A Ruby Christmas Chapter Nine

UPDATE: A Ruby Christmas is FREE on Kindle 

Friday, December 13 through Monday, December 16. 

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Read Chapter One here.
Read Chapter Two here.
Read Chapter Three here.
Read Chapter Four here.
Read Chapter Five here. 
Read Chapter Six here.
Read Chapter Seven here.
Read Chapter Eight here.

A Ruby Christmas

Chapter Nine

by Phee Paradise

When the plane started the approach to Guatemala City, Ruby pressed her face to the airplane window like a little kid. Mountain peaks spread across to the horizon with three volcanoes rising in perfect cones above them all. It was as if she had been transported into one of her favorite books, only she had never imagined God’s creation would be this majestic. She couldn’t wait to be down there looking up at them. But once she was in the airport, with the familiar sounds of Spanish, it didn’t seem so exotic after all. She moved through customs easily and went looking for Yippee’s crate. He was still sedated and at the sound of her voice moved his tail a bit without lifting his head. She squatted to get closer to him.

“You have to be Ruby. You look just like your mother.”

“Uncle Dwayne?” Ruby jumped up to look at her mother’s other brother whom she hadn’t seen since the funeral. She barely remembered him, but something about the way he tipped his head reminded her of Momma and Uncle Jared. She swallowed a sudden lump and took the hand he offered.

“And this must be Yippee. Let’s get him home so he can get out of that crate.”

Home was a cement block house near the Christian college where Uncle Dwayne taught archaeology. After he settled Yippee and Ruby in their bedroom, he offered her a cup of coffee.

“In Guatemala, they drink it with a gallon of milk and a pound of sugar, but I like mine black.” He pointed his chin toward a sugar bowl.

Ruby shook her head. “Why spoil the taste?”

He nodded, and they sipped in silence for a little while. Eventually he put down his mug. “So you’re on a quest for the perfect Nativity scene.”

“Well, I don’t know about perfect. I’ve found pieces in a lot of places in the world so, of course, they don’t match. It was all Daddy’s idea, you know.”

“Oh, yeah, I know.” He looked over her head as if he was remembering something.

“How well do you know Daddy?”

He took a minute more before he answered. “That’s kinda hard to say. I’ve lived here near twenty-three years. I’ve gone home, of course, but I don’t think I’ve seen him—or you—since your mother went to heaven.”

Before her trip, that phrase would have bothered her. After Momma died, people tried to comfort her by saying things like that. Even if it was true, it hadn’t helped, because Ruby had needed her here, not in heaven. But the way Uncle Dwayne said it, he sounded like he not only believed it, he was glad about it. And now she knew God had been there for her all along.

“They came to visit me before you were born. Eliza had always loved Guatemala. We visited a lot when we were kids. But your daddy wasn’t so sure about it.”

“Why not?”

Uncle Dwayne looked into his mug for a while before looking back at Ruby. “Let me tell you a story. A long time ago, a boy from Texas came to Guatemala on a short-term mission. His group stayed at a camp called Monte Sión where they helped get it ready for the campers. He fell in love with one of the girls in the group, and when they went back to the States they got married. They always loved Guatemala and came back with their family as often as they could. When their son grew up, he came to teach and never left. Their daughter wanted to be a missionary here, but before she finished college, she fell in love with a Texas rancher. He was sure God hadn’t called him to the mission field. But she convinced him to visit her brother, just to see if he was wrong. It wasn’t a very pleasant visit. She wanted him to love the country the way she did. He wanted her to go home and be his wife. They fought a lot.”

Ruby waited for the rest of the story. Daddy and Momma had been completely in love. She knew that, even though she had been a kid when Momma died. So there had to be more.

Uncle Dwayne stared at his coffee for a long time. “I’m not sure what happened to change them, but I know it happened at Monte Sión. When I took them out there, Eliza and Jake spent all afternoon at the campfire circle. When they came back to the car, they were holding hands and laughing. After that, they didn’t fight anymore. When they went back to the States they got married, and you know the rest of the story.”

“I wonder what they talked about. I guess I’ll never know, but I’d love to go to Monte Sión. Can you take me?”

Uncle Dwayne smiled. “Already planned. But you’ll have a better guide than me. Tomorrow you’re going to meet Rocksanda.”

Would seeing the place where Momma and Daddy had made their commitment to each other bring her closer to both of them? As she tried to picture this place that Momma loved, it was Jonathan she saw smiling back at her, beckoning her into a new exciting world.

In the morning, while they were finishing scrambled eggs and more black coffee, a short girl about Ruby’s age strode into the kitchen. She dropped a small cardboard box onto the table by Ruby’s plate, said something to Uncle Dwayne in Spanish, and disappeared below the table.

“Ruby, this is Rocksanda, my graduate assistant. She’ll be glad to welcome you to her country when she’s done flirting with your dog.”

The girl looked up from the floor where she was offering a hand to Yippee and tossed her long black braid over her shoulder. “Mucho gusto, Ruby,” she said. Then, in English that wasn’t too bad, “Welcome to Guatemala. Please, open the box.” She laughed when Yippee pushed his head into her small brown hand.

Ruby opened the lid and lifted out a brooch unlike anything she had ever seen. It looked like a slice of a tree branch, smoothed and polished, with a safety pin attached to the back. A tiny volcano was painted on the front with the words Monte Sión under it.

“Thank you. I love it.”

Rocksanda jumped up. “You’ll love Monte Sión more. Are you ready?”

During the drive out of the city, Ruby watched the people until the buildings disappeared and mountains surrounded them. There was always at least one volcano in sight. Barely stopping to breathe, Rocksanda chatted about her country, jumping from topic to topic so Ruby couldn’t keep up. She also drove pretty fast on the two lane highway, but she had to slow down when they crossed a bridge into a town with narrow cobblestone streets between high pink and turquoise walls.

“Amatitlán,” Rocksanda announced. “We’re almost there.”

On the other side of the town, the road wound around the hillside above a lake and eventually they turned into a drive up the hill. Rocksanda parked the car in a dirt lot overlooking the lake and jumped out, opening the back door for Yippee.

He took off across a grassy field, and they ran after him, a breeze blowing back their hair. Ruby relished the reminder of her childhood, running across the ranch. By the time they reached the large building at the top of the hill, she was out of breath. Rocksanda leaned over and pressed her hand to her side, grinning at Ruby, sucking in deep breaths of air. Then she straightened, spread her arms, and spun around.

“Monte Sión. El lugar mas lindo en todo el mundo. The prettiest place in the world.”

Ruby looked out at the lake. There was a building behind her and several structures further down the hill, but the lake, sparkling in the sunlight, surrounded by tree covered hills with mountains rising behind, drew her. She gazed at it as her breathing slowed and then spoke Momma’s favorite verse from Psalm 121. “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills. From whence cometh my help?”

Rocksanda laughed. “Turn around.”

Ruby tore her gaze from the lake to obey and gasped. A sort of mountain lodge stood in front of her with a volcano centered behind it. The perfect cone dominated the sky. She spoke without taking her eyes off it. “I see why you love it.”

But Rocksanda was off again, Yippee at her heels. “Come see our Mayan stone.”

She ran down a path toward a swimming pool but stopped in front of a waist high rock outside the enclosure. She pointed to a hollow in the top of the rock and several narrow grooves carved in the sides. “This is where the Mayans sacrificed to the volcano gods. They cut chicken throats there and the blood ran down here.”

Ruby shuddered. The stone was so out of place at a Christian camp.

“But the important sacrifices are over there.”

This time Rocksanda ran around another building and down another path. Ruby chased after, wondering if the next attraction would be a place for human sacrifice. They stopped at the top of a little amphitheater where tiered stone benches descended to a fire pit. Rocksanda stood still, for once not laughing, as if she waited for something important to happen. Ruby stopped beside her, remembering Uncle Dwayne’s story.

“So this is it?” she whispered, stepping down to sit on a bench.

