Christmas in the Blue Ridge, Saving Bethlehem

By MC Harrison

  'Twas the Christmas season but there was little joy in the Town of Bethlehem

 

A perilous road trip, a chance meeting, an instant attraction set Holly Bennett's ordered life into a spin.  When her boyfriend breaks their date, Holly plans a weekend trip with her dog, Skeeter, to the Victorian Era Christmas Village held at the Town of Bethlehem.  When Holly and her dog arrive at Sweet Betsy from Pike, Bed and Breakfast, she is given the only available room, the honeymoon suite.  As she considers how to smuggle Skeeter up two flights of stairs in this no pets allowed bed and breakfast, a handsome man offers his assistance and carries her dog up to the room.  Before she can learn his name, the stranger disappears into the ballroom.  Her interest is peaked when this stranger sits down at the piano and plays a love song, dedicated to Holly.

 

Tyler Morris, an amateur pianist and the owner of The Olde Yarn Bookshop, has faced many personal challenges in the past two years.  But he never faced a bigger challenge than his attempt to save his hometown of Bethlehem.  This year rather than looking to heaven for the Christmas Star, the residents and visitors cast watchful eyes skyward in fear of drones.  Repeated drone incidents have driven away shoppers and tourists, scared the peaceful livestock grazing in the fields, and frightened little children from playing outdoors.

 

Tyler has spent the last few months defending the residents against the harassment caused by drones.  Appeals to government agencies proved fruitless.  He compiled a list of incidents with the hope of filing a lawsuit; however, he is unable to find a name of the responsible party that owns the drone fleet.  Everything he tried met with failure.  The only thing left for Tyler to do was keep a lid on the public's anger.

• Language: English
• Publisher: MC Harrison
• Release date: Nov 30, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201996970

MC Harrison

MC Harrison is a published author of books for children and teenagers. Tree of Life is her first novel for adults and incorporates her knowledge and experience in genealogy, restaurant management, historical research, and Christianity. She has an undergraduate degree in both history and political science. She has graduate degrees in social science and hospitality administration. Prior to her career in writing, MC Harrison was a hospitality professional and later taught college courses on campus and online. She shares her home and life with both her loving husband and a smart terrier dog. One very important thing about her biography is that MC writes for you. She's open to your suggestions and critiques. Visit at her website and say "hey".

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

PUFFY SNOWFLAKES DRIFTED down, landing on the long-needled pine boughs.  Ice crystals sparkled on the rooftops of the Victorian era homes.  An octagonal gazebo stood sentinel as if guarding the small shops, which surrounded the village green.  Holly Bennett smiled as she adjusted the glimmering miniature bulbs that hung from the gingerbread detailing.  Inside the gazebo stood an ornately decorated Christmas tree.  O Tannenbaum, she sighed with contentment as she gazed approvingly at her afternoon's accomplishment.

Holly glanced at Skeeter and asked, Could a lovelier town be found anywhere else, except in a Currier and Ives lithograph?  Upon hearing her voice, Skeeter, who wouldn't know a Currier and Ives from a Thomas Kinkaid, arose from his bed.  With a gigantic yawn, he stretched, bowed, and then slowly approached her.  He eyed her decorating project and then sniffed the air.

You had another great nap.  See all the work I've done while you were asleep? she laughed as she fluffed his furry ears.  Wagging his tail, Skeeter waddled towards the front door.  He showed his impatience by raising a paw to scratch the frame.  Holly hurried to his side.  I've got you.  Just a sec'.  We're going out.  She snapped the leash onto his green collar.  This will have to be quick, she thought, grabbing her red wool jacket.  Craig should be here any minute.  As Skeeter stepped over the threshold, icy drizzle hit his bulbous nose.  Immediately, he backed away from the pelting raindrops, stumbling against the doorframe.

Oh no you don't Skeeter, Holly admonished while scooping him into her arms and carrying him down the steps.  "We're going out...weather or not, her pun falling on long ears.  Even though Craig was incredibly late, they needed to be back inside the apartment to greet him when he did arrive.  If they weren't there, Craig would spend the evening pouting.  On the walk, Skeeter kept his nose to the ground while Holly glanced around looking for Christmas decorations.  Not many this year", she muttered, recalling the beautiful displays that adorned apartment doors in past.  Only a few residents braved the wrath of the management company by violating the No Christmas Decoration Clause of the rental agreement.

Cowards, she whispered through her chattering teeth.  The senseless banning of Christmas decorations amounted to organized discrimination.  Why do they allow Halloween decorations? she wondered aloud and then realized that the management hosted a Halloween party at the rental office for residents.  Guess they think we are all wiccans, Skeeter.

