Christmas Surprise

By Mary L Ball

Christmas Surprise- Three formerly individual novellas.
 

Rose-Colored Christmas

Young widow Emilee Arnold enjoys web design, teaching Sunday school and Christmas.

She rescues Gabe King from a burning plane and is snowed in with her very own scrooge.

Will Emilee help Gabe realize Christmas is special?

 

A special Christmas

Virginia Howard runs Hand-n-Hand mission. She enjoys sharing her faith and helping those less fortunate. This year Christmas is special, it's 1945 and WW11 has ended.

The war left George Smith with only one good leg and a crushed dream.

Can Virginia help George understand God hasn't forgotten him?

 

Christmas at Angel Ranch

With Christmas coming and no job Kayla heads to the mountains of North Carolina, to help with the family hunting lodge.

Reed Jessup arrives at Angel Ranch with a trophy buck on his mind.

Two mistrusting hearts are challenged.

Can love prevail, or will it take a Christmas miracle?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Life Inspiring Books
• Release date: Jul 16, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201147266

Mary L Ball

Mary L. Ball is a multi-published Christian author and resides in North Carolina. Readers can connect with her on Face Book and her website.  https://marylball.weebly.com https://www.facebook.com/MaryLBallChristianauthor

Book preview

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV

To the American People: Christmas is not a time or a season but a state of mind. To cherish peace and good will, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas. If we think on these things, there will be born in us a Savior and over us will shine a star sending its gleam of hope to the world. ~ Calvin Coolidge

Rose-Colored Christmas

By

Mary L. Ball

CHAPTER ONE

The canopy of gray did nothing to deter Emilee. She shoved the grocery bag in the car and glanced at the sky. Thick clouds like dirty wool spread out, and seemed to touch each other. Her side tingled from the vibration of her phone. She pulled out her cell, peeked at the number and grinned.

Jan, I’m on my way. She made the announcement before her mother-in-law commented.

You should stay in town. The news is forecasting nasty weather.

I don’t mind bringing you a few essentials. Emilee slammed the trunk of her car. 

Dear, I have enough canned food to last. Jan added. 

This could be a bad storm. They’re not calling for heavy flurries until midnight. I’ll be back in town by then.

Emilee started the car, turned on the heater and let the warm air blow in her face. This is supposed to be one of the worst snows in North Carolina’s history. I couldn’t rest knowing you were stuck without the ice cream you love to eat in the wintertime.

A soft laugh drifted from her phone. I do enjoy my Chocolate Royal and Cookie Dough flavors.

I have a gallon of each, along with fresh vegetables and fruits.

Very well. Drive safely. Your little car isn’t heavy enough to blaze through a bad snowstorm.

On my way. She tapped her phone and slipped it into her pocket.

Emilee steered her car off the main highway and down a road, twenty miles into the country. She passed several farms. Cows huddle together under the dense cover of pine trees. Several balls of powdery cotton fell silently on her windshield. She turned the wipers on high to push them away. Within minutes, the slow descent of tranquil fluff turned into a flurry gusting from every direction.

Emilee pulled into her mother-in-law’s driveway. Before she cut off her engine she glanced at the wipers, her eyes mimicked the back and forth motion.

She popped the trunk, got out of the car, swiped her hand across her face to keep the snow from blinding her, and rushed to the back of the car to grab a couple bags.

I believe the weather man’s timing is off. Jan held the door.

Emilee placed a plastic tote on the counter. Let me get the rest of the groceries. She made careful tracks back to the car.

Two trips later, Emilee shook the cold from her coat. I need to hurry back to town, but I couldn’t rest not knowing if you had enough supplies to last out the storm. This mess is worse than I thought, looks like a blizzard.

I know dear. Jan hugged her. Please, drive careful.

I will. Emilee ran to her vehicle.

She started the car and waived around the circle drive. Her grip tightened as if she could will her car to behave in the mounting white hills.

Emilee approached the end of the driveway and turned onto the country road. She traveled a few feet and attempted to round a curb. Quickly, she steered her car to avoid a huge pile of snow, which appeared from nowhere. The harder she maneuvered the steering to right the faster the back wheels spun out of control.

Jesus. She yelled as the rear of the car fishtailed.

She swallowed a whimper, her pulse roared in her ears. Why did I brave this storm?

The compact skidded to the left. Her head jerked back, she collided with a huge tree and the air bag opened.

