A Christmas Prayer: An Autistic Child, a Father's Love, a Woman's Heart (Christmas Romance) by Linda Wood Rondeau Page A

the conditions explained to you?”
    “Yes.”
    Judge Richards peered over her half glasses. “So ordered. Let us move to the neglect petition filed by Department of Social Services against Alexis Jennings regarding Gibson Jennings, a child in her care.”
    Alexis stood as expected, her throat tight, barely able to breathe.
    “Social Services requests custody of Gib. Furthermore, if you agree to placement, DSS will amend the neglect petition to request an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal. Meaning, if you adhere to the conditions ordered by this court, the charges will be dismissed in twelve months.”
    At least she wouldn’t go down in history as a neglectful guardian.
    Judge Richards continued. “Mr. Jacobs, will you stand as well? You have petitioned this court for physical placement of Gib.”
    “Yes.”
    “Probation has completed a home study, and I find no preclusion to the arrangement.”
    Alexis glanced over to Gib who balled his fists. Would he bolt or start moaning in front of the judge?
    “Mr. Jacobs, your attorney has proposed an interesting settlement which the court finds reasonable. Since there is no official finding of neglect against Miss Jennings at this juncture, Social Services has agreed to continue physical placement with Miss Jennings at your request and verifiable support as indicated in chambers which will not be made public in this courtroom due to confidentiality concerns …”

Chapter Fifteen
    Christmas Day
    Jasmine opened the large box from Ethan, a pair of brick-red Tony Lama boots especially for women. She kicked off her flats and put them on, a perfect look with her studded, rear pockets jeans. She walked the length of the room, a model on her hardwood runway.
    Ethan held up his gift from Jasmine. “I’ll enjoy the scarf and gloves. I actually didn’t bring any with me. Thanks.”
    Alexis reached under the tree for the last gift—an oblong box containing a guitar. She was glad Ethan checked with her before buying one himself. Ethan’s would have been far better. But after much argument, he agreed to let Gib have the one she’d already purchased, her idea and her resources. Whether Gib appreciated her efforts or not, she wanted to do one thing for him on her own.
    Gib tore off the paper in three seconds. “Yeah man!” He rose from the couch and danced. Good to see him happy again. She remembered the many holidays with Mom and Dad and how much Gib loved Christmas. She had prayed he might find joy in the holiday once more.
    At Gib’s request, Christmas dinner would consist of turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy and corn with banana cream pie and vanilla ice-cream for dessert. Ethan had brought sparkling grape juice to celebrate new beginnings. Gib liked the idea of having something bubbly.
    He strummed the guitar. “When do I start lessons?”
    Ethan moved over to the couch. “Did you look in the case?”
    Gib hauled out a book of chords.
    “I taught myself how to play with this book. It’s yours now. I’ll work with you every day until I go back on tour next month.”
    “Cool.”
    “You’re smart, Gib. I expect you’ll learn a lot on your own. Alexis tells me Mike Deshane will be spending time with you on the weekends. I hear he’s pretty good with a guitar.”
    Gib nodded. “He plays with the worship team at church. Mike’s cool.”
    Alexis turned off the lights and lit the candles. “Gib, wash your hands while Jasmine and I put dinner on the table.”
    “Aww man!” He obeyed with only a tiny scowl.
    Alexis went into the kitchen while Jasmine helped set the table with the iridescent accessories Gib picked out. Alexis tried to steer him toward more conventional paper plates. No convincing him. She had to admit, the assorted bright colors perked up the dining room. Who said Christmas had to be all about red and green?
    Max shot Jasmine what he probably thought was a secretive glance, except his intent was as plain as day. Even Gib caught on. “So, you two are