The Christmas Catch

Chapter 11

Chapter ELEVEN

Bebe’s frame shook lightly as her leg jiggled up and down. Its steady rhythm didn’t penetrate the mental haze as she stared at the clock. Knowing mobility was an issue, she’d offered to pick Jay up to go to the reindeer farm, only he insisted on doing things the right way. Which meant she’d been dressed and ready to go half an hour ago, as if this outing was a true date and didn’t bear the work moniker she’d attempted to force on it. Would they have fun today? And how could she make it fifteen more minutes before their work date began without contemplating what the future could possibly look like between them?

Lord, why does my mind automatically go to the future? You tell me not to worry about tomorrow, and I don’t want to. I want to rest in today and be present in the moment. Please help my thoughts focus on the now instead of the what-if.

She popped off the couch and headed into the kitchen. A drink of water might steady her nerves. The filtered water sloshed as she poured it into a mason jar. The first sip brought relief to the intense dryness in her throat. The second sip re minded her she’d been down this road before. Dating Jahleel wasn’t anything new.

Except now you have a child. Who had been all too happy to go to Rosa’s to play with her daughter.

Bebe placed the glass against her forehead, reveling in the coolness. The cowl neck sweater she’d paired with her dark-wash jeans made her uncomfortably warm. Or it could be the troop of rabbits stomping their feet in her stomach.

The doorbell pealed, echoing in her quiet home. She gasped. Her mason jar dropped into the sink, rolling around. Get a grip. It’s Jay. It’s not the first time you’ve been alone with him. She slid her hands down her pant legs, then headed for the door. Don’t be nervous. Don’t be nervous.

Pasting a pleasant expression on her face, Bebe opened the door. Her heart dropped to her knees as Jay held out a bouquet of white roses—her favorite flowers.

“You remembered?” she breathed.

His lips quirked into a crooked grin. “I did.”

“They’re gorgeous.” She took them, inhaling their rich fragrance. He had given her white roses on prom night as well. She shoved those memories way. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” He nodded toward her kitchen. “Why don’t you put those in some water so we can be on our way.”

“Right.” She gave a shaky grin, then turned away. Oh my goodness , she mouthed to herself.

Jay looked gorgeous, wearing a red leather jacket that should’ve been flashy but came across as confident and made her want to snuggle into the warmth of his arms. A black knit beanie covered his head and somehow made him even more handsome. In the kitchen, she blew air up across her face, hoping to cool her hot cheeks. What was it about him that made her lightheaded? Breathless? And desperately in need of a show of affection?

Every time she was around Jahleel Walker, Bebe forgot exactly why she should be protesting a relationship between them. Maybe that means stop protesting.

She gulped as she made her way back to him. He held out her black peacoat, and that was when she noticed the cane.

“Wait. Where are your crutches?” Wasn’t he supposed to be on them for another two weeks?

“Ryan thinks the cane is fine as long as I wear my brace, just for tonight.”

“That’s good, right?”

He nodded.

Bebe murmured her thanks as Jay slipped on her jacket. The scent of lemon and wood wrapped around her.

“You’re welcome.”

She felt the touch of his breath against her neck, and the hairs on her arms shot up. She faced him, then took a step back.

He dipped his head slightly and gestured for her to head outside with his hand. “Your chariot awaits, milady.”

A chuckle escaped at his awful accent, which quickly morphed into a gasp. “A limo?”

A long white car waited at the end of her driveway. A man in a black suit stood next to the vehicle, hands clasped in front of him.

“I figured since I couldn’t afford one in high school, I’d make up for that now,” Jahleel said.

Unease skittered down her spine. “You don’t have to throw your money around.” That was the first thing Will would do. They’re not the same. Stop comparing. She bit back a sigh.

“I know.” His brow furrowed. “This is called making a good impression. Just because you want it to be a working date doesn’t mean I’ll stick entirely to those parameters.”

Bebe nodded. He wasn’t Will. Just the boy who left her without a word. When are you going to forgive him for making a difficult decision? Football was always Jay’s dream, and maybe that was the problem. She feared she’d never measure up to the sport that made him a star.

“What’s going on in that brain of yours?” he asked.

“I’m...” She licked her lips. “I’m good.” She straightened her shoulders and smiled up at him. “Let’s go.” She would practice being in the present even though the past taunted her and the future loomed ahead like the dark pit of a basement.

Please don’t break my heart.

Jay offered the crook of his arm, and she slid her hand around it. A light shiver went through her from the close proximity. “We’re going to the farm first, right?” She had the feeling they wouldn’t just be discussing reindeer-pulled sleighs.

“Yes. Mr. Parker is going to drive us there. We’ll conduct our business and then move on to the real date. Is that okay?”

Her lips twitched. Of course he wouldn’t stick to work, but Bebe would be lying if she claimed to be upset. “Yes. Sounds like a plan.” She slid into the backseat, marveling at the amount of room.

Jahleel followed, stretching out his injured leg. “Then you aren’t mad? I was hoping you wouldn’t find me presumptuous.”

