"So I've heard," Sarah laughed.
"Never mind," Becca retorted, her usual blush covering her face.
"What time will we need to leave? I have to do the cleanup here …"
"Leave for what?" Howie asked, wrapping his arms around Sarah from behind.
"My star soloist bailed on me and Sarah has agreed to fill in, but we need to be to the church by 10."
"That shouldn't be a problem, Angel, we can handle the cleanup and meet you there. Besides, there are plenty of parents we can put to work."
"Oh THANK you!" Becca squealed hugging Howie enthusiastically.
"Hey, HEY!" Nick had wandered over to see what the commotion was all about. "Something I should know about?"
"Aww, baby, I only have eyes for you," Becca said sweetly.
"Oh God, please!" Sarah rolled her eyes as they made kissy faces at each other.
Becca laughed heartily. "C'mon, Rudolph, let's fix your nose."
"My WHAT?" Nick was appalled. "No way, just because I have to be a reindeer doesn't mean-"
Becca led him away, and sure enough, minutes later he returned with a large, red, flashing nose.
"Do NOT say it. Just DO NOT go there."
Aaron took one look at him and rolled on the floor in hysterics. Just when he was almost in control he'd look again, and the laughter began anew. "Aw, Nicky, it's adorable!"
"And do NOT call me Nicky!"
Aaron took off for the far side of the room, while Nick mumbled veiled threats under his breath.
"But it *is* cute, baby." Becca kissed his cheek and straightened his antlers.
"I'll show you *cute*," he smirked.
"Maybe later, Rudy. Santa's waiting." Becca flounced away, her short red skirt swaying saucily and leaving very little to the imagination.
"He's whipped," cracked AJ.
"Most definitely," Brian agreed.
"C'mon you guys, time to get to work," Kevin drawled.
******
The party was a huge success. It was such a treat to hear the Boys doing Christmas music, and at one point they sat in the midst of all the kids and led a sing-along. The crowning achievement was when Sarah took the mike from Kevin and stepped forward. As Kevin sat at the piano, he played the first sweet notes and nodded to Sarah for encouragement.
A hush fell over the room as she began to sing, "I'm dreaming of a white Christmas…"
She held everyone in her spell until the very last note. As her voice faded away, the silence was broken by thunderous applause. Howie rose to his feet and pulled her into a fierce embrace.
"Angel, that was beautiful." His eyes were wet with emotion as he looked into her face. "How did-"
"Kevin convinced me to do it. You liked it?"
"I loved it. And I love you." He kissed her and the applause began again. They laughed as they pulled apart, and the kids crowded around her to wish her a merry Christmas.
"Sarah, I hate to interrupt, but Becca says we need to get going."
"Oh, thanks Sonja. Let me change and I'll be right there." She looked into Howie's eyes once again. "We'll see you there?"
"Of course, Angel. We'll finish up here and be at the church in plenty of time. Brian says it's gonna be awesome."
"Oh? And how would he know?"
"I don't know, just something he mentioned earlier." Howie shrugged his shoulders.
"Well, all right then, I'll see you there. I love you."
"I love you, too." Howie kissed her gently and sent her on her way.
******
The girls were the first to arrive. Becca let them in the side door by the chancel, and they immediately headed for the piano in the choir loft. After only thirty minutes of practice, Sarah had her part perfect and Sonja had caught up on all that she'd missed as well.
"Sonja, do me a favor?"
"Sure Bec."
"Take Sarah up to the choir room and help her find a robe that fits, and she'll need a gold folder for her music, too. I need a few minutes to get myself together."
"No problem, boss!" she grinned. "Right this way, Sarah!"
The two retreated to the choir room giggling like schoolgirls over their holiday plans as Becca became lost in her music. As always, the world tended to fade away as she rehearsed the music in her head, to the exclusion of anyone and anything else. In the midst of her musings she was startled by a tap on her shoulder and a tremulous voice whispering, "Merry Christmas, Becca."
Whirling about she came face to face with someone she'd hoped never to see again.
"Andrew…"