Chapter 46

She hugs me again. “Merry Christmas, Chris.”

“Take care of yourself.”

* * * *

Before I venture back home, I make a long detour and end up at St. Thomas’s Episcopal Church. Father O’ Brian is in the sanctuary preparing for his service later in the day when I clamor inside the heavy front doors.

He looks up from what he is doing and welcomes me with his usual cordial smile. “Good morning, Christian. You’re a bit early for my afternoon service.”

“Good morning, Father. I was wondering if you’d mind if I use the chapel for a few minutes.”

“Of course not. But is there anything that I can help you with?”

“I am just looking for a few minutes of quiet time.”

He gestures toward the front of the church. “By all means.”

“Thanks, Father.”

Before I step through the solid oak doors to the small chapel, Father O’ Brian says, “It was a pleasure meeting your family at midnight Mass. Lovely folks.”