Oh-no. Emilee mumbled into the heavy-duty plastic and pushed the protective apparatus to the side. In her struggles to get free, she banged her head into the window. After several shoves on the car door, she stumbled out of her compact.

Her ankle boots crunched the already formed wintery piles while she swiped blood away from her temple.

A few minutes later, Emilee knocked on the back door of her mother-in-law’s house.

Jan opened the door. Her eyes widened. Emilee, get inside. My goodness what happened?

I slid off the road into a tree. She touched her head.

Sit down. Jan pulled out a chair. You have a cut. Let me get the bandages. Jan paused. You’re going to have a bruise, and probably need to stay awake a while. You may have a concussion.

Later, Emilee rose from the sofa. Her head reminded her of mush but she’d honor Jan’s wishes. I want to lie down. Another hour is all I can handle. She ambled to the window. A few boxes sat in the corner. She eyed the picture of the Christmas tree drawing on the long container. Are you still using the artificial spruce?

I’m getting too old to maintain a real tree. Jan adjusted her clasp, besides, Christmas is much more than a tree.

I’ll agree. The holiday gives us a chance to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Emilee smiled at the lady whom she loved like a mother. As if seeing her for the first time she took in Jan’s almost white hair and stocky build. The woman’s age seemed to show more this year than usual.

Emilee slowly bent down and pulled the lid back from one of the boxes. Were you planning on decorating now?

Sure was. I enjoy getting my collection of winter sleds out. I know Thanksgiving was a few days ago, but I don’t think I’m too early.

Emilee picked up a zip locked bag filled with angel ornaments. She turned the bag around and studied the glass figurines. Decorating now means I get to help. We can turn this room into a festive Christmas scene in no time. 

Jan laughed. You have full rein to work holiday magic. I know how you enjoy the season. Now, let me get us a cup of hot chocolate. 

Emilee pulled out the metal stem of the fake tree branch and stood everything beside the window.

She put her hands to her hips and eyed the front yard. Snowflakes rushed to the ground as if racing each other.

Emilee raised her voice to reach Jan. I may be stranded here for a few days. In the distance, she eyed the limbs of the trees, sagged from the intrusion of fluffy weighted fragments.

Jan came back in the room with two mugs. You’re welcome to stay as long as you need. Some of your clothes from a few winters’ ago are in the guest room closet.

Emilee’s heart pricked from the memory. The ones I used when we were traveling back and forth to the hospital?

Yes, Jan handed Emilee a cup of cocoa. Jeans, sweaters and sweat shirts never go out of style.

Emilee put the hot beverage closer and wrinkled her face when the steam went to her nose. I can’t believe it’ll soon be four years. I still miss him

I know. There’s not a day goes by I don’t think about my son. Jan looked at her blue house shoes. Can I tell you something?

What? Emilee turned toward Jan. 

Jan squared her shoulders. I think you need to stop squandering the years away. Ricky wouldn’t want you being alone.

I’m not wasting life. I have a fulfilling marketing career, and I’m not lonely, the kids at Sunday school keep me busy.

Yes, you do a fine job teaching other women’s children about the Lord. Jan sipped from her cup. I wish you two started a family.

We were going for a five year plan. Emilee’s voice cracked. I never thought he’d be gone before then. Why did Ricky have to die?

Those are questions we won’t have answers to until we’re with our savior. Jan moved near Emilee and touched her arm. I don’t mean to nag. I love you like a daughter and want you to be happy. Let me get a few marshmallows for our drinks. Jan smiled and walked from the room.

I’m happy. I think. Emilee mumbled.

THE NEXT DAY EMILEE pulled a red ball from the decoration box and placed it on the tree, This will be a nice holiday. She mumbled and slipped a silver bell on a branch, then glanced out the window at the scenery.

A thick blanket of white covered everything. Footsteps made her turn.

You’re up early. Jan glanced at her watch.

I woke with an idea to hang garland around the windows. Emilee pointed to the frame. See. I also made coffee.

I thought I smelled a rich aroma coming from the kitchen. Jan pulled her housecoat closer to her and grinned at the blinking, multi-colored lights. I can’t imagine a prettier Christmas tree, even for an artificial one. I’ll get dressed and make breakfast while you finish decorating.

The women sat at the table. Emilee reached for the syrup. These are wonderful. I enjoy your cooking.

Nothing fancy, waffles and sausage. Let me ask a blessing. Jan bowed her head.

