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Chapter 35
As Wes listened to the children sing their second number, a more upbeat song he hadn’t heard before about a little Christmas tree trying to light up the world, he couldn’t seem to stop watching Hannah, sitting in the front row and leading the song.
He could only see the back of her elegantly styled blond updo but he knew she would be smiling at the children, her face alight with the magic she always found through music.
She was breathtaking tonight in that classically elegant deep green dress that seemed to capture the very essence of the season. She looked festive and bright and beautiful and he couldn’t seem to look away.
The Shelter Inn bell choir was enthusiastic and wonderfully off-key in places, their faces beaming with pride as they rang out “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” with more heart than technical precision. Wes found himself smiling despite everything, caught up in their infectious energy.
Then the high school ensemble choir took the stage, their sweet, pure voices lifting in a haunting rendition of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.”
Wes watched as Morgan, seated in the back row, suddenly pressed a trembling hand to her mouth. She rose quickly and hurried toward the exit.
Hannah must have caught the movement from her position. She couldn’t leave when she was coordinating the evening and announcing each number, but she sent Wes a look across the dimly lit chapel.
In the silent communication they always used to have, he knew at once that she was asking him to watch over her vulnerable friend.
He started toward the door, but movement in his peripheral vision made him pause. Morgan’s father had also risen and was quietly making his way to the exit, following his daughter.
Wes hesitated, considering whether to return to his seat, but something in his gut told him Morgan might need his support as she encountered her father for the first time in months.
He followed them both into the small foyer outside the chapel. The father and daughter didn’t even seem to be aware he was there. He saw Ed go to Morgan, his features tortured.
“Morgan, baby. I’m so very sorry.”
The older man’s voice was thick with emotion, and Wes saw Morgan turn, her face streaked with tears.
“That was Josh’s favorite Christmas song,” she said.
“I remember,” Ed said gruffly.
Silence fell between them, tense and awkward. Wes wondered if he should step forward and say something. Before he could, Ed spoke, his voice tortured.
“Oh, honey. Why didn’t you tell me about the cancer?”
The words hung heavy in the air. Morgan’s face crumpled, and she wrapped her arms around herself as if trying to hold the pieces together.
“I saw what you went through with Mom. I . . . I didn’t want to put you through that again.”
Her father was quiet for a long moment, his own eyes glistening. “Love doesn’t work that way. When you love someone, you let them into your life during the good times and the bad times.”
When you love someone, you let them in.
The words resounded through Wes like the music coming from the chapel.
He had done the exact opposite. When life had gotten difficult, he had pushed Hannah away instead of pulling her closer.
He had been a coward.
“I want to make this right, Morgan. Please.” Her father’s voice broke. “I want to be here for you and the kids in any way I can. Please don’t shut me out. I promise, I will do better if you give me a chance.”
Morgan stared at him for a long moment. Wes thought she was going to turn around and go back inside the chapel. Instead, she gave a strangled cry and stepped forward into her father’s arms.
“I’m scared,” Wes heard her whisper. “I’m so scared, Dad.”
Ed sniffed. “I know, sweetheart. I know. But we’re going to face this together. All of us.”
Eventually, Morgan pulled back and wiped her eyes. For the first time, she seemed aware of Wes standing some distance away. She gave him a watery smile. “I’m okay,” she said. “We’re going to be okay.”
