Read Down from the Cross for Free Online

something to drink? Water, soft drink?”
    Jane shook her head, feeling like a country bumpkin for the way she allowed herself to stare at both him and the room. She couldn’t help it. It was all so grand. “Nothing, thank you.”
    He motioned toward a wide hallway. “Do you need to rest before I show you where you’ll be working? I’m sure it’s not easy getting around in that walker with your leg in a cast.”
    “Oh, no. I’m fine, but…” Although she was eager to see her working quarters, she paused, wanting to give him another chance to change his mind. The idea of her, a nobody, working for a famous opera star was ludicrous. “You were very kind to offer me this job, Mr. Moray, but if you’d like to back out—I’ll understand. I’m sure in time I can find another job.”
    He carefully nudged her on, his touch nearly melting her. “I won’t hear of it! You need a job, and I need an assistant. I’m sure we’ll have a pleasant working relationship.”
    “It’s okay. You don’t have to help me. I can make it on my own. In fact, in a few days I hope to completely rid myself of this walker.” She tried to escape his grasp, but he wouldn’t allow it.
    “Just take your time. We’re in no hurry.”
    “Remember, I don’t have any office experience,” she reminded him.
    He stopped and stared at her, his demeanor light and teasing. “Office experience? How much office experience does it require to file things in alphabetical order?” He gave her a mischievous grin. “Didn’t you learn that little song when you were in kindergarten? You know the one I mean. A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and so on? The one that ends, ‘Now I’ve sung my ABCs. Tell me what you think of me.’ ”
    Even though it was a silly children’s song, Keene Moray had just sung those few words for her—personally, an audience of one! The idea made her head swim.
    “Well, did you?”
    “Yes,” she finally admitted, “only I have another version I like better.”
    “Oh? Sing it for me.” He moved to stand in front of her and waited.
    She nearly fainted at the thought.
Me sing? For the great Keene Moray? Unthinkable!
“No! No, I couldn’t do that.”
    He gave her arm a slight squeeze, sending icy chills through her body.
    “Come on. I insist. You do sing, don’t you?”
    “Yes, a little.”
    He tipped his head, eyeing her. “I’ll bet you sing at church.”
    “Yes.”
    “In the choir?” She nodded.
    “Then you must sing for me.”
    He waited expectantly, and she knew he was not going to give up until she had sung the little alphabet song for him. She swallowed a lump that had suddenly arisen in her throat and sent up a quick prayer.
I promised You, God, I would be a testimony to this man. Make me brave enough to sing it for him.
    “Jane. Sing. I’m waiting. Come on. I sang mine for you.”
    “Promise you won’t laugh at me?”
    “I promise,” he said, sobering and crossing his heart with his index finger.
    She began, hoping she had started in the right key. “A, B, C, D, E, F, G. Jesus died for you and me. H, I, J, K, L, M, N. Jesus died for sinful men, a-men! O, P, Q, R, S, T, U. I believe God’s Word is true. U, V, W. God has promised you. X, Y, Z. A home e–ter–nal–ly.”
    The ridiculing look she expected to see on his face did not happen. Instead, the faintest of smiles appeared as Keene seemed to be assessing her words. “That’s pretty cute. Great way to learn the alphabet. Did you make it up?”
    She could not help but smile back. Every child who had ever attended her church had learned that little song. And they had sung it at every youth camp she ever attended. “No, I didn’t, but I wish I could take credit for it. Everything it says is true.”
    “You have a nice voice,” he said, leading the way down the hall and pushing open the door that led to his office.
    She couldn’t be sure if his compliment was sincere or merely polite, but she was grateful for it anyway.
Thank You, Lord!
    “How