tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90239370992128203392024-03-17T23:01:33.456-04:00The Roses of ProseAlison Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725250883303287946noreply@blogger.comBlogger2439125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-43663888968818546182018-12-30T00:30:00.000-05:002018-12-30T00:30:00.841-05:00The Roses of Prose Say Goodbye<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsci3FV0f3Jof49lS3aEGlgwXRR2IDj05q2hAov1YT7yblJH2BSW6c9DME8d_bEQ1VjkHVjOs-G06JEpYu5NX6z2F0i1zNnV_fdnr5gKripq2DzEClT1gSEpDDC33XL7ur7nd6SzEYmmGX/s1600/rijrnnkrT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsci3FV0f3Jof49lS3aEGlgwXRR2IDj05q2hAov1YT7yblJH2BSW6c9DME8d_bEQ1VjkHVjOs-G06JEpYu5NX6z2F0i1zNnV_fdnr5gKripq2DzEClT1gSEpDDC33XL7ur7nd6SzEYmmGX/s200/rijrnnkrT.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black;">In May of 2010, a new blog made
the scene. Several romance writers came together and created The Roses of
Prose. We aren’t all original roses anymore. Some of the authors left and made way for
the new guys. I was one of those. But regardless of who comprised our group, the
camaraderie and fun we have shared remained the same. Our goal was always to
entertain the readers who tuned in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black;">The blogging world has changed
in the last eight and half years. The number of blogs has increased while the
audience decreased. For that reason, and for many personal reasons, the Roses
have decided to bid adieu. Like one of my favorite minstrels and Caribbean
rock-and-rollers coined, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">it’s been a
lovely cruise</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoaY_T98Co2kjUX2CRo3t0h15BesZ4hrCk92edOHlB2LrLyY4mCMsT5-R3-Q-1pWXAadpNRUR00tP_XGpOZBZNAOum8hUP92nM6b4PWcpQi5vRY5aFRy5tIwOurHgikwHHmUBxgM7djrOD/s1600/100_0188+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="668" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoaY_T98Co2kjUX2CRo3t0h15BesZ4hrCk92edOHlB2LrLyY4mCMsT5-R3-Q-1pWXAadpNRUR00tP_XGpOZBZNAOum8hUP92nM6b4PWcpQi5vRY5aFRy5tIwOurHgikwHHmUBxgM7djrOD/s200/100_0188+-+Copy.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="background-color: white;">This blog will hang around for...I really don't know how long. We aren't taking it down. It will be here if you want to revisit a post or read Christmas stories in the middle of the summer.</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black;">Thanks for being here. We
enjoyed it. Comments, in no particular order, from the Roses are below along
with links to where you can find us elsewhere. We all hope you’ll find us and
keep in touch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black;">JANNINE GALLANT<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black;">Thank you to all our loyal
readers over the years, but most especially my mom, who never missed a post
even though she didn't comment. You are all greatly appreciated! If you'd like
to keep track of my writing journey, follow my author page on Facebook at </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/JannineGallant.Author/" target="_blank"><span style="background: white;">https://www.facebook.com/JannineGallant.Author/</span></a><span style="background: white; color: black;">. Personal photos (you know, of my
dog...lol) can be found on Instagram if you'd like to follow me there: </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/jannine_gallant/" target="_blank"><span style="background: white;">https://www.instagram.com/jannine_gallant/</span></a><span style="background: white; color: black;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black;">JL WILSON<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black;">It's been great to blog with
all these talented ladies for so long. I can be found at </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://jayellwilson.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background: white;">jayellwilson.com</span></a><span style="background: white; color: black;">, if you'd like to stay caught up with my
adventures. Keep on reading!</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black;">ALISON HENDERSON<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black;">Thanks to everyone who has
followed us on our journey through the wonderful and often wacky world of
fiction writing and publishing. I hope you’ll continue to stay in touch. You
can always reach me through my website at </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.alisonhenderson.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background: white;">https://www.alisonhenderson.com</span></a>.<span style="background: white; color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ANDREA DOWNING<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It's been an absolute pleasure to be part of this group and a joy
to read all the comments each month and learn from everyone. Thank you to those
who have stayed with us, and inspired us to write and share our thoughts. If
you'd like to continue to follow me, you can find me at <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My website: <a href="http://andreadowning.com/" target="_blank">http://andreadowning.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/writerAndreaDowning" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/writerAndreaDowning</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Twitter: @andidowning<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black;">and my Amazon Author page<b>:</b> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Andrea-Downing/e/B008MQ0NXS/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/Andrea-Downing/e/B008MQ0NXS/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">DIANE BURTON<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I've enjoyed the time here on The Roses of Prose, especially
meeting such lovely ladies. It is you, the readers, who have given me such
encouragement. Thank you so much. I'll still be posting on my blog (<a href="http://dianeburton.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://dianeburton.blogspot.com/</a>)
every weekend with the Weekend Writing Warriors. I hope you'll keep in touch
via my social media links:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">website: </span><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.dianeburton.com/" target="_blank">http://www.dianeburton.com</a></span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Twitter: </span><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://twitter.com/#!/dmburton72" target="_blank">http://twitter.com/dmburton72</a></span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Facebook: </span><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://facebook.com/dianeburtonauthor" target="_blank">http://facebook.com/dianeburtonauthor</a></span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Goodreads: </span><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://bit.ly/HGf13a" target="_blank">Diane Burton Author</a></span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pinterest: </span><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://pinterest.com/dmburton72/" target="_blank">http://pinterest.com/dmburton72/</a></span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">MARGO