She pictured Daddy and Momma sitting here, wrestling with each other and with an irresistible God. Tough and forthright, Daddy wouldn’t have given in easily, and he would have told God exactly what he wanted. Momma. In the end, he had won her. But what had she given up for him? Momma had not only loved Daddy, she had loved God and wanted to serve Him. Life on a ranch wasn’t an exotic mission field, but Momma had served God there and loved doing it. It wasn’t a sacrifice for her. Ruby was sure of that.

Staring past the stone seats, across the field beyond to the glittering water of the lake, she wasn’t aware of tears until she wiped her fingers across her cheek. She thought of her own selfishness and wondered if she were strong enough to sacrifice something she loved to serve God. Once again, she pictured Jonathan beckoning her into the unknown.

After a long time, she looked down at Rocksanda kneeling by the fire pit. She walked down the steps to kneel beside her. A brown hand reached for hers and Rocksanda said something in Spanish. Ruby smiled. She didn’t need to know the language to know she had just been blessed.

On the drive home, they made plans to go shopping the next day. Uncle Dwayne said Daddy had insisted that she buy clothes made of the colorful native fabrics. Rocksanda had as much to say about the different styles and colors as she had about the archaeology, geography, and history of her beloved country.

This time they rode a bus across town, and Yippee stayed home. It wasn’t an open-air market like Ruby had imagined, but when they entered the huge building that housed the vendors, she was overwhelmed by the noises, aromas, and colors. She wanted to look at everything at once. Rocksanda pushed her way through the crowd between stalls enclosed by flimsy walls. Ruby glimpsed large gunny sacks bursting with black beans and rice, baskets of strange fruits, buckets of flowers, blue ceramic cook pots, and rows of plastic shoes before they turned a corner and stopped.

“This is the turista section. This is where you’ll find everything you want.”

Ahead of her were tables draped with red and blue cloths, covered with jewelry, wood carvings, and pottery. On the walls behind the tables hung shirts, skirts, and purses woven in the bright colors she had seen on the streets.

“Wow. Where do I start?”

She turned to the stall on her left, but although the turquoise jewelry displayed was tempting, that wasn’t what she was looking for. First she had to find a piece for the crèche. A pottery stall displayed several Nativity sets. She picked up a brightly painted wise man, turned it in her hand and put it down. The workmanship was rough. This was clearly folk art with an emphasis on folk. But she wasn’t here to find art. Otherwise she’d be in one of the expensive shops they had seen from the bus. She decided pottery wasn’t what she was looking for either.

She headed toward a table with carved plates and masks. There were several figurines among them. The vendor, dressed in ordinary jeans and a t-shirt with a picture of a bald eagle, came forward with a smile. Rocksanda spoke to him in Spanish while Ruby poked through the stuff on the table. From under it, the vendor brought out a Nativity scene. The pieces were smooth and polished. While she picked them up, one by one, he suggested a price.

“Ask him if I can buy just parts of it.”

His smile disappeared, and he shook his head.

“This is going to be hard.” While Ruby looked around his stall for figurines that weren’t in sets, the vendor and Rocksanda talked. Once more he bent under the table and brought out a handful of Nativity pieces.

“He says these aren’t finished, but if you pick some, he’ll polish them for you right now.”

He was right. They didn’t have the detail that the other set had. But there, in the middle of the pile, Ruby spotted what she was looking for. She put one in the palm of her hand and held it up. A shepherd knelt with his head bent a little, holding his crook in one hand. The edges were rough, but his posture showed humility. That portrayed Daddy perfectly. A humble servant. “I’ll take these.”

“These.” Rocksanda helped her count out the quetzales and centavos. The vendor picked up a piece of fine sandpaper and the girls turned to the next stall.

“We can come back after you buy clothes. We’re going to make you look like a chapina.” Rocksanda laughed.

**

When they dragged themselves into Uncle Dwayne’s place at supper time, he actually wanted to see her treasures. She held up a blue and green striped vest and several loose tops that would look great with jeans. Her favorite was a white blouse with embroidery around the neck and a silver chain with intricately interlaced links.

“That’s a beautiful Coban wedding chain. Should I be making plans for a trip to Texas?” He looked over at Rocksanda and winked.

“What? I didn’t know. You didn’t tell me.” Ruby glared at Rocksanda.

The girl was kneeling by Yippee. She held his jaws in both hands, pulling an ear close to her face to whisper loudly. “She’ll need it someday, won’t she, Yippee?”

Uncle Dwayne picked up one of the shepherds. “Yes. This embodies Jake’s experience, doesn’t it? Even though he insisted he wasn’t called as a missionary, I saw him on his knees daily while he was here. I think he sought the Lord’s will for his life and the life of your mother, and when he was sure of what God had for him, he took his cause to Eliza. I think he humbly asked her to marry him despite the fact that she had other ideas of where they would spend their lives. Then, when Eliza agreed, they served the Lord together in Texas.”

Ruby watched the uncle, who looked like Momma, holding the figurine that captured Daddy. Even though she had only been in the country Momma loved for a few days, she knew she had found her parents’ love story. She was ready for the last leg in her journey that she hoped might even end with her own tale of love and a humble surfing cowboy.


Check back tomorrow to get your own FREE Kindle version of A Ruby Christmas, which includes the final two chapters of Ruby's journey!

Our authors are blogging all sorts of fun posts, interviews, articles, devotions and more during the next couple of weeks too, so we'll try to keep an updated list so you can visit. Most of them are changing posts as often as we are, so if you see their names listed more than once, check out all the links, because it's a different post.

Thursday, December 12

For the Pinterest contest, visit Chapter Nine's Pinterest image and Phee Paradise's blog to compare the final photo. Then, send us your list of differences - magnificenthope [at] yahoo [dot] com - for your chance to win!

DIANNE E. BUTTS

MARJI LAINE Chapter 9 Devotion on Faith~Driven Fiction

PHEE PARADISE on Delighted Meditations

J.A. Marx

From Wednesday, December 11

For the Pinterest contest, visit Chapter Eight's Pinterest image and Debbie Roome's blog

DIANNE E. BUTTS

MARJI LAINE Chapter 8 Devotionon Faith~Driven Fiction
FAY LAMB hosts Tracy Ruckman who shares the family Christmas Divinity recipe
JENNIFER FROMKE
PHEE PARADISE

From Tuesday, December 10

For the Pinterest contest, visit Chapter Seven's Pinterest image and Marji Laine's blog

DIANNE E. BUTTS

FAY LAMB on INNER SOURCE

MARJI LAINE Chapter 7 Devotion on Faith~Driven Fiction

PHEE PARADISE hosts MARJI LAINE for guest devotional on Delighted Meditations

From Monday, December 9

For the Pinterest Contest, visit Chapter Six's Pinterest image and Jennifer Fromke's blog
JENNIFER FROMKE  Author Interview on Stitches through Time
MARJI LAINE - Interview on Lena NelsonDooley's Blog
DIANNE E. BUTTS
FAY LAMB posting on INNER SOURCE
MARJI LAINE Chapter 6 Devotion onFaith~Driven Fiction
PHEE PARADISE on Delighted Meditations
J.A. Marx

From Friday, December 6

For the Pinterest contest, visit Chapter Five's Pinterest image and Jerusha Agen's blog
DIANNE E. BUTTS
FAY LAMB posting on INNER SOURCE
JERUSHA AGEN guest posts at SERIOUSLY WRITE blog
MARJI LAINE Chapter 5 Devotionon Faith~Driven Fiction
MARJI LAINE Devotional about Light on A Woman Like Me Blog
PHEE PARADISE on Delighted Meditations

From Thursday, December 5

For the Pinterest contest, visit Chapter Four's Pinterest image and Ruth O'Neil's blog
DIANNE E. BUTTS
FAY LAMB posting on INNER SOURCE
MARJI LAINE Chapter 4 Devotion on Faith-Driven Fiction
PHEE PARADISE hosts Tracy Ruckman at Delighted Meditations

