Tayes gift, p.1
Taye's Gift,
p.1
Small-Town Christmas Wishes
Series 6
By
Pat Simmons
Table of Contents
Title Page
Taye's Gift
“Sure to tug at readers’ heartstrings” | —Publishers Weekly
Books in the Series
What readers say about Pat Simmons
Other Christian titles include:
“Sure to tug at readers’ heartstrings” | —Publishers Weekly
Other Christian titles include:
This series can be read in any order.
Family is Forever series
SINGLE TITLES
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@2019 This is a work of fiction. References to real events, organizations, or places are used in a fictional context. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, are entirely coincidental.
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical—including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval systems—without permission in writing from the publisher. Please direct your inquiries to authorpatsimmons@gmail.com, or visit www.patsimmons.net.
Cover Design: Cindy Flores Martinez
Interior: http://www.fiverr.com/kimolisa
Developmental Editor: Chandra Sparks Splond
Proofreader: Judicious Revisions, LLC
JANUARY 2020
“Sure to tug at readers’ heartstrings”
—Publishers Weekly
Welcome to Snowflake, Colorado—a small town where wishes come true! When six old high school friends receive a letter that their fellow friend, Charity Hart, wrote before she passed away, their lives take an unexpected turn. She leaves them each a check for one thousand, five hundred dollars and asks them to grant a wish—a secret wish—for someone else by Christmas. And she wants it to be special.
The request sounds simple. After all, they were secret angels in high school together. That’s why Charity chose them. But the friends soon discover that it isn’t as easy as it seems. With the clock ticking, will they make it happen in time?
Join Mia, Caro, Nate, Taye, Sara, and Holly as they travel down the road to making a wish come true—and take a detour that leads to finding love.
Books in the Series
Mia’s Gift (Small-Town Christmas Wishes Series Book 1)
by Cindy Flores Martinez
Caro’s Gift (Small-Town Christmas Wishes Series Book 2)
by Jean C. Gordon
Nate’s Gift (Small-Town Christmas Wishes Series Book 3)
by Jackie Castle
Sara’s Gift (Small-Town Christmas Wishes Series Book 4)
by Kimberly Rose Johnson
Holly’s Gift (Small-Town Christmas Wishes Series Book 5)
by Josie Riviera
Taye’s Gift (Small-Town Christmas Wishes Series Book 6)
by Pat Simmons
A special thanks to Cindy Flores Martinez for allowing my character, Taye Thomas, to be a part of the Small-Town Christmas series.
For more than twelve years, none of my stories would be complete without development assistance from editor Chandra Sparks Splond and beta readers Stacy Jefferson and cousin Darlene Simmons. I’m thankful for their constant support on every project.
Then there is my poor husband, Kerry, who has to endure my absence in front of the TV as I escape to my world of make belief to give my readers an inspirational and encouraging story.
A shout out to my family and reader/friends who have supported my work and post reviews (hint) throughout the years.
What readers say about Pat Simmons
“WOW!!! No Easy Catch was my first read by Pat Simmons and let me tell you it will not be my last. I loved the way that the storyline flowed so smoothly. Her scriptures were well-timed and very appropriate, without being preachy or over the top. I loved how Shae and Rahn seemed like normal, everyday people that live normal everyday lives. They were not so overly wealthy, or so over the top sexy that they were unbelievable.re not so overly wealthy, or so over the top sexy that they were unbelievable.”—Romance Novels, Inc.
“I actually read this book (Couple by Christmas) in one day...I started it Friday morning, went out shopping for a couple of hours, but it stayed on my mind the whole while I was out, couldn't wait to get home to get into it. I learned that you can never give up on love if God is in the plan...I recommend this book as a Christmas present or if you just want to curl up on a cold night and a good read.”—Rosalind Smith, reader
Great read, I enjoyed the characters and storyline (The Guilty Generation). This was an inspirational story with many lessons. The focus on Kami’s struggle to navigate peer pressure and her faith was insightful. It was nice to catch up with the Jamieson family. I recommend this book.—Amazon reader
Other Christian titles include:
The Jamieson Legacy series
Book I: Guilty of Love
Book II: Not Guilty of Love
Book III: Still Guilty
Book IV: The Acquittal
Book V: Guilty by Association
Book VI: The Guilt Trip
Book VII: Free from Guilt
Book VIII: The Confession
Book IX: The Guilty Generation
The Carmen Sisters series
Book I: No Easy Catch
Book II: In Defense of Love
Book III: Redeeming Heart
Book IV: Driven to Be Loved
Love at the Crossroads series
Book I: Stopping Traffic
Book II: A Baby for Christmas
Book III: The Keepsake
Book IV: What God Has for Me
Book V: Every Woman Needs a Praying Man
Making Love Work Anthology
Book I: Love at Work
Book II: Words of Love
Book III: A Mother’s Love
Restore My Soul series
Crowning Glory
Jet: The Back Story
Love Led by the Spirit
God’s Gifts series
Couple by Christmas
Prayers Answered by Christmas
Perfect Chance at Love series
Love by Delivery
Late Summer Love
Anderson Brothers
Book I: Love for the Holidays (Three novellas): A Christian Christmas, A Christian Easter, and
A Christian Father’s Day
Book II: A Woman After David’s Heart (Valentine’s Day)
Book III: A Noelle for Nathan (Book 3 of the Andersen Brothers)
Family is Forever series:
Lean on Me
Single titles
Talk to Me
Her Dress (novella)
Christmas Greetings
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
About the Author
This is insane!
