The Christmas Children (17 page)

“I'm going to give Alex a good talking-to,” Keith said.

“But what about you, Mr. Garner?” Paul said. “Even if you are no longer legally responsible for them, you're still their father, and they'll want the best for you. It's obvious you are ill. For the children's sake, if not for your own, why don't you see a doctor? I'll pay for the initial tests, and if you need
further treatment, I'm sure you'll be eligible for financial help.”

After some hesitation, Keith said, “I've tried to keep going because of my kids, but now that they'll be taken care of, I don't really have much to live for. But if you think it will help them for me to stick around a little longer, I'll do it. Besides, I'll need to stay close by, so I can sign the adoption papers when they're ready.”

“Good!” Paul said. “I have a flight out of Kennedy tomorrow night, so I'm leaving early in the morning. If you'll go with me, I'll drop you off at a hospital in Saratoga Springs and make the necessary financial arrangements for you to be admitted.”

“I appreciate it. You know, I've never had much use for religious people because I've never been able to tell the difference between people who profess to be Christians and the ones who don't. But I've been wrong. I've looked in the wrong places to find Jesus in people. The preacher and his wife in Aberdeen looked after my kids, and the church members paid for my wife's funeral. I'm a stranger to you, but you're willing to pay my hospital expenses. And Miss Whitmore is adopting my kids, although she's scared to death to do it.”

Carissa gasped and felt her face flushing. Was it that obvious?

A slight grin appeared on Keith Garner's face. “I shouldn't have mentioned it, but it's normal for you
to be afraid to take on a job like this. Are you sure you want to do it?”

“It's too late to back out now, and I
do
want to take your children. I only hesitate because I'm not sure I'll be the kind of guardian they need.”

“When I was a child, my mother took me to Sunday school, and I remember the preacher saying that ‘Jesus went about doing good.' I'm seein' that in the two of you.”

“Oh, no!” Carissa said. “I'm not worthy to be compared to my Savior.”

Paul covered Carissa's hand with his. “Remember the story we talked about a few weeks ago? The people who'd heard that Christ was coming to visit them missed their opportunity by turning away several needy people because they were waiting for Christ. You came to Yuletide seeking Christmas, and you've found Him by opening your heart to others. When we sacrifice to help others in need, we're doing what Jesus would do. Don't you see, Carissa? You've found Christmas through the Garner children.”

Tears filled in Carissa's eyes and eventually found their way down her cheeks. “Yes, I suppose I have. With God's help, I'll do the best I can for your children, Mr. Garner.”

“I've never doubted that for a minute, or I wouldn't have agreed to this adoption.”

 

Painfully aware that this time tomorrow night they'd be separated, after dinner, Paul and Carissa
left the children alone with their father and took a walk along the lake on a path not illuminated by the Fantasy lights.

“I suppose I'm feeling motherly already,” Carissa said. “I'm uneasy about leaving the children with him. What if he decides to steal them from us?”

“That worries me, too, but he is their father. I thought we should give them some time together. I believe that he wants the best for them.”

“Do you think he has a communicable disease?”

“No. I don't believe he would be around his children if that were true,” Paul replied. “But I wouldn't be surprised if Keith Garner knows he has a terminal disease, and that he's trying to provide for the children while he's still alive. Let's forget them for a few minutes. I had to have you to myself for a little while tonight. I can't believe that tomorrow night I'll be gone.”

Soft snow covered their shoulders as he leaned against a towering evergreen and pulled Carissa into the circle of his arms. “I love you, Carissa. It must have been love at first sight. I don't know what was in that poker you used to whack me on the head, but it was as powerful as Cupid's arrow.”

She laughed softly. “I love you, too. It's such a strange feeling for me because I've loved so few people. Only my mother and grandmother, now you and the children. It's rather scary to be overwhelmed with love for another person.”

He cupped his hand around her face and held it
gently. “I can't bear the thought of leaving you tomorrow.”

“Then stay here.”

“Don't tempt me. I want to marry you and adopt the kids with you, but I won't live on your money. If I had another job comparable to what I have now, I wouldn't hesitate a minute. But overseas work is profitable and I can retire after twenty years of service. I can't throw all that away.”

“How long before you retire?”

“Two years.”

“How much do you love me?” she asked.

“Enough to want to marry you.”

“Then delay your flight until we can get married and you can take the kids and me with you.”

“I've considered that, but I don't think we could take the children out of the country with the adoption pending.” A thoughtful expression crossed his face, and his brown eyes gleamed with eagerness. “And don't think I'll marry you and leave you behind!”