From Wednesday, December 4

For the Pinterest contest, visit Chapter Three's Pinterest image and Fay Lamb's blog
DIANNE E. BUTTS
JENNIFER FROMKE
MARJI LAINE Chapter 3 Devotionon Faith~Driven Fiction
FAY LAMB guest devotional at Phee Paradise's Delighted Meditations

From Tuesday, December 3

For the Pinterest contest, visit Chapter Two's Pinterest image and Dianne E. Butts' blog
FAY LAMB posting on INNER SOURCE
MARJI LAINE Chapter 2 Devotion on Faith~Driven Fiction
DIANNE E. BUTTS guest article about Christmas at Embattled Spirits
DIANNE E. BUTTS guest devotional at Phee Paradise's Delighted Meditations

From Monday, December 2

For the Pinterest contest, visit Chapter One's Pinterest image and J.A.'s blog to compare photos
Marji Laine hosts Sheryl Holmes
Dianne Butts
Fay Lamb
Marji Laine - Chapter 1 Devotional
Phee Paradise

About Phee Paradise

Phee Paradise is a freelance writer with diverse writing experience. Her work includes book reviews, newspaper articles and short stories, and she writes devotionals for her blog, Delighted Meditations http://delightedmeditations.blogspot.com/. She resides in South Carolina where she teaches public speaking and volunteers at her church. You can see some of her work at Faithwriters.com http://www.faithwriters.com/member-profile.php?id=42864

A Dozen Apologies

Coming Valentine's Day

2014

Mara Adkins, a promising fashion designer, has fallen off the ladder of success, and she can’t seem to get up.

In college, Mara and her sorority sisters played an ugly game, and Mara was usually the winner. She’d date men she considered geeks, win their confidence, and then she’d dump them publicly. When Mara begins work for a prestigious clothing designer in New York, she gets her comeuppance. Her boyfriend steals her designs and wins a coveted position. He fires her, and she returns in shame to her home in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where life for others has changed for the better.

Mara’s parents, always seemingly one step from a divorce, have rediscovered their love for each other, but more importantly they have placed Christ in the center of that love. The changes Mara sees in their lives cause her to seek Christ. Mara’s heart is pierced by her actions toward the twelve men she’d wronged in college, and she sets out to apologize to each of them. A girl with that many amends to make, though, needs money for travel, and Mara finds more ways to lose a job that she ever thought possible.

Mara stumbles, bumbles, and humbles her way toward employment and toward possible reconciliation with the twelve men she humiliated to find that God truly does look upon the heart, and that He has chosen the heart of one of the men for her to have and to hold.

A Ruby Christmas Chapter Eight

UPDATE: A Ruby Christmas is FREE on Kindle 

Friday, December 13 through Monday, December 16. 

Get your copy here.

Read Chapter One here.
Read Chapter Two here.
Read Chapter Three here.
Read Chapter Four here.
Read Chapter Five here. 
Read Chapter Six here.
Read Chapter Seven here.

A Ruby Christmas

Chapter Eight

by Debbie Roome

“Ruby Joy Buckner!”

Ruby turned her head, tracking the sound of a deep female voice with a guttural accent. The airport was a cultural milieu with skins ranging from deep chocolate to nut brown to toasted gold to smooth cream. “Wow!” She pushed her trolley toward the voice. “This place is like a box of assorted chocolates.”

A woman emerged from the crowd, stout but athletic and probably in her forties. Blonde hair lay loosely around her shoulders and her jeans and chiffon top were well cut. “Ellie Van Niekerk.” She stretched out a hand.

Ruby angled the trolley toward her, securing her suitcase and Yippee’s travel box. She’d read up on South African history. This culture was more formal than she was used to in Texas.

“It’s so good to meet you, Mrs. Van Niekerk.” She shook her hand.

“Ellie will do.” A warm smile lit the woman’s face. “It’s so good to finally meet you, too, darling.”

Realizing she was the only one wearing a winter jacket, Ruby slipped hers off, longing to put on shorts. “I never knew Momma had so many friends in far flung places.”

The woman relieved her of the cumbersome jacket. “I suppose we are a long way from Texas.” She dragged the word Texas into a drawl.

Ruby laughed. A sense of humor was a good start.

“So this is Yippee.” Ellie bent next to his travel box and let him sniff her fingers. “Poor dear will be glad to get out of that cage. We have a couple of Jack Russell’s on the farm as well as a few working dogs. Let’s get you to the bakkie.”

“The what-ee?”

Ten minutes later, she helped load her stuff into a double cab pickup—the bakkie. Yippee perched on her knees.

“Sure is good of you to have us to stay.” She scratched the dog’s ears. “I s’pose Daddy’s given you some background to my trip.”

“He has, darling. I’ve made some arrangements, and we’ll spend a couple of days on the farm, and then we’ll move into our townhome for the balance of your stay.”

“You have two homes?”

“Yes. It makes life simpler.”

Ruby reached up to pull a braid that was no longer there and fluffed her hair instead. “Sounds real strange to me. I’ve always lived on the ranch.”

“My husband, Michael, is away in Johannesburg at the moment.” Ellie turned onto a main road. “We come and go from the farm all the time, but the lifestyle suits us.”

Ruby nodded, trying to get her mind around this. Daddy might say she’s two sandwiches short of a picnic, but I like her. “Y’all have children?”

“One daughter who’s living in London at the moment.” Ellie pressed on the horn as a bunch of ragged children ran across the road. “Street children. They can be a real problem. If the windows are down or there’s goods in the back, they may try and grab stuff.”

Ruby shuddered. How could little children be criminals?

“This is the best view you’ll get of Table Mountain.” Ellie pulled off the road and onto the shoulder. “We’ll be going up there when we stay in town.”

The mountain rising steeply from the flat cityscape was far more impressive than its photographs.

“It has its tablecloth on.” Ellie flicked her hand at the windshield. “That’s what we call the layer of cloud that often rests across the top.”

“It’s wider than the state of Texas!” The poofy white wave begged Ruby to take a picture, but her camera was buried. “I was thinking more of a hillock with a flat top.”

Conversation slowed to a trickle as jetlag tugged on Ruby’s eyes. Long tar roads, acres of leafy vineyards, and hordes of brown-skinned workers blurred into a kaleidoscope of color … until she finally fell asleep, touching the part of her cheek Jonathan had touched.

**

“We’re here, darling.”

Licked on the chin, Ruby straightened out a kink in her back and stretched, nearly toppling Yippee who had his paws on the window. “I’m sorry ’bout that. Didn’t know how tired I was.”

The modern farmhouse had a wraparound veranda and cool shade trees. Thick lawns extended in all directions and a fountain cascaded near the front door. Ruby’s idea of a relaxing resort.

She skimmed her gaze out to a row of stables in the distance. “You keep horses, Ellie?”

“We’ve got five. Do you ride like your momma used to?”

“You betcha. I was born in a saddle.” She closed her eyes, imagining she was back on the ranch, saddling up Jester. “Do you ride?”

“I sure do. That’s how your momma and I got to know each other. We both volunteered at a camp for children with problem backgrounds. Taught them to ride and care for the horses. Spent time with the kids, loved them, and let them vent on us. I reckon it was the horses that did the work though. After a few days, the walls of self-defense and fear crumbled, and they were open to hearing that God loved them and how He could make a difference.”

Ruby faced the woman. “Was that here or in the USA?”

“In Texas.” Ellie’s eyes sparkled. “The temps were so high I was hot as a billy goat in a pepper patch during the two months I was there.”

You understand me. You understand where I’m from. Ruby relaxed into the assurance she was with a friend.
“We can head out for a ride later if you’d like.” Ellie cut the engine.

Swarmed by joy, Ruby swung open her door. “I know exactly where my boots are.”

The next couple of days unfurled in a haze of pleasure, punctuated with the smell of hay, fresh manure, and warm horses. The only thing that could’ve made it better was if Daddy’s data plan included the southern hemisphere. No exchange of texts with Jonathan, but the trip was winding down, and they’d soon be reunited.

