9

Christmas morning, Lauren awoke with excitement. She hadn’t felt this way since she was a little girl. Justin’s presence in the cabin made Christmas so much more special. She went to the kitchen to get started on the meal preparation, but Justin was right behind her.

“No sleeping in today?” she asked him.

“Nope. It’s time for presents.”

“Presents?”

“Well, one present. I went shopping yesterday.”

“For me?” Lauren couldn’t control her smile.

“For you.” Justin held out a gift bag.

“I have something for you, too,” Lauren said. “Wait a minute.” She went into her room to get her gift for Justin. When she returned, Justin wore a puzzled expression.

“You didn’t know I was coming,” Justin said. “How do you have a present for me?”

“It’s been in the cabin for many years. It was waiting for the right person to come along.” She held out a Bible. “It was my grandfather’s.”

Justin took the Bible. “But I thought the big one in the living room was his.”

“They both were. He used to read to me from the one in the living room. This is the one he took to church every week. It’s a much more manageable size. You’ll find lots of his notes in it. They’re powerful.”

“Are you sure you want to give this to me?”

“I’m sure.”

“Thank you.” Justin wrapped his arms around her. After a moment, he released her and stepped back. His eyes danced. “Now, open yours.”

Lauren rustled through the tissue paper and lifted out an exquisite snow globe with an angel in the center. “Oh Justin, it’s gorgeous. Thank you. I love it.”

Justin beamed. “I hoped you would. When I saw it, I immediately thought of you. You were my angel in the snowstorm.”

Lauren shook the snow globe and placed it on the table next to the nativity set. Justin set down the Bible and turned toward her.

“This has been the best Christmas I’ve had since I was a boy.” His eyes shone as he gazed around the cabin. “All these Christmas decorations, and no mistletoe?”

Lauren’s heart thudded. “I never needed any before. Do I need some now?”

Justin drew closer. “Depends. Do I need an excuse?”

Lauren’s breath caught and no words came. She shook her head as Justin lowered his lips to hers, gently at first, but as the kiss deepened, her world spun.

When Justin broke the kiss, she sank into his arms. “Merry Christmas, Justin.”

“Merry Christmas.” He pressed his forehead against hers, and she pulled back and gazed into those eyes. A sigh of contentment escaped her lips, and he claimed them once more. After a few breathless moments, Lauren led him into the kitchen.

They worked together making a small but delicious Christmas brunch. After they brought the food to the table, Justin laid his hand on Lauren’s.

“Do you remember our first meal together?”

“Of course. It was only three days ago.”

“I was starving, and about to shovel the soup into my mouth, but you stopped to pray.” Justin shook his head. “I couldn’t remember the last time I heard someone pray before a meal.” His eyes misted. “My mom used to.” He met Lauren’s gaze. “You prayed my time in the cabin would heal me. God answered your prayer. Thank you.”

The warmth traveled from Lauren’s hand throughout her body. God had given her the means to bring Justin to Him. What an unmistakable privilege. “It was God.”

“It was, but you obeyed Him. I’d like to say a prayer now, if it’s OK with you.”

“Of course.” Lauren bowed her head and let Justin’s words fill the space between them.

“God,” he began. “I’m new to this, but I want to tell You some things. First, thank You for this meal, for bringing me to this place, and bringing me to Lauren. Most of all, God, thank You for helping me realize what Christmas is all about. It’s not about the tree, or the cabin, or the lighting of candles. It’s about the gift of Your Son to us. Thank You for taking over my life. Amen.”

“I couldn’t have said a more beautiful prayer.” Lauren blinked back tears. “This is an extra special Christmas.”

“It is.” Justin squeezed her hand. “Now let’s eat.”

~*~

Lauren followed Justin’s car into the parking lot of his mother’s facility. She’d stay in the city tonight. There was no need to drive back to the cabin. She’d found what she needed. Sure, she could go up for a few days before starting a new job, but for now, she was at peace.

God met her at the cabin, showed her He was sufficient for her, and gave her the blessing of Justin. He’d come so far in a few short days. Her initial impression he didn’t care about family couldn’t have been more wrong. Here was a man completely devoted to his mom even though she couldn’t give anything back. If only God would heal the relationship with his father.

After signing in, Lauren followed Justin into his mother’s room.

The woman sat facing the window. Her hair was grayish-blond, pulled away from a much too old face. A face which dealt with trials usually reserved for someone much older.

Justin set a bouquet of fresh flowers by her chair and pulled up a seat next to her.

“Hi, Mom.”

Justin’s mother glanced his way and back out the window. “It’s cloudy today.”

