No Home for the Holidays by Lillian Duncan

bodyguard with the phone. “Let me have that.”
    The man handed it to Colton.
    Chloe whispered in Colton’s ear. “I don’t see Agent Buckley.”
    “Don’t worry. He won’t be free for long. They’ll find him.”
    He turned back to the men. “Now, you can lean up against the car until the police get here.” He dialed a number. “Hey, Robbie, need a little help here.”

19
    Colton pulled up to the house.
    Chloe’s eyes filled with tears as she drank in the sight of her home. In all the years she’d been gone, she’d never dreamed this was possible. “Now I know what the prodigal son felt.”
    “And what’s that?”
    “Happy, excited, and scared all at the same time.” She paused. “And sad.”
    “Sad about what?”
    “For all the time I wasted. Not just the time I’ve been gone, but all the time I wasted not living for God.”
    “You’ve got plenty of time to make it up to your family. And to God. Are you ready for this?”
    “More than ready.” She laughed. “I can’t believe you kept your promise.”
    “Well, a promise is a promise.”
    She put her hand over his on the steering wheel. “Thank you.”
    “Merry Christmas, Chloe.”
    “Do you think they’ll be surprised?”
    “You might give them a heart attack. I told you to call them first.”
    “I want to see their faces.” Tears were already coming down her cheeks. “I don’t know what they’ll be more surprised about, me coming home or the new me. The Christian me.”
    “Probably both.”
    She grabbed his hand and tugged him towards the walk. “You’re coming with me, right?”
    “I should go. This is your moment.”
    She tugged again. “And I wouldn’t be having it if not for you. I want you there to share it with me.”
    “In that case, I wouldn’t miss this homecoming for anything.”
    She pushed the buzzer.
    The door opened.
    Her mother’s eyes widened, then she opened her arms. “Oh, Chloe. Chloe.”
    Chloe rushed into the hug. “Oh. Mom. I’ve missed you so much.”
    “Where…what…I don’t…” Her mother spoke through tears. “Never mind. None of that matters. You’re home. Charles, Charles. Come here.”
    “What’s wrong, Rebecca? Are you OK? What’s the matter?” Her father’s voice moved towards them.
    “Nothing’s wrong.” Her mother’s voice shook with emotion. “But there’s someone here. Someone who wants to see you.”
    Her father walked down the steps.
    Her mother stepped aside without letting go of her.
    “I’m home, Daddy.”
    “Oh, praise God.” He rushed to her and enclosed her in a bear hug. “Thank you, Jesus.”
    “Got a fatted calf for your prodigal, Daddy?”
    “You know I do, baby. You know I do.”
    Her gaze moved to Colton.
    He took a step away as if to leave.
    “Don’t even think about it, Colton. You aren’t going anywhere.”
    “I don’t want to intrude on your family.”
    “Don’t be ridiculous.” She grabbed his hand. “Mom and Dad, I want you to meet my real life hero. Reverend Colton Douglas. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for him.”
    “Reverend Douglas, huh?” Her father moved towards Colton with an outreached hand. “There must be a story there! I’m thrilled to see you, Chloe, but are you sure you’re safe? The FBI wouldn’t give us many details but did tell us they thought you were hiding out for your own safety.”
    “Safe as can be, Daddy. It’s all over. Thanks to Colton.”
    “You did this?” Her father stared at Colton.
    “God did this.” Colton grinned. “And in His mercy, he allowed Chloe and me to help ourselves, too.”
    “I owe you my thanks and a check. The reward money’s yours.”
    “I don’t want the money. I was just keeping a promise.”
    Her dad looked puzzled. “What promise was that?”
    “To get me home for the holidays.” Chloe piped up, grinning.

20
    The last strains of “Silent Night” faded.
    Colton stood at the door shaking hands with his congregation, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas as they