Waiting For Rachel: A Christian Romance (Those Karlsson Boys) Read Online Free PDF Page B

even less appeal than walking in late for the singles’ Christmas carol practice.
    Rachel pulled open the heavy wood door of the church and stepped into the foyer, already tugging off her gloves to unbutton her coat.  Sounds of a piano came faintly from another part of the church. Quickly she hung her coat on the rack before heading for the fellowship hall. Just outside the door she paused to run a quick hand over her hair, smoothing any wisps. Then, taking a deep breath, she opened the door and stepped into the room.
    The first person she spotted was Damian. He sat on a stool in front of the group and glanced up at her arrival. Rachel hoped she was the only one who saw his eyes widen and his smile become just a bit warmer.
    “Rachel!” He stood and motioned her forward. “We’re glad that you decided to join us.”
    The group turned towards her, and even though Rachel knew most of them, she felt a little nervous. She hadn’t been a part of their group for a couple of years.
    “Hey, Rachel,” a voice called out. “Come sit with me.”
    Rachel spotted Serena Menard, the church secretary, waving, and she gratefully went to sit on the chair next to her.
    “I hope it’s okay I’m joining even though I’ve missed a few practices.”
    Damian sat back down, the heel of his boot catching on a rung at the bottom of the stool. “It’s fine. You are not the only one here for the first time. Since we’re singing Christmas carols that most of us have sung for years, I think it’s pretty safe to say the practices aren’t crucial. We’re not doing this for perfection, although that’s always appreciated. We want to sing for those seniors from our hearts. If the Lord has laid it on your heart to be here tonight, who am I to argue?”
    He lifted the sheaf of papers in his hand. “Okay, let’s try ‘Oh Little Town of Bethlehem’ and see how we sound.”
    “Here.” Serena handed her a copy of the papers and picked up another set from the stack on the chair in front of her.
    Rachel found the page Damian indicated although she knew the words by heart. The piano played an intro, and together the group began to sing. Rachel easily picked up the soprano part even though Serena sang alto, and she felt a surge of joy as their voices blended on the beautiful song.
    The practice went smoothly with Damian leading it. Rachel found her attention wandering at times as she watched him. The black turtleneck he wore stretched across his broad shoulders and tapered neatly into a pair of black slacks. His choice of black contrasted perfectly with the blond hair and blue eyes that told of his Swedish ancestry.
    “We’ll have one more practice next Saturday. Then on Sunday we’ll meet a little early just to have a final run-through. We’re to be at the home by seven, so please be here by six-fifteen. Even if you don’t make the practice next Saturday, we’d love to have you join us at the seniors’ home.” Damian stood. “Let’s close in prayer.”
    After his prayer, people stood and began to mingle.
    “I’m so glad to see you here, Rachel,” Serena said as she collected the song papers. “How’s it going?”
    “Good.” Rachel handed her a set of papers from an empty chair. “The store was really busy. That’s why I was late.”
    “Hey, better late than never.”
    “Serena.” Mark, a man Rachel didn’t know too well, approached them. “A group of us are going to Bakers Square for coffee and dessert. Interested in joining us?”
    “I really shouldn’t,” Serena said. “I’ve got tons of stuff to do but…their Caramel Pecan Silk Supreme pie is to die for. I just know there’s a piece there with my name on it.”
    Rachel grinned. “Personally I like their Brownie pie.”
    “You’re not helping, Rachel,” Serena said with a mock frown. “Now there’s no way I can resist. How about you? Want to join us?”
    “Yeah, Rachel, join us.”
    Rachel’s heart skipped a beat as Damian spoke from behind her. She