Her Christmas Prince (Love in the Keys) by Caroline A. Godin Page B

prepared it. We are
grateful for all you do for us and for this wonderful family. In the
Lord's name, Amen.”

    A
chorus of Amens was followed by the clinking of dishes as serving
bowls got passed around and food was put on plates. The chatter
level rose and the gathered extended family made short work of the
massive feast. N ary a bit
remained after brunch. Southerners did love their food.

    As
was their family tradition, the men did the dishes while the ladies
finished coffee on the porch. Henry did his part and was drying
dishes. He was enjoying himself and loved the closeness of this
family and how they kidded each other. His family was much more
formal. Not that there there wasn't love, but there was a distance.
It was fun to be here. He could see that Callie's childhood must
have been a happy one.

    The
aunties and girl cousins were giving Callie a hard time about Henry,
in a gentle way. Many were surprised to see her with someone so soon
after Brian, but it was clear they preferred Henry. No one had
expressed much enthusiasm where Brian was concerned.

    The
men finished the dishes and people began disbursing into various cars
to head over to the church. Henry and Callie headed for his SUV and
were the first out of the cul de sac.

    They
made the short drive to church, but most of it Callie spent on her
cell phone. Erin had called to say Merry Christmas, and they
quickly exchanged thank yous for their respective gifts. After she
hung up, Callie snapped a picture of herself wearing Erin's necklace
and texted it to her friend.

    When
he'd parked the vehicle, Henry moved to get out, but Callie put her
hand on his arm and stopped him.

    “ Before
we head in, I wanted to give you a small gift.” She handed him
the package and saw his eyes crinkle with surprise and pleasure.

    “ Callie,
that's so sweet. Should I open it now?” She nodded yes.

    He
unwrapped the package and saw the cover. His finger traced his
initial embroidered on the front. He opened the cover and was
touched to see it was a Bible, and that at the back there was a
pocket holding a notebook and pen. He turned back to the front and
turned to the dedication page, and saw a simple message – For
Henry, so you'll never be lost. Merry Christmas.

    Henry
looked at Callie and nodded. He was moved by the gift and the
significance of it. Not only had she heard what he's said but it
showed much care and thought. Callie was a godly woman and he
appreciated she was guided by the Lord. He'd become closer to God
when he was in the military, and felt his ability to lean on the Lord
through adversity had kept him going.

    “ Thank
you. I can't imagine a better gift. Did you make the cover?”
She nodded yes. “It's perfect. And I'll think of you when I
use it.”

    Henry
placed the tin of baked goods back in the bag and put them in the
back seat. He got out and moved to open Callie's door. She exited
and they walked into church, arm and arm, with Henry holding his
Bible.

    The
service was uplifting, a true birthday celebration. Callie was glad
to see Henry use her gift and even make a few notes. There were
Christmas carols, a reading of the Christmas story and a heartfelt
message from Pastor Ed. At the end of the service, he offered a
blessing and invited everyone to adjourn outside for cider and baked
goods.

    Callie
and Henry made their way outside to join the others, giving and
receiving holiday greetings. Tom came over and gave each of them a
hug.

    “ So,
how did it work out with, you know, the thing?” Tom was asking
about the fishing lures for Jackson.

    “ Aces,
mate. Aces. He really liked them. Thanks so much for helping me.
It worked out really well.” Henry smiled at Tom. He was going
to miss him. As Callie was chatting to Tom's mother, he moved over
a few steps, out of her ear shot, and Tom followed.

    “ What's
up?” Tom looked concerned.

    “ I'm
going to have to clear out by tomorrow. We ran into someone I know
last night in Key West. So