“This is the closest I’ve felt to home in weeks.” Ruby cantered alongside Ellie. “Being able to talk about Momma to someone who knew her. The wide-open spaces. The horses.”

“It’s lovely.” Ellie reined to the right.

Yippee was enjoying himself, too, and one evening, Ruby gave an impromptu show for the farm staff. A row of dark skinned workers in overalls, and maids dressed in crisp pink uniforms sat on blankets on the veranda while Yippee walked on his back legs pushing a little trolley ahead of him. They guffawed when he rolled over and played dead and shrieked as he carried his little suitcase in his mouth.

**

A clear sky and sunshine warmed Ruby through the truck window. Riding in the bakkie, she eyed Table Mountain. No tablecloth today. The cable car glistened like a pearl on a silken strand, but as they drove closer, its size worried her.

She wiped her clammy hands on her shorts. “I’m not sure I want to ride that.”

“Nonsense.” Ellie jammed on brakes, honking at jaywalking street kids that disappeared into an alley. “It’s completely safe. Shuts down for a major overhaul each year and has never given problems.”

“Must be something else we can do.” Ruby searched for a tame, grounded attraction and found none.
“You’ll be fine, darling.” Her firm tone made this ride non-negotiable. “You can’t come all the way to Cape Town and not visit Table Mountain.”

Up close, the cable car was even bigger. With growing dismay, Ruby read aloud the brochure Ellie pressed in her hands. “It holds sixty-five people? And rotates as it ascends? Top speed of ten metres per second.”
She inched along in the loading line. “How long is a metre anyway?”

Ellie took her arm and squeezed her into the cable car with at least sixty other people. “Just watch.”

The doors slid closed.

Ruby found a spot by the window and grasped the thin handrail. “I still don’t think it’s fair that dogs aren’t allowed up here.”

She considered closing her eyes, but the panoramic view mesmerized her. Sheer rock faces, jagged and scarred, passed the window, and the base station and streets shrank. The ocean, navy with turquoise fringes, glistened in the sun, reminding Ruby of Jonathan. He’d probably love surfing here.

The five-minute ride passed too quickly.

At the top, Ruby stepped out and reached toward Ellie. “I’m sorry for acting like a kid. That really was amazing.”

“Let’s go for a walk, and then we’ll have a coffee.” The woman guided her with a hand on her back.

Gray, lichen-covered boulders tumbled across the summit, and little creatures that looked like rabbits with no ears hopped around.

Ruby raised her camera. “What in the world are those?”

“They’re dassies.” Ellie stopped near a stone outcropping. “Also known as rock rabbits.”

Ruby and Ellie walked slowly across the flat top of the mountain, stopping at different viewing points. Ruby straddled the stone barrier to soak up the scenery and capture memories on film.

“You’ll want a picture of that.” Ellie nodded toward a mound in the sea. “It’s Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for eighteen of the twenty-seven years he spent in prison. You should read the book.”

Ruby threw the woman a curious glance. “You throw a man in jail for decades and then invite him to run the country.”

“If you read his book, you’ll see that those years in jail made him into a good leader. The hardships and shame could have turned him either way, but he chose to forgive and grow through it.”

Ruby took a shot of the flat splotch of an island, imagining how she might survive on such an isolated speck. A forever view of real people living but never able to reach them. Stretching her gaze across the sea, she met the horizon, like a hope calling her on to something better. “I may have to get myself that book.”

Later that day, they transferred to the townhouse where she spent the night.

The next morning Ruby stretched in the twin bed and patted Yippee. “Show time.”

He jumped up, tail wagging like a fan.

Someone knocked on the door, and Agnes, the maid, entered with a tray of coffee, toast, bacon, and egg.
Breakfast in bed? Deciding it best to go with the flow, Ruby plumped up the pillows behind her back. “This looks delicious.”

Ellie’s townhouse, a smart three bedroom bungalow in a nice area, offered Ruby a sea view. Agnes, who lived on the property, kept it ready for visitors.

Ruby prepared for the day then joined Ellie on a stroll along the waterfront, which was a conglomeration of shops, cafes, and restaurants set along the harbor’s edge. The sky was blue and sunbaked. Yippee pranced along, ears pricked, eager for action.

“So where are we going to do our show?”

“Where those street performers are over there. Each of them is donating a performance to charity today, and the money collected will go to the Nelson Mandela’s Children’s Fund. Come have a look at the photo display.”

Perusing the images of children made Ruby’s eyes well. Some bore burns on their bodies. Others were emaciated. In one picture, a huddle of street children gazed down at her. “Their eyes seem so … vacant.”

“Because they huff glue.”

“It’s so sad.” Ruby wiped dry her eyes and followed Ellie into a café.

Those pictures made swallowing a spicy lunch of boerwors, a traditional South African sausage, difficult. The salad went down easier.

Showtime.

“Let’s do it, Yippee.” She set out props.

He correctly identified each colored toy, adding a little dance in between, which Ruby hadn’t commanded. As long as the crowd kept laughing, she didn’t care. He packed his suitcase then strutted across the stage, sending the audience into loud applause.

Ellie took the hat around several times.

Life is so much bigger than Texas. Ruby’s heart expanded at the sight of notes and coins overflowing the hat’s rim. God had a plan for her, and Cape Town was just another steppingstone.

Ellie embraced her at the end of the performance. “I’m going to miss you when you go, darling. Yippee, too.”

The terrier whined, his rear happily wagging.

Ruby’s throat tightened at the thought of leaving.

The woman kept a hand on her arm. “I guess it’s time to point you in the direction of that giant shed.”

A large, corrugated iron structure stood slightly apart from the main shopping area. Big white letters painted on the side read THE TIN SHED.

“You’ll find what you’re looking for in there. I’ll look after Yippee for you.”

Ruby stepped through the doorway and instantly immersed herself in a world of color. Creativity exploded. Farm scenes in three-dimensional art form, textured and layered. Mud huts and fences stood out in relief. Flamboyant costume jewelry combined bright gold with fire red stones. Carved giraffes taller than herself lined the walls.

Raw Africa.

“Holy belt buckles. This is amazing.” She stopped and admired painted wall hangings and cloths, bright and vibrant. African drums stood stacked in a corner and wildlife paintings combined a naïve quality with talent.
Momma woulda loved this. Sorrow crept in amid the fullness in her heart.

“Good afternoon.” A young woman approached her from one of the small shops. “Is there anything I can help you with?”

“I’m looking for pieces for a Nativity set.”

“Ah, you’ll need to see Elias.” The woman pulled out a colored brochure that showed a floor plan of the building. “He’s across the other side.” She pointed out the area.

Ruby thanked her and moved on, enjoying the aroma of wood shavings and earth.

The shop was easy to pick out, being the only one that sold Nativity pieces. Some were china and glass but most were carved from various types of wood.

A black man of indeterminate age, grizzled and dark with penetrating eyes, laid down his tools. “You’re looking for a set or a particular piece?”

Must be Elias. “Baby Jesus. He’s to fit in with a set that I’ve been collecting from places around the world.”

The old man folded his arms and rocked backward and forward. “That must be the most unusual request I’ve had in many years.” He rubbed his chin. “Wood, glass, bone, china, bamboo, or resin?”

“Wood, please.”

“Light or dark?”

“I’ll know what’s right when I see it.” She fingered a beautifully carved crèche. “Can you show me what you’ve got?”

Elias moved toward a display at the back of his store. He returned with a number of wooden babies displayed on a felt-lined tray and presented them to Ruby. All were carved with varying amounts of detail and showed the touch of a master craftsman.

Ruby picked up one. “Why is it three different colors?”

“Dark on one side, brown on another, white on the other.” Elias’s smile reached his eyes. “Could be the way that Jesus is seen by the world.”

She rolled the piece around in her hand. “Interesting.”

The old man locked gazes with her. “Well, we all see Jesus in different ways. History has it he was dark skinned. Not black like me or white like you. But somewhere in between. This piece will fit in to several different color sets depending on the way you position it.”

