Page 55 of Let Me Hold You

“Right. For the balance of my college life, I came home alone and ate alone. I saved a lot of money not living in campus dorms, but I didn’t expect to live alone.”

Maggie sat down on her gray armchair. “Midtown Chapel became my family. I kept busy and I was in as many activities as I had time for before and after class. I did everything, from teaching in Vacation Bible School and children’s camp to ushering in Christmas plays.”

“You majored in communications, so you did put it all to good use.” Levi leaned against the breakfast counter. There were still two chairs there.

“God worked it out. I helped to organize college and young adult events. In my senior year, I started volunteering in the women’s ministry. When the ministry assistant moved out of state because her husband had a job transfer, it was Mrs. Kim who suggested that I send my resume to Tally. So I had a job waiting for me before I graduated from college.”

“That’s nice. I didn’t know what I was going to do after I graduated from college.”

“You had a business administration degree. Is that why you’re working at the warehouse?”

“I didn’t want to be in the office all day long, so being a warehouse manager works for me. Besides, I met you.” He waited to see how Maggie reacted to that.

“And Malachi too,” Maggie said.

Levi nodded. “Is Tally how you met the Fitzpatricks?”

“Yeah. They’re very nice to me. Even gave me a graduation present. I’ll see them again when I move to Lakeside since most of them are there, except for Tally, who lives in the Bahamas now. In fact, I’ll be working for Colette, the middle daughter, at Lakeside Resort.”

Levi wanted to ask Maggie not to go, but who was he to stop her? The Maggie he knew didn’t make decisions willy-nilly. Surely she had prayed about this move to Florida. He could see why she would want to be with her family, with her parents retiring and all.

“When are your parents arriving in the States?” Levi asked.

“Two days before New Year’s Day. They’re visiting their old friends now and decided to spend the last Christmas with them—just like what I’m doing this Christmas, celebrating it at the Village.”

“Speaking of which, have you picked a present for the white elephant gift yet?”

“No. I’ve been so busy. They said the maximum price has to be five dollars, right?”

Levi nodded.

“What are you going to bring?”

“I was going to bake some cookies.”

“If I pay you, will you bake another batch for me to take as my white elephant gift?” Maggie looked at him in earnest.

“You don’t have to pay me. Just give me a hug.” Levi stood up, stretched out his arms, waiting.

“I’ll give you a winter hug.”

“What’s a winter hug?” Levi was still waiting.

“It’s basically a warm hug, rebranded every month. We do it in the women’s ministry when someone comes in for counseling in the winter months. They don’t leave without getting a winter hug from Mrs. Kim and me.”

“I’m waiting.”

“Oh I can’t.” Maggie sniffed her sweatshirt. “I’m dusty and sweaty.”

“I don’t care.”

“You sure?”

Levi nodded.

“Well, you’re taller than I am so let’s see how I can do this.” Maggie wrapped her arms around his waist and leaned into his chest. She stayed there for a while.

“Tell me you only give this winter hug to women.” Levi was warming up.

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