“Then, we'll come to you as soon as their adoption is complete. We can get married when I arrive.”

Paul thought of his reservations about the living conditions on the work projects. But the pleasure of having Carissa and the children with him overturned his concerns. “You'd be willing to do that?”

“I'll do it in a heartbeat, Paul. Besides the fact that I don't want to be separated from you, I need you. It hasn't been too difficult with you here, but
I'm terrified to face all the children's problems alone. And I know there will be problems.”

“It's an option, certainly, and something that will make my leave-taking a little easier. Several of the engineers on our job take their families with them, so it isn't impossible. I'll look into it.”

He picked Carissa up and swung her around and around.

“Stop it, Paul. I'm getting dizzy!”

“It's just that I haven't been able to see any possibility of marrying you, and now there's a light at the end of the tunnel.”

Paul's brown eyes held great tenderness. Reveling in the feel of his arms so close about her, Carissa said brokenly, “I'm going to miss you.”

Paul whispered his love for her even as he claimed her lips. At length, he rested his head against her soft hair.

“The time will pass quickly, love. We'll find a way to be together. I promise you.”

 

Paul's pickup was parked in front of the house, and the children were outside saying a final goodbye to their father as he stepped into the truck.

Paul stood in the foyer of the house, and Carissa was weeping in his arms. His eyes roved over the room where they'd been so happy.

“My dear,” he said, “God will provide some way for us to be together. We've committed our lives to Him—we mustn't underestimate His power.”

“That's the only comfort I have—knowing that God will help me with the children until you come home again.”

Carissa stirred in his arms and broke their embrace.

“I feel like a heel, leaving without seeing my sister, but there wasn't enough time to coordinate my schedule with hers,” Paul said.

“I'm sure she'll understand.”

“I tried to call Naomi again this morning,” Paul said. “I thought she would have returned from that cruise. I'll try to reach her after I'm checked in at the airport.”

“If she calls after you leave, I'll tell her to expect your call.”

“Well, I can't delay any longer.”

He led Carissa to the door, his arm tight around her. She lifted her lips and he kissed her hard. She sobbed when the phone rang.

“Please answer it,” she said. “I can't talk to anyone right now.”

Unwilling to lose a minute with her, Paul drew Carissa beside him toward the ringing phone. He peered at the caller ID.

“It's your phone listing,” he said. “It must be Naomi!”

He lifted the receiver and pushed the audio button so Carissa could hear.

“Hey, sis,” he said. “You almost missed me. I'm ready to step out the door.”

“I called as soon as I could. Our group traveled back from Tampa to Miami by bus. On our return trip last night, the bus had engine trouble and we didn't get home until fifteen minutes ago.”

“A belated Merry Christmas, sis.”

He held the phone toward Carissa.

“And Merry Christmas from me, too,” she said. “Did you enjoy the cruise?”

“Oh, it was wonderful!” Naomi said, and Carissa thought she seemed very bubbly for a woman who'd spent the night on a bus.

“Paul, I've never been so happy. I'm going to get married.”

Paul almost dropped the receiver. “What!”

“Don't you approve?” Naomi said, disappointment in her voice.

“It's not up to me to approve or disapprove. I'm surprised, that's all!”

“I'm surprised myself. I never intended to marry again.”

In an excited voice, Naomi said that she was going to marry John Brewster, the man from Wyoming who'd been so friendly to her. “We didn't know we were in love until we were on the cruise. It was so romantic. Aren't you happy for me?” she added.

“Of course,” Paul said. “But isn't it a quick decision? You've only known this man a month.”

Carissa playfully nudged Paul in the ribs. He looked quickly at her, and she stretched to brush his lips with hers.

“Love often comes on swift wings,” Naomi said, and Paul chuckled merrily.

“I agree with that,” Paul said, and as Carissa's fingers caressed his face, he pressed a kiss on her hand.

“What about the children?” Naomi asked.

“They're still here—”

Before he could explain further, Naomi said, “Paul, I'm glad I caught you before you left. I have a proposition for you. Can I persuade you to take over management of the mill for me? I'll give you twenty-five percent of the stock, and you set your own salary.”

“What!” Paul's voice was incredulous.

“You know I've never been happy managing the textile mill—it's been a burden to me. John lives in Wyoming six months of the year. I want to move there with him, and in the winter come back to Tampa. But that mill is my only income, and I need someone I can trust to manage it.”