Cradling the baby in her palm, she moved the carving around, examining the different nuances of light. “Amazing.”

Elias bowed his head. “The Christ child is amazing.”

As he wrapped the carving in tissue paper, Ruby breathed in deeply the fragrance of freshly carved wood and resin.

Her trip was nearing its end, but the joy, peace, and understanding that layered her journey would stay with her forever. 

Check back tomorrow for Chapter Nine of A Ruby Christmas.

Our authors are blogging all sorts of fun posts, interviews, articles, devotions and more during the next couple of weeks too, so we'll try to keep an updated list so you can visit. Most of them are changing posts as often as we are, so if you see their names listed more than once, check out all the links, because it's a different post.

Wednesday, December 11

For the Pinterest contest, visit Chapter Eight's Pinterest image and Debbie Roome's blog

DIANNE E. BUTTS

MARJI LAINE Chapter 8 Devotionon Faith~Driven Fiction
FAY LAMB hosts Tracy Ruckman who shares the family Christmas Divinity recipe
JENNIFER FROMKE
PHEE PARADISE

From Tuesday, December 10

For the Pinterest contest, visit Chapter Seven's Pinterest image and Marji Laine's blog

DIANNE E. BUTTS

FAY LAMB on INNER SOURCE

MARJI LAINE Chapter 7 Devotion on Faith~Driven Fiction

PHEE PARADISE hosts MARJI LAINE for guest devotional on Delighted Meditations

From Monday, December 9

For the Pinterest Contest, visit Chapter Six's Pinterest image and Jennifer Fromke's blog
JENNIFER FROMKE  Author Interview on Stitches through Time
MARJI LAINE - Interview on Lena NelsonDooley's Blog
DIANNE E. BUTTS
FAY LAMB posting on INNER SOURCE
MARJI LAINE Chapter 6 Devotion onFaith~Driven Fiction
PHEE PARADISE on Delighted Meditations
J.A. Marx

From Friday, December 6

For the Pinterest contest, visit Chapter Five's Pinterest image and Jerusha Agen's blog
DIANNE E. BUTTS
FAY LAMB posting on INNER SOURCE
JERUSHA AGEN guest posts at SERIOUSLY WRITE blog
MARJI LAINE Chapter 5 Devotionon Faith~Driven Fiction
MARJI LAINE Devotional about Light on A Woman Like Me Blog
PHEE PARADISE on Delighted Meditations

From Thursday, December 5

For the Pinterest contest, visit Chapter Four's Pinterest image and Ruth O'Neil's blog
DIANNE E. BUTTS
FAY LAMB posting on INNER SOURCE
MARJI LAINE Chapter 4 Devotion on Faith-Driven Fiction
PHEE PARADISE hosts Tracy Ruckman at Delighted Meditations

From Wednesday, December 4

For the Pinterest contest, visit Chapter Three's Pinterest image and Fay Lamb's blog
DIANNE E. BUTTS
JENNIFER FROMKE
MARJI LAINE Chapter 3 Devotionon Faith~Driven Fiction
FAY LAMB guest devotional at Phee Paradise's Delighted Meditations

From Tuesday, December 3

For the Pinterest contest, visit Chapter Two's Pinterest image and Dianne E. Butts' blog
FAY LAMB posting on INNER SOURCE
MARJI LAINE Chapter 2 Devotion on Faith~Driven Fiction
DIANNE E. BUTTS guest article about Christmas at Embattled Spirits
DIANNE E. BUTTS guest devotional at Phee Paradise's Delighted Meditations

From Monday, December 2

For the Pinterest contest, visit Chapter One's Pinterest image and J.A.'s blog to compare photos
Marji Laine hosts Sheryl Holmes
Dianne Butts
Fay Lamb
Marji Laine - Chapter 1 Devotional
Phee Paradise

About Debbie Roome

Debbie Roome was born and raised in Africa and moved to New Zealand in 2006. Writing has been her passion since she was six years old, and she now works at it full time. Her first novel, Embracing Change, was released in 2010. Her latest novel, Contagious Hope, was released earlier this year by Write Integrity Press and was named a finalist for the Australasian CALEB award. Her second book in the series, Fragrant Hope, releases soon.

Recent nonfiction books include Cyber-Bullying is Never Alright: Dealing with the Pain of Cyber-Abuse and Magnitude 7.1 and 6.3. She also has stories in a number of anthologies and over 500 articles on various websites. In the last few years, Debbie has received a number of awards for her writing as well as placing in many competitions.

Visit Debbie's website

Contagious Hope

One final adventure could cost her everything ... Savannah James, a young New Zealand therapist, volunteers for a six-week mission trip to South Africa. During her journey, she is confronted with AIDS, prostitution, murder, and even a midnight escape to a safe house. Her new friends have struggles of their own, and one may lead them into even more danger. Will Savannah, Blake, and Pumzile ever be safe again? Will they ever be able to make a difference in the lives of those around them or will their final destination put an end to it all?

Available on Kindle

Contributing Author to The Christmas Tree Treasure Hunt

** Amazon Best Seller **

Grace takes delivery of a package and her life is turned upside down by nine sealed mystery envelopes from her late grandmother. Grammie’s instructions require Grace to take the journey of her lifetime, not only to far off places, but also into the deepest parts of her heart. As she follows the trail laid out for her and uncovers her family’s darkest secrets, Grace is forced to confront the loss and betrayal that has scarred her past and seek the greatest Christmas Treasure of all.

Available on Kindle: The Christmas Tree Treasure Hunt

Mind Games

A murder on New Regent Street in Christchurch throws Lindsay’s life into disarray. Things disintegrate even further when evidence in the form of a board game implicates her in the killing. With the help of her game collector friend, Sheridan, Lindsay sets out to solve this heinous crime and uncover the truth behind it. Set in post-earthquake Christchurch, the story highlights the charming aspects of life in New Zealand and also keeps the reader guessing until the end.

Available on Kindle

A Dozen Apologies

Coming Valentine's Day

2014

Mara Adkins, a promising fashion designer, has fallen off the ladder of success, and she can’t seem to get up.

In college, Mara and her sorority sisters played an ugly game, and Mara was usually the winner. She’d date men she considered geeks, win their confidence, and then she’d dump them publicly. When Mara begins work for a prestigious clothing designer in New York, she gets her comeuppance. Her boyfriend steals her designs and wins a coveted position. He fires her, and she returns in shame to her home in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where life for others has changed for the better.

Mara’s parents, always seemingly one step from a divorce, have rediscovered their love for each other, but more importantly they have placed Christ in the center of that love. The changes Mara sees in their lives cause her to seek Christ. Mara’s heart is pierced by her actions toward the twelve men she’d wronged in college, and she sets out to apologize to each of them. A girl with that many amends to make, though, needs money for travel, and Mara finds more ways to lose a job that she ever thought possible.

Mara stumbles, bumbles, and humbles her way toward employment and toward possible reconciliation with the twelve men she humiliated to find that God truly does look upon the heart, and that He has chosen the heart of one of the men for her to have and to hold.

A Ruby Christmas Chapter Seven

UPDATE: A Ruby Christmas is FREE on Kindle 

Friday, December 13 through Monday, December 16. 

Get your copy here.

Read Chapter One here.
Read Chapter Two here.
Read Chapter Three here.
Read Chapter Four here.
Read Chapter Five here. 
Read Chapter Six here.

A Ruby Christmas

Chapter Seven

by Marji Laine

As excited as she was about visiting Paris, Ruby couldn't shed a foreboding that tensed her neck and back. It started at the airport, with its absence of any English whatsoever. Thank heaven, Arno Brideau had a sign with her name on it, or she'd still be wandering around. Wearing straight jeans and a stylish scarf, the slender Arno helped her gather her luggage and the dog crate. He seemed pleasant enough, chatting in a heavy nasal as they took a thirty-minute subway ride, or as Arno called it—the Metro. They emerged from the Metro onto the tree-lined streets of the historic city. Yet her nerves persisted. The gawking of the folks on the street didn't help much. Yippee took it in stride, but Ruby hated feeling like a carnival clown.

