“You never know who you’ll meet,” Miss Tessie said and giggled.

  “This is Snowflake, where no one is a stranger. I’m pretty sure I know everyone.” She swiped a freshly baked cookie still on the baking sheet and headed for the door before Miss Tessie could fuss.

  A wedding was the last place Donovan expected to be on a Christmas Eve, but Taye would be there, and he couldn’t get enough of seeing her. Maybe the Christmas gift he had for her would change her mind about things between them. He patted his pocket.

  “Come on,” Brea fussed. Every day, she was growing up before his eyes, making him regret the years he was away at school, away from nurturing a sibling relationship before her teen years. “You look okay. I don’t want to be late, and I’m sure Taye’s saving a seat for us.”

  Taye was one woman he didn’t want to keep waiting. “Let’s go.”

  He followed the signs that led to Snowflake Chapel. The town’s chapel was a small white building, something he would see in a movie. Once they arrived and parked, Brea raced from the car, hiking up the stairs in her ridiculous heels. He caught up with her in time to open the door. Despite his protest about the wedding, the décor made him think about him exchanging vows.

  Brea nudged him. “Hey, I see her.”

  His breath caught when he reached the pew. Taye’s face glowed as her eyes sparkled. She sat upright like royalty. Brea flopped down next to her and expected Donovan to bring up the rear. Not this time.

  “Brea, move to the other side.” Donovan refused to negotiate, and the stern look he gave his sister showed he meant it.

  Standing, she mumbled, “Big Bad Wolf.”

  He got an up-close view of Taye’s polished features. Wow. Before getting entangled in a web of her long lashes, Donovan bowed his head and gave thanks to God for being in His house once again. When he opened them, he faced Taye. “You look amazing, incredible, stunning.”

  “You can just say beautiful, you know,” Brea stated.

  “That too.” Donovan smirked

  Taye blushed. “Thanks.”

  He glanced around as the small chapel slowly began to fill up, then turned back to Taye. “Hear me out: I know you want to get on the road tomorrow, but I have a gift for you.”

  “Donovan, I didn’t get you anything. I wanted too,” she was quick to add, fumbling with her fingers. Her nails were shaped nicely and polished with a festive holiday glitter. The woman who needed little enhancement dazzled.

  “But you’ve given me so much.” He choked. Every night he praised God for the steady open communication with Brea. At first, Donovan didn’t know how he was going to fix things between them, but once again, Jesus had shown him nothing was too hard for Him, including winning Taye’s heart. “The gift I have for you is life changing.”

  Tilting her head, she seemed to study him. “Life changing? How?”

  The moment was lost for Donovan to say more, but the procession started as the music filtered throughout the chapel and heads turned to the back, including Brea’s and Taye’s.

  The bridal party consisted of two bridesmaids and groomsmen to his relief after the couple’s mothers. The last wedding he attended was for another colleague’s daughter. There were ten bridesmaids and seemed like it took the bride forever to get to the altar.

  Not this evening as the flower girl stole the show with bells on top of her shoes. When the bride appeared, Donovan turned and eyed the groom who appeared calm and in a trance-like state as his wife-to-be glided toward him on the white runner. Moments later, Brea looped her arm through Taye’s, then rested her head on Taye’s shoulder. The pair seemed content.

  Oh, yeah. Taye Thomas would be a good fit into his family. She was the first woman in a long time who had captured his attraction, and now, he didn’t want to loosen the hold. His reverie was cracked at the groom’s strong declaration to love, honor, and cherish.

  If Taye said yes to his gift, everything would change for them too.

  Donovan’s “life changing” gift sounded too tempting to leave Colorado without knowing what it was. Melissa is going to strangle me, Taye thought as she told her best friend that she wouldn’t be home for Christmas.

  Taye could blame it on Brea’s plea to help her celebrate her seventeenth birthday, and that was part of it, but the teenager knew how to get her way with subtle hints that she had helped Taye in a pinch and this would be a birthday gift.

  Brea must have forgotten that the spanking brand new sewing machine served as a gift for Christmas, birthday, and whatever other occasion.

  So now as the Christmas Eve service wrapped up, Taye took a final look at the picture-perfect town that shone bright between the mountains. One place she hadn’t visited was the town’s gazebo. Taye had no idea when she would return. Maybe next Christmas.

  She made the call. “Hey, Mel.”

  “Okay, what are you up to?”

  “Would you be mad at me if I came back the day after Christmas?” She braced for her friend’s hysterics, which could be worse than Brea’s when she wanted her way.

  The tantrum never materialized. “It’s what’s his name—Donovan. I knew there was more to the story. If you’re bailing out on our tradition, he must be special. You need something good to happen, and it’s the night before Christmas and all on Earth is rejoicing, so maybe this Donovan is your gift.”

  Taye smirked. “Maybe, but I’m leaving Snowflake tonight. Donovan got me a hotel room in Denver, and we’re going to celebrate Christmas with dinner at his house.”

