"You are a good helper." Angela shifted slightly so she could see Ayla in the backseat.
I pulled into the church lot, which was full for the kids' service.
"It's so busy," Ayla said.
"Don't worry. My family is saving seats for us." I got out so I could help Ayla out of the back seat. I lifted her and was just setting her on her feet when Angela joined us.
"Are you ready to go inside?" I asked her.
She took a deep breath. "Yes."
"I promise it won't be scary. There's lots of singing and kids laughing when they mess up their lines. It's fun." It was going to be more fun with Angela and Ayla here with me. I wondered if my family was going to have anything to say about that.
Inside, the pews were filling up, and an usher was setting up metal folding chairs on the sides of the aisles by the stained-glass windows. Aspen turned and waved at us to join them.
"We're there," I said, leading the way to the row.
When I stood at the end of the pew, Aspen scooted everyone down, and we slid in next to her.
Aspen looked at Angela and Ayla and said, "What's going on, dear brother?"
"Angela called and asked me for help with something, and I invited them to come with us. They didn't have any plans."
She gave me a look as if she didn't believe I was telling her the truth. "Is there something going on that I should know about?"
"No." As much as we gave her a hard time when she dated anyone, I wasn't going to tell her anything personal about Angela and me. Especially since I wasn't sure what was going on myself.
Her forehead creased, but she turned her attention to the front of the room when the kids walked down the aisle and toward the makeshift manger that would be the focal point of the show tonight.
Ayla leaned out to watch the kids walk past. I couldn't help but wonder if she'd want to participate in the manger scene. Would I be sitting here with Angela and Ayla at the same time next year, or would I not be close to them? The thought of not being with them sent a sharp pain through my chest.
I didn't want them not to be in my life. That meant I couldn't do anything to screw this up. We should stay friends. I could offer help but not take things any further.
But what if Angela started dating someone else? I didn't like the idea of someone else spending time with them, going to light trails, or to eat at the diner, helping Angela put together a bike, or sitting next to them in church. I especially didn't like the idea of another man seeing her in lingerie. That show felt like it was just for me.
But I didn't have any kind of claim over her. I'd stepped in to help her, but I hadn't told her how I felt other than asking how I could win her over, and she hadn't exactly given me an answer.
If I wanted more, I'd have to make a move. But I was worried about losing her and this friendship we'd formed.
The kids gathered in the manger dressed as angels, shepherds, Mary, and Joseph, with a doll for the baby. Ayla was riveted by the production, and I enjoyed watching her.
At one point, Angela looked at me and smiled, and it felt like we were here together as a family of three. I couldn't believe her ex didn't want to be here with them. His loss was my gain though.
Angela probably would have stuck with him if he'd been a good man. He wasn't there for them when they needed him. He wasn't even here now and had no plans to see Ayla on the holiday. I couldn't understand that at all. If Ayla was mine, I'd spend as much time with her as I could.
The minister stood at the podium to talk about peace and hope, and as always, I enjoyed the brief sermon. I could get on board with the message of hope and peace. This year, I was going to go after what I wanted, and for once, it wouldn't be work related because I wanted Angela.
During the collection, glow sticks were handed out to the children, and they turned them on for the last song, "Silent Night." Angela curled her hand around my elbow and leaned close to read the lyrics on the program I held. She was close enough that I could smell her fruity shampoo.
I looked up and caught Aspen watching us.
Then it was over, and we were filing out of the pew. We were stopped often, knowing a lot of people in the area. We finally gathered in the back so we could talk.
We stood around in a half circle, occasionally people stopping to talk to one of my brothers about a job or something else.
"Mom, Dad, this is Angela McAllister and her daughter, Ayla."
"Thank you for coming. Did you enjoy the manger scene?" Mom asked Ayla.
