Wynter and Jackson spent the night together again at her mom's cabin. Jackson was up before Wynter as he had to be with his family to prepare for the Christmas Eve service. Jackson explained that it was an important event for his grandfather and his mom, therefore it had to be important to him too. Wynter learned Jackson wasn't anti-religious, he only disliked the judgmental attitude some religious people had. He was raised in a super religious household where questioning anything his pastor grandfather said was as disgraceful as sinning. Jackson told her his grandfather praised his older brother while always telling him he was like his father. Once Jackson was 10, he realized that comparison wasn't a compliment. Instead of conforming to what his grandfather wanted, he acted out and demanded to be called Jackson, his father's last name instead of the biblical name his mom chose for him. Wynter realized that the fishbowl complaints he had weren't necessarily because of living in the town of Lucky, but being the pastor's grandson. He not only got criticized by the town, but at home too. Jackson told her it got better once his mom remarried and they moved in with his stepdad Chris. Wynter now understood why he hated being referred to as the pastor's grandson and didn't have the best opinion on living in Lucky.
Before he left, Jackson asked her if she was going to the Christmas Eve Service. Originally, Wynter planned to skip it to get all her last-minute gifts completed and wrapped and get ready for the Christmas Eve party at the ranch. Because he asked and his relief was visible when she said she would come, Wynter changed her plans. As soon as he left, she made a trip to Fort Worth to pick up her prints and a few more items before going back to Amira's house to put the gifts together. She then checked with Amira to see what time she was leaving for church. She was leaving at 4 pm for the 5 pm service, so Wynter told her she would meet her there for extra time. Wynter spent the next couple of hours getting ready for church.
It took entirely too long to pick out an outfit. The plaid jumper dress she planned to wear to the Christmas Eve party was too casual and short for church. She had options she bought thinking she would need them for interviews in Austin, but they felt too stuffy and plain for the occasion. She finally decided on an off-white Saint Laurent Cashmere V-Neck Sweater and a red vintage high-waist midi skirt. She accessorized her look with beige Saint Laurent booties, a simple gold cross necklace, gold hoops and studs, and gold pins on the sides of her natural hair pulled back. She didn't have time to straighten her hair or add extensions, so she let her natural curls fall down her back. She quickly put on a full face of makeup for a flawless natural look.
She left 20 minutes before service started and rushed to make it on time. She noticed she had missed calls, but when she saw it was Liberty, Wynter didn't bother calling her back as she would see her at church. She pulled up in the parking lot, with 12 minutes to spare, relieved when she saw families still parking and making their way into the church. Wynter ensured her phone was on silent before putting it away in her purse. She made her way inside the church and immediately spotted Jackson, standing at a table next to the main entrance.
Wynter couldn't help grinning when she watched Jackson, an uninterested expression on his face as he handed out programs and candles. He looked amazing, but entirely too sexy in black pleated trousers and a red, black, and white argyle sweater vest, with nothing underneath. His sculpted arms were on full display and the pants fit his body perfectly. He wore black diamond studded cross earrings and a black Rolex watch. The reasons she loved his outfit were the same reasons it was completely inappropriate for church. When he saw her, his face lit up and he gave her a sly smile as she moved to the front of his table.
"Miss Wilde." He greeted her, professionally, as his eyes drank her in.
"Mr. Jackson." She replied, giving him and his outfit a noticeable lookover. "So this is the vibe for Christmas?"
"Yes, Pastor Murphy wanted us to look festive in these sweater vests," Jackson stated.
"Hmm, and you didn't think of wearing an undershirt or blazer?" Wynter asked.
Jackson shook his head. "No, he was very specific about the vest, I figured I better comply exactly with what he said. What do you think?"
"I think that anything that inspires lust is probably not appropriate for church," Wynter commented.
"I don't remember the scripture, but the bible says: If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It's better to lose one of your eyes than that your whole body be in hell." Jackson recited.
Wynter shook her head with a smile. "Alright, let me get away from you. I wanna keep my eye and my body."
"Enjoy the show." He winked, handing her a candle and pamphlet. When their hands touched, her stomach flipped in arousal.
"Will do." She said, turning away from him to simmer down. She went inside and a youth usher escorted her to her family's pew. The usher was instructed by Jackson's older brother Elijah; they were both wearing similar sweater vests as Jackson, but with full suits. She sat beside Amira, looking at Liberty confused as she tried to wave to get her attention in the pew in front of her. Liberty pointed to her phone, and Wynter took her phone out of her purse to check it.
Liberty: Are you still planning to skip church?
Liberty: Let me know if you are coming to the dinner at church or I can bring you a plate
Liberty: Call me ASAP!
Liberty: WYNTER PICK UP YOUR PHONE!
Liberty: Do not come to the church until you call me!
She was surprised she saw similar texts from Grace and Valentina in the group chat. They were sitting with their families, looking anxious as they watched her. Wynter waited impatiently as she studied the dots showing that Liberty was texting. Finally, another text came through.