  “Hmm. Could it be a new tradition?”

  “His sister’s birthday is the day after Christmas. After I sing my rendition of the birthday song, I’m hitting the road.”

  “Merry Christmas, sis. May God give you all the desires of your heart for Christmas, and don’t forget to bring me back my gift.”

  They laughed, then ended the call. Taye exhaled. That had been easy, so now the next move was up to her.

  “Ready to go?” Donovan’s voice startled her as he stepped quietly up into the gazebo.

  She twirled around and smiled. “Yep. I wanted to get one more glimpse of Snowflake.”

  He reached for her hand and guided her down the stairs. “I’ve booked you a room at the Adagio Bed and Breakfast instead of a hotel. I hope that’s okay with you.”

  How thoughtful. She nodded as they walked back to the cars—hers and his behind it. The motor was running. Although she could use her GPS, he insisted on trailing her for safety purposes. Minutes later, she drove away from Snowflake, and stayed on the road that carved a path in the mountains. In the rearview mirror, not only did she see the town’s lights dim until they disappeared, but she noted the bright lights from Donovan’s SUV.

  Alone with her thoughts, Taye reflected on all that had transpired the last few months—the uncertainty of her job, death of a friend, and now a man who didn’t hide his interest in her.

  In no time, they arrived in front of the Adagio. It was charming and did remind her of home at the Rocky Mountain Bed and Breakfast. She parked and Donovan was at her side while surprisingly, Brea had dozed off and hadn’t stirred. When Donovan escorted Taye inside, the decor wowed her. There didn’t seem to be a spot untouched with Christmas decorations, including the counter.

  A short, plump woman with white hair and wiry glasses peeped up. “Checking in?” she asked.

  “Yes, she is.” Donovan presented his credit card. The woman handed over the room key to Taye, then gave her a token gift from under a miniature Christmas tree.

  “Thank you,” she said to the clerk, then turned to Donovan, “And thank you too.” This gift better be worth the stay, she didn’t say.

  “You’re welcome, and it’s my pleasure.” Donovan stepped closer after Taye thanked him. “I’ll pick you up in the morning for church service. Plan to be kidnapped all day, Miss Thomas.”

  “I look forward to being held hostage. Sounds perfect. Christmas wouldn’t be the same without celebrating Christ first.”

  When Taye smiled at him, Donovan seemed to fall in love for the first time. The thump to his heart backed up the realization. He didn’t need mistletoes for his next move.

  Closing his eyes, he leaned down and brushed his lips against her forehead. “Merry Christmas.” He opened his eyes, smiled at her and walked away.

  The ride home was quiet. Brea had dozed off, and his mind flooded with memories of every moment he had shared with Taye since meeting her. At home, he was still awake one minute past midnight. He praised God for the greatest gift above all. Jesus had come to earth as a baby who would later die as the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of all mankind.

  Early in the morning, Brea barged through his bedroom door. “I see Taye’s name on a lot of gifts. I’d better have something under that tree.”

  “Don’t you get tired of being a drama queen?” Donovan scooted up in bed.

  Brea seemed like she was having a moment of self-reflection. “Nope, not really.”

  “Merry Christmas to you too.” He stepped out of bed and slid to his knees, thanking God for another Christmas. Surprisingly, Brea joined him on her knees and thanked God for her blessings. They both ended their prayers in unison with “In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

  Before he jumped into the shower, he reminded Brea not to get distracted with the gifts. “Church starts in a few hours, and we have to get Taye.”

  Calvary Church wasn’t packed, but there was a good turnout for the service. It had a different feel this morning with Taye sitting beside him, dressed in a festive red sweater and gold skirt.

  The choir sang a medley of Christmas selections with his favorite being the “Hallelujah Chorus.”

  “Ooh,” Taye leaned over and whispered, “this feels so much like home.”

  “I’m glad to share it with you.” He winked.

  Elder Bethel Coleman stepped to the pulpit. “Today, the world celebrated gift giving. The church of God celebrates Jesus’ gifts. The Lord had His own birthday party when He rose from the dead. Ephesians 4:8 says Jesus gave life unto men.” He paused and read verses seven and eight. “The gifts under your tree will fade away, but Jesus’ gift will never lose its value.”

  The short sermon seemed to captivate Taye as Elder Coleman closed his Bible, then asked if anyone wanted to give Christ their best gift to celebrate His birthday. “Repent, and be baptized in the name of Jesus, and God has the gift of the Holy Ghost with heavenly tongues ready to give you.” He raised one arm toward the audience to extend the invitation.

  After the offering and benediction, Taye beamed. “What a refreshing message for my Christmas.”

  “I agree.” He grinned back. They were in a jovial mood as they left. Donovan made a couple of stops to deliver gifts to close friends, then headed to his house. This would be the first time Taye would actually take her coat off and stay longer than five minutes.

  He served eggnog and snacks as he warmed up dinner. While waiting, they watched Brea’s theatrics as she opened gift after gift.