HOORNSTRA<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Being a
part of the Roses of Prose was a great experience for me. Sharing and learning,
building friendships and connecting with readers. Thanks so much for the
memories, and let's stay in touch. You can find me at my website <a href="http://www.margohoornstra.com/" target="_blank">www.margohoornstra.com</a> and
on Facebook at </span><u><span style="color: #0563c1; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Margo-Hoornstra-Author/251502834867396" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Margo-Hoornstra-Author/251502834867396</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black;">CHRISTINE DEPETRILLO<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black;">Warm fuzzies to everyone who
visited The Roses of Prose blog. I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to
share my thoughts with the reading/writing world. It was also wonderful to be
in the presence of my fellow Roses, all who have taught me something about
being an author. If you want to continue to ride my crazy train, you can find
me at my </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://christinedepetrillo.weebly.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background: white;">website</span></a><span style="background: white; color: black;"> </span><a href="http://www.christinedepetrillo.weebly.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background: white;">www.christinedepetrillo.weebly.com</span></a><span style="background: white; color: black;">, on </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/christinedepetrilloauthor" target="_blank"><span style="background: white;">Facebook</span></a><span style="background: white; color: black;"> at my author page </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/christinedepetrilloauthor" target="_blank"><span style="background: white;">www.facebook.com/christinedepetrilloauthor</span></a><span style="background: white; color: black;"> and at my reader group </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/141435039780507" target="_blank"><span style="background: white;">Small Town Hearts</span></a><span style="background: white; color: black;"> </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/141435039780507" target="_blank"><span style="background: white;">www.facebook.com/groups/141435039780507</span></a><span style="background: white; color: black;">, and on </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Christine-DePetrillo/e/B004OB0JA2/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1541945750&amp;sr=1-1" target="_blank"><span style="background: white;">Amazon</span></a><span style="background: white; color: black;">. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ROLYNN ANDERSON<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dear Roses of Prose Followers,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333;">I joined the Roses in 2013 and 33,000 blog
words later, I’m proud to say ROP is my favorite place to hang out in the cyber
world. I will miss the humor, the writing tips, and the window into your lives.
Such a bright, generous, talented group of women! Readers, keep following us;
we’ll continue to deliver wonderful stories to you. Find me in these places:</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333;"><br />
Suspense Novels Spiked with Romance and Exotic Settings</span><span style="color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
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</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://rolynnanderson.com/" target="_blank">http://rolynnanderson.com</a></span><span style="background: white; color: #333333;"> </span><span style="color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rolynn-Anderson/188767867821613" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rolynn-Anderson/188767867821613</a></span><span style="background: white; color: #333333;"> </span><span style="color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://twitter.com/rolynnanderson" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/rolynnanderson</a></span><span style="background: white; color: #333333;"> </span><span style="color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/author/rolynnanderson" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/author/rolynnanderson</a></span><span style="color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/rolynna/suspense-thrillers-mystery-novels-we-love/" target="_blank">https://www.pinterest.com/rolynna/suspense-thrillers-mystery-novels-we-love/</a></span><span style="color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=rolynn+anderson" target="_blank">https://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=rolynn+anderson</a></span><span style="background: white; color: #333333;"> </span><span style="color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4990049.Rolynn_Anderson" target="_blank">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4990049.Rolynn_Anderson</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">BARBARA EDWARDS<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">I'm Barbara Edwards and I've
been a member since the beginning. this group has provided me with a fine group
of friends, and I will miss the monthly posts. I wish all of you and our readers
the best of luck and a wonderful future.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Website <a href="http://www.barbaraedwards.net/" target="_blank">http://www.barbaraedwards.net</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My Blog <a href="https://barbaraedwardscomments.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">https://barbaraedwardscomments.wordpress.com/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Amazon Author Page <a href="http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B003F6ZK1A/" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B003F6ZK1A/</a></span><span style="color: #4d4d4d; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BarbaraEdwards.Author/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/BarbaraEdwards.Author/</a></span><span style="color: #4d4d4d; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Google+ <a href="https://plus.google.com/+BarbaraEdwards2/" target="_blank">https://plus.google.com/+BarbaraEdwards2/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #4d4d4d; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pinterest <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/barbarae1892/" target="_blank">http://www.pinterest.com/barbarae1892/</a><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">RE MULLINS<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Participating in the Roses of Prose blog has been both an honor
and a pleasure...Okay, not the deadlines so much, but the rest of it. So, a big
thanks and hugs to my fellow authors for allowing me a spot amongst the Roses.
