Chapter 18

Joy was running out of time. She couldn’t believe she had become so busy she hadn’t finished the last of her own Christmas shopping. Christian offered to take her, and was on his way to have breakfast with her and the children before they left. She smiled when the doorbell rang. Glancing at the clock, Joy noted that he was early.

She heard Bethani ask who was at the door and then scream, “Daddy!”

Daddy? Quickly drying her hands, Joy frowned. She hadn’t heard from her brother-in-law in months. Walking out of the kitchen, she blinked. Langston stood with bags filled with gifts.

About time, she griped silently. Before Christian came into her life, she would have chewed him out royally for his irresponsibility, but she was just glad to see him for his children’s sake.

“Hi, Joy, I hope you don’t mind me showing up without calling.” He grinned, but the merriment didn’t reach his eyes.

“Langston, you’re always welcome to see your children.” Joy returned his fake smile. “Come on in and have a seat. I’m making breakfast. There’s plenty.”

“Nah, I just dropped by. I have Mildred and the kids in the van,” Langston said, speaking of his stepchildren. He glanced around. “No tree this year?”

“No, Daddy, we built a house for Baby Jesus,” Bethani explained as Shane began to pick up his toys around the manger and show them to Langston.

His father looked disinterested. “Well, where should I put the gifts?”

“You can’t put them on the garland, Daddy,” Bethani said. “Those are the gifts for Jesus.” She pointed to a corner nearby for Langston’s gifts.

He seemed baffled about the absence of a tree. Too bad, Joy thought, returning to the kitchen. Joy heard excited voices and screaming. Her brother-in-law must have wowed his children with some gift.

Seconds later, she felt strong arms around her waist. Christian. Joy was aware of his presence, if that was possible, before he touched her. She relaxed against his chest, content as he planted a soft kiss on her neck. “Hello, my Joy to the world.”

Turning in his arms, she rewarded him with a brief kiss, mindful of the children in the other room. Christian shook off his coat and washed his hands.

“So, I’m assuming that’s Bethani, Darla and Shane’s father.”

Joy nodded. “Yep.” They were silent in their thoughts. When Joy was about to speak, Langston came into the kitchen where she formally made introductions.

“So you’re Mr. Christmas.” Langston scrutinized Christian from head to toe. A range of emotions played on his face that Joy couldn’t decipher. He cleared his throat and faced her. “Ah, Joy, things are tight—”

“No kidding.” She had to say that. She would have twisted her mouth, cranked her neck and rolled her eyes, but Christian took her hand and squeezed it. Immediately, she calmed down.

Langston sighed and then finished. “I’ll try and send something after the beginning of the year. I’ve got to go.” He hurried out of the kitchen. Joy heard the children say good-bye. Shane would sometimes cry the few times Langston left when he did decide to visit, but not this time.

Joy faced Christian. “Thank you for stopping me, because what I would’ve said, I would have been repenting for a lifetime.”

“Thank God, babe. Jude 1:24 tells us Jesus can keep us from falling and present us faultless. Remember that verse. It’s a great way to reduce sin calories and keep you from repenting.”

“I’ll remember,” Joy said softly, not wanting to disappoint him. Turning back to the stove, Joy stirred the rice, although it was ready, to calm her wayward thoughts. “It’s just Langston has no idea how much I’m struggling. Evidently, he’s fooled by the size of my house, my SUV, and the number of business suits I possess—all that mattered to me before Regina passed.”

“You know you could take him to court for child support,” Christian offered, moving closer.

“Yes, I could and he would say the children are his and he could take them to live with him and his new wife. Bethani said Mildred is mean and even hit her once in front of Langston and he did nothing. I’m not a violent woman, Christian, but I was ready to give that woman a beat down where she wouldn’t have been able to get up.” She exhaled and blinked to keep from crying. “We’ll make it, even if I have to get a one-room apartment.” The floodgates erupted. Joy dropped the fork to cover her face, but Christian turned her around and engulfed her in a hug.

“I’m not going to let that happen. I love you, Joy, and I’ve been in love with you for some time. I love your children, too—all of them. God has a plan, and every trial in our life has a purpose. Come on.” He gave her a tight squeeze, then rubbed her arms. “Let’s eat so we can get this shopping done. It will do you good to get out.”

Joy sniffed to compose herself, but she wasn’t ready to leave the cocoon of his warmth and strength. She snuggled her face deeper into his chest and inhaled his cologne. Then she felt tiny arms hugging her legs. When Joy opened her eyes and looked down, the children were encircled in a group hug. Jesus, please make a way to keep us together in Jesus’ name. Amen, she silently prayed.

The conversation around the table was lively as Langston’s name was barely mentioned. The focus was on the gifts for Baby Jesus that came recently in a basket. After everyone finished eating, Bethani watched the children as Christian helped her restore the kitchen.

Not long after breakfast, Mrs. Thomas arrived to supervise Bethani’s first attempt at babysitting for hire. It was comical as she tried to organize her siblings and cousin as if they were in a police lineup.

“While Auntie and Mr. Andersen are gone, I’m in charge. You are to obey me and if you want anything, you must ask permission…”

Christian and Joy exchanged amused glances on their way out. Mrs. Thomas winked and waved them off. Once they were in Christian’s SUV, the couple burst out laughing. “When we come back, I bet my niece will have made all three take a nap.”

Christian agreed, chuckling, then teased her about her list and sales ads.

“Leave me alone.” Joy faked a pout. “Indirectly, it’s helping my budget that we’re celebrating Jesus’ birthday bash this year. That way, I won’t feel bad giving the children less gifts. In Jesus’ honor, I’ll use the bulk of my money to donate to charity, speaking of which, how are the donations going with your charity?”

“We took a big hit at first, but the media blitz helped pull the numbers back up. We’re still down from last year, but God will provide all of our needs. It’s so important for us to remember Philippians 4:19.”

“That’s the only scripture I really know.” Joy glanced at the window, hoping that God would supply all her needs according to His riches in glory. Joy only hoped He would show up soon.