Page 24 of A Christmas Duet

“Much to my parents’ disappointment, I didn’t graduate.” Jay was quiet for a bit, before he added, “My dad was more disappointed than my mom.”

“I hope that didn’t last long.”

“It didn’t. Dad came around eventually and even encouraged me. What about your parents?”

Once again, she noticed how he diverted the conversation back to her. “Mom thought it was charming the way I made up songs. When it came to a career in music, they were both skeptical, and insisted that if I went to college, I should major in education. Instead, I got a degree in music theory also. As it turned out, they were right. I needed a means of supporting myself.”

“You’ve got what it takes, Hailey, and I know talent when I hear it.”

Although he’d said as much earlier, his words felt like a warm bath after being outside in subzero temperatures. “Coming from you, that means a great deal.”

“Speaking of talent, did you work on your song this afternoon?”

“Only a little.” She had wanted to do more but spent most of the time, once she returned from town, putting away groceries and fretting about dinner and everything she’d learned about Jay.

“Let’s hear it.”

“You sure?”

“I wouldn’t ask if I wasn’t.”

Hailey stood up, collected her guitar, and played. Whether it was the wine or being with Jay, the verses she’d only half written came to mind. She continued playing the notes and the music kept coming to her as she played.

Have a very merry Christmas

A very merry Christmas

A very merry Christmas

this year!

Well, the sleigh bells are ringing andthe

children are singing have a very merry Christmas this year!

Moms, dads, girls and boys

in church choirs singing songs celebrating ChristmasDay

Jesus Christ is born!

Jesus Christ is born!

Have a very merry Christmas

A very merry Christmas

A very merry Christmas

this year!

A shadow of a cloud cameby

Sang the Christmas blues

Angel whispered in myear

There’s a miracle for you!

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