Christmas in Cold Creek

What in her past had made her so cynical? And what business did she have that made her eager to keep others out of it?

“That’s one way of looking at it, I suppose. Some people find it a comfort to know they’ve always got someone to turn to when times are tough.”

“I’m used to counting on myself.”

Before he could respond to that, Gabi popped her head around the side of the Christmas tree, a small porcelain angel with filigree wings in her hand. “This was the last ornament in the box,” she said. “Where should I put it?”

Becca looked at the tree. “Well, we don’t have anything at the top. Why don’t we put her there?”

“That seems about right,” Trace said. “A tree as pretty as this one deserves to have an angel watching over it.”

“Okay. I’ll have to get a chair.”

“Why?” He grinned at the girl and picked her up. She seemed skinny for her age and she giggled a little as he hefted her higher to reach the top of the tree. She tucked the little angel against the top branch and secured her with the clip attached to her back.

“Perfect,” Gabi exclaimed when she was done.

He lowered her to the ground and the girl hurried to turn off the light switch to the overhead fixture and the two lamps until the room was dark except for the gleaming, colorful tree.

They all stepped back a little for a better look. Much to his surprise, as he stood in this dark, dingy little house with that soft music in the background and the snow drifting past the window and the tree lights flickering, he felt the first nudge of Christmas spirit he’d experienced in a long, long time.

“It’s magical,” Gabi breathed.

Becca leaned down and hugged her. “You know what, kiddo? Magical is exactly the right word.”

They all stood still for a moment. Becca was the first to break the spell.

“I’m sorry we kept you so long.” She smiled at him and he had the feeling it was the most genuine smile she’d ever given him. “You didn’t need to stay to help us decorate the whole thing.”

Конец ознакомительного фрагмента.

Текст предоставлен ООО «ЛитРес».

Прочитайте эту книгу целиком, купив полную легальную версию на ЛитРес.

Безопасно оплатить книгу можно банковской картой Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, со счета мобильного телефона, с платежного терминала, в салоне МТС или Связной, через PayPal, WebMoney, Яндекс.Деньги, QIWI Кошелек, бонусными картами или другим удобным Вам способом.