Under the Mistletoe: A Christmas Story

By J. Parker

Inspirational short story, 4000 words.

 

It's Christmas Eve, and Grace still hasn't seen a present under the Christmas tree from her husband. When Todd announces there is no present coming, she feels snubbed, not realizing that he's got a different surprise planned. But is his gift what she really wants? Or even what she needs?

• Language: English
• Publisher: J. Parker
• Release date: Dec 23, 2016
• ISBN: 9780991254231

Book preview

Chapter 1

Grace's Tree

Holiday tree

Standing back, I surveyed the Christmas tree with a satisfied grin. You have outdone yourself, Grace.

No one else stood in the living room where we’d open our presents the following morning, so it was a private moment of pride. But I breathed in the forest scent of the seven-foot Scotch pine, admired the symmetry of colored lights and red ornaments decorating its branches, and felt a personal attagirl at the collection of neatly wrapped presents spilling out over the tree skirt.

Even better, though, were the giggles of our three children in the adjoining room as they watched The Grinch Who Stole Christmas for about the eleventh time. Probably the scene with the dog Max trying to drag the sleigh up an impossible hill.

Speaking of impossible, I glanced back at the clock on the wall. A pinch of worry creased my stomach. Todd still wasn’t home. I’d had to manage the kids all by myself at our church’s early Christmas Eve service and explain to others that he was working late instead of being with the family. But where was he?

Glancing back at the tree, I moved forward and dug through the stack of gifts. Todd had a tendency to tuck presents into the pile when I wasn’t looking.

I finished my first run-through and sat back on my heels. Nothing. Not a single