CHAPTER FORTY
MARCUS
Inside the church, someone played “The First Noel” on the organ, and Marcus’s step faltered. Amanda used to play that at Christmas time. It was one of her favorite songs.
As he followed Katy to a church pew, he sensed the parishioners gawking at them, but it was a different kind of scrutiny. Back in New York, everyone measured him by his financial success. Here, he was merely a man visiting their parish.
Here, Marcus could worship in peace.
Peace. Is that what he was feeling at this point? Turmoil brewed within him. So did the desire to rebel against God, to blame him for the loss of his loved ones.
And yet…he also felt God’s lifting hand, carrying him just as Mother Mary carried her newborn son, Jesus, and presented Him to the World to be our Savior.
Everyone was standing for the start of Mass, but Marcus stayed on his knees. He bowed his head and poured his heart out to the Lord. Asking for forgiveness. A new beginning. A future with Katy. Beside him, he sensed Katy’s comforting presence as she knelt too.
When the priest invited the congregation to sit, Marcus and Katy sat.
The words of the priest washed over Marcus. He spoke of love, forgiveness, second chances, and peace.
Peace. Yes, his heart was slowly opening once again.
The organist played “Silent Night,” and Marcus pictured the Savior wrapped in swaddling clothes, blinking from the manger, upon the arrival of the shepherds and the wise men.
The wise men were rich and influential men, billionaires of their time.
Not that Marcus was wise.
Suddenly, he realized he had not come bearing gifts. All he’d done was take.
Lord, he prayed, I am so sorry that I have cast you away when what I should have done was to turn to you for comfort. I am sorry for pushing people out of my life, especially this beautiful and sweet woman by my side.
He reached over and threaded his fingers through Katy’s. She slid her palm against his in a reassuring motion.
Thank you for showing me another way this Christmas. Thank you for being my Savior.
He raised his head and glanced over at Katy.
She smiled sweetly at him, and he put his arm around her waist, holding her close.
***
KATY
Katy had never witnessed such a tender expression of faith as she had while sitting beside Marcus. He had been broken, was lost, and had now found refuge in the Lord’s arms. Just as she found refuge in Marcus’s arms, sitting beside him on that church pew.
As Mass wound down, Marcus’s face seemed to brighten as the sun outside, coming out from behind a screen of clouds.
The Mass being over, Katy waited for Marcus to stand. He kept his head bowed, and she respected his need for silence and communion.
He raised his eyes to hers and smiled, his face radiating peace and joy.
The transformation was beautiful to see.
Katy wanted to kiss his face and tell him how much she loved him, but that would have to wait.
“Do you mind if I go up to the altar for a minute?” he asked.
“Of course not. Take your time.”
She walked alongside him, their shoulders touching, until they reached the nativity scene that had been set up within the rail of the altar.
“Caleb could have been that baby,” he murmured, pointing at the infant Jesus.
Katy closed her eyes and leaned against him, trying to communicate her love and to offer him comfort.
After a few minutes, Marcus nodded. “I’m ready,” he said.
For a new beginning? For a new love? For happiness?
Katy hoped all of the above.
They walked out to a light snowfall and a gray sky with a bit of blue peeking out from the distant horizon. The snow wasn’t sticking, but the flakes were huge. Enough for Katy to open her mouth and let some of it melt on her tongue. She laughed and he joined in, the deep rumble exquisite to her ears.
Once they arrived at the castle, Talia greeted them with a little laugh. “I’m such a bad hostess, sleeping in.”
“You were up late, putting on a party,” Katy said.
Talia looked from Marcus to Katy. “You two look so happy!”
Katy beamed. “We are.”
“Can I show you something?” Talia asked.
They followed her over to an alcove by one of the castle’s sitting areas and onto a window seat.
“This is one of the best views of the island,” Talia said. Then she looked up.
Katy and Marcus followed suit. A little ball of greenery hung over them.
“What do you know, a mistletoe,” Talia said, blinking innocently. “I better go. Jay’s probably looking for me.” Her shoes made little clicking noises on the marble as she walked away.
Marcus chuckled. “She’s so subtle.”
“Isn’t she?” Katy said, breathless all of a sudden. Marcus looked at her with a gooey smile, enough to turn her insides to melted caramel.
He reached over and traced the side of her face with his finger. “How did I get so lucky to find you?”
“It cost you a million dollars.”
His mouth twitched. “Worth every single penny.”
“Billionaire show off.” Her smile faded as his expression intensified, his gaze falling to her lips.
She raised her face toward his, trusting her heart in his hands, and when their lips touched, she exulted at his gentleness, a restraint that she could hardly exercise herself. She tiptoed impatiently so he could hold her closer.
With a low rumble of laughter, he pulled her close and deepened their kiss. Soon, she was no longer aware of anything but the sensations of his mouth on hers, and the love she felt for him.
He kissed her once, twice, until she happily lost count.
“Sweet Katy,” he said, “I love you.”
“And I love you too,” she said.