Special thanks go out to everyone that read my posts. Though this forum is
ending, I hope we stay in touch. My books can be purchased through most online
retailers. Such as: <a href="http://https/www.amazon.com/R-E-Mullins/e/B00B9ZM7X8/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1542034374&sr=1-2-ent" target="_blank">Amazon</a> or <a href="http://https/catalog.thewildrosepress.com/search?controller=search&orderby=position&orderway=desc&search_query=re+mullins&submit_search=" target="_blank">TheWildRosePress</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And don't forget to come see what I'm up doing or contact me
through:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://remullins.com/" target="_blank">remullins.com</a> <a href="http://remullins.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">remullins.blogspot.com</a> <a href="http://https/www.facebook.com/REMullinsauthor/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> </span><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black;">VONNIE DAVIS<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black;">I face the end of this blog
with mixed feelings. I love you all--fellow writers and readers. It's been a
special kind of sisterhood. Please know we all write for your enjoyment as well
as our personal fulfilment. </span><br />
<span style="background: white; color: black;"><br /></span>
<span style="background: white; color: black;">I hope you'll check in on me from time to time at
my website: </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.vonniedavis.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background: white;">http://www.vonniedavis.com</span></a><span style="background: white; color: black;"> . While you're there, please sign-up for my monthly newsletter so you can keep up with what I'm writing. </span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white; color: black;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: white; color: black;">Please follow me on Amazon at </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Vonnie-Davis/e/B0059HUKMC/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0" target="_blank"><span style="background: white;">https://www.amazon.com/Vonnie-Davis/e/B0059HUKMC/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0</span></a> </span><br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I'm on Twitter -- @VonnieWrites … I hope you'll follow me.</span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Stay well, dearhearts. Blessings to all of you and thankyou for enriching my life.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">MACKENZIE CROWNE<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Endings are always a sad affair, but even the best of things must
come to an end eventually. As we venture off to the next thing, I want to thank
all you readers. Without your active participation and interest in our efforts,
we authors would be left to weave our tales strictly for ourselves. And
seriously, where would the fun be in that? And to my sister Roses – I’m humbled
at and so very appreciative of being included in such an uber-talented clutch.
Love you, ladies. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’m not saying goodbye as I expect we’ll cross paths again. I’ll
say instead, see ya later. Muah!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Stay in touch with me at my social media haunts <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MackenzieCrowne/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/MacCrowne" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and
follow me on <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Mackenzie-Crowne/e/B007YH4QZ2/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1542395659&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Amazon</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ALICIA DEAN<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I was honored to be included in this fabulous group. I’ve so
enjoyed getting to know the authors I didn’t know and staying in closer touch
with those I did. It was wonderful learning about one another, reading all the
posts, sharing our victories and failures, our happiness and pain, and knowing
all of you were there for support. And thank you to all the readers and guest
authors who’ve joined us over the years. Best wishes!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Step into my dark world of murder and mayhem…follow my blog and
like my Facebook page to keep up with all the happenings: <a href="https://aliciadean.com/alicias-blog/" target="_blank">https://aliciadean.com/alicias-blog/</a> AND <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAliciaDean/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAliciaDean/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black;">LEAH ST JAMES<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black;">Many thanks to all who have so
loyally read this blog over the years. It's been a privilege to contribute and
share some of my thoughts (and angst) about reading, writing and life in
general. I also thank my fellow roses, first of all, for inviting me to be part
of this special group several years ago, but also for their generosity and
support in so many ways. I look forward to keeping up with all their writing
adventures and successes in the future. If you'd like to keep up with my fits
and starts at this crazy business, you can find me at my </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://leahstjames.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background: white;">website</span></a><span style="background: white; color: black;">, or occasionally on </span><a href="https://facebook.com/leahstjames" target="_blank"><span style="background: white;">Facebook </span></a><span style="background: white; color: black;">or </span><a href="https://twitter.com/leahstjames" target="_blank"><span style="background: white;">Twitter</span></a><span style="background: white; color: black;">. Happy
reading!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black;">BRENDA WHITESIDE<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black;">I think I said it all above. I
do hope you’ll seek me out because I’m all over the place and love to connect
and hear from readers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black;">My web site: </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.brendawhiteside.com/">https://www.brendawhiteside.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black;">My personal blog: </span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://brendawhiteside.blogspot.com/">https://brendawhiteside.blogspot.com/</a></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Facebook: </span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BrendaWhitesideAuthor">https://www.facebook.com/BrendaWhitesideAuthor</a></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Twitter: </span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://twitter.com/brendawhitesid2">https://twitter.com/brendawhitesid2</a></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Instagram: <span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/brendawhitesideauthor/">https://www.instagram.com/brendawhitesideauthor/</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Amazon: </span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B003V15WF8">https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B003V15WF8</a></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">BETSY ASHTON<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I've had a riot writing for this blog and reading the posts. I, too, didn't always comment. Sometimes I'd wait until Sunday afternoon to catch up on a week's worth of thoughtful posts. I'm not a romance writer, so I'm happy I was able to offer a different perspective on writing and publishing. Thanks for reading. Thanks for inviting me. Write away, write now.</span><br />
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Website: <a href="http://www.-betsy-ashton.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.-betsy-ashton.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Blog: <a href="http://www.betsy-ashton.com/blog" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.betsy-ashton.com/blog</span></a> <o:p></o:p></div>
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Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/betsyashton" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.facebook.com/betsy.ashton</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/madmaxpage" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.facebook.com/madmaxpage</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/eyeswithoutafacenovel" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.facebook.com/eyeswithoutafacenovel</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Twitter: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/betsyashton" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.twitter.com/betsyashton</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Pinterest: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/betsy_ashton200" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.pinterest.com/betsy_ashton200</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Instagram: <a href="http://www.instagram.com/betsy_ashton2005" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.instagram.com/betsy_ashton2005</span></a> <o:p></o:p></div>
