Chapter 11

The church wasn't far away, and it would have taken more time to scratch the ice of the windows, navigate the streets, and find a parking space, so they had decided to walk.

When they arrived at church, there were quite some people there already. Derek however had been early, and had secured them some seats. With a bit of squeezing in, they all got a seat on the wooden benches. Raul and Gracie sat next to each other, next to the aisle, so they could easily get out to got to the front of the church to be with the Sunday School kids. Nellie, Derek, and Donna – who had been spending the evening with the Heberts – sat beside the kids on the same bench, and Tippy sat down next to Donna.

Mattie was in the stroller in the aisle, next to Beverly, Nate, Clint, Nancy and Paul.

Soon the service began. The preacher opened with prayer, then Gracie's Sunday School class sang two songs. Gracie beamed when the whole congregation applauded and the Westbury family gave her a thumbs up. Some more songs were sung by everyone, while Raul's age group quickly filed out to get ready for the Nativity play. Clint was especially curious, because Raul had not wanted to tell him which part he was playing. So when a little while later, the Nativity story started, and Raul appeared, the boy sneaked a quick look at the country doctor, who started chuckling.

Nancy leaned over, and whispered, "What's so funny?"

Leaning closer, he explained, "I once told Raul how I always ended up being the third Wise Man in the Nativity play…"

Realization dawned, and Nancy grinned. "So that's why he wouldn't tell you."

Clint nodded, and winked at Raul, who smiled widely, then quickly kneeled before the manger. Nate and Beverly didn't know what the exchange with the doctor was about, but they didn't mind. They were immensely proud of their son, and as they watched him and the rest of the Sunday School class play out the story of how their Saviour had come to this world, Nate put his arm around his wife's shoulders to hold her close.

When the congregation sang 'Silent Night', Nancy felt her gaze being drawn to the man next to her. He had his eyes closed. Nancy put her hand on his, and squeezed lightly. His hand opened and turned, grasping hers. When the song had ended, Clint looked at Nancy, meeting her gaze which clearly asked if he was ok. He smiled and nodded. Having revealed to her this morning just how much this song meant to him both intensified the emotion, bringing back the memories with fine clarity, and helped him, knowing he had Nancy's support. Releasing her hand, he put his arm around her shoulder. Nancy smiled back at him, and leaned against him to listen to the preacher.

The service ended with the preacher saying, "I know there are many among you here who have lost someone dear to them. Some of you may not have any direct family anymore. For some people Christmas is a time of loneliness. I hope that every one of you knows that you have a Father who loves you so much that He sent His only Son to this world, as we celebrate this evening, to save us. This loving Father will always be there for you, and will always care for you, even when you feel lonely. May you all go in peace. Amen."

At those words, Nancy felt the tears in her eyes, remembering her mother. For a moment she looked over at her father to see how he was doing. She found him doing something she hadn't seen him do in years. He had his eyes closed, and was obviously praying. She felt Clint squeeze her shoulders gently, and looked up to see his support clearly written in his eyes, in his entire being. As people around them began to stand up and slowly move towards the exit, Clint nodded for Nate that they should go ahead.

The organ continued to play music, as slowly people walked outside, the atmosphere warm and congenial. As they waited for Paul to finish, Nancy and Clint found comfort in just sitting close together, reflecting on their parents, and that they would both see them again at some point.

As for Paul, the words of the preacher had struck a chord. Despite the fact that he and Elaine had split up years ago, he still felt lonely, especially with Nancy living on her own. He was grateful that his daughter didn't live too far away so they saw each other regularly. Still, the years he'd spent with Elaine and Nancy were among the best years of his life, and sometimes, the feeling of loneliness crept up on him, and threatened to overtake him.

