The Christmas Cantata (The Liturgical Mysteries) (19 page)

"I know it was, Bessie. A wonderful present. Thank you. I'm glad I got to hear it."

"I'm glad, too."

They stood and looked out over the clouds hanging in the hollows of the hills. A million remembrances raced through her consciousness, but disappeared as quickly as they came. Finally, when the images had passed, and her mind was quiet once more, there were the mountains. The mountains and the moon and the snow and the music—music surrounding her as she hadn't heard it since she was a girl.

It swelled and circled and swept over her like a wind. She closed her eyes and breathed it in.

"Are you ready to go?" he said finally.

"I'm ready."

He kissed her then. "Merry Christmas," he said.

"Merry Christmas."

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