The Shadows of Christmas Past

herself get her breath back and her emotions under control. She thought her voice was quite calm when she answered, "I seem to have an ability to take in strays."
    "It's a gift," he answered. "One that I—Who's that?" he asked, as a vehicle's headlights came into view up the long drive.
    "Somebody with a sick animal, maybe," Marj answered.
    She wasn't in the mood to deal with a patient, or someone bringing her an unwanted animal, but she didn't exactly have a choice when duty called.

    She tried to shrug away from Harry, but he wouldn't let her go. "I have to get to my office,"
    she said.
    "I don't think so," he said, and touched his nose. "I only sense humans. And two more cars just turned off the road."
    "That's Alice," Marj said, as the first car pulled up.
    Harry came with her, as though they were attached at the shoulders, when Marj moved off the porch to greet her friend. Behind them, Taffy and Noel began to bark, and Marj was aware of Taffy's joy at seeing Alice. The usual racket began out in the kennel as more and more vehicles parked in the yard and people began to get out. Greetings were called, and food aromas began to perfume the air.
    "What's going on?" Marj asked, when Alice approached with a large casserole dish in her hands. Alice's husband, Mark, carried another large dish, and Pat Muller got out of the backseat. He came up holding a huge cookie tin.
    "We're having a celebration," Pat announced. "Congratulations," he added to Harry. "I do believe the best man won."
    "Thanks," Harry answered. "I appreciate that, coming from you."
    Alice leaned close to kiss Marj's cheek, and Marj got a delicious whiff of Alice's famous macaroni, cheese, and ham casserole. It wasn't that long since she'd had supper, but suddenly Marj was hungry all over again. And more than hungry, she was totally puzzled.
    "Alice, what—?"
    "I've been thinking about those kittens." Mrs. Braem came up holding a tray of her equally famous candied apples. The scent of warm cinnamon was like perfume in the air. "Maybe I was hasty to give them up so quickly. I like cats."
    "I'm glad to hear it," Marj answered. "But what are you all—?"
    "I'll be taking them and their mother off your hands when I leave tonight, Marjorie. But right now, let's party. You! Young man, come help me with these."
    Marj turned her head to see that Mrs. Braem had spoken to Clark. He and the others kids had come out onto the porch to see what was going on. Taffy had come out with them and was weaving around people's legs as the citizens of Kennedyville made their way into the house.
    "I'm so happy for you two," Alice said, when Marj looked back at her. "Not just for you, either, but for all of us." She risked spilling the casserole when she used one hand to make an extravagant gesture that took in the crowd. "Since the fire we've gotten so insular and inward, just worrying about our own problems. I thought the holiday party at the school would pull us together, and you saw how that flopped. Then, when everyone I told was so happy at the news about you and Harry, I realized that what we really needed was a new beginning to celebrate. Your coming marriage is a symbol that we all survived, that we're moving on, that the community is growing. So we're having a combination Christmas and engagement party.
    Surprise!"
    "This is a Christmas present for all of us," Pat added.
    "It is?" Marj managed, overwhelmed by Alice's assumptions.
    "It is." Harry squeezed her shoulders, then kissed her temple. "Marj is the best Christmas present I've ever had. Believe me, Reverend, I'm grateful."
    Tears blinded Marj's eyes, and tightened her throat. Stop that , she thought at Harry. Don't make this worse .
    Make what worse ? He thought back. You've given these people something to be happy about, and I love you for it .
    You what? You can't —
    Can't you feel it?
    "We need to talk," he whispered, "but let's get this party started first."
    Fine for him to say. He wouldn't have to live with them once they discovered there was no engagement.
    How had Alice gotten the idea she was engaged?
    When I hypnotized her , Harry confessed. I must have implied more than I intended. I think a lot of it was her own wish fulfillment .
    "Let me help with that," Harry told to Alice, taking the large dish from her. "Let's get inside and get warm."
    Harry hustled everyone inside, and Marj followed.
    It was several hours later before he took her hand and led her back out onto the porch. The pleasant company