The Christmas Stalking (8 page)
Robby squeezed Holly’s hand and she squeezed back.
Then it was time for the traditional candlelight service and the singing of “Silent Night.”
Renee stepped up to the pulpit.
The preacher moved to the side as he handed her the microphone.
“It’s been a rough few days here in the Village of Serenity and Peace. We all know why, so I won’t bother talking about it except to ask that you keep Len in your prayers. And to tell you the surprise you expected isn’t going to happen.”
Holly touched Robby’s hand, and then gently pulled free from his grasp. She nodded to the front.
He leaned over. “You don’t have to do this.”
“I know that.” She patted his arm and stood. “I want to.” She walked to the podium.
Renee smiled. “Oh, maybe we do have a surprise. Now some of you might know her as the very famous Destiny, but I’ve been told to call her Holly—plain, old Holly. So without further ado, Holly Stone will lead us in ‘Silent Night’ while we light the candles.”
Whispers filled the room as she accepted the microphone from Renee, who mouthed the word
thanks
.
The lights dimmed and Holly stood in darkness. For one brief panicked moment, she was reminded of the night at the fishing shack. But she wasn’t alone. And she would never be alone again—God was with her then, now, and forever.
The preacher handed her the lit candle, and then he and Renee lit theirs from hers.
She took a deep breath and started to sing.
“Silent night, holy night…”
This was what she’d always wanted. A real home. A real community. A real life.
Tears trickled down her cheeks as the other voices joined in.
Slowly the candles lit up face after face.
Her gaze found Robby. The candle formed a halo of light on his face—just like the angel he was. He smiled at her, and in that moment, she knew he was her God-given future.
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