“Dis eez de place.” Arno shifted her bags to one side and opened the door of the blue painted store front. Coiffure de Bleu. She'd Googled the name online before the flight, so the upscale beauty salon didn’t surprise her, but the name still sounded funny.

Several customers sat caped in spinning chairs, their hairdos in various stages. “Why Hair of Blue?” She waited until Arno led her to a back room before asking.

“Ah. It is a chic name, no? Aimee uses a special technique. She adds a bluing agent to make hair very black.” He led her to a set of stairs.

Arno's own stormy hair probably came from his wife's technique. “So it's blue hair 'cause it's black?” Ruby shook her head but followed Yippie upward. Confusion compounded her former nerves. Maybe this jaunt hadn't been such a sweet idea after all.

Her boots echoed on the hollow stairs no matter how soft she tried to step. Her heart pulsed the echo by the time she hit the second flight. Still Arno led her upward. Who ever heard of an eight-story building without an elevator? The simple bag she'd hung on her shoulder felt like it contained old bricks by the time Arno finally stopped, somewhere between level four and the top.

Ruby lost count but joined him on the narrow landing, puffing away. No wonder the man was skinny as a fencepost if he climbed this mountain every day.

He smiled, slipping a key in the bolt. “It eez a workout, no?”

“Yes.” She'd have to cut out all the rich food and get back to normal eating when she got back home. And maybe take in them new-fangled Zumba classes.

“Have a seat.” He carried her bags through a door to the right.

The fear niggled again. She scratched under Yippee's chin, whispering more to calm herself than him. “This is silly to feel nervous. What a sweet couple to take in a complete stranger like this.”

Well, not complete stranger. Aimee's mom and Ruby's mom had been college roommates. Still that seemed a pretty thin connection.

She had little time to think about it, though. Shoes clicked on the steps outside seconds before Aimee burst into the room.

Yippee jumped up and gave a short bark.

“Ah. You must be precious Ruby?” The petite woman grabbed Ruby's face and pulled it close, making a kissing sound on each side of her cheeks. She looked over Ruby’s shoulder. “Arno, you have an errand, no?”

Arno smiled and bowed in grand fashion. “I will return.”

Before Ruby could wonder about his secretive mission, Arno left. She pulled on her right braid, twisting it around her fingers.

“Ah. And this is Yippee. Aw, chien doux. Sweet puppy.” She knelt and scratched Yippee, who, of course, ate up every bit of the attention. The black hair spread to Aimee as well, though her original color had been a sandy blond like Ruby's. At least that was the way she'd looked in the picture her dad showed her. The bluing made a difference though. Gave an exotic, almost Asian look to her features.

Aimee rose and gave Ruby another hug. “I am so glad to have you here.” She released her, holding her at arms' length. “How was your flight? Eezee?”

“Uh, yeah.” She felt like a ten-year-old who couldn't loose her own tongue.

“Well we are going to make your visit très magnifique. Your first time to Paree ... it must be extra special.”
Ruby could warm up to this subject. “I've been so looking forward to this stop. I love history and all of the architecture. It's gorgeous.”

“You have seen nothing yet. But first we will take care of the important matters.” She took her by the hand and grabbed the leash that Ruby had set down beside her. “Come, Yippee. We have much to do.”

“The Nativity piece. I've been trying to get the feel of a place before choosing that.”

“No-no. We will help you choose that on your last day. First we must get you ready.”

She trotted down the stairs, keeping pace with Yippee without effort. Even going down, Ruby began breathing rather hard at such a run. “What do you mean I have to get ready? I have a Sunday dress if I need it.”

Aimee laughed. “Chère amie. You are a grown woman, no?” The smaller woman stopped at the bottom stair and looked up at Ruby, several inches taller. She seemed to be waiting for an answer, but the facts made it obvious.

“Yes, I'm fully grown. What does that have to do with anything?”

“You are like a little girl. How long have you worn plaited hair?”

She didn't understand the word plaited, but anything referring to Ruby's hair must have been about her braids. “I've always worn it in braids. Just easier that way.”

“Is not eezee like what I will do. You see.”

Truth dawned. “Wait. You're not talkin' 'bout cuttin' my hair?”

“Mais oui, chéri. Yes, of course.” Aimee pulled her along. “Your father did not tell you about his request?”

No way! Daddy asked her to do this? How could he? “N-no.”

“Ruby, you have learned much from your voyage, yes? You have changes on the inside.”

Ruby nodded.

“Let them show on the outside.”

“It's just sorta sudden-like. I never really thought about it.” Not that thinking about it would change her mind one iota.

“Well, why don't you think about it? Go outside, walk Yippie, and breathe some fresh air. You'll see that I am right.”

Aimee opened the door for Ruby, and a thin woman in a skimpy skirt entered. She halted in the doorway, a stunned look on her face and stared at Ruby from horn to hoof and backed up again. She spouted something in French, and Aimee jumped with an apologetic look on her face. Ruby caught a few words, no-no and something about her just being a friend, but Ruby scooted before the lady could turn the tirade in her direction.

**

The blue door shut behind her, and she stared at her reflection in the darkened glass inset in the door. She earned glances from the people who passed behind her. Maybe her braids did look misplaced in this high-fashion city. Though her figure sure didn't look like that of a little girl, she stood out among the pedestrians on the street. She latched the leash to the collar and chose a direction.

Yippee's paws clipped the pavement beside her, and her own boot clomps echoed. They sounded about as empty as she felt, though she couldn't put her finger on why she felt that way. Maybe because she'd reached a path that she didn't want to venture down. Disappointing her dad. Yeah, that was what she felt. All through this journey, she'd followed his wishes. But how could he want her to cut her hair?

Ruby walked the pleasant Parisian streets with their mixture of modern shops and old architecture. Yippee loved the tree-lined thoroughfares and sidewalk cafes. The November air was cold, if not brisk. When the wind whipped just a bit, Ruby almost wanted to turn back to the warmth of the shop or to at least get a jacket, but she pressed on with the walk and her decision. On her flight, she had Googled Paris and discovered that the city was divided into sections called arrondissements—each with its own distinct personality. Arno and Aimee lived in the 15th arrondissement, which was awfully close to the 7th where she would find the Eiffel Tower. Despite the cold, Ruby and Yippee continued their trek toward the Seine.

Ruby and the Parisians had one thing in common—a love for canines. Many two legged pedestrians had their four-legged friends either tugging ahead, pulling behind, or feigning tiredness and being carried through the streets.

Remembering the lesson she’d learned in New York, Ruby smiled and said hello as she passed. The greetings were returned in a variety of languages, but Yippee’s language was always returned in kind—a bark, a sniff, and a wag of the tail.

Ruby came upon the Pont de Grenelle, a bridge to a man-made island in the Siene. On the island, facing away from the beautiful city, was the replica of the Statute of Liberty gifted by the United States to France after the French had bestowed the larger Grand Lady to America.

On the bridge, Ruby stopped. “Yippee, look.” She pointed upriver. “The Eiffel Tower.” The steel structure was fully visible in the distance. Ruby leaned on the railing of the bridge and sighed. The Eiffel Tower was meant for romance. If only Jonathan were here. What a romantic place for their very first kiss. That is, if he wanted to kiss her.

He had her so addlebrained. She always thought of love as a whirlwind, taking her up and lifting her high so that she would think her feet could never touch the ground again.

What she was experiencing was a gentle breeze that lifted her spirits and made her dream of what was to come.

She didn’t know which was better.

Of course she’d never really been in love before.

She swallowed hard. She could just imagine Jonathan on the tower with her. She closed her eyes and almost prayed aloud. Instead, she let the dream evaporate. She didn’t want what could have been to ruin what truly was in front of her. “Come on, Yippee.” They’d visit the tower another time.

