Christmas in the Air by Irene Brand Page A

breath, fearing that the bell might fall through the roof.
    After a half dozen or so tugs on the rope, the mellow tone of the old bell resounded loud and clear through the church.
    â€œSounds just like old times,” Les said, when he handed the rope to Quinn. “Give it a tug or two, buddy. It’s hard pullin’ and takes my wind.”
    As Quinn continue to ring the bell, Roxanne said, “Doesn’t it sound beautiful! It’s what we needed to bring our worship to a close.”
    â€œWe should ring it at intervals tomorrow,” Quinn said as he let go of the rope. “That bell may bring us some rescuers.”
    â€œSince we’re running low on fuel,” Les said, “I’m thinkin’ we’d better bank the fire tonight while we’re asleep. We can wrap in blankets and stay warm.”
    â€œI’ve got an idea that might keep us warmer,” Quinn said. “Why don’t we put the seats of these pews together and two of us sleep side by side? Body heat will make all of us more comfortable. Eric and Marie can share a set of pews. Livia and Roxanne could sleep together. Sean and I could pair up, as could Allen and Les. It’s just an idea, so no one should feel forced to participate.”
    â€œI’d rather be where I can check the stove once in a while,” Les said. “I won’t disturb anyone if I’m by myself.”
    â€œI’ll stretch out close to you,” Allen said, “so you can call if you need help.”
    But the rest of them agreed that they’d like some extra warmth. When Livia lay back-to-back with Roxanne, she was more comfortable than the night before. Wedged together as the seats were, there wasn’t any danger of falling out of bed as she’d done last night.
    Although she was physically and mentally tired, Livia’s mind was too busy to go to sleep. The pain of being separated from her family during one of the special times of the year was a blow to her. Still, she was pleased to spend this Christmas season with Quinn.Perhaps she’d read more into his embrace than she should have, but she sensed his feelings toward her in that brief hug went beyond the spiritual regard of one believer to another. If she’d had to choose between being at Heritage Farm tonight or in this abandoned church building with Quinn, which one would she have chosen? She really didn’t know. Perhaps God had spared her the choice.
    Livia did sleep finally, but her slumbers were fitful. She was aware every time that Les slipped out of his blankets and checked the stove. But she knew that the elderly man slept some because he snored intermittently.
    Roxanne was a good sleeping partner, because she seldom moved during the night, and her deep, even breathing, whether asleep or awake, comforted Livia. She woke up when the dawning of the day filtered some light into the building. Her face felt frigid. If Les or Quinn didn’t stir the fire soon, she intended to.
    Trying not to wake Roxanne, Livia sat up. She peered over the back of the pew and saw Allen sitting up in bed. Les’s blankets were empty.
    When Allen saw that she was awake, he lifted his hand in greeting. Quinn’s head appeared over the top of the pew where he’d spent the night with Sean beside him. He looked toward Livia, and quietly mouthed the words, “Merry Christmas.”
    â€œYou, too,” she whispered back.
    Allen walked over to Quinn. Whispering, he said, “Quinn, I’m worried about Les. I woke up an hour ago,and he was gone. I figured he’d gone out for fuel, and I dropped back to sleep. He’s still not here. Shouldn’t we look for him?”

Chapter Eight
    â€œH ow long has it been daylight?” Quinn asked, throwing back the blanket and vaulting out of the seat.
    â€œI don’t know,” Allen answered. “My watch says eight o’clock. I peeked outside, and it feels a lot warmer, but we’re