Her eyebrows quirked. “Presumptuous?”

“What? Football players can’t use big words?”

“Ha. If you fell into that stereotype, your parents would expire on the spot.” She smiled at him. Only a strained laugh met her ears. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”

“Why not? It’s true.” He shrugged. “I’m used to their behavior. Or rather, my father’s.”

She yearned to offer a touch of comfort. Instead, she laced her fingers together. “Do you think it’ll ever get better between the two of you?”

“Nah. Not as long as he values spouting Scripture more than establishing relationships.”

“He has his moments. I’ve seen the way he looks at your mom. He obviously adores her.”

Jay scoffed. “Where am I when this happens? He’s usually frowning at her.”

“A couple of years ago, she got pneumonia. Every time she coughed, a look of concern covered his face. It reminded me to have hope in marriage. That love could still be the way God intended.” Before men like Will ruined everything.

Jahleel’s eyes widened. “She had pneumonia?” His voice rose to a level that was not quite shouting but certainly not a normal decibel.

“You didn’t know?” What had he missed staying in Texas? Had Reverend Walker forbade Jahleel from returning home, or had he just been so upset that coming back to Peachwood Bay was never an option?

“No,” he gritted through his teeth. “Apparently no one bothered to tell me.”

“Maybe they didn’t want to disrupt your life. It was during football season.”

“She’s my mother, Bebe. It shouldn’t have been a question. I would’ve been here in a heartbeat.”

“How would they know that? You haven’t been back in eight years. Do you even call them on the phone?” She clapped a hand over her mouth, eyes going wide. “I’m so sorry.” The words were muffled behind her hand. She dropped her hand into her lap. “That is none of my business, and I have no right to speak on that.”

Pain flashed in Jay’s warm brown eyes. “You know,” he said, rubbing his beard, “I always thought I was justified in leaving. Hearing lecture after lecture chafed worse than any astroturf burn. He never admitted to any wrongdoing. Instead he constantly placed the blame on me. When I told him I was going to make myself eligible for the NFL draft, he lost it. Called me everything but a child of God. All because I refused to go to seminary so he could pass the church to me when he retired.”

“Why didn’t you want to be a pastor?” Jay had a wonderful understanding of the Bible, even when they were young.

“I’m not called. It’s as simple as that.”

“Perfect reason to say no.”

“Not to Obadiah Walker.” His lips twisted. “I’ve never been good enough.”

Surely his father didn’t really think that, yet short of asking him, Bebe couldn’t refute Jay’s comment. “Maybe all that matters is what God thinks.”

“If my own father doesn’t think much of me, how am I to be assured God would?” Deep pain reflected in his eyes.

This time Bebe didn’t stop to think. She laced her fingers through his, and warmth spread up her arm. She gave his hand a squeeze, hoping he’d understand she was here for him. “God loves you unconditionally. That is a truth you can rest in.”

A lump formed in Jay’s throat. How could God love him unconditionally when his father didn’t? The God his father taught was judgmental and harsh. Waiting to pierce with the sword those who fell short of His glory.

He thought of Remy, his Desperados’ teammate from Louisiana. Remy spoke of a God who loved like a perfect father. Funny. He’d never thought Remy’s words penetrated past all things football, but apparently they had.

“I don’t know how to live like I believe that,” he told Bebe. “Not when I have someone constantly reminding me that I’m not up to par.”

“Don’t compare the two. When we place man’s limitations on God, His promises seem impossible. When we remember He is perfect, just, and loving, then His promises shine like the truth they are. Man will always fall short, but that doesn’t mean we can’t try to be better each and every day. Your dad is far from perfect, Jay, but you aren’t perfect either. Both of you will make mistakes, but you can still choose to love and honor him with the capability God gives you. Only through God’s strength will that be possible.”

She squeezed his hand once more, and the vise around his chest lessened. How had she gotten so wise? “Thank you, Bebe.”

“Anytime.”

He held on to her hand, hoping she wouldn’t pull away. The tenderness of her touch anchored him. Suddenly being in Peachwood Bay didn’t seem like a death sentence but a hope of second chances.

By the time they arrived at the reindeer farm, the mood had lightened. Jahleel laughed as he exited the limo. Bebe had just reminded him of the time he’d run home screaming, convinced that the bogeyman was alive and real. He’d been seven at the time.

A log building stood sentry as land spread around them for miles. A red barn sat off to the right, most likely where the reindeer were. There was a picnic area in front of a food stand where kids milled around, chatting happily.

Jahleel held on to his cane and offered his arm once again. “Let’s go inside. Looks like the log building is the main entrance.”

“Right.”

Bebe matched his pace, exclaiming over the smell of boiled nuts and cinnamon almonds. She pressed a hand to her stomach.

“Hungry?” he asked.

“Starving.”

“We’ll get something to eat once we’re done here.”

“Great.” Relief turned her green eyes to moss.

Man, he wanted to kiss her.