If Paul ever had needed confirmation that God was in control of his life, he had it now. He made up his mind quickly—or perhaps God had already made it up for him. As part owner of the mill, he'd have financial security, so he'd have no hesitation about leaving his engineering job.

“I'll do it, if you'll sell me additional stock so that I'll own forty percent of the company. And,” he added, smiling, “if you'll agree on Carissa working
with me as a consultant. She has more business experience than I do.”

“But she's retired—she doesn't have to work.”

Paul's eyes darted toward Carissa. She nodded agreement. She could certainly combine her parenting responsibilities by working part-time at the mill. Especially if Paul was by her side.

“You aren't the only one who's fallen in love. Carissa and I are going to be married, too.”

“Oh, that's wonderful news!” Naomi said. “You've missed so much happiness living alone.”

“Well, I won't be living alone much longer,” he said with a laugh. He would wait until later to pass on the news about their ready-made family.

Naomi yawned audibly. “I'm too sleepy now to talk about the nitty-gritty details. I just wanted to get your agreement before you left the country—Carissa, are you still there?” she asked.

“Yes.”

“I'd love to stay in your condo the rest of the winter. John won't leave for Wyoming until the last of March. Are you interested in continuing our arrangement for a few more months?”

“Yes, that would work for me, too.”

Paul replaced the receiver and enveloped Carissa in a hug that threatened to crack her ribs. The touch of his lips was like a promise.

When he finally lifted his head, Carissa felt protected, loved and desired. Wrapped in the security of his love, she was speechless, but she still had enough breath to whisper, “Let's go tell the children.”

Four years later

P
aul and Carissa sat hand in hand, as Alex took his place among the graduating seniors. When he walked on the platform to receive his high school diploma, Paul whispered, “Whew!” and wiped imaginary sweat from his forehead. His clownish gesture hid the pride he felt for his adopted son.

Alex had already been accepted on a sports scholarship at a state university. To have gotten the willful Alex this far was evidence that they'd done a pretty good job of parenting. Who'd have thought that the undernourished, tense, gangly boy they'd taken in would develop into this tall, handsome youth who walked with catlike grace.

Julie sat with her hand resting on Paul's arm, for
the years had not lessened the bond that had been forged at their first meeting. At ten, she was a happy-go-lucky girl with lots of friends, although her grades left much to be desired.

Lauren sat at Carissa's left. A quiet, tenderhearted girl, Lauren was a superior student, and now that she was happy and secure, her fragile beauty won the affection of her peers, as well as many adults.

Although mothering the children had often tried Carissa's nerves, she'd never spent more rewarding years. After Paul had agreed to take over management of the mill, he'd returned to his job in the Czech Republic for two months to give his employer time to find a replacement. The short separation, which had seemed like years to Paul and Carissa, had provided enough time for them to realize that their hasty decision was the right one. They were married as soon as he returned to the States.

By that time, Naomi's lawyers had drawn up the necessary papers for Paul to take over the management of Townsend Textile Mill. They'd established their permanent residence in Saratoga Springs, but they'd traded Carissa's Florida condo to Naomi in return for the house on Lake Mohawk. They spent the summer months, as well as the Christmas holidays, at the lake house. Participation in Yuletide's Christmas festivities was a highlight of their family.

By the time Paul had come back from overseas, Jennifer Colton had apparently given up forging a new relationship with him; she'd sold the family
home in Yuletide and taken her mother to New York. She hadn't returned.

Mr. Garner died a few months after the adoption proceedings had been completed. The children had made weekly visits to him in the hospice, and these visits had solidified their relationship. Having those months with their father had reconciled them to his illness. And he'd also been instrumental in steering Alex on the right path. Paul and Carissa had arranged a funeral for the children's father, and his body had been taken to Vermont for burial. A granite marker was erected to mark the graves of both parents.

The ceremony now over, Alex headed in their direction. Paul greeted him with an affectionate grip on the shoulder, and Carissa hugged him and stood on tiptoes to kiss his cheek.

“We're proud of you, son,” Paul said.

Alex ducked his head in embarrassment. After clearing his throat a couple of times, he thrust his diploma into Carissa's hand.

“I don't say thanks very often, but all during the program, I kept thinking of where I might have been if you guys hadn't taken me in. You earned the diploma, not me. Thanks.”

Paul and Carissa exchanged a look of satisfaction and surprise. More than once, they'd wondered if their children had any comprehension of the sacrifices they'd made for them. But they'd been repaid over and over for anything they'd given up.

Carissa had come to Yuletide to find Christmas,
but she'd found so much more—an affectionate husband, a loving family and a closer relationship with her Lord.