Skeeter pulled sharply on his leash.  The sudden jolt surprised her.  Shaking her head, Holly said, We are going my way Skeeter.  However she tried, she couldn't force him to stay out any longer.  Her five year old Glen of Imaal terrier jerked harder on the lead as he galloped back to the unit's door.  They both bounded up the steps and into the cozy warmth of the apartment.  Skeeter settled down next to his recently filled dog food bowl.  Looking forlornly at the dry food, he tilted his head and offered a short yelp.  Holly answered his pleading expression, Okay, I can make your dinner  more appealing, as if I haven't spoiled you enough.  She rifled through the refrigerator and found a slice of leftover steak; breaking it into small pieces, she tossed it into his bowl.

Skeeter gobbled down his meal in the kitchen while Holly resumed her pacing in front of the living room window.  At least Craig had called twice to postpone his arrival.  Nevertheless, her whole afternoon had been ruined.  She had planned that they would decorate the tree and following that enjoy a home-cooked meal.  After dinner, she would surprise him with an early Christmas gift.

She clearly recalled the disappointment of last Christmas.  They had just started dating and hadn't discussed exchanging presents.  To be on the safe side, Holly bought Craig a shirt and cologne that she beautifully wrapped and placed under her tree.  On that Christmas Eve,  Craig opened her gifts and confided that absolutely nobody had ever given him a good surprise present.  When he was six years of age his parents told him to write Santa a letter, which he had taken to the post office on Main Street.  In it he asked for a train set.  It did not arrive that year; instead, his mother took him to a free toy shop set up by a local charity.  He could choose one toy from the long tables, none of which contained a train set.  The following year he no longer believed in Santa.  During the next twenty years he had not been asked again what he wanted for Christmas.  

Holly wanted to fulfill his childhood wish this year.  Maybe this year she could make him happy.  She bent down and picked up a box from under the tree; just looking at the packaging made her happy.  The box contained an expensive signed edition of a replica train set.  Earlier in the month, Holly had bid for the set at an online auction site.  During the last few hours of the auction two other bidders drove up the price.  Her bid fell far short of these higher bids.  However, two days after the auction ended, she received an email notification that announced the disqualification of the other bidders.  She had acquired the DeWitt Clinton model train set for a fraction of its true worth.  She felt special to have been able to get such a train for Craig.  This train set had been modeled after the 1831 DeWitt Clinton steam engine and it included the locomotive, cars, and HO train track.  It would be fun to see him enjoy setting up the tracks and attaching the locomotive and cars.  She looked forward to his placing the new train tracks around the edge of her Christmas village display.

The best Christmas ever – the phrase kept on repeating itself in her head, like a continuous feed of some automated message.  She smiled and felt her body relax.  She wanted this Christmas to be the best ever for both of them.  Dating Craig had been the only relationship that lasted a year, well, almost a year.  It would be a year in January.  While she expected an engagement ring, Holly hadn't dropped any hints.

Holly walked back to the window and stared blankly at the empty guest parking space.  Raindrops struck the partially frozen puddles on the blacktop parking lot.  When her phone sounded its new Christmas ringtone, a jazz rendition of a barely recognizable carol, she ran to answer it. 

Hey Holly, did you buy your tree yet? Craig asked cheerfully.  She cast an admiring look at the artificial silver tree and miniature village.  As she began describing the scene to Craig, he interrupted her in mid-sentence.  Say, can we postpone this discussion for now?  I get that you want help again.  I can help with everything tomorrow night.  Okay?

Craig, has something gone wrong?  The insincere tone of Holly's voice was based upon past experiences.  After all, Craig had a history of things going wrong, a real litany of excuses that he had used sometimes more than once. 

Without answering her question, Craig continued, No Babe.  Nothing is wrong.  I feel like a pizza.  Say, maybe I could meet you over at Umberto's?  It has to be quick because tonight some of the guys are getting together.  There's a pay per view mixed martial arts match.  I have a bet on, so I have to watch it.  You understand?  Besides if I win, maybe we can go somewhere for a weekend with my winnings?  He added, Somewhere warm and without all this fake Christmas stuff.

Holly rubbed her forehead.  She should have known he would squirm out of their date tonight.  He put off anything that held little interest for him.  Many thoughts ran through her head.  She had already assembled the tree and village.  The only thing left to be done was to surprise Craig with the train.  He had ruined their date night because of a bet on a fight.  Worse yet, once again Craig brought up going away together.  Surely, he ought to understand by now that she wanted to wait until her wedding day.  Unintentionally, she wiggled her empty ring finger.

When Holly didn't respond, Craig prodded, So, how's that sound?

She shook her head, trying to rid herself of unpleasant thoughts before answering, Craig, I've told you before that I'm not going away with you.  I may be old-fashioned; but, that's how I feel.  The angry tone of her voice hid the true sadness of her embarrassment.  He had put her on the spot instead of accepting the values that were important to her.