Not far from the bridge was Parc Andrew Citroën, a symmetrical wonderland of cement, trees, fountains, manmade waterway, glass greenhouses, and open space. The park was named after the automaker who’d had a factory in that very spot. Ruby thought she’d died and gone to heaven. Yippee thought so, too, but they were stopped by a well-meaning man who told her that pets were only welcome in one area of the park. Ruby thanked the kind gentleman and found the White Garden where, sure enough, people and pets romped. “Hey, Yip, let's see what friends you can make here.”

After Yippee sniffed around a bit, he jumped up and tugged on Ruby's right braid. Well that was one thing that would change if she actually went through with hacking her hair off. She couldn't rationalize using it as a good excuse not to cut it, though.

“Okay, Yippee. Showtime.” She unlatched the collar and led Wonder Dog in his best tricks. People laughed and a couple of kids clapped at his antics.

One smiling lady tried to hand her some paper money. Ruby laughed. “Oh, no, thank you. Uh ... merci.”
At that moment, an older fellow in a uniform strolled down the sidewalk and started shouting something at her in French. Ruby straightened. Had she done something wrong? “No comprende. Shoot-fire, that's Spanish.”

The man neared, but his volume didn't lower. Though her smile faded, the lady who offered her money chimed in, also in French. She seemed sincere but gave no help until she reached out and tugged on Yippee's leash.

“I get it.” Ruby reattached it to the dog's collar, and the man stopped yelling, said a few more words, and turned his back on her.

Ruby smiled at the older lady. “Merci, again.”

She retraced her steps toward the salon. Why did she want to keep her hair like this, anyway? She liked her braids okay, but Yippee was the only one who would really miss them. Still, something held her back. She'd worn them for as long as she could remember. Could that be part of the problem, her desire to hang on to the past? Maybe Daddy had been right all along about her. She was afraid to move forward with her life.

But look how far she'd come. She'd not been able to imagine actually traveling to all of these amazing places yet here she was in the city of light.

“Such a silly thing to worry about my hair, God.” He'd carried her so well thus far. Ignoring the wishes of her earthly daddy echoed lack of faith in her heavenly one. Both of them only wanted the best for her.

By the time she neared Coiffure de Bleu salon, she'd made her decision.

**

“Eez tres chic.”

Ruby had been unable to look while Aimee snipped away. Now, she opened one eye and then the other. She hadn’t known exactly what her new friend meant, but she got the gist. Ruby swallowed. Was that grown woman looking back at her from the mirror really her?

“And the natural curl in your hair makes it effèminè.”

Yes, it was her, and Ruby liked the new look. “Makes it sorta fluff out, too.” The mirror across the room reflected the declaration. Her sandy-blonde hair framed her face with rounded waves that stacked up just under her ears. The effect was stinkin' cute.

“Your beau, he will find you …” Aimee waved her hand in cirlces. “… irresistible, I think.”

Jonathan? Oh, no. He’d liked her braid. Would he like this?

Ruby bowed her head. What had she done?

The door to the salon opened, and Yipee gave a joyous bark.

“Here is Arno, and he has a special someone with him,” Aimee’s voice carried a playful lilt.

But Ruby concentrated on the single teardrop that fell on her hand. She wiped it away. This was silly. She’d just made a big change, and she didn’t realize how nervous she would be. If Jonathan …

“Is she not irresistible, Jon-a-than?”

Ruby let Aimee’s words seep in. She lifted her gaze to the mirror.

Jonathan stood, cowboy hat in hand, his mouth parted in surprise.

Ruby stood, turning toward him. And then with a big unladylike whoop, she was in his arms.

“I’ve missed you,” he whispered against her ear. “And you are beautiful, as always.”

Ruby couldn’t help it. The tears flowed, and she cried against him, feeling at home in his embrace.

**

Her last day in Paris—with Jonathan—and Ruby had saved the best for last. After they’d spent several days sightseeing, today they had two locations on their itinerary: the art district for Nativity shopping and the Eiffel Tower for what Ruby hoped would be a romantic temporary farewell.

Jonathan arrived at the Brideaus’ for breakfast, a meal they had both agreed was their favorite and not to be missed together, if they could help it. They spent some time with Arno and Aimee before heading out.

No one pointed at her. No weird stares for her, but Jonathan and Yippee did seem to catch the eyes of the women in the crowd. Ruby had to admit, he cut a dashing figure in his Levis, shirt and jacket, and Stetson. He would be en vogue anywhere on Earth.

Ruby had found a cute new sweater to exchange for her flannel plaid shirt. She bought a puppy sweater of the same royal color for Yippee.

The new style felt good.

“You look happy.” Jonathan laced his hand in hers. “This trip agrees with you.”

“I guess I am. Funny, I felt kinda nervous at first but not anymore.”

He stopped and tucked a wayward strand of hair behind her ear. “You are never alone and should always have joy.”

Wow. Jonathan’s time out on the waves had brought clarity to him. He spoke the truth with such boldness, and his words stabbed her heart with conviction. Not like she'd forgotten her heavenly Father had been with her all along. But she'd let her nerves get to her instead of bringing her burden to the throne. “You're right. I know better. I guess I still have a lot to learn about life.”

He winked. “Just something I had to learn after my dad’s death. I’d spent so much time alone when he was with us, I shouldn’t have felt so abandoned. God had to gently remind me that He has never left me. Now, let’s find the piece for your daddy’s Nativity. Aimee said we’d find it here.”

The shop across the street from a beautiful fountain seemed to overflow with gorgeous Santon figurines. Ruby, and a patient Jonathan, spent a happy couple of hours narrowing down her choice to one. A porcelain Mary who looked more girl than woman, yet held a protective hand out toward her newborn. She held it up for Jonathan’s approval.

He never took his eyes off her. “Perfect.”

**

After their shopping, Jonathan left Ruby at the Brideaus’ and went to his hotel to change. Ruby hurried to get ready, throwing on a pair of jeans and a sweater top.

“Oh, no-no.” Aimee rocked her index finger back and forth. “You want this boy—this man—to commit, do you not?”

How in the world had she figured that out? Ruby could only nod.

“Well, he is not going to do so with …” Aimee held her arms out, palms up, and moved them up and then down. “… with these ordinary clothes.”

“I don’t have anything else,” Ruby advised.

“Oh, that is not so. Your poppa, he planned ahead.”

“He knew Jonathan was coming here?”

Aimee giggled. “From what I understand he did not. Until Jon-a-than asked your poppa’s permission. And this is why we have saved this for tonight.” Aimee clapped her hands, and Arno entered carrying a garment bag and the cutest little boots and hat Ruby Joy Buckner had ever seen. She gave a whoop and ran to him, retrieving her prizes.

“You go.” Aimee kissed Arno and closed the door. “Now, Ruby, let’s create a masterpiece for this wonderful cowboy so he will find his way to Texas and into your heart.”

**

Dusk had fallen as they approached the Eiffel Tower from Champ de Mars. Lights illuminated the structure, making it appear golden. Jonathan stopped and stared upward. “It’s something, isn’t it?”

“You could say that.” Ruby laced her fingers with his.

He looked down and smiled.

She shivered at the look of desire in his sapphire blue eyes. If only she could be sure it wasn’t his excitement over the adventure. He had yet to tell her how he really felt, and she longed for a single hint.

They threaded through the crowd near the tower. Ruby paused when she saw the sign that said no more tickets were available for the top level. Her heart fell. Only someone with a fear of heights would visit Paris and not make a trip to the top, but here they were. It was the second level or nothin’.

Jonathan tugged her forward. “You afraid?” He offered her a mischievous smile.

“No. I was just hopin’ we’d be able to go all the way up.”

He pulled out his wallet and slipped out two tickets. That smile was wicked in its ability to melt Ruby’s knees.

Jonathan slipped his arm around her shoulder, and she didn’t care if they stayed on the ground. The gentle breeze lifted her heart, and she soared atop the tower already.