Emilee said Amen and slipped a bite in her mouth. Wonderful.

Thanks. Jan reached for the butter. This morning’s weather isn’t any better today. The meteorologist is saying more snow is heading our way. She motioned toward the window over the sink.

The way this white stuff is coming down. I doubt I could get a tow truck out anytime soon to pull my car from the ditch.

The snow appears to have the doors to the building and the garage blocked too. Jan took the lid off the jam.

Maybe by the end of the week things will be better. Emilie picked up the syrup. If you don’t mind, I need to use your laptop to email a client.

"It’s yours anytime. All I do with the thing is email my bridge friends, play solitary and chat on Friend Zone. Occasionally, I do a little online shopping. I think it’s on the hallway table. Jan refilled her cup. Is work going okay?"

Emilee chewed. Great. I have two new clients who want me to create web sites for their business.

Jan shook her head. Goodness, I wouldn’t even know where to begin.

Once you designed a web site, you would. Emilee wiped her hands.

Evening came. The snow continued to fall. Emilee stared out the window. I’m afraid to guess how deep the snow is now.

We can turn on the news. Jan put her magazine down.

Doesn’t really matter, look outside.

Jan made her way to the window. There’s a white blanket covering everything.

Emilee eyed the field beside the house. I saw on the Internet the authorities are asking everyone to stay inside. Apparently, they’ve dealt with an above average number of wrecks.

I’m sure. Jan walked over the fireplace. I hope you aren’t contemplating trying to leave anytime soon.

No. I tried to call Banger Garage but my phone isn’t getting a signal.

I regret getting rid of my landline. One good thing about a house phone is still being able to contact people. Jan straightened a manger scene, resting on top of the mantle. Anyway, you can use my car when the roads clear.

Day turned to evening. Emilee lined the bottom of the tree with a skirt. She admired her handiwork and then walked to the doorway. I may as well get a snack.

Okay. Jan turned on the tree lights and sat down to admire the twinkling hues. 

I have popcorn.

Good. Jan smoothed the afghan over her lap. I enjoy watching the different colors blink. I’m praying the electricity doesn’t go off. The power lines seemed weighted down by this storm. Sometimes, it happens.

Emilee furrowed her brow. I don’t recall the power being off before.

I don’t bother you with everything. If they go off at night I retire to my bedroom. Jan shrugged. By morning everything is back to normal. Jan pointed to the remote. Maybe a good show is on.

They munched on their treat and watched a rerun of a holiday favorite.

Two hours later Emilee stood and stretched. I try to watch this movie every year. The show never gets old.

You’re right. I like a wholesome romance. Jan picked up the bowls. I’m going to take these in the kitchen and call it a night.

I think I will too. Boom.Emilee jumped as a deafening explosion blared throughout the house. 

The roar of an explosion filled the room.

CHAPTER TWO

Another ear-splitting blast vibrated the windows.

A bright, flashing light made the room glow.

What’s going on? Jan hugged herself and moved closer to Emilee.

I don’t know. Sit on the sofa and let me find out. She put her arm around the older lady and guided her to the couch.

Emilee rushed to the window and stared into the dead of night. Lines of smoke and fire blazed toward the sky. Something’s on fire. I’m going to check outside. She jogged to the backdoor.

Jan yelled. Be careful. There’s a pair of boots beside the door and an old coat hanging on the rack.

Emilee slipped on the shoes and rushed to push her arms into the oversized coat. On the counter, she grabbed a flashlight attached to a short piece of rope.

Outside she took long steps in the deep snow and grimaced as the cold white stuff slid inside the tops of the rubber boots. She moved forward, pushing her feet to steer her way around the side of the house in the almost knee-deep storm.

Emilee hurried toward the field. A line of fire stood straight as if reaching for the stars. She stopped and shined the light at the flaming mass. The side of a plane came into view, the arm laid in shambles on the ground.

She stretched on tiptoes to get a better view. The aircraft was smaller than the ones she’d took vacations on. Doesn’t look like a commercial airline. As the notion flickered in her mind, she caught sight of the pilot’s door swinging back and forth.

Emilee moved close, shielded her face from the heat and spotted a man slumped over. She gasped. Lord please help.

She scanned the flames to see if anyone else appeared to be in the wreckage. A notion entered her mind to call emergency service, and then she looked at the bucket loads of snow. Even if she could get through, no one could travel her mother-in-law’s country road until the weather cleared.