Only for her late friend Charity Hart would Taye Thomas endure the mass pandemonium at an airport on the Friday after Thanksgiving, yet here she was flying Southwest Airlines from Kansas City to Denver.
Had everyone flown into town for a quick hi before consuming hearty helpings of turkey and dressing just to make their exit the next day? This was the worse time to travel.
Taye shut out the chaos around her for a quiet moment of reflection. An old friend from high school had passed away. Taye’s eyes misted as the realization hit that Charity was gone. She sniffed as nearby chatter pulled her out of her reverie.
Although she wasn’t keen on eavesdropping, some travelers’ conversations were too entertaining to ignore. Taye craned her neck as she scanned the line for the person with the high-pitched voice.
“Yeah, I’m nervous. I hope it’s not a bumpy ride,” confessed a pretty girl who attempted to appear older, judging from the makeup artistically applied to highlight her youthful face.
“So, you’re traveling alone?” an older man asked too curiously for Taye’s taste. And was that a hint of pleasure in his tone at her admission?
Didn’t the teenager know her naiveté was making her vulnerable for prey? Taye huffed. Where was the girl’s parents or chaperone? Did anyone give this barely-more-than-a-child instructions about not talking to strangers?
“It’s a nonstop flight, and it should be smooth. We’ll be okay,” another woman assured the girl.
“Would you like for me to save a seat for you?” the man asked the young girl in a way that sounded sinister.
Not on my watch.
Taye cleared her throat, and from her spot in the A 41 to 45 section, she waved toward them in the B 20-something lineup, causing several passengers to look her way. “Excuse me. No need.”
Taye had heard enough horror stories about unsuspecting young girls lured into unthinkable illegal and immoral activities. Sex trafficking was real. It was Taye’s Christian duty to intervene.
“I would love the company.” She smiled and hoped her invitation would be accepted.
“For real?” The girl’s eyes widened in surprise. Not only was she pretty, but endowed
“I’ll save you a seat.” Taye smiled again.
Okay,” the girl easily accepted.
Relieved, Taye lifted her chin to the gentleman to checkmate him. He shrugged like it was no big deal. Right. Taye twisted her lips and turned around to follow the others. After showing the ticket on her phone to scan the code to the ticket agent, she waved at the girl before disappearing down the ramp to board.
Taye hurried to claim a middle seat and wait for passengers in B 1 to 30 to come aboard. When the girl cleared the entrance, Taye stood, and the girl’s face lit up. When the teenager reached Taye, she helped her seatmate store her things in the overhead luggage compartment, then introduced herself.
“I’m Taye, by the way. Would you like a window or aisle seat?”
“I’m Brea,” she said then rocked her head from side to side as she considered her choices. “Maybe the window.”
Stepping aside, Taye allowed Brea entry. “Good choice. You can see God’s beauty above the clouds.”
Once they had clicked their seatbelts, Taye watched as the male stranger entered the plane. She was relieved when he found open seating near the front, then she faced the teenager. “Brea, is someone meeting you in Denver?”
“Yeah, the Big Bad Wolf,” the girl stated and didn’t appear happy about it.
Taye’s senses went on high alert. Was that a code name for a trafficker or something? She frowned. Before she could ask who that was, Brea supplied the answer.
“My big brother.” She rolled her eyes. “He thinks he’s my daddy or the boss of me.” She grunted.
Although Brea was testing her nerves, Taye relaxed. If she ever had a teenager—well, she would have to have a baby first, which meant she would have to have a husband, which meant she would have to be in love, which meant at thirty-two, she would have to be in a relationship... Since God hadn’t sent any prospects, Taye continued to wait.
There she went. Her mind was drifting, but distractions at the moment were welcomed. It wasn’t a happy occasion that was taking her to Snowflake, Colorado, in this crazy cold weather to visit another place that was colder than Kansas City’s thirty degrees.
“Why do you call him that?” Taye asked, admiring the teenager’s natural beauty—flawless skin, baby-shaped chin, and eyes that were pretty without the dramatic eye makeup. Her braided hair was styled in an updo on top of her head. Swap out her jeans and sweatshirt for a ball gown and crown, and Brea could pull it off as being royalty. She definitely was an attention-getter.
