at                    “I think the Velcro will work.”  Wade attached the wooden stick that held the silver, glittery Styrofoam star on the back of her wheelchair.  “Now, Han, you drive and test it, and we’ll see if it wobbles or not.”

                  With a sigh, Hannah drove around their living room. 

                  Kelsey wrapped her arms around Wade’s middle and prayed the star would stay in place since the Christmas play at church was that evening.

                  “It’s stable,” Wade said when her daughter stopped.

                  “Good.”  Hannah turned a little in her chair to look at the star.  “I like this star better than the droopy one on the headband.  This star is bigger.  Papaw and Uncle Travis did a good job.”

                  “And at the last minute, too.”  Kelsey smiled.  “Did you thank them?”

                  “Yes, Mama.”

                  Wade patted Hannah’s head.  “You’re going to be a beautiful star of Bethlehem.”

                  “Thanks.”  Her gaze went from Wade to Kelsey.  “Did you iron the white gown that I have to wear tonight?”

                  Kelsey nodded.  “It’s all ready.  After while, I’ll help you put it on.”

                  “’Kay.  Can I go and watch It’s a Wonderful Life in my room?”

                  “Sure, sweetie.”

                  Wade held his palm out, halting her.  “Let me pull your star off first.  It’s too tall to get into your room.”

                  After her daughter went to her room, Kelsey shook her head.  “I’m afraid she’s still a little disappointed she doesn’t have any lines.”

                  “Yes, she doesn’t seem as enthusiastic about this play as she was about the Thanksgiving one.”  He placed the star on the coffee table.  “She told me that last year she played Mary.  I guess being the star of Bethlehem is a demotion to her.”

                  “Well, she knows every girl gets a chance to be Mary, and I told her that the star played an important part that night.  Neither the three wise men nor the shepherds would’ve had found baby Jesus without it.  She said she knew that, and seemed to be contented then.  She did like the star that Dad and Travis made.  Maybe I’m wrong about the reason for her unhappy mood.”

                  “Maybe she’s nervous about her dad’s wedding in a few days and spending Christmas with him and his new wife.  What’s her name again?“

                  Kelsey placed her hands over her face for a moment, feeling like a dunce.  “Victoria.  Of course, that’s why Hannah is low.  How did I miss it?  Every time I brought up the wedding this week, she changed the subject.  She’s scared Parker won’t have any time for her, but Parker told me he had talked to Victoria and told her firmly that Hannah is his daughter, and she’ll be a part of their life.  He said Victoria that understood.”   She smiled at him.  “I guess seeing you with his daughter and the relationship you have with her, woke him up.”

                  Wade smiled, but Kelsey noticed the sadness in his eyes.  “If I brought Parker closer to Hannah, then I’m glad I helped.”

                  “Oh, honey.”  She tightened her arms around his waist.  “I’m sure one day, your father will forgive you.”

                  “Jordan Ramsey is as stubborn as they come.”  He pushed away a little.  “He will never forgive me.”

                   Kelsey caressed his cheek.  “I’ll still pray for reconciliation between you two.”

                  “Thanks.”  Wade gave her a quick kiss and then frowned.

                  Her brow furrowed.  “What?  Does my breath smell?”

                  Laughing, he shook his head.  “No, honey.  You’re minty fresh.  I just thought of something.  Did Parker tell Hannah that she will have no more problems with Victoria?”

                  “Parker said he told Hannah this past Saturday before going to the movies.”  Kelsey groaned.  “Knowing Parker, he probably just said that things would be fine between Victoria, her, and him.  Parker hates being in an uncomfortable situation with Hannah, but he doesn’t understand she needs more assurance.  I hope he comes here soon.  Parker needs to talk to Hannah before tonight.”

                  “Yeah, he does.”  Wade kissed Kelsey's cheek.  “I guess I’d better go so that you can get ready.”

                  “And pack Hannah’s suitcase.”  She sighed.  “I wonder why people get married close to Christmas.  It would seem to be a hassle.”

                  He shrugged.  “I guess because it's the special time of the season.”

                  “Maybe.”

                  “See you in church.”  Wade kissed her again.

                  As Kelsey watched Wade leave, she hoped Parker would ease Hannah’s mind, where Parker’s fiancée was concerned.  Their daughter needed to know her dad wouldn’t abandon her again or shirk his fatherly duties.

                  A knock on the front door snapped her out of her reverie.  Finding Parker on the doorstep relieved her.  He should be the one to talk to Hannah.

                  “Hi, Kelsey,” Wade said, smiling.  “I wanted to stop by and see Hannah before the play.  I’m sorry I didn’t call.”

                  “It’s fine.”  She let him in.  “I’m glad you came.”

                  Parker raised an eyebrow.  “Oh?”

