No Home for the Holidays by Lillian Duncan Page A

left to celebrate the holiday with their families. After the last person left, he walked back inside the sanctuary.
    The only remaining light shone behind the cross.
    Colton loved the glow that illuminated the reason the world had mercy. He knelt down, so thankful that everything had turned out the way it was meant to. Chloe safe and back at home. Ramon Rivera and the bodyguards arrested. Agent Buckley was still on the run, but that wouldn’t last long.
    The news had reported that Chloe had been found but before anyone could make a big deal of it, the stations had also reported the arrest of Ramon Rivera. The sensational nature of his crime had all the channels grappling for ratings and Chloe’s homecoming had faded without fanfare.
    Her parents had been gracious. Her father offered him a job right on the spot. When he’d refused, they’d insisted on doubling the reward, which Colton also refused.
    But they’d given a generous donation to the church. The Board had voted to accept it.
    Colton had promised to see Chloe when they had to testify.
    She’d managed to thaw out his frozen heart. She’d brought his emotions back to life. But there could be no future for them. Her home was in California and his was here.
    The frigid wind slapped his face as he walked out of the church.
    His own family, his siblings and parents, had decided to spend the holidays in Florida this year. Colton, after relating his adventures, had made the decision to shepherd his flock this Christmas, something his family understood. It was his way of decompressing and getting closer to God. They had generously offered to stay home, but Colton urged them to enjoy the sunshine.
    He shivered and pulled his coat tighter. He was looking forward to watching a few of his favorite Christmas movies tonight and making some popcorn. Tomorrow he’d go visit those in his flock who didn’t have anyone to spend the holiday with either.
    A loud banging noise came from the Nativity Scene.
    Colton froze, perplexed.
    A shadow stepped out from the darkness.
    “Pink?”
    “Yep, it’s me.”
    “What are you doing here?”
    “Well, you promised I’d be home for Christmas.” Her mittened hand moved to his arm. “I’m pretty sure, you’re my home and I’m yours…if you’ll let me be.”
    His heart moved up to his throat. He’d made a commitment to God to live alone and serve him.
    “But a prudent wife is from the Lord. Proverbs 19:14. A wife of noble character is worth far more than rubies. Proverbs 31: 10. Or something like that.”
    “You’re quoting Bible verses to me?”
    “Oh, yeah…and my favorite one. ‘For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.’ I’d like to share that love with you. My love.” Her hands moved to her hips as she challenged him. “Unless you’re too afraid.”
    Peace settled in his soul. He remembered Catherine’s words that he had more life to live. A message from God, he was sure. “You know what, Pink? You really are a thief.”
    “Me? I haven’t stolen anything.”
    “You stole my heart.” His arms went around her.
    She leaned closer and stood on her tiptoes.
    Their lips met. And suddenly the wind didn’t feel so cold. When they parted, she touched his cheek.
    Colton took hold of her hand. “Welcome home, Pink.”
    Merry Christmas!

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