Umm-hmm. Our records showed that.

  “It’s stunning,” Landon said in awe. “I see why you believe in these children. They have incredible talent.”

  “Yes, I know.” Gina felt Godly proud that she had created a platform for these children to thrive and earn money. For many of them, this talent was a ticket out of poverty.

  Gina listened patiently as Granny Lonna discussed several pieces until she got to the last one, which made Gina curious.

  “This Black angel is a ballerina in flight.” Granny Lonna smiled. The design wasn’t elaborate, but the texture was smooth, shaved wood. The detail in the body and wings was impressive. This looked like one of the first pieces created when she started the charity. Gina carefully angled the figurine to read the bottom. Blank. Not theirs. She frowned.

  Granny Lonna told them, “I found it at an estate sale years ago for ten dollars. A bargain.”

  It was possible that it was theirs. The first year, she and Denise put stickers on the items, so the stickers may have rubbed off.

  “Well, I’m tired now,” Granny Lonna said, sounding winded. “That’s enough for today. Let’s eat.”

  Gina kissed her cheek and smiled at Landon, then mouthed, “All is well.”

  Chapter Twenty

  Landon stepped back when he opened the door to Christmas Tax Help for All Seasons. “Whoa.” He was not expecting to see a transformation. It was like a visit to his grandmother’s house.

  A stockpile of decorations was dumped on Gina’s desk. When she peeked up, Landon let out a hearty laugh. It was only mid-October, and already, Christmas had come to town. “Tax services by day, Christmas store by night...in a sense.”

  “It’s a family tradition like Ted Drewes Frozen Custard in the summer and a Christmas tree lot in the winter.” Gina smiled.

  “You’ve got a point. They have the best frozen custard.” Landon nodded and craned his neck for her father.

  Mr. Christmas stuck his head out of his office, walked out, and greeted Landon with a handshake. “I wouldn’t laugh too hard, young man. This could be your house one day.”

  “Never,” Landon teased and chuckled.

  “You have no idea what you got yourself into, Landon, being around us during the holidays.” Her father nodded.

  “Yes, I do.” He glanced at Gina. “I’ve got ‘Joy to the World,’ ‘It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,’ and ‘All I Want for Christmas is You’ all wrapped in a present with the prettiest bow.”

  Gina blushed, and Landon slid an arm around her waist and kissed her curls.

  He loved her; she knew that, and everyone in their families knew that. It was the quest Granny Lonna sent him on, making him suspect she knew it, too. After the altar prayer and spending time with his grandmother, he and Gina were committed to each other and wouldn’t let any other misunderstandings keep them apart.

  Plus, Gina and Granny Lonna were a perfect match because they loved Christmas. Whenever Landon brought Gina to visit, he became invisible to the two. Landon wouldn’t have it any other way. His grandmother came to life around Gina.

  Yep, he knew exactly what he was getting into. “I have no regrets. I’ve been in the Christmas spirit since meeting your beautiful daughter.”

  “Good answer.” Mr. Christmas turned and walked back into his office.

  “So, babe, what’s all this?”

  “It’s time to start decorating for Christmas.” Her warm smile wowed him.

  “It’s kind of early, isn’t it?” Landon thought about it. “Halloween is still weeks away, but I’d rather see Christmas decorations instead of one giving Satan and all his demons a national day of celebration.”

  Gina abandoned the tangled mess on her desk and reached for her handbag.

  Landon was treating her to lunch before the weather turned chilly. It was already sweater weather, and Gina was sporting a thick gold one with flirty but always professional sleeves.

  He helped her slip her arms into an off-white blazer, bid goodbye to her father, and walked out the door, hand-in-hand, down Washington Avenue to the Thai restaurant two blocks away.

  Once they were seated at their table, Landon continued to hold her hand, briefly thinking about their first date here and how they responded to the homeless man. Besides the day he surrendered to Jesus, that had been the second-best day. He grinned. “Since I’ve been at my place, I stick a wreath on the door, get some scented candles, and I’m done.”

