The Christmas Answer (Christmas Holiday Extravaganza) Read online

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright 2012 Kimberly B. Jackson

  CHAPTER ONE

  CHAPTER TWO

  CHAPTER THREE

  CHAPTER FOUR

  CHAPTER FIVE

  CHAPTER SIX

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  CHAPTER NINE

  CHAPTER TEN

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  The Christmas Answer

  Kimberly B. Jackson

  Copyright 2012 Kimberly B. Jackson

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  Cover Art by Joan Alley

  This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are the product of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously.

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  Published by Prism Book Group

  ISBN-978-0-9858941-4-6 First Edition 2012

  Contact info: [email protected]

  http://www.prismbookgroup.com

  CHAPTER ONE

  “Ladies and Gentlemen, the Dubois!”

  Amidst thunderous applause, Donna and Mark walked in front of a large congregation and started to sing Amazing Grace—the first song they performed at any concert, whether at a small country church or one as large as a stadium. Displaying a deep passion, they sang, praised God, and shared with the audience how Jesus had helped them in their lives.

  Their performance ended an hour later to a standing ovation. Hand in hand, they walked off, only to separate and retreat to different rooms.

  With a heavy sigh, Donna sat in front of the large mirror placed over her vanity. From the show they just put on, no one would ever guess the discord in her personal life, her marriage. Glaring at her reflection, she picked up a makeup sponge and threw it at her image. Tears rolled down her face. She felt like such a hypocrite.

  “Lord, how could it have gone this far?” She bowed her head and prayed. “Lord, help me to follow what you have planned for my life.”

  A knock on the door followed. Not wanting anyone to know she had been crying, Donna tried to compose herself.

  “Just a minute.” Wiping her face, she pulled her blonde hair in a ponytail.

  Arms crossed, and appearing ready for a fight, Mark stood there in blue jeans and sweater—not his normal suit and tie attire. “Are you ready to go?” he asked sternly, his green eyes piercing.

  “Give me five minutes and I will be.” Donna’s eyes watered.

  “I’ll wait for you on the tour bus.”

  Once again, she sat in front of the mirror. Mark’s unusual casual appearance brought to mind the first time she met him, ten years ago. They both were seniors in college. It seemed so long ago...

  Little did she know, down the hall, Mark was recalling a similar memory.

  * * *

  “Mark, would you stay after class today?” requested Mr. Echols, the University Choir Director. The rest of the students gathered their belongings and rushed off to their next class.

  Twenty-two-year-old Mark Dubois headed to the desk of his instructor. “You wanted to see me, Mr. Echols?”

  “Yes, Mark. As you know, there is an upcoming benefit to raise money for the college.”

  “Yes, sir. I’ve overheard some kids talking about it.”

  “Would you consider singing at the event?”

  “I’d be happy to help. Is there anything particular you’d like for me to perform?”

  Mr. Echols thought for a minute. “Amazing Grace. You sang the hymn so beautifully earlier this year. It brought me to tears.”

  “Sure. I’ll start practicing tonight.”

  The following Monday, dress rehearsal began. The director, Mrs. Thomas, motioned for the performers seated in the auditorium to quiet down. “First of all, I want to thank everyone for volunteering to help with this benefit. I understand you are all busy with your studies and extracurricular activities. That you’re taking the time out to help raise funds really shows how important your school is to you. Now, let’s get to work. I would like for all the band members to get their instruments and report to the band area. The rest of you can find your order of appearance on the schedule posted on the wall to the left. Oh, by the way, we have a slight conflict with a couple of songs. May I see Mark Dubois and Donna Whitestone for a minute?”

  Confidently, Mark rose and walked toward the front of the auditorium. Meanwhile, Senior Donna Whitestone jumped up from her seat, her mind racing as she approached Mrs. Thomas. She couldn’t imagine what was wrong with her song choice. It was a Christian song. This was a Christian college. What could be the problem?

  “Donna, Mark, we have a minor problem. It’s come to my attention that you both plan to sing Amazing Grace. Is there any way one of you could change to something else?” Mrs. Thomas asked.

  Donna spoke up first. “I’m not able to change the song. I don’t want to sound like I’m bragging, but I’m kind of known for singing this hymn. I’ve been told no one can hold a candle to my performance.”

  “But Mr. Echols asked me personally to sing this song. He said that no one sings Amazing Grace as beautifully as I do.”

  Mrs. Thomas flipped through her clipboard, evaluating the line-up. “Unfortunately, the schedule is already crammed full without a repeat of the same song. Wait...I’ve got it.” She tapped the page. “Since you both are well known for the song, why don’t you sing it together—as a duet?”

  “A duet?” said Donna. “I’ve never sung with anyone before.”

  “Well, good then,” Mrs. Thomas said. “God is giving you a new experience.” She looked at Mark. “Do you have anything to say?”

  “No, ma’am. I am fine with singing a duet.”

  “Well, I’m glad we could all work this out.” Abruptly turning, she proceeded to the band area to work with the other performers.

  Mark looked to Donna. “I guess we need to work on the lyrics and decide who will be singing what.”