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LinkedIn: <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/betsy-ashton" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.linkedin.com/betsy-ashton</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
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email: <a href="mailto:betsy_ashton2005@yahoo.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">betsy_ashton2005@yahoo.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Brenda Whitesidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04162555468154752820noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-15192462953911009242018-12-28T00:00:00.000-05:002018-12-28T00:00:00.704-05:00A Conflicted Christmas - Part Three by Margo Hoornstra<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn247Yjjb1hTIH0uBlY3aSABO-aZeZLlFxTjKshM049izyAjeaz-UJv-Vs7QZN_Jlx9NuoEaY2eTaELLIufj1McUPX8kCs0Ebe1UYwdhBKi17U8gaxTFo-OCe8PnmB6faQnJKGFvQ19ETM/s1600/Let+it+Snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1224" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn247Yjjb1hTIH0uBlY3aSABO-aZeZLlFxTjKshM049izyAjeaz-UJv-Vs7QZN_Jlx9NuoEaY2eTaELLIufj1McUPX8kCs0Ebe1UYwdhBKi17U8gaxTFo-OCe8PnmB6faQnJKGFvQ19ETM/s400/Let+it+Snow.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mandy
regretted sniping at Dean before she’d even finished doing it, but she simply
couldn’t help herself. If she was smart—correction, if his arrival hadn’t
muddled up her brain and apparently short circuited all her emotions, she would
have handled this whole situation differently. She should have just slipped
away and done her thing. Let Dean and the girls do theirs. <i>Without me</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Tears
stung at the very thought. Going their separate ways was the last thing she
wanted. Having a complete and cohesive family again was. Not to mention, she
wanted her husband back. The man she’d shared so much with over the years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Even
though she knew he’d help her, she lifted down the small wheeled cart and
stacked the boxes of ornaments on top of it. She had learned to be far more
self-sufficient over the past six months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“What
can I do?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dean
appeared beside her as she tipped the cart on its wheels. When he reached for
the handle, she twisted the other way then started walking toward the pavilion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Just
for the record, that’s not how I meant my comment about the decorations back
there.” Catching up with her, he reached out to place a hand on her arm. When
she stiffened at the contact, he immediately let go. “I meant the sameness, the
familiarity was a good thing. Comforting. Like coming home.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Fat
lot you’d know about that. You coming home? Or just anyone coming home in
general?</i> She kept more snippy remarks to herself. Why fight? Plus, this was the
holiday season, after all. Peace on Earth, good will to men, and all that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Even
Dean.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“You
wondered if there was something you could do.” She slowed her pace as they
approached the entrance, even pausing long enough to allow Dean to open the
door for her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Anything.
Just ask.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Several
people were milling around in the huge cavernous room, setting up different
booths that had been sectioned off with long, dark curtains. Luckily, she
didn’t see anyone they knew. Right now, she didn’t feel much like socializing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“One
of the fathers owns a hardware store and brought in some artificial Christmas trees
for us to decorate. You can help me set those up.” She stopped to study a
diagram that had been taped to the wall. “We’re assigned to number sixty-five,
which is…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“…at
the end of that aisle.” Taking hold of the handle on her cart when she
momentarily let it go, Dean headed off in that direction, pulling their cargo
along with him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">All
she could do was trail behind. Watch his shoulder muscles flex, his appealing
backside beneath a pair of jeans with just the right amount of tightness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>How
will I ever get through this?</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Purposely raising
her gaze, she stared straight ahead and kept walking. Once they got to booth
number sixty-five, it only took a couple of minutes for Dean to line the boxes
up on the floor he then opened with his ever-present pocket knife. While she
rolled the now empty cart to a back corner, he started pulling artificial tree
parts out of their containers that had been dropped off earlier.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“This
festival has always been a real community effort.” He set a newly assembled
tree on a front table.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“It
certainly has been that.” She turned away to gather some ornaments she set
beside it. “Always.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dean
gave her a brief nod of agreement as he reached for more tree parts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">As
the minutes passed, they still hadn’t talked about anything more meaningful
than how the younger students had made the ornaments in their art classes, and
some of the older students had contributed ornaments made in shop class. With
her adding that what she had brought was only a small number of them because so
many other volunteers from her school were involved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Like
I said.” Dean set another tree on another table. “Community effort.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Uh-huh.”
Could she have made a more intelligent response?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Not
today, apparently.</i> Now that she thought about it, the innocuous conversation
was probably partially her fault. More than partially even. It kept her from
dealing with what they really needed to talk about.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
understood why Dean wanted a second career at forty-five, after his early
retirement. And fully supported him in getting into the home security business.
What she didn’t understand, and probably never would, was why he felt he had to
go somewhere else so far away to do it. What was the inauguration of a new life
to him felt a lot like the abandonment of their old life, to her. At the same time,
she wanted him to be happy too. But uprooting the girls and giving up their
once happy home was a lot to ask.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Still…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Dean…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Mandy…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">They
spoke at the same time then exchanged embarrassed smiles. Followed by an
awkward silence neither seemed to have the courage to break.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I learned a lot about the home security
business while I was in Reno.” Dean somehow developed his nerve first. “Wagner
said I did really well. Was a real asset to him. He even offered me a
management position. As long as I stayed there in Reno.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Her
hand froze on the miniature tree she was setting up, but she didn’t so much as
look at him. That wasn’t at all what she wanted to hear. What happened to his
talk a moment ago about familiarity and home?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Good
for you.” After adjusting a couple of wayward branches to a better alignment,
she bent down to rummage through a box of homemade ornaments.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“He
said he liked my grasp of the ins and outs of the business. Said my skills
could help his company realize better profits without opening a satellite
office here like we’d talked about.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I
see.” She still didn’t glance up as her rummaging continued. Purely for show
now. A way she could keep her head down and her eyes averted. Prevent him from
discovering the tears welling in their depths.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Still
not standing, the intensity of her fabricated search increased. Dean bent down
along side of her, reaching toward the box as if he too intended to start
rummaging. Instead, he placed his hands firmly over hers to stop her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“But
I hated every minute away from you and the girls. I told him if he didn’t want
to help me open a satellite office in Michigan like he’d promised, I wasn’t
interested.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
that split second, her rifling finally ceased. The last chunks of ice around
her heart thawed and fell away. Mouth open, she turned her face toward him, her
eyes searching his as if she needed to determine the extent of his honesty.