                  “Something is bothering Hannah, and only you can ease her mind.”

                  “What is she worried about?”  He stepped closer into the living room, concern on his face.  “How can I help?”

                  “Wade and I believe Hannah’s worried about your wedding and the future of your relationship with her.”

                  Parker's mouth fell. “What?   I told her she had no reason to worry about Victoria coming between us.”

                  Kelsey folded her arms.  “Was that it?”

                  “What more should I have said?”

                  “A lawyer who makes his case on a regular basis should know what to say to his daughter.”

                  “It’s easy for you to say.”  He ran a hand through his hair and turned away.  “You’ve been a mother to Hannah all of her life, and up until last year, I was pretty much the guy who just paid child support.  Persuading a jury a person is guilty is easier than talking to our daughter.”

                  She went in front of him and put a hand on his shoulder.  “Speak from your heart.  Hannah just wants to know she’ll be a part of your life after you marry Victoria.”

                  “You’re right.”  Parker sighed.  “I’d better talk to our daughter.”

                  “She’s in her room watching a Christmas movie.  I can come with you if you want.”

                  “I’d appreciate that.”

                  Kelsey entered Hannah’s room first.  “Sweetie, stop the movie, please.”

                  Hannah turned the DVD player and the TV off and looked at Kelsey.  “I thought we had four more hours before we had to go to church.”

                  “We do, but-.”

                  Parker stepped in front of Kelsey.  “I want to talk to you.”

                  Hannah’s brows furrowed.  “Daddy, what are you doing here?”

                  “I wanted to spend some time with my favorite girl before the play.”  He pulled a chair that sat against the wall and sat next to her.  “But, your mom told me you’ve been upset, and it’s about Victoria and me.”

                  Hannah's eyes welled up.  “Am I really your favorite girl?”

                  Kelsey’s hand went to her chest.  Hearing her baby ask questions like that always broke her heart. 

                  “Yes, you are.”  Parker caressed Hannah’s hair.  “That won’t change when I marry Victoria.”

                  “How do you know?  Victoria doesn’t like me.”  Hannah lowered her eyes to her hands in her lap.  “She ignored me whenever I stayed at your house, and made me feel unwanted.  And whenever she talks to me, it’s in baby-talk.”

                  He put a finger under her chin so she would look at him.  “Hannah, I’m so sorry that Victoria made you feel that way.  She’s an only child, so she isn’t used to kids, but I had a long conversation with her, and I made it clear you’ll always be a part of my life.  I told her that if she didn’t see that and support it, then the wedding would be called off.”

                  Hannah’s eyes widened.  “You told Victoria that?”

                  “She was surprised too.”  Parker chuckled.  “However, when she realized I was serious, she listened.”

                  “Did you ask Victoria why she ignored me?” 

                  “Because she doesn’t know how to be around disabled people.”  He smiled.  “I told her how smart you are and how you are trying to be independent.  She felt bad she hurt you and vowed to me she’ll do better.”  Parker sighed.  “It’s my fault you two don’t know each other well by now.  No matter how busy Victoria was, I should’ve had you meet Victoria as soon as I started dating her.  I was nervous about how you would react, so I kept putting it off.”

                  “You had girlfriends before, and I met each one of them more than once.”  Hannah shrugged.  “What was the difference with Victoria?”

                  “Because I knew she was the one, and I knew you might be sad for your mom.”

                  Kelsey rolled her eyes.  Typical Parker.  Using her as an excuse for being cowardly.

                  “I was, but,” Hannah smiled at Kelsey,  “Mama has Wade now.”

                  “I know.”  Parker let out a haggard breath.

                  Hannah put a hand on Parker’s.  “I want you to be happy, Daddy, and I’ll promise to help to make it easy for Victoria to get to know me.”

                  Parker leaned over and hugged her.  “Thanks.  How did I get such an understanding and mature daughter?”

                  Hannah broke the hug and shrugged.  “Just lucky, I guess.”

                  “Guess so.”  He gestured to the TV.  “Did I hear Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed singing Buffalo Gals when I came in?”

                  “Yep.”  Hannah chuckled.  “After they fell into the swimming pool.”

                  “I haven’t watched It’s a Wonderful Life in ages.  Maybe we could watch it together.” 

                  “Yay!  I’ll start it over.”  In her excitement, she dropped the remote.

                  "I got it.”  Parker bent down and grabbed it, and then he glanced over at Kelsey.  “Is it all right if I stay?”

                  Seeing her daughter beaming, she couldn’t say no.  “Of course.  Hannah just needs to be dressed in her costume thirty minutes before going to church.”

                  “The movie will be over by then, Mama.”

                  “I know.”  Kelsey smiled and headed to the closet to retrieve a suitcase.  “You go on.  I need to pack your clothes and pajamas so that you’ll be ready to go with your daddy after church.  Don’t mind me.”

