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utilities on in it. They use it as a warehouse for the current stock, sale stuff and, well, other stuff.” She thought about sharing her conclusion that Doc hung on to the multistoried building chock-full of old merchandise, mannequins and countless display materials because it represented his reluctance to let go of the past.
    â€œInteresting,” Bivvy droned, clearly not interested at all. “The lights are about to go off in one…two…three.”
    Everything outside went dark and quiet.
    Addie heaved a sigh of relief.
    â€œNow to check the comments left by people from all over the world.”
    â€œReally? People all over the world are looking at our little house in Star City, Tennessee?”
    â€œYou give people something interesting to look at, something out of the ordinary, something sentimental, something with a little style and they will just naturally be drawn to it. I’ve got so many fans and followers this year I decided to join in a contest.”
    That made Addie nervous. “What kind of contest?”
    â€œI’m trying to get the most votes as the best Christmas house. If I get picked, I get a flash to put on my Web site for next year and maybe a nearby TV news crew or one of those home and garden-type shows will come out and film my display.”
    â€œMom.” Addie shook her head. “Why would you even want that?”
    â€œBecause that’s what I do , Adelaide, sweetie.” Bivvy pushed back her chair and stood. Her features were softened by love and good humor as she came down the hall and put her hands on either side of her daughter’s face. “When I believe in something, I don’t care who knows it. And I believe in Christmas. I believe in shining a light on the love of God brought to us through the gift of Jesus. When people come to my Web site, they see that story. When they look at our home or at me, they see that joy.”
    Addie nodded. “You’ve given me a lot to think about, Mom.”
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    Addie arrived at work to find that none of the people she had contacted about publicity for the promotion seemed interested in covering it. The only one she hadn’t heard from was the local paper, the Star City Satellite .
    She called, and someone there promised to call her back. She thought about what her mom had told her about attracting attention, about giving people something out of the ordinary, stylish and sentimental. That had given her an idea.
    â€œHey! Maimie said I might find you over here.” Natecaught up with her by the elevator on the third floor offices that led to the unused warehouse side of the store.
    She had seen Nate every day for the last seven days straight, but they hadn’t been alone a minute of it. Maimie had always been there going over details, asking questions. Or Doc, telling stories. Or Jesse, just being Jesse.
    â€œAnd here I am.” She reached for the elevator button.
    He did the same, his hand coming down on top of hers.
    She jerked away, embarrassed at the flinching quickness of her reaction. She cleared her throat and pressed the button several more times, as if that would make the elevator arrive faster.
    â€œDid you need me for something?” she asked, her voice wavering slightly.
    â€œNope.” He stood back and folded his arms over his pale blue shirt with a swordfish motif. The outfit only served to remind her that he would rather be anywhere but here. “Now that they’ve enrolled Jesse in a private Christian school, I have some time on my hands during school hours. I just wanted to see if I could help you out.”
    â€œThanks.” She tugged her gray cardigan closed over her turtleneck and navy blue wool pants. “I’ve always been one of those ‘the more, the merrier’ types.”
    He smiled. “I don’t know how merry we’ll be, but I’m happy to help.”
    The elevator dinged to signal its arrival. For a split second