“You what?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
cupped her chin with his thumb and forefinger. “You were right all along,
sweetheart. And I was wrong. Moving away from Michigan was the wrong choice. He
wasn’t interested in helping me start a business of my own here. He was after
someone to help him run what he already had going out there.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
anguish in his tone tore at her heart. “Oh, Dean. I’m so sorry. I know how much
you wanted this.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">That
he simply shrugged surprised her. “He’s not the only owner of a company of its
kind. I’ll find another willing to franchise. Or even figure out a way to set
up my own. If that doesn’t work, I can do something else. I want you way more
than any autonomy. And the girls. If you’ll have me back.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
took in his earnest expression and the pleading in those intense dark eyes.
Bedroom eyes she’d always told him. Eyes that never failed to quicken her pulse
and make her heart swell with love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Gazing
into those enthralling eyes now, she swallowed before she spoke. “It turns out
I was wrong too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of my major
arguments, selling a house that was nearly paid for seemed out of the question.
And for more than just sentimental reasons, though that was a major factor.”
Before he could respond, she went on. “Then there was the road block of pulling
the girls out of the public school they’d attended all their academic lives and
away from the friends they’d known since before they could walk.” She took a
breath. Tears welled up again, but she no longer needed to hide them. “Both
girls are so pragmatic, just like you.” She laughed lightly and swiped at her
eyes. “Both of them later told me they were willing to make those sacrifices to
preserve our family. They were willing to sacrifice…I wasn’t. I was wrong. For
that, I’m truly very sorry.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
grasped her hand and brought her with him when he rose, then pulled her close.
“It wasn’t that I didn’t care about your concerns. I just wanted to see if I
could…we could…do better. Add to the police officer’s pension I had.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“It
hurt you wouldn’t believe me when I said what we were making was enough for us.
That you were enough for me.” Her voice cracked, and she grew silent, pressing
her lips together as more tears fell.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Soon
though, the apologies, the never should have saids, came out of her in a rush.
Everything she’d wanted to say to him. Things she did say to him, if only in
her mind, during so many sleepless nights spent without him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dean
stayed silent and listened. For a while. Until he gently pressed two fingers
against her lips to stop the flow. “It’s okay. It wasn’t either of our faults,
and it was both of our faults.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
pulled back slightly to look into his eyes, where she caught the hint of
mischief. Any tightness around her heart eased. Hope she didn’t care to
restrain rose in her like a beacon slicing across a darkened landscape. Its
light growing in brightness until it filled every crevice, chasing out the
sadness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“That’s
one way of looking at it.” She smiled at his unique logic, which was so Dean
Nichols.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Reaching
out, he toyed with a small piece of her hair by her ear. His thumb stroked a
slow pattern lightly along the side of her throat. She didn’t move a muscle as
shivers delivered by his touch crept along her spine then burst open to
re-awaken her nearly forgotten need for him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I
was hoping we could pick up exactly where we left off.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
love and devotion she’d at one time come to expect from him and, at another
time, feared she’d never see from him again, was openly reflected in his eyes.
Joy and gratitude stole her breath then stayed in place to block her throat.
Unable to speak through the clog of emotion, she returned his gaze, hers
brimming with all the love she held in her heart for him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Wrapping
her arms around his waist, she buried her head against his chest, finding
immeasurable comfort in the familiarity she found there as her voice returned
at last. “I don’t know why not. So, let’s finish up here and hurry home.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">*****<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Home.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Coming
from Mandy’s lips, the single word rang with the sweetest sound Dean had heard
in a very long time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Yeah.
Let’s.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">From
that point forward, he put up little trees he decorated like a madman. Anxious
to, as Mandy said, finish up here and hurry home. Where, if he was extremely
fortunate, he’d be able to get her alone for an hour, hopefully more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“What
do we do with the empty boxes?” He held up the last of them when they finally
had all the decorations unloaded and displayed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Leave
them here under the tables.” Mandy lifted the cloth skirt attached to one of
them. “They probably won’t sell everything. Whoever oversees clean-up can use
them to bring back what’s left.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Then
we’re good to go after this.” He shoved the boxes into haphazard stacks under
the table.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mandy
crossed her arms as she watched him. The smile spreading across her face
erupted into a giggle as he stowed the last box, settled the skirt back in
place, then stood to face her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Let’s
go.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Let’s.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Grinning
like an idiot, he helped Mandy into her jacket before putting on his. Without
taking the precious time necessary to zip up, he ushered her toward the door.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
kept his arm tightly around her shoulders all the way back to the car. The
drive home, by the town’s holiday decorations was much more pleasant than the
ride there as they plotted and planned what the next phase of their life
together might look like. Even Santa seemed to be smiling larger than before
when they drove by.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dean
gave him a friendly nod and wink in return. <i>Merry Christmas, Old Man.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“The
girls have a slumber party to go to tonight.” Mandy took her eyes off the road
for a second to glance over at him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">All
of a sudden, her reason for being so adamant before about him staying somewhere
else tonight became clear. Still, he couldn’t help it when most of the blood
fueling his brain headed south. “When do they leave?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
actually blushed in the most adorable way as she briefly cast a glimpse toward
him again. “Probably about the same time as we get home.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Home.</i>
There was that sweetest word in the world again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Do
we have to drive them? Drop them off anywhere?” If so, he’d be more than happy
to do the honors.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Not
this time. Susie’s parents are picking them up. The party is at Casey’s. Only
for one night.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Was
her voice tinged with disappointment? Or was his suddenly deprived brain
hallucinating on him? Before he could decide, they pulled into the garage, and
Mandy hit the button to close the door.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“There’s
some chili I can heat up for dinner.” She peered over the top of the car at him
after they both got out. “If you don’t mind leftovers.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Chili
sounds perfect. With cheddar cheese, right?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
glanced back at him and smiled. “Of course. I wouldn’t dream of serving you
chili without cheddar cheese.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Can’t
tell you how wonderful that is to hear.” The smile he’d been sporting for a
while now was still so broad, his cheeks were beginning to ache. And he didn’t
mind one darned bit. Taking off his jacket he hung on the wall hook just inside
the door, he reached to help Mandy out of her coat, allowing his palms to
linger on her shoulders.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
placed her hands on top. “It’s good to have you home, Dean.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“You
have no idea how good it is to be home.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Turning
her in his arms, he lowered his head, about to kiss the lips he’d been away
from for far too long.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Mom!”