Once they did make it to the top, Ruby stared out into the night sky. “Jonathan have you ever seen anything so beautiful?” She turned to look at him.

His blue-eyed gaze was on her. “Uh-uh.” He smiled.

She folded her arms. “I’ve been meanin’ to ask you since you got here. Why’d you come all this way?”

“Don’t you know, Ruby Joy?” He stepped closer to the wire and looked out.

“Well, I was told you asked Daddy for his permission.”

“I didn’t want to show up in Paris without it. I happen to know he can shoot the rattle off a diamondback at fifty yards.” He tilted the brim of her leather hat backward. “I was just tired of texting you on a hit or miss. As I said when I arrived, I missed you.”

She had to admit, she’d missed him something awful, too. Funny, when he left Texas, she’d been glad to see him go. Now, she’d die if he changed his mind and didn’t move back home.

“Well, aren’t you going to kiss me or something?” As soon as the words left her mouth, she slapped her hands over her lips. Kind of backward, since she’d already said what she shouldn’t have.

A smile teased his lips again. He stared out toward the Passerelle Debilly, placing his hands on the fence. “No, Ruby, I’m not going to kiss you in Paris.”

Sorrow worked its way from Ruby’s heart and lodged in her throat. She couldn’t breathe. He was here, but he didn’t feel the same way she’d come to feel about him.

He leaned toward her. “Because I’m saving our first kiss for a place much more special.”

Ruby held to the fence as the gentle breeze of love gained speed and swirled around her.

“Come here, Ruby Joy.” Jonathan slipped his arm around her, and she released her hold on the barrier preventing her from being whisked away by the feelings surrounding her. She decided she liked this love that Jonathan offered her. She didn’t need a whirlwind, not with him to keep her grounded.

“I sure am glad that we made this first trip here together,” he whispered against her hair. “I’m happy for the time we’ve had here, and”—he turned her toward him and brushed his hand tenderly against her cheek—”I can’t wait to see you back home in Texas. I love what this trip is doing for you. I can see the confidence you’ve gained.”

She did feel confident, even the next day, as she bid au revoir to Jonathan, who had a later flight back to the States, and to her new friends. The non-English signs all over the airport didn't bother her so much.

Settling in her window seat on the plane, she pulled out her itinerary and the information pamphlet for South Africa. 



Check back tomorrow for Chapter Eight of A Ruby Christmas.

Our authors are blogging all sorts of fun posts, interviews, articles, devotions and more during the next couple of weeks too, so we'll try to keep an updated list so you can visit. Most of them are changing posts as often as we are, so if you see their names listed more than once, check out all the links, because it's a different post.

Tuesday, December 10

For the Pinterest contest, visit Chapter Seven's Pinterest image and Marji Laine's blog

DIANNE E. BUTTS

FAY LAMB on INNER SOURCE

MARJI LAINE Chapter 7 Devotion on Faith~Driven Fiction

PHEE PARADISE hosts MARJI LAINE for guest devotional on Delighted Meditations

From Monday, December 9

For the Pinterest Contest, visit Chapter Six's Pinterest image and Jennifer Fromke's blog
JENNIFER FROMKE  Author Interview on Stitches through Time
MARJI LAINE - Interview on Lena NelsonDooley's Blog
DIANNE E. BUTTS
FAY LAMB posting on INNER SOURCE
MARJI LAINE Chapter 6 Devotion onFaith~Driven Fiction
PHEE PARADISE on Delighted Meditations
J.A. Marx

From Friday, December 6

For the Pinterest contest, visit Chapter Five's Pinterest image and Jerusha Agen's blog
DIANNE E. BUTTS
FAY LAMB posting on INNER SOURCE
JERUSHA AGEN guest posts at SERIOUSLY WRITE blog
MARJI LAINE Chapter 5 Devotionon Faith~Driven Fiction
MARJI LAINE Devotional about Light on A Woman Like Me Blog
PHEE PARADISE on Delighted Meditations

From Thursday, December 5

For the Pinterest contest, visit Chapter Four's Pinterest image and Ruth O'Neil's blog
DIANNE E. BUTTS
FAY LAMB posting on INNER SOURCE
MARJI LAINE Chapter 4 Devotion on Faith-Driven Fiction
PHEE PARADISE hosts Tracy Ruckman at Delighted Meditations

From Wednesday, December 4

For the Pinterest contest, visit Chapter Three's Pinterest image and Fay Lamb's blog
DIANNE E. BUTTS
JENNIFER FROMKE
MARJI LAINE Chapter 3 Devotionon Faith~Driven Fiction
FAY LAMB guest devotional at Phee Paradise's Delighted Meditations

From Tuesday, December 3

For the Pinterest contest, visit Chapter Two's Pinterest image and Dianne E. Butts' blog
FAY LAMB posting on INNER SOURCE
MARJI LAINE Chapter 2 Devotion on Faith~Driven Fiction
DIANNE E. BUTTS guest article about Christmas at Embattled Spirits
DIANNE E. BUTTS guest devotional at Phee Paradise's Delighted Meditations

From Monday, December 2

For the Pinterest contest, visit Chapter One's Pinterest image and J.A.'s blog to compare photos
Marji Laine hosts Sheryl Holmes
Dianne Butts
Fay Lamb
Marji Laine - Chapter 1 Devotional
Phee Paradise

About Marji Laine

Marji is a home-schooling mom of four with the oldest at UT Dallas. When she can't indulge in her passion for storytelling, she's transporting teenage volleyball players, teaching writing classes at a local co-op, and directing the children’s music program at her church. She loves acting in musical comedy, has directed many stage productions, leads a worship team, sings in her church choir, coordinates high school classes for a large home-school group, scrap-books, crochets, and designs Love Story books for newlyweds. She invites readers to unravel their inspiration, seeking a deeper knowledge of the Lord’s Great Mystery that invites us all.

Visit Marji's website: Marji Laine

Contributing Author to The Christmas Tree Treasure Hunt
** Amazon Bestseller **

Grace takes delivery of a package and her life is turned upside down by nine sealed mystery envelopes from her late grandmother. Grammie’s instructions require Grace to take the journey of her lifetime, not only to far off places, but also into the deepest parts of her heart. As she follows the trail laid out for her and uncovers her family’s darkest secrets, Grace is forced to confront the loss and betrayal that has scarred her past and seek the greatest Christmas Treasure of all.

Available on Kindle: The Christmas Tree Treasure Hunt

Heart Bouquets

What do stories about a high school principal with a mean reputation, a doctor searching for his dream car, an ad executive still in love with his ex-wife, a clueless husband, a graduating grad student trying to buy a cup of coffee for his ladylove, and a missionary on furlough have in common? Romance.

Authors Marji Laine, Jennifer Fromke, Lynda Schab, Stephanie Craig, Traci Tyne Hilton, and Peggy Cunningham, each give you a unique story: their Heart Bouquets especially for you.

A Dozen Apologies

Coming Valentine's Day

2014

Mara Adkins, a promising fashion designer, has fallen off the ladder of success, and she can’t seem to get up.

In college, Mara and her sorority sisters played an ugly game, and Mara was usually the winner. She’d date men she considered geeks, win their confidence, and then she’d dump them publicly. When Mara begins work for a prestigious clothing designer in New York, she gets her comeuppance. Her boyfriend steals her designs and wins a coveted position. He fires her, and she returns in shame to her home in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where life for others has changed for the better.

Mara’s parents, always seemingly one step from a divorce, have rediscovered their love for each other, but more importantly they have placed Christ in the center of that love. The changes Mara sees in their lives cause her to seek Christ. Mara’s heart is pierced by her actions toward the twelve men she’d wronged in college, and she sets out to apologize to each of them. A girl with that many amends to make, though, needs money for travel, and Mara finds more ways to lose a job that she ever thought possible.

Mara stumbles, bumbles, and humbles her way toward employment and toward possible reconciliation with the twelve men she humiliated to find that God truly does look upon the heart, and that He has chosen the heart of one of the men for her to have and to hold.