  Before long, Brea handed Taye a box. Even Donovan didn’t know what was inside, and he hadn’t taken her shopping to buy gifts.

  Taye unwrapped the box and pulled out a lounge set more creative than the others he had seen Brea sew for Royal Fashions. Instead of one color, she had created a patchwork.

  “This is beautiful.” She fingered it as if she was reading braille. “Oh, Brea, thank you.” She choked, stood and hugged his sister as a tear slid down her cheek. “I will cherish this. I’m in awe that you made this especially for me. I secretly wished I could afford one of them because I’d be your first customer.”

  Brea smothered her in a hug. “I’m glad you like it.”

  Donovan didn’t interrupt. When the two seemed somewhat composed, he stood and presented Taye with his gifts. He thought he couldn’t go wrong with jewelry and a scarf.

  The sparkle in her eyes when she opened the box that contained the rose-gold earrings and necklace was proof he had made a good choice.

  “Thank you.” She initiated the hug, and he didn’t deny her his affection. She also loved the scarf.

  “I hope this will change our lives.” He handed over the slender box, which contained the envelope.

  Taye gave him a side-eye. “Our? The other day, you said it would change my life.” She lifted a brow, then fumbled with the package. “I think it’s too big for a gift card. No hints?”

  Brea huffed. “I’ll open it.”

  Taye’s lips curved upward. “Nah.” She ripped off the gift wrap with gusto, then opened the unsealed envelope.

  She and Brea frowned at the same time, but only Brea spoke as Taye read the letter.

  “Where’s the money? That’s the only thing that would make a woman happy,” Brea said matter-of-factly.

  “A job offer from Xcel Energy Utilities?” Taye covered her mouth with a shaky hand, and a boatload of tears flowed down her cheeks. “Here in Denver?” He gently wiped away her tears with his fingers, then she looked up at him. “How did they get my résumé?”

  “I know people who know people, and I forwarded your résumé from LinkedIn.” Donovan chuckled softly. “I negotiated your starting salary at 45K based on your experience, and Steven Giles, the human resources director and a close friend, was willing to cover your relocation. Will you stay?” he lowered his voice. “Will you say yes to us figuring things out?”

  Donovan held his breath, waiting, but she appeared too stunned to respond, so he pressed on, “Merry Christmas, Taye Thomas. God has a gift for everyone, even you. While you tried hard to fulfill your friend’s wish, God reminded me of the many connections I have made throughout the years. What can I say? You tug at my heartstrings.”

  “But I didn’t interview.”

  “You did, every time you worked with Brea. I watched as you delegated responsibility, pitched in when needed, and your determination to see the project through within the timeframe.” He paused, and the tenderness in his eyes made her catch her breath.

  “You still have to consent to a background check and meet the department manager, but he was impressed with your skills and character reference.”

  “So, Taye Thomas, will you accept my proposal—I mean God’s gift?”

  “Yes.”

  Pat is a celebrated multi-published author of more than thirty Christian titles, and is a three-time recipient of the Emma Rodgers Award for Best Inspirational Romance. She has been a featured speaker and workshop presenter at various venues across the country.

  As a self-proclaimed genealogy sleuth, Pat is passionate about researching her ancestors and then casting them in starring roles in her novels. She describes the evidence of the gift of the Holy Ghost as an amazing, unforgettable, life-altering experience. God is the Author who advances the stories she writes.

  As an independent contractor, Pat managed the media publicity for the annual RT Booklovers Conventions for fourteen years. She has a B.S. in mass communications from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts.

  Pat converted her sofa-strapped, sports fanatic husband into an amateur travel agent, untrained bodyguard, GPS-guided chauffeur, and administrative assistant who is constantly on probation. They have a son and a daughter.

  Read more about Pat and her books by visiting www.patsimmons.net or on social media.

  JANUARY 2020

  “Sure to tug at readers’ heartstrings”

  —Publishers Weekly

  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

  In Love by Delivery, Senior Account Manager Dominique Hayes has it all money, a car and a condo. Well, almost. She’s starting to believe love has passed her by. One thing for sure, she can’t hurry God, so she continues to wait while losing hope that a special godly man will ever make his appearance. Package Courier Ashton Taylor knows a man who finds a wife finds a good thing. The only thing standing in his way of finding the right woman is his long work hours. Or maybe not. A chance meeting changes everything. When love finally comes knocking, will Dominique open the door and accept Ashton’s special delivery?

  In Late Summer Love, it takes strategies to win a war, but prayer and spiritual intervention are needed to win a godly woman’s heart. God has been calling out to Blake Cross ever since Blake was deployed in Iraq and he took his safety for granted. Now, back on American soil, Blake still won’t surrender his soul—until he meets Paige Blake during a family reunion. When the Lord gives Blake an ultimatum, is Blake listening, and is he finally ready to learn what it takes to be a godly man fit for a godly woman?