Deanna’s cry echoed from the living room. “I can’t find my ballet flats. Have
you seen them?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“No.”
Remaining in his embrace, Mandy lifted her chin to project her voice. “Did you
check the hall closet?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“They
aren’t in there either.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Check
way in the back.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Okay,
but I don’t think they’re there.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Letting
her go when she cast him an apologetic glance then stepped back, Dean was right
behind her as she headed for the living room. As the kitchen door shut behind
him, what appeared before him stole his breath. It was all there, just the way
he’d left it. The fireplace along one wall, the sectional couch, the matching
recliners he and Mandy bought themselves to celebrate their tenth anniversary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Both
their daughters’ overnight gear was stacked by the front door.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“They
ended up in my room, Deanna.” Amanda bounced down the stairs. “I put them in
your bag already.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Hitting
the bottom step, she paused much as he had. Though she made no comment, a huge
smile broke across her face at seeing her parents standing there together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Okay.
Great. Thank you.” Deanna backed out of the closet and turned around, then
stopped and reacted in much the same way as her sister.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Call
when you’re ready to come home tomorrow, and one of us will pick you up.”
Mandy’s voice was calm and matter of fact as both girls stood side by side
staring at their apparently reconciled parents.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">A
horn honk from the driveway broke the spell.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“There’s
Susie. Come on, Deanna.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Right
behind you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Collecting
sleeping bags, pillows and backpacks, they helped each other struggle through
the door.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Bye,
Mom and Dad. Love you.” Their voices blended to resonate back just before they
closed the door with a whump.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Love
you too.” He and Mandy responded with a chorus of their own.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">With
his arms wrapped easily around her again, he closed his eyes in pure enjoyment
as Mandy nestled her head against his shoulder. Right where she belonged.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Looks
like we won’t be needing that suite at the Hamilton Inn after all.” Her voice
came out soft.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
flicked a gaze toward the pendulum clock on the mantle. “It’s after six. Too
late to cancel for tonight. Your card’s already been charged.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“It’s
a shame to let such a nice, expensive hotel room go to waste.” Her voice held
an intimate undertone that ignited a spark deep inside him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">And
darned if almost all his blood didn’t shoot downward again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I
agree. We should put all those amenities to good use at least once, don’t you
think?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Oh
yes. Definitely.” Turning in his arms, she gazed up at him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Finally,
after long last, he bent his head and kissed her lips for real. Gently at
first, in case she wasn’t ready for the contact. Which, as it turned out,
couldn’t have been further from the truth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Her
palms naturally skimmed over the familiar territory of his chest and shoulders,
and she clasped her hands together around his neck. When she raised her mouth
to accept the pressure of his again, he eagerly and passionately returned her
kiss, filled with every ounce of love he held for her. And so much more to
come.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Two
weary travelers who, after wandering aimlessly for far too long, arrive home at
last. To finally find their rightful place together at the inn.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This concludes the gifts of free Christmas short stories from the authors of The Roses of Prose. We hope you enjoyed your time with us. Hope your Christmas was Merry and Bright. Have a very Happy New Year!</span></span></span></div>
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<br />Jannine Gallanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01047728297429025804noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-46240792026857740062018-12-27T00:00:00.000-05:002018-12-27T00:00:02.174-05:00A Conflicted Christmas - Part Two by Margo Hoornstra<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dean
Nichols peered through the snow spattered windshield at the emerging lights
some distance ahead and hoped like hell there was room for him again in Mandy’s
heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Of
course, the girls would pick this week to ask him to come home for their
holiday visit. The busiest tourist week all year in Cascade Lake. The very week
of the Snowfall Festival when every single memory he held of his once happy
life with Mandy and the girls was the most acute…and painful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">A
new rush of snowflakes danced and whirled over the hood of his F-150 pickup as
he sped along the interstate, and he flipped the wipers on high. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">He’d
been an idiot. A fool. Talk about your midlife crisis. He never in a million
years thought one would happen to him. Reeling from too many broken promises,
all he wanted was his family back. But the longer he stayed away, the harder it
was to find the courage to return. Whether coming back now was too little too
late, he’d find out soon enough. In the next few minutes in fact. When he
arrived at their house.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Their
house.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">How
he referred to the place where their family had lived together for so many years.
Whether Mandy still did or not was another matter entirely. He had no idea what
to expect from her. Among other things, like how would they greet each other?
