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Jahleel peeked at Bebe while his father thanked God for their gathering. She was sharing a seat with May, eyes closed. He sighed and closed his own.Lord, please help me remember I’m not staying in Peachwood Bay forever. No way, no how.How easily he’d slipped right into praying again back home.I hope that’s okay, Lord.
“Amen,” his father said.
“Amen,” they chorused.
“I hope everyone brought some fresh ideas with you for this year’s celebration.” His mom shot an extra-bright smile his way and then turned toward his father. “Obadiah, did you have any concerns before we brainstorm?”
His father leaned back in his chair and laced his fingers together, resting them on his stomach. “I think we need toremember this is the time to celebrate the birth of our Savior. I think the ornament craft and separate services for the children last year were a bit much.”
“Oh, Obadiah. The people loved it.” His mom looked around for validation.
“I agree,” Bebe spoke up. “The kids had a blast last year, Reverend Walker. I think we should do something similar. All the ornaments had Bible verses, so the reason for the season was still honored.”
His father nodded slowly. Jahleel was kind of surprised he didn’t object further.
“What about a Secret Santa exchange?” Ms. Barbara Ann asked.
His father sneered. “Santa? Barbara Ann, you know how I feel about that.”
“Yes, but the children love it. It doesn’t have to detract from the Lord.”
“Y’all need to stop lying to them.” An air of disgust flew from his dad’s lips.
“Calm down, dear,” his mom whispered. “You promised.”
Promised what?Jahleel watched as the others threw out suggestions left and right. He studied his father, noting the harsh lines etched in his forehead and the parenthetical ones surrounding his nose and mouth. However, the old man’s frown made the most impact. Obadiah Walker detested change. Making ornaments sounded harmless, but it just might make the ol’ man break out in hives. Still, his father remained quiet. Was that what he’d promised his mom?
Something May said started Jahleel’s wheels turning. “What about a ball?”
“A ball?” His mom’s mouth parted, excitement warring for attention with her blue eye shadow.
“A ball?” Bebe’s pert mouth twisted. “What about the children?”
“A family ball. You could have a photo booth and everything. Surely those with kids would love the opportunity to memorialize it,” Jay said, then waited for their opinions.
Shock flashed in Bebe’s green eyes. Then ... was that admiration? His pulse picked up speed.
“Absolutely not.” His father slapped his hand on the oak table. “This is to revere the Lord, not dance the night away with booze.”
“Obadiah, really!” His mother shook her head. “Jahleel didn’t say anything about alcohol.”
“I didn’t, and there’s nothing wrong with dancing.”
“There’s no place to host it.” His father folded his arms across his chest.
“Rent out the town hall,” May suggested. “We already have a decorating committee. They can make sure the town hall is up to par. Of course, the ball would come after your sermon.”
No way would his father skip an opportunity to lecture.
“It’s too excessive.” His father shook his head. “That would cost a lot of money.”
Like that was really the source of his objection.“I’ll foot the bill.” Jahleel stilled. Had he just said that aloud?
Everyone’s head swung toward him like something from the movies. If there had been music, he was sure it would’ve lurched to a stop.
“What?” He shrugged.
“You’d foot the bill?” Bebe asked.
