Montana Sky Christmas: A Sweetwater Springs Short Story Collection by Debra Holland

Author:Debra Holland [Holland, Debra]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Western
Goodreads: 19950179
Publisher: Debra Holland, Ph.D
Published: 2012-12-20T05:00:00+00:00

FELIZ NAVIDAD

Jose “Pepe” Villagomez Sanchez sat in a pew in the middle of the church, attending the monthly Catholic Mass given by Father Fredrick, the traveling priest. The afternoon sun’s weak rays bounced off the snow and through the plain windows, sparkling on the silver crucifix and communion chalice set upon the white cloth-covered altar. The sweet fragrance of incense filled the wooden building.

The morning had loomed overcast, looking to storm, so only a few people attended the Protestant service held earlier in the day. But by noon, the clouds blew away, making traveling to Mass possible for the Mexican, Irish, and Italian population of Sweetwater Springs.

“Kyrie, Elèison,” the priest intoned. “Christe, Elèison...”

Pepe should have been listening to Father Fredrick chant in Latin. For the most part he tried to concentrate, but his attention kept straying to the young woman, wearing a plain black mantilla, in the pew across the aisle from him. Madre de Dios, she’s beautiful.

Lucia Perez had hair as dark and glossy as a raven’s wing, large expressive eyes, and a slight figure that he often dreamed about. During the service, he peered at her from the corner of his eye so often that he sometimes caught her casting shy glances his way from under her long lashes. When their gazes tangled, a rose blush would stain her dusky cheeks, and she’d quickly look away.

He savored these rare glimpses of her. In the summer after the monthly Mass, the small congregation would set up trestle tables under the old oak next to the school and share a meal together. The adults talked, the children played, and a lot of quiet courting took place among the young people.

While he enjoyed the time with the parishioners, Pepe avoided the young—and some not so young—women who cast flirtatious glances his way. He couldn’t afford to provide for a wife. Yet he couldn’t help wishing for one.

Although he never spoke with Lucia, or she with him, Pepe had plenty of opportunities to watch her with her family. Her voice was light and pleasant to his ears, and, even though she wore faded, out-of-date clothing, she carried herself in a regal way that made Pepe wish he could drop to one knee before her. Lucia was kind to her young sister, Sanchia, who was lame and sickly, teased back and forth with her older siblings, and was solicitous and obedient with her parents and abuela.

In winter, Pepe had little chance to moon over Lucia. Night fell early, and everyone headed home after church, although they might make a quick stop at the mercantile, which the Cobbs opened for an hour to take advantage of the extra business. So Pepe only had these quick glances during Mass and maybe a chance to exchange smiles before or after the service. He strove to make the memories of Lucia’s smiles last through the lonely winter nights until the next Sunday Mass.

“Gloria in excelsis deo,” Father Fredrick chanted, his long Irish face solemn, although his green eyes glowed with religious fervor.

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