The couple who was once so inseparably close, after being apart for six months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Sure
as hell not like the long lost lovers he considered them to be. No matter how
much he might want to reconcile with the woman he so cherished. From the top of
her head to the soles of her feet, that never failed to keep his warm at night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">His
headlights illuminated the upcoming exit sign for Cascade Lake and he pressed
on the gas. It wouldn’t be long now, and all these unknowns would be answered.
Visions of the love of his life filled his head. Wavy blonde hair, long lashed
blue eyes, full, kissable mouth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">A
body made for loving.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Blowing
out a sigh, he took the approaching off ramp, then made quick work of
traversing the streets of greater Cascade Lake. Down Center Boulevard by the
water where most of the tourist shops were decorated to the hilt. Familiar
black, vintage street lamps were decked at their necks with thick, shiny silver
bows. Multi-colored lights sparkled from store windows to create kaleidoscope
reflections. Dwarf Christmas trees with golden stars on top and wrapped in
swirls of tinsel and lights sat in huge pots on the sidewalk. Home to colorful
bursts of petunias and impatiens during the summer months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Much
prettier along here in the wintertime. In my opinion, anyway.” He muttered to
himself as he drove on passed the courthouse with its gigantic ceramic red
suited Santa Claus. His bag brimmed with toys on the ground beside him,
mittened hand raised in a wave and cherubic face in a constant smile of
welcome.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">A
small salute seemed in order as he came along side. “Thanks, Buddy. I need all
the welcome encouragement I can get.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Real
good, Nichols. Keep talking to yourself.</i> Something he found himself doing on
the long cross-country drive from Nevada. A half assed effort to gin himself up
for the soon to occur reunion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">A
left turn on Ash, then right onto Hilltop and, before he knew it, he was home.
At least he’d made it as far as the driveway and stopped in front of the garage
where both doors were shut down tight. Killing the engine, he had only one
thing left to do. Get out and go into the house.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“But,
how exactly?” The snow had finally stopped as he peered through the windshield
at the two-story colonial where he lived at one time with Mandy and the girls.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Should
he walk in unannounced? Stand on the porch and knock? Sit here in the damned
car with the heat off and honk the horn? Under the circumstances, none of the
choices seemed quite appropriate. Leaning forward, he rested his hands, sweaty
palms and all, on top of the steering wheel. “Then what the hell is
appropriate?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Daddy!
Daddy!” Deanna burst out the door, making the decision for him. “You’re here!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Punkin.”
He exited the car just in time to catch her exuberant little body in his
waiting arms.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Dad!”
Slightly older Amanda bounced out next to make a beeline his way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Reaching
out, he easily caught her too. For the next few moments, time stopped as he
hugged the girls he’d been away from for far too long, and had missed so much.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">As
hard as they were squeezing him, he squeezed them tighter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“You’re
home, Daddy. You’re home.” Deanna repeated the phrase like a sacred mantra.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Yeah.”
He kissed one on the cheek then the other. “I am.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">After
they’d had their fill of hugs and separated, Amanda checked out his truck with
a quick glance. “What did you bring us? Good presents, I hope.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Presents?”
He reared back in mock mystification. “Why in the world would I bring
presents?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Da-ad.”
Amanda slapped him playfully on the arm. “You know why.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Yes,
I brought presents.” Unable to help it, he hauled them both close to him again.
“Plenty of them. For each of you, and your mother too.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Though
he’d tried his best to act totally nonchalant, for an instant, each of his
daughters froze. Enough to clue him in to the fact that when it came to Mandy,
some tension remained.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Great.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">But
why wouldn’t there be? She was certainly entitled. After all, he was the one
who left her to try his hand at a new business venture. Going clear across the
country to do it after she'd asked him not to..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Even
if his intention was to supplement the State Police pension he’d earned after
twenty years of service. Despite the heartache he’d caused though, his decision
to tie into the home security and personal protection business had been a good
one. Learning as he worked, he’d made the money he’d expected to. Secured the
contacts he wanted to. He just hadn’t realized the result he’d banked on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Now,
he was more than ready to simply come home. If Mandy would have him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Hello,
Dean.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Hearing
his wife’s voice after what seemed like a lifetime away, he very nearly stopped
breathing. Carefully freeing himself from his kids, he stepped back. When his
heart seemed to follow the lead of his lungs and cease working as well, he was
sure he’d topple over from sheer lack of oxygen and restricted blood flow. All
he could do was stare.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mandy
kept walking toward him. “How have you been?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Both
AWOL organs kicked in with a jolt. “Fine, Mandy. And you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I’m
fine, too.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">They
were both lying through their teeth, though he doubted either one of them would
ever admit it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Standing
before him with the curls he loved to run his fingers through framing her face,
she was attractive as ever. Even with the tell-tale signs of apprehension
edging her eyes and pulling down the corners of her mouth. Drawn to her beauty,
he started to move forward, arms out. At the warning in her gaze, he
immediately censored what could have easily become a lovers’ embrace when he
dropped his left arm to his side and merely extended his right hand he gently
rubbed along her shoulder. The second they connected, a bolt of awareness
flashed then sizzled up his arm to settle inside him. The manifestation of all
the warmth and caring between them shot through to take its rightful place around
his heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Too
soon she took a step back and his hand dropped away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“The
girls just asked about presents.” Suddenly it hurt to look at her, and he
turned toward the driveway where his truck sat. “Those are in there, along with
all of my suitcases.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
hoped she noticed the plural when he referenced his luggage. This trip, he
wasn’t traveling light, having packed up everything he’d taken with him when he
moved out. With the full intention of moving back in again. He’d no sooner gone
over to drop the tailgate, push back the tonneau cover and begin unloading when
Mandy followed him and put a hand on his arm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I’ve
made you a reservation…for a room.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
might just as well have added a well-aimed kick to the groin to that statement.