Over the years, he'd gradually lost sight of his Heavenly Father. Rather unconsciously at first – he hadn't prayed as much as he used to, hadn't read his Bible as often, eventually hadn't done either at all anymore. The feelings of loneliness and emptiness had become more intense, yet instead of realizing that it was because his relationship with his Saviour had totally watered down to a habit of going to church on Sunday mornings, he had just wallowed in it. Even a few hours ago, when they had been having dinner... He wasn't blind, he had seen how Nancy and Clint had grown closer and closer, and he was grateful that Nancy had such a good friend. He liked the country doctor, and knew the feeling was mutual. However, tonight there had been an extra tension. Nancy and Clint had kept sending each other looks when they thought the other wasn't looking, and when their eyes met, they'd stare for a moment before realizing something, and one of them would look away.

Yes, it had become obvious to Paul that it seemed like the two were about to make the next step in their relationship. A small feeling of resentment towards Clint had made a small place in his heart. At the same time he knew it was wrong to feel that way - he couldn't imagine a better husband for his daughter than Clint - and the conflicting emotions had thrown him. That chasm of loneliness had widened and threatened to swallow him completely.

Here in church, for the first time in ages, he'd truly listened to the preacher's words. It was as if a big cloud was lifted from his entire being. He was moved to the core, knowing that all this time, he had looked for his daughter's company, while he really should have been looking towards God, and searching for his lost relationship with Him. A heavy burden was lifted off his shoulders, and he didn't know if he should laugh or cry, so instead he did both. He closed his eyes and prayed. When he finally opened his eyes, his heart felt so much lighter.

He looked up, and saw that the church was nearly empty. Next to him, Clint had his arm still around Nancy's shoulders, and both looked at him with compassion and love. His heart swelled, wondering what he'd done to deserve these two people. Silently thanking God again, he smiled back at the two. "I think it's about time we went home, don't you think?"

Clint nodded, and Nancy reached out for his hand and squeezed. She gave her father a hug, not sure what had been going on in her father's head, but instinctively knowing that something had happened. They let go, and turned around to leave.

Once outside, they heard Gracie's chipper voice asking if her Daddy thought she did good. "You did extremely well Honey," Derek replied. "And now we're going home, so we can get some sleep, and then we can celebrate your birthday too," he said, taking her hand.

"Cool! Bye everyone, see you tomorrow!" Gracie called out, waving at the group of friends and family, before grabbing hold of Donna's hand. The administrator of Westbury looked surprised at first, then smiled down tenderly at the girl. Nellie and Derek shared a knowing look, before leaving in the direction of the car.

The bus drew to a halt, and the bus driver turned the engine off, before turning in his seat to look at his two remaining passengers. They were quite the sight – a man who looked like he could be a lawyer or something, together with the military man, who, despite his alert stance, had clearly been en route for a while now.

"Ye'r plannin' to take the train, aren't ya?" the bus driver asked, still sitting.

"Yes sir, do you know at what time it leaves?" Major Doss asked.

"Normally 't would ride tonight, but 't is Christmas Eve. No train till tomorrow mornin'." He studied the two men's reactions. The lawyer sighed in frustration, and rolled his eyes, muttering something about that he should have stayed at the airport. The Major looked disappointed, yet he quickly straightened his spine. "Then do you know a hotel in the neighbourhood where we can stay for the night?"

The old bus driver gave them another long look, seeming to contemplate something. Then he nodded, turned and gathered his belongings. "Hotel went broke few weeks ago."

"Oh, that's just great," doctor Crane muttered. "What do we do now, crawl onto a bench in the park, and take turns watching over each other?" he asked frustrated. Major Doss ignored him, as did the bus driver.

"Ye'r welcome to stay over at my place. Shouldn't be spendin' Christmas Eve in a hotel anyways."

"Thank you, Sir, but only if you are sure," Major Doss said, looking at the older man.

"Of course I'm sure. 's long as I'm livin', there's always a place at my house. Always has been, always will. 'specially on Christmas Eve. Now get off of this bus so I can close it."

Doctor Crane and Major Doss quickly gathered their belongings, and went outside, where they waited for the old man to close the bus. "Y'all just follow me now," he said, as he turned to walk down the main road.

TBC