Christmas and Miracles

By Pelaam

Asher works as parish secretary and a myriad of other roles for a small village church. He even rents his accommodation from the incumbent vicar, and good friend, Ben. When the Dean tries to make Ben resign from his position and effectively close the little church, Asher and the church committee spring into action.

However, Asher has a dark past, not least of which is his husband Oz is a demon.

The committee’s plan includes bringing a travelling fair to the village to attract more people. But it also brings with it a man who Asher hoped never to see again. When Asher’s past catches up with his present, it threatens his whole world.

Will he find the miracle he needs to save Ben’s job, and his own future?

• Language: English
• Publisher: JMS Books LLC
• Release date: Dec 12, 2023
• ISBN: 9781685506216

Pelaam

Living in clean, green New Zealand, Pelaam is a multi-published author of gay romance and erotic books. When not busy writing, she can be found indulging in her other passions of cookery and wine appreciation. Pelaam's books: Smoking Mirror, 2017 finalist in 2017 Rainbow Awards in Gay Futuristic/Sci-Fi; Stranded, Evernight Publishing Readers’ Choice winner 2016 for Sci-Fi; The Avian Emperor, runner up and Honourable Mention in 2016 Rainbow Awards Gay Futuristic/Sci-Fi.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Humming softly to himself, Asher finished polishing the old wooden pulpit, then looked around at the gleaming pews. Although his official titles were those of verger and parish secretary, he was also the cleaner, flower arranger, bell ringer, and a myriad of titles that went hand in glove with the running of the little village church.

The hamlet was an idyll of peace and tranquillity, with growing townships around it. But here, in Little Morten, life went on much as it had for decades.

Just a typical rural New Zealand village. Well, with one major difference. Everyone here is warm and welcoming, and nobody cares that I’m gay. This was the best move I ever made.

Life hadn’t been easy growing up in the city. Disowned by his parents as a young teen, and bullied at college had left him anxious and nervous. But all that had changed when he’d met Oz. A warm feeling permeated Asher as always when he thought of his husband.

At a sound from the vestry, Asher stopped and smiled at the newcomer.

You know, the church has never looked better, Asher. You put so much work into it. Such a shame more people don’t get to see and appreciate your efforts.

"But those who do come will see it, Ben. Asher smiled. That’s enough for me." Ben McCrimmon had been the vicar of the church for the last few decades. Asher considered him a good friend as well as the vicar, and his employer.

I don’t know what I’d do without you. Sometimes, I feel we’re overlooked in our little piece of paradise.

That’s not always a bad thing, Ben. Asher shrugged as his friend raised a bushy, grey eyebrow. "Trust me, but I’d rather not explain how I know."

I know you had a hard life, Asher. People need to be a lot more open-minded and accepting. The world would be a much better place if they were. Ben shook his head. Do we have a meeting coming up?

"Yes, tomorrow. We need to discuss the repairs needed for the roof, the Christmas service, how to increase church membership, and your birthday."

That shouldn’t be part of the agenda. How did that get there? Ben asked, glowering at Asher, who adopted his most innocent expression.

Oh, it was slipped in under any other business at the last meeting. I do believe you may have been distracted by Mrs Fox.

That woman could distract anyone. Ben didn’t relax his glowering expression. Especially if encouraged.

I don’t know what you mean. Asher suddenly found his polishing cloth of extraordinary interest until Ben finally laughed.

You can be very sneaky..

I was just the seconder. Asher grinned.

The whole of the parish council can be sneaky. Very well, my birthday is on the agenda. Ben headed toward the vestry, shaking his head, but before he vanished, Asher heard him chuckle.

We won’t admit we want to have a party to celebrate. But if he knows we’re doing something, he won’t ask questions. Well, I’d best tart up the evergreen around the church. The holly looks good, especially with some fake berries for contrast.

It was a shame the church wasn’t better attended. Asher patted the pulpit. She was a beautiful old building, with a small, but charming vicarage, and an old cemetery.

Ben only charges me a peppercorn rent for living in the vicarage. So I don’t mind doing the practical stuff like cooking, cleaning, and shopping for him, and the extra jobs around the church. Our congregation isn’t getting any younger. For some of the older ones, I’m their only visitor. Most of the younger people have moved into one or other of the growing townships around us.

Asher glanced at his watch. He needed to put together a meal to heat in the oven, then he’d order the online groceries, and write the list for fresh vegetables from the local garden farmer. He’d go into town to stock up the freezer at the weekend.

With a last look at his handiwork, Asher hurried toward the vestry.

Chapter 2

The evening of the parish committee was cold, but dry. Asher set out a couple of heaters early, closing the door to ensure the room would be warm for the members’ arrival. The oversized table had paper, pens, and the agenda all in place. There were also glasses for water, and mugs for the hot drinks he would make once the committee members were there.

There are always things they forget to bring with them. This saves them all asking one another for the item they didn’t bring. And so saves time.

Asher