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  “We have the Miller family taken care of. Lois insisted on donating a dress and cloak for Betsy, with a matching doll and added in several yards of remnant fabric.” She gave a watery smile. “Your sister, Maggie, bought some new trousers, shirts and a jacket from the mercantile for Thomas.”

  Carol rested her hand on Mark’s arm. “I added marbles, yarn and sticks of candy for their stockings.” Carol sighed. “It was such a satisfying experience. I can’t think of another Christmas when I’ve had more fun or gained so much pleasure.”

  “What about Annie and Andrew? What did they ask for?” Mark took a sip of lemonade.

  Carol bit her lip.“They asked to live in Carrie Town forever.”

  Mark straightened. His penetrating eyes searched hers. “I’ve told you how I feel about that situation. Nothing would make me happier. Well, that’s not true.” He wrapped a lock of her hair around his finger. “You agreeing to be my wife would top that.”

  “Are you sure you wouldn’t regret taking on a wife and two children all at once?” Carol stared at her lap. “I received correspondence from their uncle today too. Even though their net worth will be vast one day, I have little financial support for their upbringing.”

  “My brothers and I do alright, and if God keeps blessing us, we won’t have to depend on any financial support from their miserly uncle. But what about you? Could you be content living in a dusty town with a working man for a husband?” He glanced at her lips.

  Carol shook her head. “No, I couldn’t be content.” She grinned. “But I would be deliriously happy.”

  Mark straightened his back, and his eyebrows shot up.

  “Ask me then.” Carol leaned forward, their lips meeting in the middle. “I love you.”

  Mark placed his hat over his heart and knelt on one knee. “Miss Carol Ann Stone, I love you with all my heart. Will you do me the honor of being my wife?”

  “Yes.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him again.

  Chapter 16

  Christmas Eve morning dawned. Mrs. Montgomery assured Carol the weather wasn’t totally surprising, nevertheless, it was a mild winter day. “You know what they say?” She tapped her finger on her cheek. “A warm Christmas means a cold Easter.”

  Mark chuckled. “In case you haven't noticed, Ma has a saying for just about everything.” He kissed the top of his mother’s head. “Me and Mike are meeting Leo to assemble the manger scene at church. Molly and Adam will be here later this afternoon to deliver the kittens.”

  He turned to face Carol. “The plan is for Pa and Moses to make all the deliveries while the children are at rehearsal.”

  Carol’s fingers went to her neck. “I’m more excited about today and tomorrow than the children. I agree with Annie. This will be the perfect Christmas.”

  Mrs. Montgomery’s green eyes sparkled with unshed tears. “We are all of the same opinion. It’s going to be a mighty fine celebration.” She pulled a handkerchief from her apron pocket. “Now if only the rest of my boys would find them someone special to marry.”

  “I’m going to finish helping your mother with the preparations for tomorrow, and I’ll see you when I bring the children for dress rehearsal.” Carol shook her head. “Although at this point, everyone knows their part. I’m worried we won’t be able to keep them calm in the church that long.”

  “The preacher’s going to open the room used for Sunday School. It’s large enough for the kids to have some wiggle room. Maggie’s mother-in-law is bringing sandwiches, gingerbread and hot apple cider, so that should keep the children entertained until the service begins,” Mrs. Montgomery added.

  ~

  After singing several Christmas hymns, Pastor Nelson stood in front of the crates and assorted pieces of lumber nailed together to resemble the outside of a stable. He extended his long arms. “At this point, we will turn this portion of the service over to the children who will reenact the birth of Jesus as told in the book of Luke, Chapter two.”

  The pastor’s daughter, Ruth, dressed in a white robe and halo recited, “In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.”

  Carol held her breath. Annie came out dressed in a robe with a silk head covering. She stood in front of a sign the children had painted displaying Bethlehem Inn and in large letters underneath, No Room.

  Ruth continued, “And everyone went to his own town to register.” Henry and Betsy playing Joseph and Mary walked down the center aisle toward Annie.

  “So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.” Ruth paused.

  Annie pressed her hands on her hips. “What do you want?”

  Henry pulled on his beard made from yarn. “This is Mary. She needs a place to have Baby Jesus. Do you have a room?”

  Annie pointed at the sign. “There’s no room in the inn.”

  Carol let out a breath of relief and watched Joseph and Mary follow Annie toward the stable. “Hold on a minute. I just thought of something. You can have my room.” Annie made a motion toward the makeshift Bethlehem Inn.

  Henry nodded and pulled on Betsy’s arm. “Okay, thanks.”

  Carol gasped. Mark’s shoulders shook. The congregation roared with laughter. Mary Ellen, one of the older girls also dressed as an angel, redirected the children to their proper positions.

  Ruth continued, “While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”

  The congregation applauded as Andrew and the other children dressed as shepherds joined Joseph and Mary who now held a ragdoll wrapped in strips of cloth. Mark retrieved his guitar and softly strummed, while the children sang “Away in a Manger.”