Oh, he laughed, I meant what do you say about going out for pizza?  You can do that without a wedding ring, right?

His sarcasm hurt her.  She spit out, Won't your boy friends be ordering pizza tonight when you watch the match?

Craig chuckled, Yes missy, you caught me.  The bad boy's getting lots of pizza, beer, and betting.  Should be a hell raising night.  However, he cavalierly added, I promised you that we would do something tonight, and you know me, I always keep my promises.  So, what do you say?  Meet at Umberto's in a half hour?

Holly bit her lower lip, locking her anger inside.  Umberto's? she asked, trying to buy time for her to answer in a calmer manner.

Yeah, Umberto's.  You know, it's the little place in the country.  It's over in Goochland.  We have been there a couple of times.  You seemed to like the place.  Plus, it's only a fifteen minutes from Richmond.

Why meet in Goochland?  We can grab a pizza here. There's a pizza parlor at every intersection in Richmond.

Ha, that's funny, Holly.  You've got a great sense of humor.  There's not that many really good pizza places but there are a lot.  Goochland is where this guy's apartment is who has the pay per view.

Oh, wouldn't want you to be late for a fight, Holly replied begrudgingly.

You caught me!  The fight doesn't start that early.  But I am supposed to bring take-out pizzas along.

It took a while but finally Holly suggested that they postpone the pizza date until the following week.  She added, I'm sorry.  I still have some things to do in the apartment.

As their conversation ended, she regretted her apologetic lie to Craig.  He should be the one apologizing.  Truth was, this weekend Holly could have spent her time earning extra money for next semester's college tuition.  The governor's administrative assistant had asked when she could begin compiling questions for a new survey.  As an on-call  assistant to Governor Williams of Virginia, she received extra hourly pay when she worked weekends.  If Craig had told her earlier about his other plans, she could be working tomorrow.  The university was on term break and she had nothing to occupy her time.  Her anger soon dissipated to disappointment, she fell back into the overstuffed armchair and closed her eyes.  

Holly's conscience bothered her.  She mulled over this situation.  Should she straighten things out with Craig?  Maybe she ought to tell him the truth, if she could figure out what the truth is.  She wanted an engagement ring for Christmas.  Or did she?  Earlier in their relationship, she wanted a ring.  Lately, she doubted her feelings for Craig and her desire for a marriage.  She wanted her marketing degree and needed to find full-time employment.  Her internship with a state delegate, her volunteer work on the governor's election campaign, and now her on-call employment with the governor's office, helped her make many contacts for future employment.  She worked so hard putting herself through school and she was so close to attaining her goal.  Somehow with everything going so well in her life, Holly didn't feel towards Craig the way she wanted to feel about a future husband.

Skeeter rubbed his head against the pant leg of her jeans.  When his brown eyes gazed up at her, Holly reached down, petting his head.  I may not be number one with Craig but I know I'm number one with you.

When Holly walked into the kitchen, Skeeter slowly followed after her.  All the while he watched the floor closely for fallen treats.  Holly threw a macaroni and cheese dinner into the microwave.  While the timer ticked away the six minutes, she ticked off her options for the evening.   As the timer dinged, she allowed the dinner to cool for the recommended three minutes, while she made a quick call to her sister.  Sara answered on the first ring, unusual for her sister whose older children were known to race to the phone.

Hi Sara, do you have a minute?

Barely, Sara groaned, explaining that the twins, Sean and Suzette, had stayed home from school with the flu.  Shouldn't you be prepping your romantic dinner? she asked. I thought you borrowed my recipe book to fix a fancy dish for Craig.

Something came up at the last minute, Holly mumbled.

I bet, said Sara. What is Craig's story tonight?

Holly confessed, He let me down again.  I'll tell you later.  I wanted to ask if you could go to the mall tonight.  Want to keep me company shopping?

Holly, I can't, not with the twins being sick.  Then, Sara blurted out, What's wrong with Craig now?  I don't see why you go out with him.  He treats you so...Oh, forget it.  No, wait.  I am going to say it.  Even though there are no fairy tale marriages in life, you deserve a romantic relationship that is built on love and respect.

"Fairy tales, that's funny.  Sara, how could you say such a thing?  My life is more like Aesop's Fables than Cinderella.  You know what, I don't want to talk about this.  I'm already more than a little angry at Craig.  Perhaps, I shouldn't be.  Most of the time he is sweet and loyal.  You must admit he has such beautiful brown eyes."