                  As Kelsey carried on with her task, the laughter of father and daughter filled her heart with sheer joy.  Now, with one prayer answered, she hoped the others would be as well.

***

                  At the church, Kelsey helped her fellow Sunday school teachers to get the kids in line.  As she Velcro-ed Hannah’s star in place, a tall, blonde woman, wearing a red dress, came up to them.

                  Kelsey eyeballed the woman whom she assumed to be Victoria.  She had an hourglass figure, manicured nails, and her dark, long blonde hair had highlights.  No wonder Parker’s attracted to her, she looks like a model.

                  “Hi, Victoria.”  Hannah pulled nervously on her white gown.   “Thanks for coming.”

                  Victoria smiled.  “Your dad said you’re a good actress, so I couldn’t wait to see you in action.“

                  “But I’m just the star.  I don’t have lines,” Hannah said.  “But like Mama said,” she smiled at Kelsey, “the star of Bethlehem was important because it showed the wise men and shepherds where the baby Jesus laid.”

                  “She’s right.”  Victoria’s gaze drifted from Hannah to Kelsey.  “I’m sorry I didn’t introduce myself before.  I didn’t know you were Kelsey.”

                  “It’s okay.  Nice to finally meet you.”

                  “Likewise.”  Victoria turned to Hannah.  “I better find your dad and grandparents.  I’ll see you afterward.” 

                  When Victoria went to find Parker and his parents, Hannah said, “Daddy was right, Victoria’s trying.”

                  “Yep, so, see?  Things will work out.”

                  Hannah nodded.  “I hope so.”

                  Kelsey saw another Sunday school teacher gesturing for her.  “I have to take my place in the first pew so that I can help the little kids with the songs.  See you up there.“

 

***

                  In the parking lot, Kelsey, Wade, and the rest of her family hugged Hannah goodbye.

                  Kelsey kissed her forehead.  “Have a good time at the wedding and a merry Christmas with your dad, Victoria, and your grandparents.”

                  “I will.”  Hannah smiled.  “Please save me some of Meemaw’s chocolate pie.”

                  “Will do.”

                  Parker came over after Hannah rolled to the van.  “We’d better be going.  Tomorrow we're to decorating the church and the hall before the wedding rehearsal.”

                  Kelsey nodded.  “I understand.”

                  “I hope you'll have a great Christmas.”

                  “You, too.  Good luck on your wedding day.”  She chuckled.  “Remember to breathe.  If you get dizzy this time, you’ll have a church filled with people witnessing it, instead of six in the Justice of the peace’s office.”

                  Parker smiled.  “It’s foremost in my mind.”  He glanced toward Wade, who was talking to her dad.  “Before the play, I had a chance to talk to Wade, and I couldn’t help but like him.  Wade smiled when he talked about you, and I noticed you lit up when you spotted him as you walked down the aisle.  I’m truly happy for you.  I just hate knowing you were hesitant because of how badly I hurt you.”

                  “It wasn’t just because of you.  There was a misunderstanding between us, but we cleared it up.”  She omitted the fact that it was her lack of self-confidence caused it because she didn’t want him to feel bad.

                  “Well, taking you to a fancy restaurant is serious.  I believe you’ll love the Starlight Room.”  Parker put his hand in his pocket.

                  “I’m sure I will.”

 

***

                  Kelsey anxiously approached the full-length mirror.  She thanked God her outside appearance radiated calmness when inside, she was a jumble of nerves and excitement.  Kelsey hoped that she would be able to act sophisticated in like the Starlight Room, and wouldn’t embarrass Wade or herself. 

                  “Kelse, don’t fret.”  Abby moved to stand beside her.  “You look gorgeous.  I’m glad I chose this dress for you to wear at my wedding last year.  Wade will be proud to have you on his arm.”

                  Looking closer at herself, she had to admit she cleaned up rather well.  The emerald, spaghetti strap dress molded on her body nicely.  Her makeup was light.  Pearled combs and bobby pins held her French bun.  She left a couple of curly tendrils to fall down her neck.  Abby had been telling her how she planned to do hair for a week. 

                  Kelsey glanced at Abby, who looked like she was about to burst with glee and gave her a warm smile.  “You seem more excited about this date than I do.”

                   “I’m happy for one of my best friends, that’s all.”  Abby squeezed her shoulder gently.  “You found a guy who is worthy of you.”

                   Kelsey’s cell sounded.  She grabbed it from the nightstand.  “Maureen e-mailed me a video.”  As Kelsey watched it, tears started to flow.

                   “What is it?” Abby asked with concern in her voice.

                   “Parker had them do another father-daughter dance at the wedding reception.  Look.”

