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“Davis, Emma, so good to see you. Merry Christmas.” Jeb Preston shook hands with Davis and gave Emma a hug. The preacher had put his heart and soul into finishing the church and spreading the word that he was ready to assume the duties of minister and confidant.
Despite her illness, Abigail had risen from her bed to attend the first service her son would conduct in his new church. She stood alongside Jeb with the aid of a cane, and still had trouble speaking, but those who had daily contact with her had no problem understanding. The older woman greeted the members as they arrived, with Elizabeth on one side and Jeb on the other. Jeb and Elizabeth’s two young girls, dressed in matching coats, stood next to their mother.
Elizabeth, in her sixth month of pregnancy had lost the frail look that troubled Dr. Quigley, and now glowed with good health and happiness.
“You’re looking very well, Elizabeth,” Emma took her hands and kissed her friend on the cheek.
“Thank you, and you’re glowing as an expectant mother should, yourself.”
“Are you all settled now?”
“Yes we are. And with Abigail on her way to recovery, things are running smoothly.” Elizabeth squeezed Emma’s fingers. “I want you to know how much we appreciated your help when Abigail was sick.”
Jeb turned to the women. “I know I was pretty busy then and I may not have told you how fortunate we felt to have you and Davis as friends.”
“I was honored to help out,” Emma said. “Abigail is looking good, too.” She moved over to the older woman and gave her a hug.
“It’s good to see you, Abigail.”
“Good to see you, too.” Her words were a bit slurred, but Emma had no trouble grasping her message. The sparkle still in her eyes, and her smile, even though it drooped a bit, was still Abigail.
“I hear you’re all settled in your new house.” Elizabeth returned her attention to Emma after greeting another congregant.
“Yes, all settled except for some painting and other things I want to do. But I expect to wait until after the baby’s born to do anything else.”
“Yes, waiting’s exactly what you’ll be doing.” Davis glared at Emma as he took Elizabeth’s hands and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
“Uh, oh.” Elizabeth chuckled. “It looks like Papa has laid down the law.”
Emma raised her chin and sniffed.
They entered the church and settled in seats near the front. The inside of the church was lovely, and showed touches that were obviously Elizabeth’s work. Poinsettias scattered around the sanctuary, interspersed with greens. A beautifully painted nativity set held a place of honor in the sanctuary.
The church was filled, which pleased Emma since this was Jeb’s first service. Jeb moved to the front of the church, and facing those who had gathered for the celebration, he began a familiar Christmas carol, leading the congregation with his rich bass voice.
Emma enjoyed the service, but again with a touch of melancholy at the thought of not seeing her parents on this day they had all delighted in so much. The songs were familiar, and the sermon from Jeb brought back memories of so many Christmases, sitting with her parents and listening to the Word of God. Soon after the service, they would return home to a huge meal Mama had fixed, and then they would present each other with small gifts.
Sniffing, she tried to discreetly wipe the tears with her fingers, but soon felt Davis poke her arm and hand her his handkerchief. She used it to blot her eyes and wipe her nose. She took a deep breath and promised herself she wasn’t going to continue being a watering pot on this day.
She cast a glance at Davis, who winked at her. She had no cause to feel sorry for herself. God had been good to her. She had a lovely new house, a husband who cared for her, and in a couple of months, she would hold her baby. Feeling much better, she started the next Christmas hymn with gusto enough to make the startled couple in front of her turn around. She just nodded at them, and enjoyed the rest of the service.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Davis pushed back his chair from the table that still groaned under all the food Emma had fixed for Christmas dinner. The turkey and ham had been done to perfection, and all the extras of potatoes, carrots, jellies, biscuits and gravy had allowed them to partake of much more than needed. Mae had also contributed her special cole slaw and two pies.
Hans and Davis shared glasses of brandy, and the women sipped on coffee.
“This has been such a wonderful Christmas, Emma. I miss my boys so much at times like this. It would be nice if only one of them had married and stayed near us. To have a few grandchildren, oh my, such a blessing that would be.” Mae sighed heavily. Reaching over to pat Emma’s hand, she added, “And I guess you miss your mama and papa, too?”
“Yes, I do. We had such wonderful Christmases growing up in Indiana. Mama always cooked a great meal, and Papa would bring down from the attic our little crèche that we set in a place of honor on the mantel.”
Sensing tears on the horizon, Davis left his chair and hastened into the parlor, returning with a small gaily-wrapped box, tied with a bright red ribbon. “Merry Christmas, honey.” He knelt on one knee alongside Emma’s chair and handed her the box.
“Oh, Davis,” Emma said as she took the box and began sniffing again. Davis reached into his pocket and took out another new handkerchief and handed it to her.
With shaky hands, Emma unwrapped the box and opened it. Inside was a small, delicate stained glass box. She unfastened the clasp on the front and lifted the lid. Sweet music began to play as a small cat on a pedestal moved in a circle. A mirror on the back of the lid reflected the dancing animal.
“Thank you so much, this is so pretty.” Emma beamed.