  Pastor Nelson returned to the front of the church and wiped his eyes. “Wouldn’t the world be a better place if we all were as welcoming to our Lord as our little innkeeper?”

  He cleared his throat. “Tonight we remember how the prophet Micah foretold that the birth of the Messiah would be in Bethlehem, also the birthplace of King David, and the joy of the shepherds as the angels announced that Jesus came for everyone, even humble folks like them.”

  “As we get ready to return to our homes, consider that the true reason we celebrate is not about the material things, but about God coming to earth in person. God incarnate, Jesus, came as a baby who was both fully God and fully man. He lived a perfect life and gave himself as a sacrifice for all our sins. He rose again and one day He is coming again.”

  The congregation exited the church amongst laughter and well wishes. Mark and Carol ambled toward the Montgomery’s house to partake of a light supper and more family festivities.

  Mark paused in front of his parents’ house. “Before we go in, there’s something I want to show you,” He whispered in Carol’s ear. “My mother offered to watch the kids.”

  Tennessee waved her hand. “You two go on and have fun. We’ll light the candles when you get back.”

  Mark faced Carol. “I’ve had my eye on this for a month or so, hoping you would agree to be my wife. But if you don’t like the idea for any reason including the proximity to my parents, don’t be afraid to say so.” He pointed toward a creamy yellow and white Victorian cottage with an L-shaped front porch. “I noticed whenever we pass by, you make some remark about how pretty the house is. The man who owned it moved away several years ago but had delayed selling because he was hoping to move back. His circumstances changed and he’s ready to sell. All you have to do is say the word and it’s ours.”

  Carol gasped. “I love your family and feel certain I would enjoy living close.”

  “It’s been years since anyone’s lived there so it needs some work, and it has only two bedrooms, but there’s
a loft. I thought since Andrew enjoyed the one where you live now, he wouldn’t mind if we made his room there.” Mark nodded toward the upstairs window. He pushed his hat to the back of his head. “It’s too dark now, but I have the key. We can go in tomorrow and take a look.”

  Carol threw her arms around his neck. “I’m excited to see it, but I don’t even need to look. I know it will be the perfect place to spend all of our future Christmases together.”

  Epilogue

  One year later

  Carol shut the door to the bedroom to conceal items ready to fill the Christmas stockings, which hung on the mantle above a low-burning fire. All the updates were complete in their small cottage. She’d worked steadily to make it a comfortable home.

  She let out a satisfied sigh, her gaze traveling to her husband who lounged on the floral sofa, positioned with its matching chair to face the front window where a newly decorated Christmas tree stood. The cornhusk angels and stars the children made last year joined popcorn garland.

  The fire popped, disturbing their now fully-grown cat, reclining on top of a rag rug braided in various colors of blue, green and lavender. He blinked and appeared startled by the candles which illuminated the tree.

  Annie and Andrew knelt in front of a trunk they were using as a coffee table to arrange the nativity scene. Mark and his father had whittled animals and Maggie had handcrafted a stable where Joseph and Mary sat next to the manger.

  “Can we put baby Jesus in now?” Annie asked.

  Mark reached for the Bible and handed it to Andrew. “Why don’t you go ahead and turn to Luke Chapter two.” He glanced at Annie. “But before we start reading, give your sister a chance to get settled.”

  Carol laughed, accepted Mark’s hand and slowly sank onto her new rocking chair made in preparation for the birth of their first child. She brushed her hand over her rounded belly. “I’m ready.”

  Mark’s eyebrows narrowed. “Are you feeling alright?”

  “I feel wonderful.” Carol nodded. “This will be the best Christmas ever.”

  “I pray this will be the first of many Christmases that you say that to me, wife.” He kissed her knuckles. “All right, let’s begin.”

  Mark reached for the Bible. “And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. And all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem (because he was of the house and lineage of David): to be taxed with Mary, his espoused wife, being great with child.”

  Annie held the hand-carved baby Jesus wrapped in a tiny piece of flannel in her palm. “Now?”

  Andrew peered over the scene. “Go ahead,” he said and reached for this year’s addition of a set of shepherds.

  Mark glanced at Carol, and she felt her eyes grow misty. He cleared his throat. “And so it was, that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”

  Keep reading for the first chapter of Rebecca’s Hope

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  Other books by Kimberly Grist

  Rebecca’s Hope

  Emma’s Dream

  Lois’s Risk

  Maggie’s Strength

  About the Author

  ~o0o~

  Kimberly Grist is married to her high school sweetheart, Nelson, who is a pastor in Griffin, Georgia. She and her husband have three adult sons, one with Down syndrome, and they have a passion for encouraging others with family members with special needs.

  Kim has enjoyed writing since she was a young girl, however, began writing her first novel in 2017. Inspired by so many things life has to offer one of which includes her oldest son's diagnosis of cancer she finds it especially gratifying to write a happy ending.

