Chapter 24

“No matter. You’re home safe.”

His mom pointed to the box on the end table. “We saved your ornaments for you. You can put them on the tree later.” Frank cringed, feeling guilty once more.

“Go say hello to your father. He’s in his office. He’s working on his sermon for the Christmas Eve service tonight.”

He hugged his mother again and turned to go. He caught sight of four stockings hanging on the mantle. They assuaged his guilt somewhat. Some of his mom’s traditions were still being honored.

Frank made his way through the house to find his dad, Phoebe at his heels. He knocked lightly on his father’s office door.

“Come in.”

Frank entered the room. His father rose from his chair at his desk. “Merry Christmas, Francis.” The Reverend Bethune had always referred to his son by his given name.

“Merry Christmas, Dad.”

Frank walked over to him and they shook hands. It’d been a long time since his father had hugged him.

“We expected to hear from you about pick-up time, Francis.”