  “Ha. That is about to change. You’re just getting started.” Gina leaned forward and met him halfway for a brief kiss. “My family’s tradition is decorating each other’s houses. And we’re coming for you.”

  Landon laughed. “Come on, baby.”

  Two weeks later, every house in the Christmas and Michaels families was decorated for the holidays, with lights inside and out, festive wreaths on doors to welcome guests, and nativity ensembles. It had been accomplished as weekend projects, and even Bradley came over to Landon’s to help and be nosey.

  “Aren’t we a big, happy family?” Denise teased more than once as they assisted in preparing snacks in Granny Lonna’s kitchen, their last stop.

  Gina beamed and jutted her chin. “It’s our favorite time of the year, sis.”

  “Umm-hmm.” Denise grinned. “Look at our parents and Landon’s. I’m feeling in-law vibes.”

  “They get along, and Granny Lonna is soaking up the attention.”

  Denise rested the teakettle and bit her bottom lip, masterminding a scheme, “I’ve seen Landon and Dad huddled together untangling the lights. Maybe they’re having a special conversation.” Denise was seriously plotting her future again. “He’ll probably propose at Thanksgiving dinner, and you two will have a beautiful, snowy Christmas wedding.”

  “Wow.” Gina gave her sister a dumbfounded expression. “And all that in six weeks.” Shaking her head, Gina dismissed Denise’s musings. Her single status was in Landon’s hands. They’d worked out their differences, and she knew that Landon loved her. As if to prove it, Landon and his family had made a sizable donation to her charity. She was speechless when Leslie at the foundation told her the good news. She had cried in his arms. He was willing to compromise, and she had to learn to do the same.

  Black angel ornaments had been mentioned more than a future together.

  Hours later, after all the fun had been had, everyone called it a night.

  “What church are you two visiting tomorrow?” Landon’s mom asked.

  She and Landon looked at each other and shrugged. They had grown comfortable at both churches and no longer kept score on whose turn to visit on Sundays.

  “Babe, I’m feeling Christ Has Risen Church,” Landon said. “I’d have no problem changing memberships.”

  She felt the same way about his church. Although Pastor Swelling preached a shorter message, Gina liked it when he stopped service if one soul was ready to repent on the spot and be baptized with water and spirit in Jesus’ name.

  This was an exciting time for her and Landon. Gina couldn’t wait to see what was coming next.

  Chapter Twenty-one

  Date night.

  Instead of going out for a night on the town, Landon suggested keeping it low-key because he’d had a rough week on the site of a historic building that caught fire. The remaining structure needed to be demolished, but there was asbestos. Because of public safety, multiple agencies had to work together to get the job done.

  Landon wasn’t a complainer, but Gina could tell he was irritated with the red tape and disappointed he was too busy to see her throughout the week for lunch.

  A low-key date night would be a home-cooked meal and a surprise.

  When the bell rang, Gina checked her makeup and smiled. She opened the door, and her jaw dropped with one look at her honey. “Wow.”

  Against the backdrop of a chilly November evening, Landon stood with a black fedora and a dark wool coat. He lifted his hat in greeting and crossed the threshold into her house. “My lady,” he said in a terrible British accent, handing her flowers from behind his back.

  “You look too handsome to stay in instead of going out to show you off.” Resting her hands on his chest in her sock-covered feet, she stood on her toes to greet him.

  “So do you.” Landon shook off his coat and hung it on a wall hook. Rubbing his hands, he sniffed. “Something smells good. Need help with anything?”

  “Nope. I left work early to prepare mostaccioli. Garlic bread is in the oven, then...” She paused and grinned, “I want to show you my Christmas calendar.”

  He grabbed her around her waist and gave her a curious expression. “Is this another one of your family traditions?”

  “Nope. Just something I created a few years ago, and Denise, not wanting to be a team player, didn’t want to play along.” She sniffed her bouquet and led the way to the kitchen.

  “I’m a team player. I see the salad fixings...and an indoor grill. What are we doing?” He proceeded to wash his hands in the sink.