  Donna, clearly still disappointed from the change of events, took a deep breath. “Okay, let’s go over there to the corner and sit.”

  Amused by Donna’s frustration, Mark decided to be a gentleman and allow her to select the lyrics she preferred. Soon, they were singing in harmony.

  Mrs. Thomas passed by while they were rehearsing. “Very impressive. I suspect your duet will be the hit of the benefit.”

  Donna grinned affectionately at Mark. What a beautiful, radiant smile, he thought.

  When they had the song worked out and practiced without any errors, they decided to call it quits until the performance the following night. Not wanting the night to end, Mark asked Donna whether she needed a ride home.

  “I wouldn’t want to put you out of your way.”

  “Nonsense, for you? I’d be happy to.” Mark winked.

  “Okay.” A pink color crept to Donna’s cheeks as she gathered her purse and books. “I’m ready when you are.”

  “Your chariot awaits.” Mark grabbed his jacket.

  Both slid into the Mustang, which Mark had restored himself. Pulling out of the parking lot, Mark veered onto the main highway. He glanced over at Donna, who was staring straight ahead. “
Would you like to grab a bite to eat?”

  “Um...” Donna seemed surprised at his question. Smiling, she replied, “That would be nice. I haven’t eaten in a while.”

  “Anything in particular you have a craving for?”

  “Anything is fine.”

  After a little discussion, they decided to stop at a local burger drive-in. After ordering from the menu, they ate in the privacy of his car. Mark told her about his upbringing. It turned out they were both preacher’s kids, which gave them a common ground. With passion in her voice, Donna shared how she hoped to serve God with a singing ministry, something else they could relate on.

  Donna glanced at her watch. “It’s getting late. I need to return to the dorm before curfew.”

  Starting the car, Mark reluctantly pulled back onto the highway and drove Donna to her dorm. Upon their arrival, Donna thanked him for dinner and the ride.

  “You’re very welcome.”

  Stepping out of the car, Donna waved to Mark and headed toward her dorm room.

  As she disappeared into her building, a thought hit Mark out of nowhere. I am going to marry that girl. Reeling from the realization, he drove off. When he reached home, he opened his Bible and thanked God for bringing Donna into his life. He had prayed since the age of seventeen that God would send him a woman with whom he could share his life and ministry. In his heart, he knew Donna was that woman.

  * * *

  Performance night was at hand. Mark and Donna engaged in a short rehearsal before their time slot. When they finally walked on stage, the heavens opened up with their voices. The crowd applauded them with a standing ovation. As they walked off the stage, they were approached by a local pastor.

  “I loved your performance. Would you be able to sing one Sunday for our church? I know the our congregation would enjoy hearing you.” Donna and Mark were stunned, yet thrilled, with the opportunity presented. They agreed to perform the following weekend, so they would have time to rehearse and organize a few songs.

  Donna and Mark were ecstatic. Everyone kept congratulating them on their performance. Mrs. Thomas approached and hugged them both. “I am so proud of you two. That was the best performance I’ve ever seen. Two singing stars debut tonight.”

  Both Donna and Mark thanked Mrs. Thomas for her comments.

  As the event dwindled to an end, Mark asked Donna to have dinner with him. “I promise to take you to a nicer place this time.”

  “That would be great. We could discuss the songs we’re going to rehearse for Sunday.”

  “That’s a good idea.” Mark helped Donna with her bag as they left the auditorium.

  At the restaurant, they ordered soup and salad, and were quickly engulfed in deep conversation. When the waiter approached to remove their dishes, they hardly noticed.

  After that, they fast tracked to being best friends. They could talk about any subject for any length of time. In no time, they began to finish each other’s sentences.

  On the days they both had free, Mark picked Donna up around noon to begin rehearsal in the college’s music room. One particular afternoon, as they finished their song, Precious Memories, a man from a local talent agency approached.

  “Hello, my name is John Green. I was picking up my daughter at the next building when I heard you. Do you have representation?”

  “Representation?” Mark asked. “What do you mean representation?”

  “Why, for your singing career of course.”

  Donna interjected, “We’ve just started singing together. We haven’t really thought about a career.”

  “I can guarantee you a meeting with a gospel record producer within the next month, if you sign with me.”

  “Wow,” Mark said. “We are going to need to talk with each other and maybe our parents before we sign anything.”

  “I understand. I would want my daughter to call me before she signed anything. I tell you what—let’s meet tomorrow afternoon around three. You can bring your parents and we can discuss matters.”

  * * *

  The next day, Mr. and Mrs. Dubois and Mr. and Mrs. Whitestone arrived with their children to meet Mr. Green. They listened attentively as he detailed what he wanted to accomplish with Mark and Donna and their career, then he pulled out a contract.

  “Look it over.” He closed his briefcase and handed each family a card with his phone number. “Call me in a day or two and let me know what you’ve both decided.” He shook each parent’s hand and left.

  Mark glanced at Donna. “What do you think, Mr. Whitestone? Dad?”

