Free The Christmas Lamp by Lori Copeland Page A

nothing better. Meatloaf and raisin pie. After our Christmas Eve dinner, she sends the leftovers home with me. I warm them up and have them on Christmas Day while I watch the football games.”
    Roni gave him a condescending look. “You watch football on Christmas?”
    “As much as possible. I look forward to it every year.”
    “What happens if cable goes out that day?”
    He glanced up. “Perish the thought.”
    “It could, you know.” The lights had, in essence, gone out in Nativity.
    “Honestly? I don’t know what I’d do. It would spoil the holiday.” Then he got the connection. “But cable and town expenditures are two different things.”
    “Perhaps.” For him. She bit into a mushroom.
    Later, Jake walked her to the Volkswagen. Once she was seated and buckled up he bent in and kissed her. When he was about to lift his head and break contact, she impulsively brought him back with both hands. As the kiss deepened, she knew she was in deep water, as vast and unknown as beautiful Lake Taneycomo.

9

    Roni set a tiny cradle in the window of the advent calendar on her desk, thinking of all the activities she’d yet to start, primarily putting up her house decorations. When Jake eliminated the prize money, most families in town had rebelled. Childish attitudes prevailed as the homes in Nativity sat dark with only a lighted Christmas tree in the window. Even Roni was guilty of mutiny. She’d begun to think like the others. Why go to all the trouble? If everyone’s house looked like it did every other month of the year, why should she knock herself out dragging down all those decorations from the attic? Dusty insisted they implement their own plans, but she still held off. Her heart just wasn’t in Christmas yet.
    “I’m going to the post office!” Roni called to Judy, who was in the back room.
    “Okay!”
    “Need anything?”
    “Bring me back a large soda with lots of ice.”
    Temperatures had finally settled into a more seasonal pattern. Huddled deep into her wool coat, Roni crossed the street. Nadine was behind the counter when Roni entered the post office.
    “Morning, Roni.”
    “Good morning, Nadine. I need stamps.”
    “Sure thing.” The woman slid off her stool and opened a drawer. “I suppose you want holiday ones?”
    Roni perused the possibilities, and chose the large red poinsettia. “Fifteen will be enough.”
    “Fifteen it is.” Nadine began counting out the purchase. “You know, there was a time when I couldn’t keep these stamps in stock this time of year.” She shut the drawer. “Things sure have changed.”
    “No one brings their mail here for the Nativity postmark?”
    “A few locals still want it, but even that’s slowing. In case you haven’t noticed, local Christmas spirit has disappeared.”
    Roni laid a twenty on the counter and found herself defending Brisco. “I know Jake is working hard to correct the town deficit.”
    “Might be, but talk is, he’s the problem.”
    “You know that isn’t fair. He’s just doing his job.”
    She hooted. “And we’re going down like a lead sinker.”
    Picking up her change, Roni gave the postmistress a harsh look. “It’s hardly rational to blame a man for doing his job.”
    Nadine sobered. “Oh girl, you haven’t gone and fallen for the guy, have you?”
    “Don’t be silly.” Roni closed her wallet. “Can’t a person defend someone without being accused of falling for him?”
    “I hear you two are awfully close.”
    “Well, you hear wrong. By the way, I’m supposed to tell you that the date for the church cantata has changed.”
    “Changed? What’s wrong? Brisco can’t cancel the cantata.”
    “Jake wouldn’t even think of — ” She caught her aggravation. “The choir director decided that since so many families are planning on being out of town this holiday that the Saturday night before Christmas isn’t suitable for the concert.”
    “When is suitable?”
    “Thursday night.”
    “ Thursday night.”