  “That’s for the lettuce.”

  He turned around, leaned against the sink, and folded his arms. “Huh? Ah, babe, that’s for meat, vegetables, and bread.”

  She pulled him to the counter, then bumped him with her hip. “Lettuce is a vegetable, but we’re going to make a couple of Caesar salad bites.”

  Landon chuckled. “So, is this what a man can look forward to when he comes home from work?”

  Was this a hint of what would come? Maybe her sister knew about Landon’s intentions. Clearing her thoughts, she began to show him a twist on Caesar salad.

  “Take four whole hearts of romaine and place them on the grill for thirty seconds.”

  Landon snickered and shook his head. “Learn something new every day.”

  “I found the recipe in Southern Living magazine online. The article said the grilling would give it a sweet flavor, and they were right. I made this a few times when Denise and I experimented on dishes. Okay, separate the leaves and place them in the platter.” She coached him.

  “I’m a chef!” Landon exclaimed.

  Gina laughed. “Yes, you are, baby.” She kissed his cheek and turned away, but he guided her back and kissed her lips.

  Briefly, Gina wondered if this was how it felt to be married—contentment doing the simplest tasks. She dismissed her musing and returned to the present. “Take them off, then spoon the dressing on it to your liking. Add chopped cucumbers, diced tomatoes, chopped parsley, and croutons.” She waited as he followed her instructions as an alarm sounded. “Oh, that’s my timer. The garlic bread is done, so let’s eat.”

  Landon blessed their food, and they ate. They were stuffed after Gina served a slice of store-bought red velvet cheesecake for dessert.

  “Great food, gorgeous company, and more,” Landon said as they restored her kitchen.

  He dried his hands and guided her to the living room, where Gina had flames blazing in the gas fireplace. “So school me, woman, on our tradition.”

  “I like the sound of that.” Gina hurried to her desk. She grabbed a twelve-month wall calendar and scooted next to him.

  “What’s this?”

  “Well, we met in March. In April, we spent time together at the office but weren’t dating.”

  Landon was speechless as he flipped through the months and recognized the dates they had enjoyed. He hugged her as he stuttered to say something. “You are incredible to create these memories. I love you.”

  Closing her eyes, Gina allowed his words to seep into her heart. They were like medicine for her soul.

  “But what’s this for November and December?”

  She opened her eyes and rested her head on his shoulder. “These are all the events we can attend during the holiday season.”

  “This is ambitious.” Landon looked intimidated.

  “I know, but I was hoping you and I could pick and choose.”

  Landon’s face flushed with relief. Of the eight events listed, they agreed on the holiday market and a rap concert. “It’s getting late, and it’s been a rough week, but I want to ask you something.”

  “Okay.” Gina watched his expression. He seemed serious.

  He took her hands in his.

  Gina’s heart pounded wildly as she coaxed herself to breathe normally. She nodded.

  “We have to decide how we will spend Thanksgiving and Christmas.”

  That didn’t sound like a proposal was coming. Why did she allow Denise to put that notion in her head? Landon was romantic. He wouldn’t have her cook and then propose, would he?

  “Thanksgiving is my family’s favorite holiday.” He frowned. “Do you mind spending that day with the Michaels family?”

  “Of course not, as long as we can spend Christmas with the Christmases.” She smiled as Landon took the pen from her fingertips and scribbled in the date: Special holiday with my lady.

  Minutes later, he kissed her goodbye and was gone.

  “Well,” Gina exhaled, leaning on the door, “it wasn’t a proposal, but a promise...maybe.”

  Thanksgiving would be different, and Landon was excited. The extra dinner plate wasn’t for Terrell or his neighbor Bradley this year. This was for Gina.

  Landon had never experienced so much festiveness in his life. Gina thought it would be cute for them to dress in holiday colors, so he was donning his rust-colored pants and a gold ribbed turtleneck. She would have her shapely figure in the same colors.

