe the twinge of jealousy she felt even though Christian never gave them an encouraging glimpse.

“I like him, Auntie,” Bethani said, breaking into her reverie.

“He’s a nice man.” Joy smoothed back a few loose hairs that had escaped Bethani’s hair band.

Shane screamed his displeasure at his sister and cousin about something. “Jada, let him stay there. Why don’t you sit by me?” Of course, Shane scrambled off his chosen seat to make a beeline for her lap. Lord, You know I don’t know what to do with this boy…

“Here we go,” Christian said, balancing two food trays. The girls grinned.

Joy chuckled. “You are their hero.”

Straddling the seat next to her, Christian said, “I aim to please. What about your hero?”

“You’re the reigning champion.” Together they portioned out the children’s chicken nuggets and fries.

While Christian blessed their meal, Joy thought about how much she enjoyed hearing him pray. He was soft spoken almost in reverence, yet his voice was strong and powerful.

Once they finished eating, Bethani asked for permission to take Jada and Darla on the carousel. Shane was about to drift off any minute, so she held him. Joy agreed and watched as the attendant strapped the girls in a kiddie seat. Joy turned to Christian who was watching her.

“Here, let me hold him.” Christian scooped the boy out of her arms and lovingly adjusted Shane in his.

“Have you ever married?”

“No, I haven’t met a woman who I wanted to ask,” Christian said, looking at her as if she was supposed to read between some lines. Joy’s brain was too tired after crunching numbers to make sure she didn’t go over her monthly budget.

“Are you sure we aren’t keeping you from any other plans?”

“I wanted to be here, remember?”

“But for how long? Will you disappear along with Santa after Christmas?”

She shivered under his intense scrutiny then squirmed in her seat.

“Unlike Santa, Christ is with us year round. I’m reminded of that every morning when I wake and write my name. As for Christian, I’m hoping you will want to keep me around.”

“My mind is screaming, ‘Why?’ Between work and the children, I’m exhausted.”

“Joyce Knight, Jesus died for us so that He can carry our load. Let Him carry yours.”

“God may answer your prayers, but mine are still in the on-hold pattern.” Joy paused and thought about what she saw Christian do earlier. “I don’t know what was in that envelope you gave that man at Walmart, but that was nice of you. You’re a secret Santa.”

“No, there is no secret what God can do. It’s important that Jesus gets the credit here, not me. The Bible says in Luke 12 to whom much is given, much is required. My parents and my grandparents have always had money. Up until a few years ago, everyone knew I had money, too, but I’ve learned cash can’t buy you happiness or love. I cringed when people didn’t call me Chris. I didn’t want to be reminded that the first Christian church began with the Apostles teaching and preaching Jesus. I wanted no part of holiness. Then one afternoon, my father sat me down and told me enough was enough of my rebellious actions.”

Shane made a sucking sound with his lips. Christian glanced down. The tender moment made Joy want to weep for the years Shane had already missed with his father.

“Kenneth Andersen put the fear of God in me. He quoted the scripture that it is hard for a rich man to get into heaven because of his pride and pompous behavior. Dad said he wanted me to make it into heaven, and the only way to do it was to strip me of everything I was given—monthly allowance, clothes and everything else I had on a silver platter. It’s nothing like being stripped naked to appreciate the bare minimums in life.”

Joy couldn’t imagine Christian any other way except as the humble man sitting in front of her. She checked on Bethani and the girls. One more round and she would make them get off. “Am I one of your charity cases?” she asked, but wasn’t sure she could bear the answer.

“Last I checked, you weren’t on my company’s list of charitable organizations. Making up your difference at the register was not the same as blessing the man with a money envelope. Once you got in my heart, I couldn’t stop giving to you. You just fit. I want you to make room for me in your life. God knows my intentions, and I would like for you to know, too.”

Flattered—absolutely—but Joy couldn’t fathom any romantic entanglement at the moment. Joy stood and waved the girls off the ride. “I have four children. You might as well say I’m their only parent. How does that fit into a bachelor’s life?”

Christian also got to his feet, still holding Shane. “Who says I’m content with my life as a bachelor?”

“That was fun, Mommy. Can we go see Santa Claus?” Jada pointed in the direction of a long winding line.

“Not today. Mommy is tired.” She turned to Christian. “I know I agreed to you showing me something about Christmas, but can I take a rain check? I desperately could use a nap.” Joy thought Christian would give her a disappointed look for not keeping up her end of the bargain after he drove them around all day.

“There are thirty days before Christmas, so we still have time for you to see what I see.”

As they bundled the children to leave, Joy marveled how his words could cause warmth to radiate through her. She started the countdown. Tomorrow, I’ll have twenty-nine days to find out.