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“Yeah, but you got my baby a birthday gift.”
“And I can’t wait to get you one on yours.”
She rolled her eyes, but a smile lit her face. “That’s far away. But I thank you for already thinking of me.”
“Always.” He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I did get you a Christmas gift.”
“When will I get it?” Anticipation lit her eyes.
“On Christmas, duh.”
She chuckled. “Aren’t you and your folks going to be spending quality time with each other?”
“Of course we will, but you live right next door. It’s not a hardship to carve out time and exchange gifts.”
“Good, because I can’t wait for you to see yours.”
They made plans for the ball and then for Christmas Day. For the first time in a long time, Jahleel couldn’t wait to spend the holiday in Peachwood Bay. With conversation between him and his father going more smoothly and cementing his relationship with Bebe, Christmas had once again brought joy to his heart. He knew that the holiday wasn’t about getting what he wanted, but the gifts of a better relationship with his dad and a restored one with Bebe felt like Christmas miracles.
God cared about Jahleel, even when his focus was elsewhere.Not that he hadn’t been thinking about the Lord this season. After all, he’d begun starting his morning by listening to the Bible as he did his physical therapy. Once he was ruled healthy, he’d go back to running in the mornings and continuing to listen to the Bible via audiobook.
No, this Christmas he’d had his whole mindset reset. God had gotten Jahleel to see what was important: the relationships he’d been blessed with. If it weren’t for his injury, he would’ve kept ignoring his parents and missed out on getting to know Bebe again and falling in love with her.
Thank You for allowing me to see what really matters. May I never take myfamily and friends for granted. Please bless my relationship withBebe and Hope. Please continue to reconcile my relationship withmy dad. In Jesus’s name, amen.
Chapter
SEVENTEEN
Bebe did a small twirl before stopping in front of her full-length mirror. The emerald-green dress was perfect for the Christmas party. The tulle bottom added a whimsical touch. It wasn’t something she’d normally pick out, but Hope wanted to match. The color added depth to the green of their eyes, and the twirling action of the skirt was plain fun. Anticipation rolled in her stomach. She couldn’t wait for tonight as they celebrated the reason for the season. She added red dangling earrings and red bangled bracelets to her right hand to complete the look.
“Hope,” she called out. “You ready?”
Since Jahleel had offered to pick up Bebe and Hope, her parents had already left for the ball. They hadn’t wanted to infringe uponthe young couple, as her dad referred to them. They’d offered to bring Hope with them, but Bebe wanted to be near the birthday girl.
Her daughter came running into the room and stopped, covering her mouth. “You look like a princess, Mama.”
“No way. I’m pretty sure you’re the princess tonight.” Sheheld out her arms, bending down to wrap her Christmas blessing in a hug. “Happy birthday, pumpkin.”
“You already said that, silly.”
“You know I can’t help myself.”
Hope smiled and kissed her cheek. “Let’s go. I want to dance.” She twirled around in her matching dress, giggling as the skirt billowed out.
Bebe grabbed their coats and headed for the front door. After putting them on, she opened the door and stopped. Santa was outside talking to Jahleel.
“Santa!” Hope shrieked. She looked in shock at the sleigh. “Reindeer! This is the best birthday ever!” She tugged on Bebe’s hand.
Bebe stared down at her pride and joy. “You like?”
“I love! He even looks real,” Hope whispered, pointing to Mr. Hammond.
“I thought so too.”
Hope skipped toward the sleigh. Santa wasn’t something they celebrated at home, but Hope loved the idea of him regardless. Her girl would probably squeal all the way to the town hall.
Jay helped Hope up into the sleigh, then turned toward Bebe. He looked breathtakingly handsome in his tuxedo. His broad shoulders seemed to be emphasized in the black jacket, and the cane at his side only made him look more dashing.