Sara laughed, "Let's see—sweet, loyal, and nice brown eyes?  Are those the qualities you are looking for?  Your description sounds more like Skeeter than Craig.  Look, Sis, I love you and I hate to see you get hurt.  I think Craig probably isn't the right guy for you.  But you, not me, need to start making some decisions.  All I am saying is think it over.  Now, back to the topic of entertainment tonight.  Why not come over here?  Dan and I were going to watch a family movie with the kids." 

Holly politely accepted while extracting a promise that Sara would stop by her apartment later in the week to admire her Christmas decorations.

Wait!  On second thought, Sara suggested, instead of watching a children's movie with your old married sister and family, why don't you go shopping at a real Christmas village?  I know a place you would love with loads of decorations and historical reenactments.  Dan and I were going to take the children this weekend before the twins became ill.

I don't know.  Maybe I'll think it over.  Holly hurriedly added, Oh, my dinner is ready.  The timer rang.  Why don't I call you back?

Go get your dinner, sit down at the table, and we'll talk on the phone.  Eat while I tell you about this Christmas place, the Town of Bethlehem.

Sara related a magazine article concerning a small town in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  Bethlehem hosted a variety of seasonal events each year.  During the Christmas season all the residents participated.  The townsfolk dressed in Victorian costumes every weekend between Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.  Small local shops, housed in 19th century buildings, decorated their windows with extensive displays of wintry scenes.  Shoppers were welcomed to stores and served complimentary cocoa and cider.  While they chatted, Sara located the town's website and forwarded its internet address to Holly.

Really, it's all the things you love, Holly, encouraged Sara.  I know Mom and Dad gave you a little check for your birthday, which they intended you to use on semester break.  You need to take a break and have some fun.

Holly stifled her genuine objection.  Going alone on a trip seemed intimidating.  Stumbling over a series of half-truths, she gave up trying to form a coherent excuse.  Holly finally gave in, Okay, I don't have an excuse.  I am bored, lonely, and I will consider your suggestion.

Good!  Listen to this Holly, the internet site says, 'The Olde Yarn Bookshop specializes in handspun alpaca yarn'.  You could buy my Christmas gift there!  The shop is described as an antiques and collectibles bookstore, which also sells an extensive variety of wool and alpaca yarns.  I'm quoting here – 'the yarn is handspun from the sheared fleece of locally raised sheep and alpaca'.  I would love to knit with alpaca handspun yarn.  Wish I could go with you but the kids are sick.  Shopping is a good reason to go on a trip.  Don't use Skeeter as an excuse; we'll be happy to watch him.

Reluctantly, Holly admitted to her sister that she liked the idea.  Shopping held some interest for her.  The yarn shop appealed to her.  Only one independent shop in the greater Richmond area dealt exclusively in yarns.  When the conversation ended, Holly had agreed to view the town's website.  I might actually go away for the weekend; but I think I'll take Skeeter along for company.  This could be fun.

After opening Bethlehem's website, Holly found herself intrigued by the display of snowflake graphics descending upon the small town.  At the town square, animated carolers sang ancient hymns and were accompanied by orchestral music.  When the carolers sang Adeste Fideles, Holly joined in until she stumbled over the word, triumphantes.  Then, she switched from attempting to sing in Latin to the English version.  She clicked through the remaining online links.  There were photographs of townsfolk dressed in costume, illuminated shop windows, and beautifully decorated historical homes.  Holly paused, something about this town looked familiar.  She ought to check the January agenda from the governor's office which came out last week.  Maybe Bethlehem made the list of places in Southwest Virginia for a tactical survey of some sort?

Hmm, no online shopping, she grumbled, but pleasantly noted, lots of handmade gifts.

Closing her browser, Holly caught herself humming a carol from her childhood.  Our very own Christmas vacation, she mused and a smile lit up her face.  Want to go away with me for a weekend Skeeter?  I promise to bring along your favorite treats; the ones that I call oyster crackers.  Hearing this invitation, Skeeter delightfully rolled over on his back with his tail wagging so hard it swept the hardwood floor.

CHAPTER 2

REMEMBER THE FAMOUS Virginian who yelled, 'Give me Liberty or give me death'?  Maybe we need to yell this once again?  Maybe we need to yell it from the rooftops?  Our inalienable rights are from God, not the government.  Our freedoms, equality, and protection under the Constitution and the Amendments are clearly spelled out.  So tell me are you going to roll over; or, do you want to keep this the land of the free and the home of the brave?  The opening speaker rallied the crowd.  Tyler Morris entered the gymnasium and propped open the metal doors to the hallway.  The audience rose to its feet, applauded, then sat down and began foot stomping on the bleachers.  The booming sound reverberated.  Bethlehem High School exploded with enthusiasm.  The crowd roared repeatedly  liberty and justice for Bethlehem and each time the crowd yelled, it grew louder.  No one tried to calm or silence them. 

Seeing that his turn had come, Tyler raised