Read Online The Christmas Stalking by Lillian Duncan - Free Book Online Page A

forward.
    “I knew you looked familiar, sugar. I can’t believe I didn’t recognize you.” Renee walked up and hugged her. “I am so sorry for what you went through. It must have been just horrible.”
    “I’m okay. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you who I was before.” She took a step back and Renee released her.
    “Don’t worry about keeping me in the dark. I completely understand, Dest—is that what you want me to call you?”
    “Call me Holly. Plain, old Holly.”
    “Well, there ain’t anything plain or old about you, but Holly it is.” She turned to Robby. “Well, Chief, I promised you and the whole town a surprise, but it’s not going to happen after all. I guess it’s going to be the same old service as last year.”
    “Nothing wrong with that.”
    “I feel like the whole mess is partially my fault.” Renee wiped her eyes, stopping the tears before they fell. “Len told me he would have a surprise for me tonight, but refused to tell me what. I should have forced him tell me what he had in mind. I promise I had no idea.”
    Holly patted Renee’s arm. “Don’t worry about it. It wasn’t your fault, or Len’s. He’s very sick and confused right now.”
    Renee shook her head. “The whole thing is shocking, but he’s in my prayers.”
    “And ours, Renee.” Robby nodded his agreement. “I’m sure tonight will be wonderful as always. Traditions are a good thing.”
    “I suppose, but...” Her gaze moved to Holly. “Oh, never mind, that would be too much to ask.” She hurried away.
    Holly squeezed Robby’s hand. “She wants me to sing tonight.”
    “After all you’ve been through, it’s too much. She knew that. That’s why she didn’t ask.”
    “I suppose.”
    The lights dimmed as they found two seats at the back of the church.
    Robb held on to Holly’s hand. “It’s a short service, but I think you’ll enjoy it.”
    “I’m sure I will. It’s been way too long since I’ve been to a Christmas Eve service.”
    “This will be the first of many.”
    She smiled and leaned her shoulder into his in agreement.
    The congregation sang two Christmas favorites, and then the preacher stepped up to the pulpit. His voice was strong as he read the Christmas story from the Bible. He went on to talk about the true meaning of Christmas—love.
    Robby squeezed Holly’s hand and she squeezed back.
    Then it was time for the traditional candlelight service and the singing of “Silent Night.”
    Renee stepped up to the pulpit.
    The preacher moved to the side as he handed her the microphone.
    “It’s been a rough few days here in the Village of Serenity and Peace. We all know why, so I won’t bother talking about it except to ask that you keep Len in your prayers. And to tell you the surprise you expected isn’t going to happen.”
    Holly touched Robby’s hand, and then gently pulled free from his grasp. She nodded to the front.
    He leaned over. “You don’t have to do this.”
    “I know that.” She patted his arm and stood. “I want to.” She walked to the podium.
    Renee smiled. “Oh, maybe we do have a surprise. Now some of you might know her as the very famous Destiny, but I’ve been told to call her Holly—plain, old Holly. So without further ado, Holly Stone will lead us in ‘Silent Night’ while we light the candles.”
    Whispers filled the room as she accepted the microphone from Renee, who mouthed the word thanks .
    The lights dimmed and Holly stood in darkness. For one brief panicked moment, she was reminded of the night at the fishing shack. But she wasn’t alone. And she would never be alone again—God was with her then, now, and forever.
    The preacher handed her the lit candle, and then he and Renee lit theirs from hers.
    She took a deep breath and started to sing.
    “Silent night, holy night…”
    This was what she’d always wanted. A real home. A real community. A real life.
    Tears trickled down her cheeks as the other voices joined in.
    Slowly the candles lit up