Anna balanced the diaper bag, baby, and her purse. She should’ve accepted Matt’s offer to pick them up, but she had wanted him to see her as a capable woman, especially in light of her recent offer to adopt Lorena’s baby. She hadn’t had the opportunity to share that possibility with Matt just yet.
Caught in one hug after another as she walked into the foyer, it amazed her how the majority of church people had forgiven and loved her. She felt truly blessed.
She waved as she caught a glimpse of Matt and moved toward him. She wondered if her hair survived the fact Melody had fistfuls in her mouth—one of the reasons Anna rarely wore it down.
“Beautiful,” he whispered, leaning in.
She heard the word float her way and saw the way his eyes lit up.
Melody flung her tiny body toward her daddy. Anna stumbled and nearly landed in his arms.
He steadied her with one hand and reached for Melody with the other. They stood eyes locked on each other. Neither moved, neither breathed. Melody, however, made her presence known by batting Matt on the face. He kissed her tiny cheek but kept his eyes riveted on Anna. An unveiled moment of passion moved between them without a single touch.
A tingle started from the tip of Anna’s toes straight up to the top of her head. She needed to get a grip.
“Here.” She plunked the diaper bag in his hand and moved to the nearby rack to hang her winter coat. When she turned around, Matt was mere inches from her.
“Anna, you look amazing.” His voice sounded breathy.
She smiled widely. “You don’t look too shabby yourself, Doctor Carmichael, but enough of this mutual admiration. We’d better get a seat, it’s filling up fast.”
They entered the sanctuary looking every bit a family. Melody served up smiles all the way down the aisle as many waved and reached out to touch her. Matt beamed, and Anna stressed at the feelings crashing in.
Anna’s mind was not on the candlelight service. Instead, the heat from Matt’s shoulder seared its way into her consciousness. A craving to lean in and snuggle close bled into her thoughts. When they passed Melody between them, their hands touched and lingered just a tad too long. She was glad when Melody fussed, and he offered to take her to the back.
Her heart rate and mind settled but not on Christmas or the baby Jesus in a manger. Thoughts of Matt, their baby, and what it would be like as a family dominated. She wondered why God had not given clear direction. She had taken Rita’s advice and spent time with God, asking over and over what she should do.
It’s because you keep asking but not listening. The words exploded into her soul.
“I’m not listening?”
You embrace fear and fail to see the gift of love I’ve given you.
Anna felt the truth of those words.
I have not given you a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, and love.
Anna fidgeted in her seat. Conviction ruled. She understood the message. She was not to fear relationship.
Matt slipped in beside her with a sleeping Melody in his arms. His smile radiated through her like a lighthouse beacon shining across black waters. She warmly returned his smile and marveled at how good Melody and he looked together, father and child.
Music played softly as the congregation rose to sing “It Came upon a Midnight Clear,” and all became clear to Anna.
She understood the message, but the question remained … what would she do with her Christmas Eve revelation?
Anna touched Matt’s arm. “How about coming over to my place, so we can get Melody settled and have a hot cup of my famous Christmas cider?”
His brows furrowed in question.
“Come on, the service started early, and the night’s still young.”
“What about going to Lana’s?”
“Really? I didn’t tell you?”
“Tell me what?”
“Tom and Lana decided at the last minute that a family getaway for Lorena was in order. Far away from prying eyes and nosy questions,” Anna whispered. “Not that everyone is like that, but there’re a few.”
As if on cue, Myrtle Pinsmith beelined her way over to where they stood.
“Why, Anna, wherever is your sister and her family on this most important evening of worship?” She clucked her tongue and shook her head in contempt.
“They’re out of town, Myrtle.”
“Only heaven knows why anyone would travel on these winter roads? Why, that’s just asking for trouble. Then, of course, they’d blame the good Lord if an accident happened.”
“They flew to Mexico, so no driving necessary.”
“Tsk, Tsk,” the old bird fussed as she shook her head in disagreement and pointed her spotted finger in Anna’s direction. “One would think with a pregnant daughter, they’d stay close to home.”
Anna exhaled deeply. Matt picked up on her angst as he touched her arm with slight pressure and stepped in.
“Myrtle, is it?” He questioned. “We’ve never met.” He extended his hand in greeting.
She whirled in his direction and ignored his outstretched hand. “Oh, I know who you are.” Her nose lifted. “The least you could do is marry this girl now that you’ve gotten her into such a mess.”
Anna could feel her eyes involuntarily widen as storm clouds billowed on the inside. “I would hardly call my daughter a mess, Myrtle, and neither would God. And though I know I’m far from innocent, I also know I’m forgiven.”
Myrtle had to have the last word. “Maybe you don’t think it’s a mess, but I sure do. Seems your family needs a good dose of the Scripture and maybe all this fornicating will stop.” She harrumphed and turned on her heels.
They stood with their mouths half open and watched her large caboose waddle away.
Matt started to laugh. “Well then, we’ve been told. Do you want to get married?”
Anna glared at him. “Matt, I don’t find this funny at all. She’s a self-righteous old biddy—”
Matt placed a finger on her fiery lips and stilled the tirade of not-so-pleasant words that