“Because he thinks he can tell me what to do.” Brea hmphed.
“How old are you?”
“Almost seventeen.” She lifted her chin in defiance. “My birthday is December twenty-sixth, which means I’m almost legal.”
Almost didn’t quite cut it, Taye thought, amused by her seatmate’s personality.
“I was an oops or surprise baby,” Brea said, offering more information for identity thieves, “since my brother was fifteen years old. My mom said I missed Christmas by two hours.”
Taye withheld her chuckle.
“Anyway, he’s going to lock me up in his castle, and no one will ever see me again.” Brea twisted her lips and wrinkled her smooth forehead.
Drama. The plot was thickening with this girl. When Taye was about to ask for details, Brea supplied them.
“My mom died five years ago. My dad passed away when I was small, and I had to live with my aunt while the Big Bad Wolf was away at college and couldn’t take care of me. Now, Aunt Sadie said it’s his turn to take over being the boss of me. He’s taking me away from my friends,” she paused, “although I won’t miss school.”
Taye recalled a similar situation when she was in the seventh grade. After her mother died, Taye’s grandmother in the small town of Snowflake took her in. Although there were some rough patches when she arrived, Taye had adjusted. In hindsight, living with her maternal grandmother had been a blessing.
“May I have everyone’s attention, please?” a flight attendant asked.
Once the instructions were finished, Taye turned to Brea. “Would you like to pray for a safe flight before we take off?”
“Okay.” She nodded, then Taye took her hand and bowed her head.
“Father, in the name of Jesus, be our pilot, and protect everyone on board to our destinations and give us confidence in You to land us safely in Denver. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
“Amen,” Brea repeated.
Taye’s thoughts returned to Brea’s situation. Men were clueless. A young girl needed a motherly figure in her life. Hopefully, her brother’s wife would nurture her until she left the safety nest. “I also lost my mom when I was twelve. I’m sorry about your loss.” She touched the girl’s arm in a gesture of solidarity.
Brea shrugged. “It’s okay.” She reached for her small backpack and surprisingly, instead of a book or tablet, she pulled out a stack of magazines.
Death was never just okay. Taye was on her way to Snowflake, Colorado, to mourn the passing of a childhood friend instead of at home preparing for the holidays.
The holidays meant keeping Christ first in Christmas, which meant nobody on her list was getting more than the love offering she had set aside for Jesus in honor of His birth. Usually she splurged on inexpensive Christmas cards that contained a spiritual message, but this year, because of her finances, Taye would mail less.
Another one of Taye’s traditions was to call as many relatives and close friends as possible to wish them season’s greetings, whether it was Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa. She limited each call to three minutes to get through a list that seemed to grow longer each year.
Her friend Charity had been on that list, but to remove her would be too painful. She recalled James 4:14: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away.
Like Charity. Here for a little while and now she was gone. She’ll never forget that phone call.
“Is this Miss Taye Thomas?” the unrecognizable female voice asked.
“Yes.”
“I’m Kelly at Green and Sons Law Firm. I’m sorry to inform you that Miss Hart passed away a few weeks ago...”
“What?” Taye felt weak as if her heart had stopped and mind froze. Had she heard right? “Wait a minute, what happened? Had she been sick? Was there an accident?”
“I’m sorry but I’m not at liberty to disclose any additional information. Before she passed, she asked our office to give you a letter that she wrote on Saturday. Will you be able to come?”
“Of course I’ll be there.” Nothing would stop Taye, not even her budget. There were good memories and great memories that came out of Snowflake, Colorado. Charity was the best of them.
Her friend had been a free spirit and never seemed to meet a stranger, and she treated everyone as if they were longtime friends, which was how Taye had met her. She had moved to Snowflake when she was in the seventh grade and left after high school graduation, but hadn’t returned in years.
Being a person of color, especially biracial, could be a roadblock when it came to acceptance. Her mother was white, and her father was African-American, so it was a surprise to everyone that her grandmother, Mrs. Harrison, had a black grandchild.
In school, she was teased for her exotic features, most noticeably about the texture of her hair. Naturally curly wasn’t in style then, but Charity saw beauty and came to her aid before Taye took matters in her own hands with a sassy mouth and self-defense, if needed. The fear of facing suspension during the first week wasn’t a deterrent.
Charity showed Taye a better way to fight battles by including her in Charity’s circle of friends: Mia, Sara, Holly, Caro, Nate... and Charity had a personality that drew people to her, an excitement about embracing other cultures different from their own.
Taye ended the call and bawled all night. Although she had made plans to join her best friend, Melissa, and her family for Thanksgiving, Taye bowed out. Now, a couple days later, the tears had still flowed as she threw some clothes into a carry-on. God reminded her of the passage in Ecclesiastes 9:11 about time and chance happening to everybody, and Taye understood that, but somehow Charity and death didn’t belong in the same sentence.
