Silent Magic with a Twist of Romance

/ roughwighting

ChatGPT, romance, minister and Sunday School teacherI may be wicked, sitting at a bar a day before Christmas with a priest who’s ten years younger than me, but I’m not going to skedaddle and leave behind the chocolate martini that he just ordered. (Didn’t See It Coming). 

Besides, Thomas is looking at me quizzically, as if he has a question but is afraid to ask.

Me? I’d like to ask him where his church is located. Oh, and I’d also like to ask him if he has a brother, because strike me down, but I find this priest quite attractive. 

Perhaps that’s the chocolate martini talking, though. chocolate martini, Image by Lei-Ling from Pixabay, bar conversation

I don’t have time to ponder this question because a striking woman, 40ish, strawberry blonde with a seductive smile, sidles up to our bar stools and stares into Thomas’ wide-open eyes.

“Father Thomas!” she exclaims with a tinge of sarcasm. “How did I know I’d find you here?”

Thomas’ skin reddens from the top of his clerical collar up to his hairline. My head swivels from Thomas to the lady who seems to have some kind of ownership to this priest. I break the ice, so to speak, by asking, “Would you make the introductions, Father Thomas?”

blog, Christmas romance, Christmas magic, ChatGPTThe brazen woman holds out her well-manicured hand – with flaming red nails – and says, “I’m Thomas’ fiancée.”

I swallow my sip of martini with a gulp so I don’t spit it out. “How can that be?”

My question distracts her as Thomas shakes his head no so vehemently I worry that his collar will be displaced.

“Former fiancée,” he manages to choke out, looking at me as if asking for mercy. I give him none.

“But you’re a priest, how can you be engaged?”

“I’m NOT engaged,” he repeats, “and I’m an Episcopalian minister. We do not take a vow of chastity.”

He realizes that came out strong when red-nailed lady adds, “that’s for sure.”

Thomas ignores the woman, faces me, and implores, “can we get away from here and talk . . . privately? Glenda and I broke up months ago. I’ve had a ‘thing’ for you since Sunday School.”

I scoff. “You were 8.”

“Sounds weird, granted, but I believe in Christmas miracles, and it’s a miracle we ended up at the same bar. What do you say?”

What else can I say but “”Christmas is the spirit of giving, so I suppose we could go to the café down the street.”

I notice that the former fiancée has already met a new man further down the bar as Thomas and I hold hands and walk out of the door toward an unknown path, probably full of potholes. Nevertheless, I stop halfway down the sidewalk and ask Thomas, “Have you ever watched the movie Polar Express?” ChatGPT, Polar Express magic

“One of my favorites,” he responds.

“The quote I remember the most is ‘Christmas magic is silent. You don’t hear it, you feel it.’”

The way he squeezes my hand, I feel the magic twirling around us.

Magical Christmas Romance, ChatGPT, magical romance

Tis the season for a romantic Christmas story. May we always find the magic in our lives. Happy Holidays!

77 thoughts on “Silent Magic with a Twist of Romance”

    • I think the same, Dale. They are different enough from each other, yet similar within their hearts, perhaps, to make it work. Merry, Merry to you, Dale. The holidays are wonderful, but still difficult for many of us. But we carry on and smile and shine a Light. You certainly do! ❤

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  13. What a delightful Christmas romance story! I’m happy to chat with you about it.It seems like the story is a heartwarming tale of unexpected love, second chances, and the magic of Christmas. The protagonist, a Sunday School teacher, meets a charming Episcopalian minister, Thomas, at a bar on Christmas Eve. Their chance encounter leads to a romantic connection, but things get complicated with the arrival of Thomas’s former fiancée.Here are some thoughts on the story:Chemistry between the leads: The attraction between the protagonist and Thomas is palpable, and their conversation flows nicely. The author does a great job of conveying the sparks flying between them.Complications and drama: The arrival of the former fiancée adds a layer of complexity to the story, making Thomas’s situation more believable and nuanced. It also allows for a sweet and satisfying resolution.The power of Christmas magic: The story incorporates the idea of Christmas magic, which adds a whimsical and romantic touch. The quote from Polar Express is a lovely nod to the movie and perfectly captures the feeling of the season.Character growth and development: Thomas comes across as a likable and genuine character, and his vulnerability with the protagonist is endearing. The protagonist, too, shows growth by being open to the possibility of a new connection.Some potential questions to discuss:What do you think about the protagonist’s initial perception of Thomas as a priest, and how does her opinion change throughout the story?How does the author use the setting (a bar on Christmas Eve) to create a festive and romantic atmosphere?What role do you think the former fiancée plays in the story, and is her character fully fleshed out?Feel free to share your thoughts, and I’ll be happy to chat more about this delightful Christmas romance!

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    • I enjoyed your synopsis of my story as well as some great insights and questions. I got a post-grad degree in Literature, but I didn’t learn to WRITE (creatively) until I just let the story (and the characters, and the setting) flow from my pen. In other words, I let it go, and the good stuff shows itself to me. (organically? or magically?)

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  19. A wonderful story of magical and unintended consequence. Even though the former Sunday school teacher is years ahead of her new crush, an Episcopalian minister, there are enough sparks here to tell us this relationship is one worth exploring!

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  27. Great Christmas story. My friends in MI are Catholic and when her mom passed away, their very handsome priest came to to the funeral mass. A cousin said to my friend “Please tell me he is an Episcopalian priest!”

    “Uhm no, my friend said. Father Bob is a Catholic priest.” Interestingly though, several years later, he left the priesthood and got married.

    Happy New Year Pamela! ❤

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  28. A lovely little romance is always magical… And what is age? at the end of the day 😉 …

    Have a wonderful, WONDERFUL New Year Pam… and thank you for your lovely visit also… May your New Year also be magical, as you embrace another year…. May it be full of good health, happiness and harmony.. 💖
    Much love xx Sue 💖

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  29. l love your Christmas love story on the first day of the new year! I read your special morsels when quiet time is available and the dog is sleeping. You always seem to conjure curiosity regarding your characters. Stay warm this winter, it’s cold in California as well. Happy New Year!

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    • I prefer the CA cold to the New England cold … just sayin’. But both are best when taken inside in front of the fireplace. With a sweet romance in hand (as in book, but a real person works too). 🙂 Happy 2026.

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    • Thanks for the smile, Jennifer. Dishy vicar, indeed. I was raised Episcopalian, so I knew the romance could bloom. 🙂 Wishing you a blooming 2026 full of writing, wisdom, and wonderful stories.

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  34. What a wonderful magical poem, Pam bring the Christmas spirit to life. Sometimes fairy tales come true or they happen at the right time. This sounds like time tested love for life.
    Here we are ready or not and I’m wishing you all the best for more creativity, magic in love and life in 2026!!! xxx

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Always a pleasure to read your thoughts.