A Tangled Christmas

A Tangled Christmas

Susan M. Baganz

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.

A Tangled Christmas

COPYRIGHT 2021 by Susan M. Baganz

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author or Pelican Ventures, LLC except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews. eBook editions are licensed for your personal enjoyment only. eBooks may not be re-sold, copied or given to other people. If you would like to share an eBook edition, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. Contact Information: titleadmin@pelicanbookgroup.com

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version(R), NIV(R), Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com

Scripture quotations, marked KJV are taken from the King James translation, public domain. Scripture quotations marked DR, are taken from the Douay Rheims translation, public domain.

Scripture texts marked NAB are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition Copyright 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. and are used by permission of the copyright owner. All Rights Reserved. No part of the New American Bible may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Cover Art by Nicola Martinez

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Publishing History

Prism Edition, 2021

Electronic Edition ISBN 978-1-5223-9898-1

Published in the United States of America

Dedication

To Kerry, whose infectious laugh and wild imagination were so helpful to this author and this story. May God richly bless you with His love and the romance above all romances.

1

November

Crystal Falls, Montana

Mommy, can I help? Tabitha asked Shelby from the back seat as they drove to church after picking up her daughter from school.

Tabitha was the only blessing that had come of her short marriage. Blondish-brown unruly waves framed the cherubic face and melted Shelby’s heart every time.

Of course, you can, Tabby-cat.

"Meow. Will I get a kitten for Christmas?" Tabitha asked.

Shelby shook her head. I doubt it. Pets are an expense we can’t afford right now. I’m sorry, sweetheart.

The little girl pouted. I get to help with the toys, right?

Yes. You do. We have someone coming to give us a hand too.

Little eyes grew big. We do? Cool.

Yes. It is…cool. Shelby pulled into the parking lot at church and parked.

Tabitha got out and they walked up to the building with Shelby rushing behind her.

A tall, handsome man with dark hair and penetrating blue eyes was waiting outside.

Can I help you? Shelby asked.

Tabitha hid behind Shelby the moment she noticed the stranger.

I’m Lucas Spanning. We spoke on the phone earlier. I’m here to help with the toy drive and all that jazz.

Of course, you are, she whispered. I’m sorry if I’m late. Sometimes traffic…

Mr. Spanning waved a hand and shook his head. Not a problem. I’m in real estate. I’m often waiting for people. Part of the job. He stepped aside so she could unlock the door to the church.

He was in real estate? Alarm bells went off, and her guard went up too late. Lord, protect us. Shelby hated her overactive paranoia about men. She took a deep breath and peace washed over her. God didn’t guarantee that she’d never face pain or that others wouldn’t hurt her…but for this moment she sensed she was—safe. That was the most important thing.

He held the door open and stepped back as they entered.

Shelby fingered her purse. Always better to be cautious, right? Her ex had been charming as well. Too bad pepper spray was illegal in Montana. Not that she’d have the courage to use it. She did have a little hair spray though which could be enough to help her escape. But Tabitha, would she be as quick to leave? She should have purchased a gun. She hadn’t the guts, or the money, to do that either. That anxiety and hyper-vigilance returned way too quickly.

Lord, protect us.

Shelby walked down the hallway to the large room where items had been dropped off by people from the congregation and the community.

Wow. This is quite a project, Lucas said as he stood in the doorway.

He didn’t invade her space, and in fact, seemed to hang back. As if he was aware of how intimidating it could be for a woman to meet with a stranger. Interesting. Shelby nodded. Now you know why we need help. I can’t do this by myself with my other duties.

You won’t be helping me?

I will, we need to catalogue everything so that packages can be labeled appropriately after they are wrapped.

Wrapped?

The toys all get wrapped in Christmas wrapping paper. She wanted to add a, duh, to that but it would lack the professionalism that should characterize a church secretary.

So where do we start? He smiled as his gaze took in the pile of toys.

Shelby felt the tension leave her body. Probably by organizing items by age range on the various tables. After that we can divide them into boy, girl, or either. We’ll likely have more coming in as well, so this is only the start. Once Thanksgiving has passed, people will be thinking more about Christmas.

Lucas turned to Tabitha. I wasn’t introduced to this cherub.

Shelby swallowed. This is my daughter, Tabitha.

Tabitha peeked out from behind her mother. Hi, she squeaked out in her soft voice.

How are you, Tabitha? His voice softened as he smiled again. Are you helping us?

The girl stepped out from behind Shelby and nodded, her wild curls bopping around.

So, what does Tabitha want Santa Claus to bring her for Christmas? Lucas asked.

Tabitha frowned and stepped forward. Santa doesn’t bring gifts. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17.

Well, I guess I’ve been schooled, Lucas joked as he rose to his full height. You haven’t told her about Santa?

She understands Santa as she does any cartoon character. We’ve talked about the historical St. Nicholas and the wonderful things he did. She understands that while it’s fun to pretend about Santa, he doesn’t exist.

Well, that’s tragic.

Is it? Why? If she gets less at Christmas than her friends, does that mean she was bad or that Santa loves her less? When I talk about Jesus will she lump him together with a benevolent, omniscient man with a red suit and beard? I want her to believe me, that I speak the truth to her about Jesus. If I lied to her about Santa Claus, how could she trust me about Christ?

He crossed his arms. Hmmm. I think you’re making too big an issue of it. It’s part of the fun of Christmas. The magic and wonder.