                   The video showed Parker holding Hannah, with her feet on his, helping her dance while the D.J. played the Temptation’s My Girl.  He smiled down at her as she looked adoringly up at him.

                    Abby wiped tears from her own eyes.  “That’s so thoughtful and sweet.”

                    “Yes.”  Kelsey put her phone down on the bed.  “I bet Hannah was over the moon.”  She dabbed her eyes with a tissue.  “Oh, I bet my eyes are red and puffy.”

                    “They’re not that bad.  At least you were blessed with long, black eyelashes, so you don’t have to worry about mascara running down your cheeks.”

                    Kelsey sniffed and peered into her dresser mirror.  “I still need to powder my face again.”

                    While they freshened her face, the doorbell chimed, making Kelsey jump.

                    “Easy, girl.”  Abby chuckled.  “This is a date, not an execution.”

                    Kelsey laughed.  “I know.”  She stood up from the vanity.  “I’m being silly.”

                     “Well, don’t leave the poor man waiting.”  Abby gave her a quick hug.  “Jason’s expecting me home for supper.  I’ll leave through the back door.”

                     “Okay, and thanks.”

                     As quickly as she could in high heels, Kelsey opened the door.  She liked what stood in front of her.  Wade had on a fancy black sport coat, white shirt, black necktie, and black pants.

                     “You are very handsome tonight, Dr. Ramsey.”

                     “You look beautiful.  All the men will envy me.”

                     Kelsey felt her face heat up.  “Thanks.”  She grabbed her long, black coat with a faux fur collar and slipped it on.  “Shall we go?”

                     Wade stepped aside and gestured to his car.  “Your carriage awaits.”

                     Kelsey laughed as she locked the door.  She accepted his proffered arm and walked towards the car.

***

 

                     Awestruck as they entered the restaurant, Kelsey soaked up the ambiance.  The walls were red, white table cloths draped every table, each with roses in a glass vase, and from the ceiling hung a large crystal chandelier.

                     “Wow.  This is the most elegant place I’ve ever been to.”  She scanned around and saw a band on stage, playing soft romantic music.

                     Wade smiled.  “I’m glad you like it.  It reminds me where the characters in the classics movies would go to eat or work in.

                     “I would never have pegged you as a fan of the classics,” she said, amused.

                     “I’m not.  My mom is.  She loves Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.”

                     “I’m more of a Gene Kelly fan and anything with Kathryn Grayson.  Singing in the Rain and Kiss Me, Kate are some of my favorite movies.”

                     He chuckled.  “With you being a Shakespeare lover, I’m not surprised.  Kiss Me, Kate is a musical Taming of the Shrew with off-stage drama.”

                     The hostess came over to them, apologized for keeping them waiting, and she escorted them to their table.

                     Kelsey gasped when she looked at the prices.  Some of her bills weren’t that high.

                     Wade peered over his menu.  “Honey, don’t worry about what the food costs.  Tonight is a special night.”

                     “I know, but…”

                     He reached for her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.  “You deserve to have a fine meal and some dancing.”

                     Kelsey smiled, knowing how much this date meant to him, so she would try to relax and enjoy the time.  Most women had to drag their boyfriends or husbands to a place like this, but Wade had made the reservations weeks ahead.  She needed to count herself as lucky.

                     “Are you ready to order?“  The waiter stood with his hands behind his back, waiting for an answer.

                     “I am.”  Kelsey glanced up at Wade.  “How about you?”

                     “Yes.”

                     The waiter got his pad and pen out.  “Ma’am?”

                     “I would like the six-ounce filet mignon with mashed potatoes and cooked carrots.”

                     “Which salad would you prefer?”

                     “Caesar.”

                     “Very good.”  He turned to Wade.  “And for you, sir?”

                     “I’ll have the veal parmesan and the house salad with ranch dressing.  And could we get a bottle of Sister Creek’s Chardonnay?”

                     “Of course.  Right away.”

                     When the waiter left, Kelsey arched her eyebrow.  “How did you know Sister Creek was my favorite winery?”

                     “I have my sources.”  Wade smiled slyly before taking a sip of his water.  “Besides, you wouldn’t be a good Texas Hill Country native if you didn’t support your local winery.”

                     When the band started to play an instrumental rendition of Tracy Byrd’s Keeper of the Stars, Kelsey swooned.  “I love this song.”

                     Wade rose from his seat and held out his hand.  “May I have this dance?”

                     “You may.”

                     Wade held her close to him as they danced.  She rested her head on his shoulder as she swayed with him and played the words to the song in her mind.  As the first line said, it wasn’t an accident she met Wade.  God had it planned.  Wade had helped her to find love and to trust someone again.

                     Kelsey lifted her head and gazed lovingly into his eyes.  She made a silent vow that she would make him happy.