  Gina was a fan of Landon’s winter hat collection: knit caps, fedoras on Sundays, or newsboy caps. Her eyes sparkled when he saw her.

  Love. His heart was full. Landon liked to think of her when they were apart, but he’d better hurry to pick her up so they could be on time for Thanksgiving Day service.

  When he arrived at her house, her greeting didn’t disappoint him, and he smothered her with affection before they ended their kiss.

  He sniffed. Landon was like a bloodhound when it came to the fragrance of sweet potato pies. He walked inside, removed his cap, and shook off his jacket. “Babe, are you dropping pies off at your mom and dad’s?” He felt guilty that he was the cause of her breaking her family tradition for this holiday, but he would experience the same with his family for Christmas. She hurried to the kitchen, and he followed.

  “Nope. This pie is for your family. I’ll take the other one to Mom’s house tomorrow.”

  “Honey, my mother and sister are cooking more than enough. You didn’t have to bring anything.”

  Gina teasingly scrunched her nose at him. “You never show up to a party or dinner without a gift.”

  London held up his hands in surrender. “Yes, Miss Christmas.”

  “Let me wrap this up.” Gina placed the pie in a container, “then I’ll get my cape, and we’ll be ready to go.”

  Despite the absence of a ring, something about dressing alike shouted they belonged to each other. And it didn’t go unnoticed when they arrived at Kingdom Come Church.

  Landon’s pastor never held members long for Thanksgiving service. Pastor Kilroy joked he could smell homemade dishes all the way to the church.

  Once they settled in their pew, the couple prayed and stood to worship with the choir. The saints celebrated the holiday with praises of joy and thanksgiving until the pastor stepped to the pulpit.

  “It is a good day to rejoice. We are alive with a purpose from God to keep living. Otherwise, our time would have transpired, so let’s praise the Lord for His kindness, mercy, grace, favor...”

  Pastor Kilroy’s list was endless. He poured out reasons until he was out of breath. By then, every member was praising God.

  “It’s no wonder that the Scripture for the sermon is taken from one of the Psalms. In Psalm one hundred and verse four, the Bible says, ‘Enter His gates with Thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name.’” Pastor Kilroy closed his Bible. “There you have it, saints. There is nothing more I can add. Be thankful today, regardless of what you eat and who you eat it with. Don’t let a toxic environment on this holiday steal your peace because we know the devil’s assignment is to steal, kill, and destroy. Take the peace that God gave us and enjoy your day.”

  The minister received a standing ovation, blessed the congregation with the benediction, and sent them home.

  Landon shook hands with members while others greeted Gina warmly.

  “Are you following us back to the house?” his dad asked.

  “Yep.” Landon linked his fingers through Gina’s and trailed others out of the sanctuary.

  Once at his grandmother’s house, he and Gina were forced to split up. “You have Gina to yourself all the time. This is our time,” Granny Lonna fussed, dismissing Landon as if he was no longer her favorite—albeit her only—grandson. Rhonda Michaels guided his lady to the kitchen with her hand on Gina’s shoulder, probably to reveal all his secrets.

  There were no more secrets except one. Landon grinned as he watched them disappear.

  “Have a seat, son.” His father chuckled as he kicked off his shoes and flopped on the sofa. “They will give her back.”

  “I’m not worried.” Landon stretched out on the recliner at the end of the sofa. “There’s just something about Gina that clicks with me. After our initial misunderstanding...” Landon grunted. “We try to understand each other’s differences.”

  His father nodded. “That’s good. So you love her?” His father pointed the remote to the flat screen and scrolled to see which football game would entertain them.

  Understatement. “More than I thought I had in me.”

  He hit pause on the programming. “Does she know?”

  “Yep, and I remind her often.”

  Nothing else was said as they focused on the game.

  When dinner was announced, Landon stood to rescue Gina, but she stepped out of the kitchen with a glow.

  Landon exhaled. She had survived his mother, sister, and grandmother’s prying questions. He hugged her as if they had been separated for days instead of an hour. “I missed you,” he whispered for her ears only.