Christmas in the Air by Irene Brand Read Free Book Online Page B

Livia’s feet felt numb. She put her hand on the cold wooden floor, and knew that the heat from the stove would never warm it. The church was built only a few feet off the ground, and it was doubtful if there was any insulation underneath the building.
    She went to her pack and found a comb. Even in the building, she’d kept the hood over her head most of the time. Her hair was knotted and twisted. She combed the tangles out as best she could, but wasn’t making much progress when Sean sat down behind her and took the comb from her hand.
    â€œHere, let me help,” he said, “I have two younger sisters, and my mother always made me comb their hair. I got so good at it that I once considered becoming a barber.” Perhaps comparing that occupation with the opportunity to become a professional basketball player, he laughed jovially. “Give me the comb and I’ll be your bigbrother today.” He worked gently with her hair until it flowed softly over her shoulders. When she turned toward the group near the stove, Quinn was looking at her. He turned his eyes away quickly. What must he be thinking?
    Watching the shivering people circling the stove, Livia doubted that there’d be much interest in having a Christmas celebration. The others probably felt as miserable as she did, and she knew it would be tempting just to sit, stew and feel sorry for themselves.
    Quinn raised questioning eyebrows to her, and she nodded. “You go ahead,” she mouthed to him.
    â€œHey, folks,” Quinn said. “Livia and I came up with an idea last night. Since it’s pretty obvious that we can’t get home for Christmas, we thought we should overcome our difficulties and celebrate Christmas here.”
    The other snowbound travelers looked around at each other. Seeing the dejection in their eyes, even if it wasn’t necessarily showing in their facial expressions, Livia said, “Come on, everyone. Christmas is more than time spent with family. Let’s make a stab at happiness. How many are willing to remember the true reason we celebrate Christmas?”

Chapter Five
    S ilence greeted Livia’s question until Roxanne said, “Your suggestion makes sense, but I’m not sure I can get in the spirit of Christmas.”
    â€œMe, either,” Sean said, and Les gave a derisive snort. Sean continued as if he hadn’t heard Les. “Two days ago if anyone had told me that my most desired gift would be something as simple as a shower and a shave, I’d have thought they were crazy.”
    â€œTwon’t hurt you none to go without a bath for a day or two,” Les said, frowning at Sean, before he turned away. “I think you’ve got a good idea, Quinn.” He looked around the church fondly. “It’s been a long time since Christmas carols have been sung inside these walls. I kinda think the old church would welcome a Christmas Eve service.”
    With a shrewd glance from Sean to Les, Allen said, “Except for gifts and such, I don’t know much aboutcelebrating Christmas. However, I’ve learned a lot about human nature in my thirty-five years. If we sit around worrying about being cold, needing a bath, and being afraid we’ll run out of food and fuel, we’re going to get on each other’s nerves. We’d better do something. ”
    Since Eric was the only minister among them, all eyes turned to him. He stood and walked around the room. The others watched him, waiting for his decision. He lifted the lid of the upright piano and ran his fingers over the keys. Roxanne shuddered. Livia was amused that the out-of-tune piano grated on the pianist’s nerves.
    Eric stared at the stained-glass window. He stood behind the lectern, his hands on the dusty top.
    â€œUntil we’re faced with a situation like this,” he began, “we often forget the real meaning of Christmas and why we observe it.” With a lopsided grin, he