Free Christmas in the Rink by Dora Hiers Page B

just made her wish for more. For more days like this. For a future with him, and God willing, a sister or brother for Annabelle. For a forever.
    Oh, God, he’s going to leave and break my heart again.
     
     
     
     

10
     
    “An Chaney, I wanna candle,” Annabelle whined, her fingers clutching Chaney’s sleeve as they stood in the reception area outside the sanctuary.
    “Maybe I should take her back home?” Carole asked, a worried expression marring her forehead.
    Annabelle had been rather cranky since waking from her short nap. Maybe coming tonight hadn’t been such a good idea, but she didn’t want to miss the Christmas Eve service, especially since Conner had invited them. That wasn’t the only reason, though. There was just something so enchanting, so special about celebrating the birth of Christ like this, gathered together with other believers, worshipping alongside their friends and neighbors, singing hymns and carols as shadows from the flickering flames danced across hundreds of faces.
    Conner leaned down and motioned for Annabelle to come close. He slid an arm around the girl’s tiny shoulders. “Do you think you can hold mine for a while? My hand’s kinda tired from working yesterday.” His loud whisper wasn’t intended just for Annabelle.
    Annabelle nodded, and relief flitted across Carole’s expression and flowed right into Chaney’s heart.
    Conner looked up at her, flashing a conspiratorial wink as he handed Annabelle the unlit candle. Then, he scooped Annabelle up in one arm, and miracle of miracles, her niece wrapped her arms around Conner’s neck, one hand gripping the candle tight, and snuggled against him without another word.
    “Thank you,” she mouthed silently.
    He grinned.
    They made their way into the sanctuary, the dim light and soft music creating a hushed atmosphere.
    “Is this one OK?” Conner paused outside an aisle.
    “Perfect.” Carole slid in first, then Chaney.
    Conner settled in beside her, and the heater gusted his scent her way. She took a long whiff, stealing a glance at him.
    Annabelle’s eyes were closed already, the candle dangling from limp fingers. Chaney carefully removed the waxy stick from her niece’s lax grip and leaned close to whisper. “She’s out already. How did you do that so fast?”
    “Must be my cologne. She likes it as much as you do.”
    Her jaw dropped. The stinker! How did he manage a straight face?
    He didn’t. Crinkles fanned out from his eyes, and his lips finally curved into a wicked grin just as the praise team walked on stage.
    The praise team invited them to stand, and Conner shifted Annabelle effortlessly to his other side. His free arm wound around Chaney’s back, tugging her close to his side. His smooth baritone rumbled next to her head while the sweet smell of burning candles filled the auditorium.
    Carole lit hers, and in the flicker from the tiny flame, Chaney caught the smile on her mother’s face.
    She twisted to light Conner’s candle.
    His arm dropped away so she could light it.
    She glanced up, gasped, her breath catching in her throat.
    There, in his soft smile and the brightness of his eyes, she saw it all. Love. Joy. Faith. Forever even whispered from his gaze.
    The meaning of Christmas, the joy of the season, the spirit of love and worship had never held more meaning than right now, this moment.
     
    ****
     
    “Come on in.” Conner nudged the front door open with his shoe and waited for Chaney to enter first. He followed, a sleeping Annabelle in his arms.
    Carole had offered to take Annabelle home with her, but Conner had insisted on bringing her home with them. The evening wouldn’t be quite as special without the little one. But that wasn’t the only reason.
    Carole gave him a long look when he’d asked them over, her gaze flickering to Chaney, and then Annabelle. Understanding and warmth filled her features. She gave a bright smile. “I need to get home, Santa has asked for my help to wrap presents for