Emilee squared her shoulders. I have to do this. The odor of plastic and rubber made her gag as she ran toward the flaming inferno.

Emilee’s flashlight led the way. Her cheeks tingled and she lowered her face from the heat.

A few feet from the opening of the plane, a low groan caught her attention.

She put the flashlight rope around her neck and climbed up the step toward the swinging door. Mister. Emilee shook the man. Can you hear me?

She pushed the man sideways. Blood colored the side of his face. A pool of red highlighted the torn sleeve on his black leather coat.

He moaned.

You have to help me get you out. She unbuckled his seat belt and hesitated. If he suffered from internal injuries, any movement without the proper equipment could kill him. Sir, I don’t have a choice. I have to get you out of here or we’ll both die.

She circled his waist, closed her eyes and grunted as she pulled him forward. The weight from his body slid into her chest and pushed her sideways.

Emilee stumbled, shoved herself straight, and planted her feet apart in an effort to sturdy her one-hundred twenty pounds to hold up against the heaviness of the stranger. She put his arm around her shoulder. His muscles tightened. He must work out.

Argh. He moved his head to the side.

Sir, please, can you move your legs? Something popped from the other side of the plane and clanged in her ears. Mister, we have to get out of here. You hear me. She barked out a life or death order. Move your feet. Now.

Emilee half-drug him from the spreading flame. The man’s head weaved against the top of hers. After seconds of stumbling, she managed to get the man several feet away from danger. She paused, let out a gasp of air and coughed. 

Her lungs heaved from the smoke.

Come on. Take steps. Without a response, she pulled him forward. 

Emilee took a deep breath to gather strength, and slowly moved him toward the yard.

Once away from danger she stopped in hopes of gathering more strength. She took a step and yanked him forward, then glanced at the starless sky, Jesus, thank you for giving me strength. Please, I need to get him inside.

Awk. The man moved his head as if he needed to cough.

A few more feet and you can lie down. She pushed against his body. We don’t have far.

Emilee stomped through the snow and pushed the piles of cold away to make a path. The trek seemed like a forever feat as she inched her way to her mother-in-law’s house. She wasn’t sure if the man worked his feet, but she tugged him through the mounds of cold. Come on. I see the orange door. She exhaled. Never was she any happier to see the odd color entryway of her mother-in-law’s house than now.

Oh goodness. Jan shoved the door wide when Emilee pulled him onto the porch. Where did he come from?

A plane went down. Emilee took a deep breath.

Can you bring him to the study? We’ll put him in there and see how he’s doing.

Emilee tugged on the man and followed Jan. An overstuffed sofa sat in the middle of the room, bookshelves lined one wall. A wooden desk with a lamp and a chair dominated the other side on the small space.

I hope he’s not hurt too badly. There’s no one to help us in this weather. Jan shook her head. Both of your faces are red from the flames. She gently touched Emilee’s cheek. Thank the Lord, you’re not burned.

The heat was terrible. Emilee took off the man’s loafers. Nice shoes. She briefly glimpsed the embellished brand name, stood and put her hands to her hips. We have to try and see if he’s hurt anywhere beside his head. She pointed to the dried blood. You worked part time for Dr. Mars.

Helping a veterinarian isn’t like aiding a patient in a physician’s office. Jan rubbed her chin.

I know but you assisted with examinations. Emilee closed her eyes for a second. You’re his only hope.

Jan glanced at the man’s formidable frame stretched out on the velvet blue sofa. I’ll try. She looked at Emilee. I need the first-aid kit, some white wash rags, a bottle of peroxide and, she took a few steps to scoot the chair closer. And a pot of hot water.

Okay. Emilee hurried off to gather supplies.

Emilee came back with the necessary items.

Jan removed his shirt to examine his arm. This man is lucky. He has superficial lacerations. She felt of his shoulder, but I can’t find any broken bones. She grabbed the bandages. We’ll clean out his wounds. Hopefully, they’ll heal without any problems.

Jan dabbed peroxide on the several long jazzed cuts halfway across his chest. She stopped applying the antibacterial when he moaned. Sir, can you open your eyes?

Jan waited a second. With no response, she continued to clean out the wounds. 

Emilee glanced at the man. His chest was as sun kissed as his arms. Must travel a lot. She looked away. Her husband was the last shirtless man she been around. I’ll get a blanket and a pillow.

She carried