The Christmas Catch

Chapter 16

Chapter SIXTEEN

She’d gotten the job.

Bebe stared in shock at the email in her inbox. All necessary onboard paperwork had been attached. When she’d had May press submit on the application, part of her had figured there was no way she would get the job. She lived in Georgia, for goodness’ sake.

Yet God had aligned everything perfectly.

Only she hadn’t talked to Jay about the possible move yet. She wanted to get his thoughts, but then her folks had come into town early. She’d spent time with them doing all the fun holiday things like night fishing, fudge making, and Christmas caroling at the assistant living facility a couple of blocks away.

Jay had come over to help them make fudge and had sung horribly off-key while caroling. And every time, they’d exchanged glances as if to say I miss you, I wish we could be alone, this is the best Christmas ever. But nothing aloud to each other.

Now that she had the offer letter and contract in hand, she had to tell Jay. But first, she needed to talk to her folks.

She closed her laptop and headed for the kitchen. If the scents wafting from the kitchen were any indication, her mom was making homemade cider for them to enjoy later.

“Hey, sweetie, can you grab the cloves for me?”

“Sure.” Bebe grabbed the spice container and handed it to her mom. “You making cider?”

“Yes. Hope said y’all haven’t had any yet this season.”

“Nope, just hot chocolate.”

“That was always your favorite.” Her mom smiled, studying Bebe. “Looks like something’s on your mind.” She placed the lid on the pot. “Want to talk about it?”

Bebe nodded. “Will wants to sever his parental rights.”

“What on earth?” Her mom’s jaw dropped. “Are you fooling around with me?”

“No, ma’am. Not about something like that.”

“What are you going to do? Are you going to fight him on it? Or...”

Bebe drew in a deep breath. “I don’t know. I’ve been praying and...” She swallowed. “Well, things between me and Jay are really good, Mama. I ... I love him.”

“Oh, sweetie.” Her mama cupped her face. “Don’t you remember what happened the last time you gave your heart to that boy?”

“Of course. It’s one reason I was so hesitant to start something in the beginning. But he’s not the same man, I’m not the same woman, and now ... everything just feels right.”

“Then what has you anxious? Is it just the stuff with Will?”

“I applied for a job in Texas and got it. It’s mine if I want it, and it starts the day after New Year’s.”

Her mom sagged against the kitchen cabinet. “Bebe, I’m not sure how much shock I can take.” She pointed to the barstools. “Let’s sit.”

They sat down, and Bebe swiveled the stool to face her mom. “If I sign the paperwork Will gave me, aren’t I telling Hope that she’s fatherless? And even though I’ve told her God is a father to the fatherless, I don’t actually want her to be without one.” Her tears welled up.

“I understand those feelings, sweetie, but you have to remember that Will is doing this, not you.”

True, but ... “Do you think I should sign, then?”

“First, let’s talk about Jay. Are you sure about him?”

“Yes.”

“One hundred percent?”

“Yes. He’s been amazing, Mama. He watches holiday movies with me and Hope. He went shopping with me for the ball. He comes to Hope’s football games. Not to mention the dates and sweet moments we’ve shared. It’s like high school but so much better. We’ve been honest about our fears, and we both want a relationship that will last. Neither of us is shying away from commitment.”

“Well, obviously, applying for a job in Texas shows your commitment, but what is he doing to show you his?”

“Besides showing up? Because you know that’s something Will would’ve never done.”

“I know, honey. I just...” Her mom sighed. “I don’t want you following a man.”

“I’m not. Jay hasn’t asked me to make the move. If anything, he’s been telling me to trust God for the details. Well, this job fits perfectly, and Andrea told me there’s a local teacher who wants the kindergarten spot if I leave.”

“If you’re that committed, you’re envisioning marriage, I assume.”

Bebe nodded.

“Then why not sign those papers from Will and let Jay adopt Hope? If you’ll marry, you can make the transition so he’s her father in every way.”