  "I believe you should come away refreshed and inspired after reading a book. In my personal life, I wear so many hats working inside and outside the home. I work hard, try harder and then begin again the next day. Despite my best efforts, sometimes life just stinks. Bad things happen. I need and want an outlet, an opportunity to relax and escape to a place where obstacles are met and overcome."

  Combining, History, Humor, and Romance with an emphasis on Faith, Friends and Good Clean Fun, Kim's stories are written to remind us how God can use adversity to strengthen us and draw us closer to Him and give us the desires of our heart in ways we may never expect.

  REBECCA’S HOPE

  Chapter 1

  Dear Papa,

  The doctor said I could take the cotton out of my left ear now. But it still sounds like there is something in it…

  Rebecca raised her heavy tray above her head to maneuver to the next customer in the crowded diner normally filled with locals. Inhaling the fresh scent of coffee appreciatively, her eyes swept across the room. Rough-sawn plank walls were adorned with horseshoes. A pot belly stove graced the far end. Every bench seat was filled at the large wooden tables. Seemingly overnight, the atmosphere changed from a quiet, small settlement to a railroad town, filled with men who waited to assemble their cattle for shipping while others converged in hopes of meeting with the delayed supply trains.

  Her stomach growled as she made her way to the next table. A familiar voice called out, “Rebecca, what in the world did you let them do to our town?”

  Rebecca waved a greeting at her friend, Jonas Weber, and his granddaughter. As she approached their table, Jonas’s kind blue eyes crinkled and he smiled at her. He was a handsome man in his late fifties, with dark hair sprinkled with gray. He wore a modest suit with tailored trousers and a sack coat buttoned only at the top to show his vest and watch chain at their best advantage.

  Hannah, although small for her age, was an adorable child with long, brown hair worn down under a wide-brimmed hat. Rebecca admired the fine details on her outfit. Today, she wore a plaid dress with a full skirt and three rows of blue ribbon trim at the hem.

  “Oh Mr. Weber, I am so happy to see you both. How are y’all doing?”

  “I thought we might starve before you got here.” Jonas’s ready smile appeared.

  “I know the feeling. Can I bring you both your usual?”

  “Yes, and one additional order as well. We are killing some time until my daughter gets here. So, there is no rush.”

  “Okay, I will let the cook know and then bring you some coffee, while you wait.”

  While Rebecca hurried to fill orders, she fondly recalled meeting Mr. Weber and Hannah years ago when Dr. Benton introduced them. She offered encouragement to the family, along with advice on how she coped with similar symptoms from asthma. Rebecca rushed toward the kitchen. Sidetracked by her thoughts, she walked straight into the chest of a tall, sturdy cowboy. Strong arms reached out to steady her. Her eyes traveled from a button on his shirt to the bluest eyes she’d ever seen.

  She flushed as she stared into his face that seemed to radiate good humor. “I am so sorry.”

  “Not a problem, Miss. I am afraid it was my fault. I was waiting here, hoping for a chance to speak with you.”

  Rebecca stared at the man who was at least a foot taller than she, with tan skin, light brown hair streaked with yellow from the sun, and the most perfect smile. “Certainly, sir, is something wrong with your order?”

  “No, nothing like that. I have been watching for an opportunity all week to speak with you. I know it must seem unsettling for a stranger to want to talk with you privately. Even so, I would find it an honor if you would. We could meet later, wherever you think best.”

  Rebecca swallowed, casting a qui
ck glance toward the kitchen. Seeing her employer in deep conversation, she seized the moment to satisfy her curiosity. She gazed into the face of this giant cowboy who quickly swept his hat off and placed it over his heart.

  Swallowing hard, Rebecca’s voice squeaked, “Meet?”

  “Yes, ma’am. I know this is unorthodox, but like I said, I’ve been eating here every day this week. Not only are you about the prettiest thing I have ever seen. You are hardworking and kind. As a matter of fact, I haven’t heard you complain once. If you don’t mind me saying so, ma’am, there seems to be a lot here to complain about.”

  Rebecca blushed at his compliments, captivated by his boldness and polite manner. “Although everyone is grateful for the additional business. I believe the short supplies along with the high prices are causing some folks to be what one might call, intolerant. Hopefully, the supply train will come soon, and tempers will settle back to normal.”

  He quickly glanced back at the dining area filled with mostly loud and dusty cowboys and gave her a wide grin as though she had told an excellent joke. “I suppose you know best about those ‘intolerant’ customers of yours. Let me say this: if you were my girl, I would marry you in a minute. I wouldn’t want you to work in a place like this, unprotected. I don’t mean to imply this is a bad place, mind you. I mean no disrespect, but I’ve noticed quite a few folks coming and going, some good, but a lot not-so-good. I would be concerned for your well-being.”

  Rebecca studied the man who began to nervously rub the brim of his hat. She shifted her weight, unsure of his intentions. Thinking it best to make an excuse and return to work, her thoughts were interrupted before she could speak.