Warmth greeted them as they walked into the main entrance. The sounds of “Jingle Bells” added to the cacophony of noise. There were reindeer products everywhere. It was almost like they had stepped into Santa’s workshop. Snow globes, hats, T-shirts, and figurines lined the shelves throughout the store.

“Wow,” Bebe whispered.

“No kidding.”

He led them toward the checkout area. A robust man behind the cash register greeted them heartily. “Hello, there. How can I help you this fine day?”

“I’m Jahleel Walker, and this is Bebe Gordon.”

“Ah, yes. I’ve been waiting for you.”

He felt Bebe’s stare as he shook the man’s hand.

“I’m William Hammond. Welcome to the family farm.” He turned to Bebe and shook her hand as well.

“Nice to meet you,” she replied.

“Likewise. The reindeer are out in the barn, all ready to go.” He rubbed the bald spot on his head. “My dad will be your guide and answer any questions you may have.”

“Thank you.” Jahleel ignored the tug from Bebe. “Do we just head on back?”

“Sure can.”

As soon as they got outside, Bebe halted. “What are you up to?” She looked up at him.

“You’ll find out soon enough.” He gave her a small grin. “I promise you’ll enjoy yourself.”

She bit her lip and then slowly nodded. “Okay.”

They resumed their pace. Jay’s fingers wiggled as they got closer to the barn. Would she like his plan? Would she find it romantic? Please let her find it romantic. He’d taken care in planning today’s activities because he wanted to show Bebe he was committed and not being casual with her heart. Surely caring how she felt about today was a step in that direction.

Bebe stopped suddenly when they entered the barn. The darkness surprised him, but his eyes finally adjusted. He bit back a grin.

A bright red sleigh was hooked up to eight reindeer. A fur blanket rested on the front of the sled. “Hello,” he called out.

“Ho, ho, ho.” An older gentleman came out of the shadows. He wore a red fur jacket held on by a black belt. His long white beard covered the center of it. “It’s about time you got here, Bebe Gordon.”

She gasped. “How do you know who I am?” She spared Jay a look, her eyes dancing with glee.

Yes! He knew she’d like this place.

“I know everyone.” The man in red’s cheeks bunched in merriment. “I hear you need a ride.” He gestured toward the reindeer. “At your service, ma’am.”

Bebe let go of Jay’s arm and stepped forward. A look of pure delight stretched across her face. She glanced back at him and mouthed, Santa! Her eyes were wide with laughter. “Are these your helpers?” she asked the man.

“That they are. Couldn’t make it anywhere without them. They get a little restless the closer we get to Christmas, so your man, Jahleel, here came to my rescue. The boys get to stretch their legs today while you get a tour.”

“And what’s your name?” Bebe asked.

“Why, I’m Santa, of course.” He let out a laugh, clutching his belly. “Come on, come on, and get in the sleigh.”

Jahleel held Bebe’s hand as she climbed in. Then he carefully got in, sitting next to her. His knee ached, but this was totally worth it.

“The ride gets a little windy, so be sure to keep warm under the blanket,” Santa called.

Jay grabbed the blanket, tucking it around them both.

“I can’t believe this,” Bebe whispered. She leaned close to his ear. “Thank you.”

Goose bumps traveled across his nape. “You’re welcome.” He laced his fingers through hers and settled back as Santa led the way.

The wind picked up once they exited the barn, but Jay found that his beanie, the fur blanket, and Bebe pressed against his side kept him from feeling the cold. He glanced down at her, watching enchantment dance across her face.

As if she sensed his gaze, she looked up. “This is amazing,” she said softly.

“Which part?” Because he still couldn’t believe reindeer were pulling them across the Hammond farm as if they were going across snow in Alaska or some other snowy destination.

“All of it. Will Santa be the driver for the ball?”

Jay nodded. “He will.”

“And will the fur blanket be there too?”

“Yes. He has two teams, so we can have two sleighs taking folks back and forth.” Mr. Hammond’s son apparently had a Santa outfit he could wear as well.

“I’m so excited about this.” She paused, then squeezed his arm. “What happens when the ride ends?”

He could hear the underlying question. What will happen to us? He knew what he hoped for, but the logistics continued to evade him. “We trust God to work out the details.” He swallowed, unsure of where that came from. Yet the words felt inherently right. As if the suggestion had been straight from God and not of his own might.

“So you want us to work out?”

“Yes.” The answer came swiftly and without hesitation. Each day that Jay got to be around Bebe and spend time getting to know who she was now only confirmed that his feelings for her still ran deep. He loved Bebe Willabee Gordon.

She bit her lip. “Then I guess we know how to pray.”

Jay hadn’t done a whole lot of that prior to his injury, but he found himself lifting his voice to the Lord more and more. Jay needed to get right with God so that he could be the man Bebe needed him to be. The man he hoped to become. No way he wanted a repeat of them separating without any contact. If God was willing and feelings continued to increase between them, he hoped they’d never part again.

“I’ll pray right now.” He squeezed his eyes shut, clenching them in an obvious way, but truly prayed.

When he opened his eyes, he found Bebe had done the same and was still praying. He placed a kiss on her forehead and thanked God for second chances.