“I think this is the first time we’ve missed a service on Christmas Eve.” Jorden’s mother sighed as she flopped down on the couch.

“You missed even more. Mark and I watched the most spectacular coverage of Apollo 8 circling the moon. The three astronauts showed tremendous views of the moonscape.”

“I would have loved to have seen them,” Jorden spoke up.

“It moved me to tears. At the end of the program each astronaut read from the Book of Genesis. Remember how the verse goes? ‘In the beginning God created the heaven and earth . . .’ The hairs rose up on my arms during those readings.”

“Hey everyone, it’s late. We need to get to bed!” Grant shouted as he carried the last piece of luggage into the room. “I’m tired! Remember, Santa’s got to come.”

“Oh Dad, don’t worry. Mark hauled in the presents and put them around the tree. He wouldn’t even let me peek.”

“Good guy, but now my girls need to get to bed.”

“Come on Jorden, let’s go.” Bobbette pulled at Jorden’s arm.

On the way up the stairs, Jorden grabbed her sister by her shirt-tail to get her attention. “What’s happening with you and Mark?”

Bobbette stopped at the top of the stairs. “I love him—plain and simple. I know this is it.” Her voice softened before she continued, “Mark hasn’t asked me to marry him—but he’s dropping hints.”

Jorden hugged her sister. “I bet it won’t be long.”

Christmas day started off with a blanket of snow. Jorden, half asleep, could hear her mother stirring. Her voice floated down the hallway. “It’s Christmas! Wake up, it’s almost ten.” Jorden groaned and rolled over.

An hour later, Jorden’s family managed to gather around the brightly decorated tree, eating cookies, and drinking steaming mugs of coffee. This year Mark joined them; he acted as Santa and gave out the presents. “This one’s for Mr. Marshall.” He tossed it across the room. “Good catch! You must have played football in your younger days.”

“Oh, call me Grant. You’re at our home so much I forget you’re not part of our family.”

“Dad!”

“What?”

“You’re embarrassing me,” Bobbette said in a low voice, nudging her father. Jorden winked at her sister, watching her reaction.

It was a fun-filled day but Jorden couldn’t help but think about Alex and Justin. Neither had called. She needed to make sure she had a ride back to Columbus—but refused to call Alex. After dinner she helped her mother with the dishes.

“Where’s your mind? What’s wrong with you?”

“Nothing!” Jorden retorted.