by Sarah Earlene Shere, ©2024
(Dec. 13, 2024) — Della raised her hand to straighten the combs in her hair for the fifth time since she had placed them there. Her husband, Jim, gently caught it in motion and set it upon his knee with a loving pat. “You look beautiful. Stop fussing.”
Della sighed, “I just want everything to be perfect. We’re running late, aren’t we?”
Jim pulled out his pocket watch by its chain and examined it. “We’re actually going to be early, and you needn’t worry about perfection. That’s the job of our hostess.”
Della and Jim caught each other’s eye and then smiled knowingly. How far they had come since that Christmas when they could barely afford Christmas gifts for themselves. Now Jim was at the threshold of becoming a partner in his business; this Christmas party at his boss’s house was part of the inevitable financially stable future that awaited them in the coming year. All seemed perfect, except for their lack of one thing.
Jim helped Della out of the carriage just as a street urchin slid on the snow, into their path. “Spare a penny, Ma’am?” Della felt an ache in her heart as she fumbled into her purse and produced a shiny penny. Without a word, the Dillingham Youngs continued toward and up the stairs of a great house. Sensing the emotion in Della, Jim placed his arm around her waist.
Inside, Jim and Della found the party guests were gathered around something in the parlor, chattering excitedly. When the master of the house saw the couple enter, he motioned for them and called out, “Jim, Della, you’ve been nominated to solve this dilemma! Pastor Gabe came by, not an hour ago, and left this bundle of joy with us. Imagine, abandoning a newborn babe on the church steps! It seems that no one here is willing, nor able, to accept the responsibility of parenthood, or added children, at this time. But you two are the perfect candidates. Congratulations, it’s a boy!”
The group let out gentle cheers and laughter as a kind woman placed the foundling in Della’s eagerly willing arms.
Jim smiled down at Della and softly said, “Unto us a child is born.”
With tears in her eyes, Della beamed up at Jim with her reply, “Unto us a son is given.”