Her mom had a point. Though they’d talked about their relationship, Bebe hadn’t talked a lot about Hope and Jay’s role in her life. Not because she didn’t want to know, but because she was trying to stay present in the moment and not control every detail. Jay was wonderful with Hope, and Hope liked and respected him.

Ugh, why was conversation so necessary in every part of life?

“I guess I should talk to him,” she said.

“Does that scare you?”

“A little.”

“Why?” Her mom watched her expectantly.

“Communication has never been my strong suit. I don’t know how to share my heart without fearing the outcome.”

“But you said Jay has shared with you and vice versa.”

She nodded. “He has. He doesn’t want to make the same mistakes.”

“Then you don’t either. Talk to him, Bebe. Go from there.”

“You’re right.”

She could just head over to the Walker residence and bare her heart. Surely Jay wanted the same things she did, so this conversation was merely a formality. Nothing shocking had to be said.

Bebe grabbed a light jacket and headed outdoors. There was a cold front expected tonight, but so far the temperatures remained mild. She rapped her knuckles on the front door as her mind thought of talking points.

The door opened, and Jay smiled at her. “Hey, you. I wasn’t expecting you.”

“I know, but I wanted to see you.” She bit her lip. “You busy?”

“Nah, just watching the game.”

“Basketball?”

Jay nodded. “Do you want something to eat or drink?”

“No.”

“Come here.” He held out his arms.

Bebe walked straight into them, resting her head against his chest. She let out a sigh as her body melted against his. He wrapped his arms around the small of her back. She felt safe. There was nowhere else she’d rather be, but voicing that seemed so scary. She’d had so many conversations with Will where she’d been silenced or cut off.

She pulled back and looked up into Jay’s eyes. “I’m glad you asked me to think about us, to consider giving us a second chance.”

His lips curved up. “I’m glad you gave me one.”

“If you were to dream about our future, what does it look like?”

“I like this game.” He rubbed her back. “I see us married and having one or two more kids who resemble Hope and have your beautiful green eyes.”

Her eyes watered. He wanted their kids to look like Hope? “Would you ever consider adopting her?”

“I would be honored.” He pulled back some, still holding her at the elbows. “Are you going to sign Will’s papers?”

She bit her lip. “I think so. He hasn’t been a part of her life for so long, it kind of makes sense to do so. And if we’re planning on forever ...”

Jay kissed her forehead. “Yes. Sign the papers. I’d happily adopt her.”

One thing off her mind. Now for the other. “In your future dreams of us, are we in Georgia?”

Jay slowly shook his head. “No.”

“Would you want me to move to Texas?” She bit her lip.

“Only if you wanted to and were comfortable with it. Nothing says we have to live in Texas, but I also don’t think Peachwood Bay is for me.”

“Understood.” She stepped out of his arms and made her way to the couch. “Then I have something to say.”

Jahleel wanted to hide in his room and avoid whatever it was that Bebe had to say. Had she brought up his hopes and dreams just to dash them with an it’s not you, it’s me speech?

“What’s up?” He angled himself so he could face her on the couch.

“I applied for a job in Texas, but then I realized maybe we needed to have a talk, and I—”

He cut her off. “Are you serious? Did you get it? Are you interested in moving there, or do you think this is something you have to do?” His words rushed out, but he couldn’t stop them. He was torn between elation at her taking a step toward forever and worry that he’d somehow made a move to Texas seem like a must.

“You’ve never made it seem like I had to move to Texas.” Bebe laid a palm over his hand. “I kept thinking about the probability of you moving here, and it just never seemed right. But there is nothing keeping me here other than a job.”

“So you found a new one?”

“Yes. If I accept, I start after the New Year.”

His mouth dropped open. “Bebe ...”

“You’re not the only one who doesn’t want to part, Jahleel Walker.”

Happiness shot through his heart. He leaned forward, cupping her face, and finally kissed her like he’d wanted to do for weeks. She let out a sigh as she wrapped her arms around his neck. Her lips were as familiar as yesterday and as new as future promises.

The sound of footsteps started in the hall. He scooted back and winked at her just as his father walked into the living room.

“Bebe, I didn’t know you were here.”

