Lighting the Tree — Carol Ann Erhardt

Brenda Davis is resigned to climbing into bed and shutting out thoughts of happy family gatherings. Twenty-four years ago she gave her baby up for adoption. Every year since, she's placed a present under an unlit Christmas tree, waiting until the time they can be reunited. It's Christmas Eve, and Brenda's heart is heavy for she's going to spend it alone -- again.

But her friend, Dave Kingsdale, has other plans. He convinces Brenda to go to dinner with him. What he doesn't tell her is that dinner will be at his parents' home. For a long time, the widower has been longing to tell Brenda he wants more than friendship from her. What he doesn't know is that she has the same feelings for him. And what neither of them know is a Christmas miracle is about to happen -- delivered by an unlikely Santa.