***
Bella slid the last box of Christmas baking onto Pastor Steven’s table and smiled. “Rachel said that Franky’s going to help you take our baking to other families. Can I help you next year?”
Pastor Steven lifted a chocolate cake out of a box. “Sure you can, Bella. Do you want to put this baking into the baskets in the living room?”
Bella nodded and held her hands out for the chocolate cake. “We made all sorts of cookies, too. I kept some peanut butter cookies for dad, but we brought chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon, lemon, and…what was the other flavor, Rachel?”
“Hazelnut. Has anyone seen the gingerbread loaf Mrs. Daniels made? It’s got a big Santa Claus tag attached to the cellophane wrapper.”
Tank held a parcel toward her. “Is this it?”
Rachel took the parcel and smiled. “It is. This is for you, Pastor Steven. Mrs. Daniels knows you like gingerbread. It’s a thank you for all of the work you’re doing to make people’s Christmases special.”
“It’s no more than most people would do,” Pastor Steven said. “How about we empty these boxes then have a hot drink?” He looked down at Bella. “Let’s take this baking through to the living room. I hear you’ve got an exciting time at Walmart planned?”
Rachel watched Bella walk out of the kitchen with Pastor Steven. She was chatting away, totally oblivious to the reason Tank went everywhere with them.
“It will be all right, Rachel,” Tank said from behind her. “She’s happier helping someone than being stuck at home.”
“I know she is, but I can’t help feeling uneasy about being away from the house. I think John was right. We need to be super careful.”
“Nothing’s going to happen to either of you while I’m looking after you.”
“That’s what you said last time we were in Walmart, and look what happened.”
Tank looked affronted. “I wasn’t the only person who thought the popping balloons sounded like gunfire.”
“Not the balloons. The decorations. It took John two days to get used to all of the tinsel and the blow-up Santa. You’re a bad influence.”
Tank grunted. “It didn’t stop him from going back for more, though.”
Rachel pulled three lemon cakes out of another box. “I think the Christmas spirit is growing on him.”
He raised his eyebrows, but didn’t say anything as he disappeared into the living room.
By the time he came back, Rachel had finished unpacking another box. “Do you think the people behind the death threats will ever be found?”
“I don’t know, but everyone’s doing their best to locate them.”
Bella rushed into the room. “The Christmas baskets look amazing. What can I take into the living room next?”
Rachel passed her two containers of cookies. “Take these into Pastor Steven. I’ll be there soon.” She picked up some more cookies and followed Bella.
The first stop of the morning was well underway. She just hoped their next stop at Walmart would be equally as exciting for Bella.