“Yes, it is. Do you like to look at the clouds?”

“I like to look at flowers, too, but there aren’t any outside.”

“I brought some for you.”

His mother turned toward the flowers and a smile brightened her face. “Oh!”

Justin beamed, and his mother turned toward the window. “There aren’t any flowers outside. I like to see the flowers.”

“There’s someone here I’d like you to meet.” Justin motioned for Lauren to come closer.

When Justin’s mother turned toward her, her eyes filled with tears. “Amanda!”

She stood and embraced Lauren. “Oh, Amanda, it’s so good to see you.”

Lauren turned toward Justin and mouthed “Who’s Amanda?”

“I’ll tell you later,” he whispered. “Go with it. It makes her happy.” Justin stood and gave Lauren the chair across from his mother.

“Amanda, I’ve missed you. How are you?”

“I’m good. How are you doing?”

“I’m fine. Some days are better than others. I’m worried about my son.”

Lauren drew closer. “Why are you worried about Justin?”

“He’s angry with his father. I don’t want him to grow up into an angry man.” Her voice was urgent now. “Amanda, tell my son…” her eyes rolled to the ceiling.

Lauren grabbed her arm. “What? What should I tell your son?”

Her eyes focused on Lauren. “Tell my son he needs to forgive his father. He did the best he knew how. Tell him I love him. Tell him Jesus loves him. And please, tell him I like it here. This is where I want to be.” Her eyes clouded over, and she rocked and hummed.

Lauren turned to Justin. Tears spilled down his cheeks. He planted a kiss on his mother’s head, but she was no longer with them.

“I like looking at the clouds. Do you like clouds?” she asked Lauren. “Have we met? Is this your husband? He’s quite handsome. Why is he sad?” Her eyes returned to the clouds.

Justin gathered Lauren in his arms. “Thank you, Lauren. I haven’t heard my mom speak clearly in years. You truly are an angel.”

They exited the room and Justin draped his arm around Lauren’s shoulders, drawing her close. “Amanda was my mom’s sister. She died twenty years ago.” He wiped the tears from his face and studied Lauren. “You do resemble her.”

“Your mom said she likes it here,” Lauren said. “I don’t think you should take her away.”

“No, you’re right.” Justin shook his head. “I owe my dad an apology.”

“It would be an awfully nice Christmas present to tell him in person.”

Justin swallowed hard. “You’re right. Would you come with me?”

Lauren nodded. “Of course.”

~*~

Justin knocked on Sarah’s door, Lauren at his side.

Sarah rushed out the door and squeezed Justin tight. “You came! Oh, I’m so glad you came. Dad will be thrilled to see you.” She turned to Lauren. “You must be Lauren.” She grinned. “Nope, you definitely don’t seem ready for retirement.”

Lauren laughed.

Justin glanced between the ladies, puzzled.

“Don’t you worry about us,” Sarah said. “Get on in there and say hi to Dad. Alex is putting Natalie down for a nap, so you and Dad can catch up while I get to know Lauren a little better.”

Justin turned toward Lauren, but the smile in her eyes told him she’d be fine. He moved into the den where his father sat in the recliner. When did he get so thin? His hair was streaked with white. Justin approached the chair. “Dad?”

Dad’s eyes flickered open. “Justin? Is it you?”

“Merry Christmas, Dad.”

“Son, I’m so glad you’re here. I’ve been praying you’d come.”

“Dad, I’m sorry. Sarah told me you’re having a rough time.”

“Nonsense. I’m fine. Come, sit with me, and let’s talk.”

Justin took the chair opposite his father. “Dad, I visited Mom today. She spoke clearly.”

Dad’s eyes widened. “I haven’t seen her in a lucid state in quite some time. Did she recognize you?”

Justin shook his head. “No, but she told me she liked it there. I’m sorry, Dad. All those years I blamed you for taking Mom away, for shutting her away in a place I imagined was awful. Now I realize she’s happy there.”

“They take good care of her. I was afraid, never knowing what I’d find when I came home. I couldn’t risk her burning down the house, or hurting one of you. It had to be done, but I miss her too.”

“I understand now, Dad, and I’m sorry for all the hurt I’ve caused you. Will you forgive me?”

His dad’s eyes filled with tears. “Yes, son, I forgive you. I wasn’t always the best father. I hope you can forgive me as well.”

Justin bent over his father, and gave him a hug. “I do, Dad. Merry Christmas.”

He turned to find Sarah and Lauren watching them from the doorway.

“I never thought I’d see the day,” Sarah said, wiping a tear from her eye. “What changed your mind?”

Justin turned toward Lauren and smiled. “An angel.”