the people had taken great care to restore the buildings and it had a medieval feel to it. She was delighted by the Christmas decorations, lights and giant fir boughs strung between buildings on each side of its cobblestone streets making a canopy of green, and by the network of tiny streams that ran through the center of town. According to the guide on their walking tour, they had been originally created in the Middle Ages as a source of water for livestock.
But the cathedral, built in the sixteenth century and said to have the most beautiful spire in the world, was her favorite stop. She stood in awe, taking in the stained glass windows, the panels, sculptures and art treasures.
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” she said to Sierra, who had tagged along with her, Rudy and Athena, as well as Denise and her men, leaving Sophie free to hang out with Trevor.
“It is,” Sierra agreed, although she didn’t sound as impressed as Catherine. Or even as interested.
Catherine understood. It was hard to muster up an interest in the world around you when your own world was teetering on its axis.
“Standing in a beautiful, old cathedral like this reminds me that there’s something, someone, bigger than me out there, and it gives me comfort,” Catherine said.
Sierra nodded. “Right now I’ll take all the comfort I can get.”
“I understand,” Catherine said. “I had a terrible time after losing my husband. I still miss him, but the pain has lessened. One thing I’m finding is that God has a way of bringing along just what we need to start healing and moving forward.”
“I don’t want to move forward,” Sierra said miserably. “Not without Mark.”
Catherine put an arm around her. “I know you don’t, but no matter what, forward is always the only way we can go.”
Sierra bit her lip and nodded. “I’m sorry I keep dumping on you.”
“I don’t mind.”
“I guess it’s because you’re so easy to talk to. It’s a little like having my mom along.”
“That’s one of the nicest compliments I ever had,” Catherine said.
“I’m glad we met.”
“Me, too.”
“I hope we can stay in touch after the cruise.”
“I’d like that,” Catherine said.
She’d come on this cruise thinking it would be something to fill her empty days, a nice getaway. It was filling that emptiness, certainly, but it was becoming so much more. The people she’d met had unwittingly pulled something dark and heavy off her soul. Christmas this year would come wrapped in wonderful memories, and it looked like she’d be taking home some new friends.
Even Athena seemed open to friendship now that she’d been assured Catherine wasn’t out to make a grab for her father’s money or break his heart. Later, she appeared at Catherine’s other side in the Christmas market as she and Sierra looked at cottage-shaped incense burners while Rudy stood in line for Glühwein.
“Are you buying one?” Athena asked.
“I’m considering it,” Catherine replied.
“They’re really unique,” Sierra said. “You should definitely get one.”
“You won’t find these in the States,” put in Athena.
Catherine nodded. “I think I will. And one for my daughter, too.” She smiled and pointed to the ones she wanted and the woman behind the counter nodded, wrapped them in paper and slipped them into a bag.
“Your kids didn’t want to come on this cruise with you?” Athena asked as Catherine handed over her money.
“It was a spur-of-the-moment decision,” Catherine said. “Denise had booked the room for two with another of our friends, and that friend dropped out so she invited me to join her. Anyway, the kids already had plans.” She wondered if Lila ever found a babysitter so she could go to that Christmas party.
Athena’s brows pulled together. “I’m surprised they let you go off all alone like this when you’ve been...” Aware of Sierra on Catherine’s other side, she shut up. But once Sierra got busy purchasing an incense burner for her mom she asked, “Didn’t they want to spend time with you after everything you’ve gone through?” She bit her lip, then said, “It’s just that I’d sure want to be with my mother under the circumstances.”
“We can’t always make things work out the way we want,” Catherine said. “Anyway, I’m not alone. I’m here with my best friend and I’m making some very nice new ones.”
“I haven’t exactly been one of them, I know.” Athena’s cheeks got a little rosier as she picked up an incense burner and examined it.
“You’re just watching out for your father,” Catherine said.
“Someone needs to. He’s