A Splash of Christmas by Mary Manners

Author:Mary Manners
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: christian Fiction
ISBN: 9781611164640
Publisher: Pelican Ventures Book Group
Published: 2014-05-26T16:00:00+00:00

4

“So, how long have you been involved with Mountain Light Children’s Home?” Ben asked as he and Faith strolled the boulevard following dinner. A light breeze drifted while moonlight fingered through the limbs of majestic maples lining the walk, casting a glow that turned Faith’s hair to dancing flames.

She’d surprised Ben, all right. The sundress in an appealing floral pattern hugged her curves in all the right places while sandals managed to compliment the length of her legs while she kept pace at his side.

“I’ve been involved, so to speak, since I was ten-and-a-half.”

“Really?” Ben placed a hand on the back of her arm as they crossed the street. “How so?”

“I lived there until I turned eighteen, and then left for a while for college. Now, I’ve returned as the director of finance.”

“You lived there? Why?”

Faith sighed.

“Sorry, it’s none of my business.”

“It’s OK. I don’t mind sharing.” Faith ran her fingertips through her hair, smoothing the strands from her cheek. “My parents died in a car accident and my grandmother cared for me as long as she could manage…until she became too sick to continue.”

“There was no one else?”

“No. No one.” Faith shook her head slightly. “But Mountain Light was a blessing, truly. The people there have been good to me. They’ve taught me so much over the years. That’s why it’s so important…such a priority…for me to give back.”

“The kids who live there now…you understand what they need?”

“That’s right. I do. And I want to fill that need as much as I’m able, with God’s help and guidance.”

“Ah…God…”

“You don’t believe in Him?”

“I do. I just don’t always agree with Him.”

“That’s normal.”

“So you think I’m normal?”

“I wouldn’t go that far.” Her laughter danced on the breeze. “No…you’re a case study, for sure.”

“And just when I thought I was beginning to persuade you…”

“It will take more than dinner and a stroll through town.”

“Oh?”

“I’d like to go into that shop across the street. I think it may have something I need.”

“And what might that be?”

“Let’s see…” Faith delved into her purse and drew out a slip of paper. She unfolded it to reveal a typed list. “Yes, a music box with a ballerina that spins. I think I spotted one in the window as we walked by earlier. Cassie put it on her wish list.”

“Cassie?”

“Yes, Cassie Trainor. She’s thirteen and lives in cottage three. She wants to be a ballerina when she grows up and she penciled the music box—including very specific details—into her Christmas in July Wish List.”

“You’ve lost me.”

“OK, I’ll backtrack for a minute here.” Faith settled into a wrought iron bench at the street corner. How could she make Ben understand the desires of a girl who was old enough to know the score, yet still young enough to believe all of her dreams might come true? “Sit with me while I explain.”

“Sure.” Ben eased in beside Faith and propped an ankle over the opposite knee. “I’m all ears.”

“OK, then. The process begins in July when I have all

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