Page 30 of A Christmas Duet

Thelma made her way up the steps and stood in front of the small band of musicians. The noise dissipated as she reached for the microphone. “Okay, folks, it’s time to celebrate Christmas with a few traditional carols you all know. Afterward, I have a special surprise for you.”

“Oh no,” Jay muttered under his breath.

“What?” Hailey asked, looking up at him, unsure about his reaction to his mother’s announcement.

“Mom is going to drag me up onstage.”

Hailey didn’t understand why he would object. “A stage is where you, of all people, should be most comfortable,” she reminded him. “Come on, Jay, get some Christmas spirit.”

He laughed, and Hailey saw something in his eyes that sent a clear warning. “Jay?” She dragged out his name. “What are you thinking?”

“You’ll see.”

“No.” She adamantly shook her head. “If you’re thinking what I think you’re thinking, then no. It’s not happening.”

“We’ll see.” His eyes twinkled with mischief.

Enthusiastic singing followed. The carols were familiar ones Hailey loved from her childhood.

“Silent Night.”

“God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen.”

“O Christmas Tree!”

“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”

Before long Thelma was back, and with the microphone in her hand, she looked out over the audience until she saw Jay.

“As you know, my son, Jethro, is home for the holidays after several years traveling with the band. Please welcome him onto the stage. I have a feeling he’ll sing if we encourage him.”

The crowd went nuts, cheering and whistling. Jay had no choice but to step onto the stage. The noise didn’t stop once he stood next to his mother. She’d apparently planned this all along, because she reached behind her and handed Jay his guitar.

Jay waited until the applause had died down.

Hailey removed her backpack and grabbed her phone. She snapped his photo as he spoke to the crowd. She wasn’t the only one with a cell in hand. The town lovedhim, and several called out his name in praise and encouragement.

“I appreciate the warm welcome,” he said as he adjusted his guitar strap around his shoulder. “It’s good to be home.” After playing a few bars to warm up, he sang Hailey’s favorite Christmas song, “Mary, Did You Know?” His rendition was so beautiful, so moving and powerful, that it brought tears to her eyes. She wasn’t alone, either, as she noticed several others wiping moisture from their faces.

The applause was huge when he finished, along with whistles and shouts from the audience.

Jay waited until the noise level was manageable before he spoke. “As it happens, I have a special friend I’d like to introduce who has recently written a fun Christmas ditty. I think you’ll enjoy it as much as I do. Hailey, please join me on the stage.”

Chapter Eleven

Shocked speechless, Hailey shook her head. She wasn’t a professional singer. Performing before such a large crowd was beyond her. Jay cast her an encouraging smile and held his arm out to her. Apparently, this was what that look he’d given her earlier had been about. Panic tightened her chest, and she stopped breathing. This couldn’t be happening. Several people turned to look at her, since Jay had been at her side the entire evening. Despite feeling close to hysteria, she realized Jay was going to insist that she get up on the stage.

After a couple awkward moments, he came down the steps and walked toward her. He grabbed hold of her hand, and half dragged her forward.

“Jay,” she protested under her breath. “I can’t.”

“Sure you can. Pretend we’re back at the cabin and sing the song the same way you did then. You’ll do great, I promise.”

Inhaling a calming breath, she gave a weak nod. She didn’t know if she was going to be able to sing with her throat bone-dry from apprehension and nerves. With the lights focused on her, she could barely manage to breathe.

Jay leaned close and whispered into her ear, “You have nothing to worry about. Everyone loves you already.”

Standing side by side with Jay gave her courage. Her voice trembled with the first few notes, but as she continued, confidence took over and soon she was fully involved in the song. She did as he suggested and blocked out the audience. When she came to the chorus, she glanced up and saw that people seemed to be enjoying the catchy tune. Several people had their phones out, recording the song.

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