Christmas Eve to keep walking, keep seeking God… keep believing. And if he did… if he did then he wouldn’t have to be afraid any longer.
Just like Mary and Joseph.
When the service was over, and they were on their way out to the parking lot, Tommy walked behind his parents. They held hands, smiling at each other. Laughing about something Tommy couldn’t quite hear.
And a thought hit him. His parents had spent the last few months afraid, too. At least his mother. She hadn’t wanted him to be a police officer, but not because she didn’t honor and respect the badge and uniform.
Because she was scared to death.
And now… after taking one step after another in faith, his parents weren’t just okay. They looked more in love than ever. Tommy put his arm around Malin on one side of him and Johnny on the other. Then he nodded to their parents. “It’s going to be a beautiful Christmas.”
Malin seemed to understand. “Ever since they went dancing, they haven’t stopped smiling.”
“Because…” Tommy smiled at her. “They never stopped believing.”
* * *
TOMMY HAD DRIVEN separately to the Christmas Eve service. If the best part about Christmas was the giving, then tonight figured to be a blast. He had a number of deliveries to make before he would go home and wrap gifts for his family.
Tonight was the Christmas party for IMPD officers stuck working December 24. Tommy had heard about the event from Officer Raul. The man wasn’t quite back to work yet, but he planned to be there tonight. “Wouldn’t miss this,” he had told Tommy.
“Tell you what.” Tommy had thought of the idea mid–phone call. “I’ll bring chicken sandwiches. The way your mom did when you were in the hospital.”
The men and women on the Indianapolis force loved Chick-fil-A. So that was Tommy’s first stop. He had ordered thirty sandwiches and a bucket of fries. Other people were bringing dessert and salad. But Tommy’s part was a surprise.
His food was ready, lined up across the back counter when he walked in. Tommy paid for it and drove across town to the police station. The air outside was freezing, with snow expected tomorrow. He grabbed the bags and an oversized plastic container of his mom’s Christmas snowball cookies, and jogged inside.
Raul was waiting for him. “Tommy, look at you. All dressed up!” He opened the door. “Suit pants and a tie!”
Tommy grinned. “Christmas Eve service! You’ll have to come with me some week!”
“You know”—Raul took two bags from Tommy and led him into the building and through two security doors—“I think I’d like that.”
Inside the break room a couple dozen police officers were milling about, laughing, celebrating. A few of them wore Santa hats and three had blinking Christmas light necklaces. “Tommy!” Officer Conway stepped out of the group and came to him. “Let me help you.” He took the other bags and set them on the table.
Tommy opened the cookie container. “Had to share my mom’s favorites!”
“These sandwiches, though!” Raul set the other bags down. “You must know someone at Chick-fil-A!”
A female officer clapped. “Christmas just came early.”
“Tommy Baxter, everyone!” Raul pointed both hands at him. “Tell ’em what you told me.”
When everyone had quieted down, Tommy looked around the room. These were the men and women keeping him and his family safe. He spotted Officer Green. Yes, these were the ones who had literally saved his parents’ lives. “I brought dinner to thank you. All of you.”
“No one does that, Baxter.” Officer Conway gave him a thumbs-up.
“Well.” Tommy grinned at Raul. “You’ve let me ride along with you way longer than I should’ve.” He shifted his attention to Officer Green. “And you make life safer. For my family. For everyone in Indianapolis.” He put his hands in his pockets. “So this is me saying thanks… and merry Christmas!”
Tommy stayed long enough to eat a chicken sandwich and chat with Raul. Then he was on his way again. More stops. More people to see. In the backseat he had a wrapped gift for Annalee. But his plan for tonight included more than a Christmas present.
He drove to the nearest Walmart and practically ran inside. Annalee had been on his heart all day and he couldn’t wait to see her. But he didn’t want to show up without this one special item. The perfect one was at the back of the store. Tommy bought it, and headed for the hospital.
Arms full, Tommy entered her room. Annalee was lying flat in bed,