“Hi, Reverend Walker. I was just visiting Jahleel.” She pointed to him as if his dad didn’t recognize his own son.

Instead of scoffing or saying something rude, his dad cracked a smile. Jay almost fell over at the sight. Yep, God was working miracles left and right. Maybe his father’s heart really had grown.

“It’s been nice seeing you two around here,” his father said.

“Your son is great.” Bebe smiled softly at him.

“He is. I’m glad you see that too.” His father waved awkwardly. “Well, I’ve got to work on my sermon for tomorrow.”

“Praying all the words come together, Dad,” Jay said.

Surprise filled his father’s eyes. “Thank you.”

As soon as he left, Bebe let out a small “Wow.”

“Surprised we can be civil?” Jay asked.

“That was more than civil. That was kindness, and I think I saw him smile.”

Jahleel laughed. “I had the same thought. We had a good talk the other day, and he’s been trying.”

“And you’re good? Happy with the talk and the outcome?”

He nodded.

“I’m so glad, Jahleel.”

“So am I. Who knew I needed to come back home?”

“God. You remember, He’s in the details.”

“Thank goodness. Every time I got in the mix, things went south real fast.”

She chuckled. “Agreed. And that wow ... it was also about that kiss.”

He grinned. “We should do that more, but maybe when my dad’s not in the house.”

“Agreed.”

“What should we do tonight?”

“Hmm, I don’t know. I plan on waking up early tomorrow. Hope wants reindeer pancakes for her birthday.”

“Reindeer pancakes?” He stared into Bebe’s pretty green eyes. “You’re an amazing mom, you know that right?”

“I just want her to feel special on her day. It’s so hard having a birthday right before Christmas. I want her to know that even though we’re celebrating Christ the next day, I’ll never forget how I got my own special bundle the night before.”

“I got her something.”

Bebe looked at him in confusion. “What do you mean?”

“I got Hope a gift.”

Her mouth parted, and tears welled in her eyes. “Are you serious, Jahleel Walker?”

“Of course. I had to. It’s her birthday. It’s not every day a girl turns eight.”

Bebe sniffed. “Why are you so awesome?”

“Georgia-made, darlin’.”

Her head fell back as laughter rang around the room. “Oh, goodness. I forgot you had an ego on you.”

“Nah, it’s fake bluster. If you see anything awesome in me, it’s because you’re too kind. I’m just me.”

“Yeah, but you got my baby a birthday gift.”

“And I can’t wait to get you one on yours.”

She rolled her eyes, but a smile lit her face. “That’s far away. But I thank you for already thinking of me.”

“Always.” He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I did get you a Christmas gift.”

“When will I get it?” Anticipation lit her eyes.

“On Christmas, duh.”

She chuckled. “Aren’t you and your folks going to be spending quality time with each other?”

“Of course we will, but you live right next door. It’s not a hardship to carve out time and exchange gifts.”

“Good, because I can’t wait for you to see yours.”

They made plans for the ball and then for Christmas Day. For the first time in a long time, Jahleel couldn’t wait to spend the holiday in Peachwood Bay. With conversation between him and his father going more smoothly and cementing his relationship with Bebe, Christmas had once again brought joy to his heart. He knew that the holiday wasn’t about getting what he wanted, but the gifts of a better relationship with his dad and a restored one with Bebe felt like Christmas miracles.

God cared about Jahleel, even when his focus was else where. Not that he hadn’t been thinking about the Lord this season. After all, he’d begun starting his morning by listening to the Bible as he did his physical therapy. Once he was ruled healthy, he’d go back to running in the mornings and continuing to listen to the Bible via audiobook.

No, this Christmas he’d had his whole mindset reset. God had gotten Jahleel to see what was important: the relationships he’d been blessed with. If it weren’t for his injury, he would’ve kept ignoring his parents and missed out on getting to know Bebe again and falling in love with her.

Thank You for allowing me to see what really matters. May I never take my family and friends for granted. Please bless my relationship with Bebe and Hope. Please continue to reconcile my relationship with my dad. In Jesus’s name, amen.