No Home for the Holidays by Lillian Duncan

1
    Colton Douglas huddled in the dark while the icy wind swirled.
    If the weather got worse, he wouldn’t be able to take pictures. With the falling snow and the star shining bright above the Nativity, it would make an awesome picture to post on the church website. So far, the photos hadn’t turned out as pretty as what he could see.
    He rubbed his hands together in an effort to keep warm. The wind chill factor was already below zero. He considered going back to his warm cozy house to sit in front of the fireplace, but insomnia had crept in once again. Instead of lying in bed trying not to think of things better forgotten, he’d decided to get up. A glance at the Nativity had brought him out to capture the perfect photo.
    He held up the camera and snapped several times and shivered as a strong gust of wind assaulted him. Colton pulled the scarf tighter around his neck, then held his hands up to his mouth so he could warm them with his breath. He wiggled them around, barely able to feel his fingers. Five more minutes and then he’d call it a night whether he got the right picture or not.
    Waiting outside in the dark reminded him of his days as an FBI agent. The familiar pit in his stomach jolted, inviting him back into the darkness. Colton refused to jump in. Those days were behind him.
    God had other plans for him that didn’t include carrying a gun.
    These days he carried a Bible.
    Colton stamped his feet to bring back feeling. Brutal was the only way to describe the weather this winter—and it was only December! What would January be like?
    He snapped a few more shots but still wasn’t happy. Maybe it would be better with the flash off. To give that ethereal quality he was looking for.
    Snap.
    Perfect! The star shone but with a hazy quality. He sent the photo to his social media sites and to the church website. Pleased that he’d captured the essence of the season, he scanned the area, taking in the lovely scene one more time.
    A shadowed figure darted near the church steps.
    He glanced down at the picture once again. He hadn’t realized a person was in the scene when he’d snapped it. But there she was, clear as day. He looked back at the church.
    She opened the door to the church. Did they need help or shelter from the frigid night? Or were they here to steal? The church had some valuable antiques. He immediately chided himself for being so willing to think the worst.
    The church was open 24/7 for spiritual solace.
    Colton kept it that way on purpose, reaching out to those in need, even if they didn’t want company. But he could make sure that all was well with whoever was inside. And then he could get out of this brutal cold. He walked across the street, deliberately taking deep breaths, willing the adrenaline to ease up. When he entered the church he wanted to have the right mindset.
    Silence greeted his entry. The warmth felt wonderful, the furnace was working just fine.
    Colton wouldn’t have known anyone else was in the church if he hadn’t seen them go in. Where was the soul in need of comfort? He peeked through the double doors that led to the sanctuary.
    Light silhouetted the cross. It was one of his favorite sights, always reminding him of God’s goodness.
    Someone was sitting in a pew.
    Colton spoke softly, not wanting to disturb the person’s reverie. “Hi.”
    Light pink spikey hair bounced as the person jerked. “Oh, you scared me.” She wiped at her eyes.
    “Sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.”
    “I’m not here to steal anything.” Her hands moved up to show they were empty.
    Usually when people said something like that, it was exactly what they planned. “Is there something I can do for you?”
    “No. No. I…”
    “It’s OK to be here. The church is unlocked for just that reason. Do you need someone to talk with?”
    She shook her head again, as she wiped a few more tears away. “I just needed to warm up. I didn’t realize it was so cold when I decided to take a