Liberty: Your dad and his wife are here
Wynter momentarily felt sick. In her wildest nightmares, she never imagined her dad would come to Lucky. The only time they came to Lucky in the past was to drop her off or to play up the small-town boy-done-good narrative. Her dad's family was a founding family that settled in Lucky and had one of the largest estates. Her dad never came to Lucky for Christmas and only went to church when a local politician invited him. She was shocked and confused as to why he was there. She quickly gathered herself, realizing her cousins were staring at her, awaiting her reaction. She texted in the group chat with all three of them.
Wynter: Thanks for the heads up. I'm going to continue to ignore him. Y'all do the same
Liberty: Too late. Amira already confronted him. The director had to break it up
Wynter sighed and turned to Amira.
"Auntie, ignore my dad. He knows what he is doing coming to church. He wants us to get riled up so we look like the crazy ones. Don't give him that satisfaction." Wynter instructed her.
"Hush child. You deal with him your way. I'll deal with him my way." Amira snarled at her.
Wynter took a deep breath, wondering if it was too late to leave. Just as she was planning her escape, the choir stood up on the stage and Faith began singing "Go Tell It On The Mountain". Wynter focused on her cousin's soulful voice and the lively choir to keep herself from worrying about her dad or trying to find him in the crowd. She repeated to herself that she was a Wilde, this was her town, and he was only visiting and would be gone soon enough. After the song ended, Pastor Murphy greeted the church warmly.
"Good evening beloved! It's wonderful to see you all here on this beautiful Christmas Eve. The first thing I need you to do is turn to your neighbor on your right and say Merry Christmas! Then, turn to your neighbor on the left and say Merry Christmas! Not Happy Holidays, MERRY CHRISTMAS! For Christ is the reason for the season, and we will say his name!" Pastor Murphy boldly asserted into the microphone as the organ thundered behind him. Amira was the only one next to her as she sat on the end of the pew, so she turned to her and said Merry Christmas as instructed. Afterward, she felt her phone vibrating in her purse. She pulled it out, not wanting to miss any more important texts from her cousins.
Jackson: Happy Hanukkah! Happy Kawanza! Happy Holidays!
Wynter couldn't help the little giggle that escaped at his childish rebellion.
Wynter: 🤣 YOU ARE HELL. Put your phone away. I'm not trying to get struck down because of you!
Jackson: 😈⚡😇
She turned to the back of the room, to see Jackson standing by the side door, watching her. She met his eyes and made a show of putting her phone away in her purse. He only smirked and looked up at his grandfather as he began to speak again. Pastor Murphy led them in prayer and then introduced the praise dancers. They performed "Mary Did You Know" as the collection trays were brought out by the ushers. Following the praise dance, her great uncle Percy led the band playing "Holy Night". Wynter paid her tithes and held on to the plate until a youth usher collected it. The children's ministry then put on a play, depicting the 3 wise men's journey to meet baby Jesus. The band and choir accompanied the children, playing "Follow The Star". Wynter was engrossed in the performance; she heard the nativity story all the time, but never from the viewpoint of the wise men. It was unique, and the kids were darling. Evelyn, Jackson's youngest niece, was an angel and she looked adorable in a white robe and a halo covered in gold tinsel. Wynter regretted leaving her camera at home but she focused on being in the moment. When the children sang "Away in the Manger" acapella at the end of the play, Wynter was moved by their sweet innocence. Everyone stood to applaud their performance before Pastor Murphy stepped back on the stage.
"This year, Christmas Eve fell on this glorious Sunday. It inspired me to preach not only about the birth of Jesus Christ but our continuous need to seek the Lord. 1 Chronicles 22:19 tells us: 'Set your mind and heart to seek the Lord your God'. Psalm 105:4 says: 'Seek the Lord... seek his presence continually'. As the wise men showed us, it is not enough to know the prophecies. We must seek the Savior. We must understand the scripture and be willing to go the distance, travel thousands of miles, and suffer hardships and setbacks to see him. This world will lead us astray. It's full of darkness and wickedness. Lord knows I've been through many obstacles! It's a continuous choice to set my heart to God. We must put our trust in Him always! In dark times, we cannot become neglectful of God. We have to search for His light in the darkness! Jesus was born to be our light on Earth. The Lord is our savior, our guide, our light in the darkness, but only if we seek Him out every day! Not only on Christmas but year round! 365 days! 24/7! Seek him! Find him! Spread His holy light!" Pastor Murphy urged the crowd.
The church exploded with "amen", "praise him", and cheers as the lights dimmed. Percy began to play the opening to "Silent Night" as the choir stood up. Another soloist stepped up to sing and the ushers came around with torches to light the candles. Amira lit her candle and Wynter couldn't help smiling as the candlelight lit the church. Wynter looked around the room, amazed by the hauntingly beautiful sight. The smile left her face as she made eye contact with her dad. He was in the opposite aisle but was glancing back at her. She held his gaze for a moment, refusing to feel ashamed or intimidated before she turned away. Externally, she held herself together. Her only tell was the fake smile she plastered on her face. Internally, her mind was at war with herself. She battled between hating him and wanting to yell at him all the ways he wronged her; the conflicting side wanted to remain uncaring and never show him how much he hurt her. She chose the latter, pretending he didn't mean anything to her. The only thing she cared about was getting her letters. Once she retrieved them, she would never speak to him again.