  Mr. Dubois spoke first. “I not sure, Mark. I think we need a lawyer to look at the contract.”

  Mr. Whitestone nodded in agreement. “We don’t need to decide anything until that happens.” Mr. Dubois looked at Mr. Whitestone. “I have a friend who specializes in contract law. I could ask him to check it over.”

  “That sounds great.”

  Mr. and Mrs. Whitestone, along with Donna, rose to leave. Mr. Dubois and Mark stood and shook Mr. Whitestone’s hand. After they left, Mark sat back down, along with his dad. “Mom, Dad, what do you both think?”

  “Mark, we just need to step back and wait until the lawyer checks the contract out,” his father said. “Then we’ll all sit down as a family and make a decision. Besides, the Whitestones have to make their own choice as well.”

  “I know, but I guess I’m impatient, mostly excited, about the possibility of starting my music ministry right now.”

  “Mark,” Mrs. Dubois said, “you will have a music ministry with or without a recording contract. Just remember your ministry is to worship the Lord—that’s what is important.”

  “I know, Mom, but I could reach so many more people with a recording contract.”

  “Well, nothing can be decided now, so let’s go home.”

  * * *

  The next morning on his way to work, Mr. Dubois stopped by the office of his friend and attorney, Kevin Gibson.

  Kevin opened the door and greeted Tom with a hearty handshake, offering some coffee to his longtime friend, which Mr. Dubois declined.

  “I’ve had my limit already, thank you anyway.”

  Kevin sat at his desk and Tom took the plush leather chair for clients.

  “So, what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?”

  “Well, Kevin, it’s about my son and the young lady he now sings with. They’ve been offered a contract with an entertainment agent and I’d like for you to look it over and let me know what you think.” Tom handed Kevin the contract. He skimmed over the document and then flipped through it again. “From what I can tell, it looks like a standard representation contract. At first glance, I’d say it’s okay, but I’d prefer to have our entertainment lawyer read it over. I can let you know later in the day what he says.”

  “That sounds great. I really appreciate you’re watching out for the kids. I just don’t want them involved in something that could hurt them.”

  Kevin nodded in agreement. “I understand completely. I’ll call you after I talk with my associate, Mr. Kingston, about the contract.”

  Mr. Dubois stood, adjusted his tie slightly, shook Mr. Gibson’s hand and left. After realizing he had a meeting in an hour, Mr. Dubois dashed to his car and slid behind the wheel. Taking a deep breath, he sighed, releasing some tension. He hoped he was doing the right thing with Mark.

  He had dedicated his son as a child to the Lord, and he wanted to believe that this recording contract was in God’s plan. So he bowed his head. “Lord, I pray that Mark and Donna are following your will for their lives. Guide them, and us as their parents, to help them accomplish the ministry you have in store for them. Amen.”

  * * *

  After a long work day, Mr. Dubois was greeted by his wife, Madge, when he opened the door.

  “Dinner’s done. Hope you’re hungry for spaghetti and meatballs.”

  “Sounds good to me.”

  Mark came in shortly thereafter and sat at the table with his parents. They b
owed their heads and said grace over their food.

  “I went to see Kevin Gibson today to have him look at the contract,” Mr. Dubois said as he passed the sauce to Mark. Mark listened with restrained patience as his father explained the phone call he’d received that afternoon, confirming the contract was good.

  “Then we can sign!”

  “Now, wait a minute, young man. Have you even prayed about this?” Mr. Dubois said sternly.

  “I’ve prayed, Dad. I feel as though this is the route the Lord is leading me.”

  “Very well. I’ll call the Whitestones after we eat and tell them what the lawyers said about the contract. We’ll wait to see what their response will be.”

  * * *

  Friday morning came, and the two families met Mr. Green along with their lawyer, Mr. Gibson, and signed the contract. It was official. Mark Dubois and Donna Whitestone now had an agent, and soon, a recording contract.

  A whirlwind followed the two young stars. Only a couple of weeks after recording their version of Amazing Grace, it was played on a local Christian station.

  Donna’s mom was driving home from buying her weekly groceries when she clicked on the radio and heard Donna and Mark’s song. Excited, she swerved and almost ran off the road.

  After pulling over, she called her husband and urged him to tune in. Mr. Whitestone, who was meeting with a deacon at the time, hung up the phone, ran to his file cabinet, and grabbed the little radio that he kept at the office.

  Mr. Whitestone grinned at his deacon, who seemed somewhat stunned by the events. “My daughter’s song is on the radio!”

  That was the last time that Donna and Mark were unknowns. They quickly started recording another album, and in no time were on the road.

  As Mark and Donna toured together they grew closer. Six months into the nationwide trip, they made a stop in their hometown of Nashville. Aware family members would be attending the concert, Mark arranged a special surprise that he told no one about. When the time came for Mark and Donna to go on stage, Mark wore a silly grin on his face, but Donna just assumed he was excited about playing at home and seeing his family.

  As Donna and Mark were about to sing their last song, Mark halted the show. Angling a questioning look his direction, Donna whispered under her breath, “What are you doing?”