It probably wouldn’t have hurt quite so much. But still brought him to his
knees.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Oh.”
As his heart sunk, taking along any optimism he might have had left, the
monosyllable was all he could manage. He hadn’t deluded himself into thinking
his homecoming wouldn’t be awkward. What he sure hadn’t expected was it would
be so devastatingly painful. Like being gut shot in the line of duty without
any sense of purpose.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“It’s
in your name. I had them send the confirmation to your email.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">He couldn’t think of anything else to do but pull out his cell. <i>May as well find
out where I'm headed.</i> Since it sure as hell wasn’t where he’d expected to
stay. The screen lit after he keyed in his code.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Here,
Dad. I’ll find it for you.” Amanda reached for the phone he readily
surrendered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Apparently,
he’d underestimated Mandy’s level of desperation. <i>Big time.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“This
was totally mom’s idea. Not ours.” Giving Mandy a scathing look only a
disagreeing daughter can bestow on her mother, Amanda spun the screen with her
thumb then started to read. “King bed with tension relieving vibration unit.
Two-person hot tub with in room provided robes, complimentary fruit and cheese
tray with chilled bottle of sparkling champagne on request.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
long, explicit room description was given in what must have been her most robust
public speaking voice. As if she were out to prove a point.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Peering
over her sister’s shoulder, Deanna looked at his phone then up at him, a huge
frown marring her face. “Gee, Dad. Mom sure went all out for you.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“That’s
certainly not what I had in mind.” Mandy hurried to clarify, her cheeks
flaming. “Snowfall weekend there’s not a lot available, as you all well know.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Any
other time, he would have welcomed Mandy making a reservation like this for
him. Knowing they’d be enjoying the extensive amenities together. Among other
pleasures which weren’t worth thinking about just now. <i>Why frustrate myself
more than I already am?</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Maybe
if the hot tub’s big enough for two, you could swim in there alone, Dad.” With
another glaring look her mother’s way, Amanda handed him back the phone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Okay,
well.” He slid the cell back in his pocket, at a total loss. Until something
came to mind. “It…uh…didn’t say how long you reserved the room for.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>One
night? Maybe two?</i> Allow him to slowly ease back into the household.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Just
a week. That’s how long the girls said you’d be staying.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Now
he really didn’t have a response.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Good
thing Mandy opened her mouth, hopefully prepared to speak for both of them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I
was just going downtown to the school’s booth for the festival tomorrow. The
students have made ornaments to sell. I agreed to set up. Other teachers will
oversee selling and such beginning tomorrow. Some took on clean up duty.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’d like to help.” When she seemed reluctant
to accept his offer, he forged ahead anyway. “In fact, I’ll drive.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“My
car’s already loaded.” Pulling the remote from her purse, she raised the garage
door and headed inside.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Sending
him a clear and distinct message. If he had any chance in hell of going with
her, he’d better haul some serious ass. Which he did. Even skinning around
ahead of her to open the driver’s side door before she got there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Okay.
Whatever you want.” By God, he’d still do his darnedest to be agreeable. Even
if he did stand there and purposely hold the door open once she skirted around
him to climb inside. “The girls can at least unload the Christmas presents from
my truck while we’re gone.” Slamming the door at last, he hurried around to the
passenger side.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Sure,
Daddy.” His daughters spoke in unison.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“We
can unload the presents you brought,” Amanda added with a monumental eye roll.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Sounds
good, Punkin’” <i>And I’ll deal with the rest when I get back.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Beyond
that, he said no more, just crawled in and fastened his seat belt as Mandy,
also noticeably silent, backed out of the driveway. Shutting his mouth and
keeping it shut seemed to be the way to go for now. Anything else could risk
being at odds with her. Not at all how he wanted them to come together after
six months apart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
a few minutes though, he couldn’t stand not talking any longer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Same
old downtown Cascade Lake.” He lifted an arm as he glanced out the window when
Mandy drove along the bright lights of Center Boulevard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Sometimes
change isn’t the best way to go.” She answered him without taking her eyes off
the road. “Sometimes tradition is best.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">All
he could do was nod his agreement. He’d only made what he thought to be an
innocent comment to break the silence that was stretching between them. But why
argue?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">They
drove by Santa next. Smiling and waving. Still jolly as ever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Good
for you.</i> He gave Old Saint Nick a raised eyebrow in greeting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Shortly
after, Mandy pulled to a stop in the parking lot of the large pavilion where
the bazaar part of the festival was being held. They got out without speaking.
Suddenly overwhelmed with memories of the first time he laid eyes on Mandy
Gearhart, he couldn’t help but wonder if she was remembering too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Probably
not.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Eyes
forward, keeping her attention focused on the task at hand, Mandy had the back
hatch of her SUV open while Dean was still working to swallow the lump that had
abruptly formed at the back of his throat.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Poor Dean simply cannot catch a break, no matter how hard he tries to make things right again. Ball's in Mandy's court now. Hope she makes the right decision. Join me here tomorrow to find out for A Conflicted Christmas - Part Three.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Jannine Gallanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01047728297429025804noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-4381191179760965752018-12-26T00:00:00.000-05:002018-12-26T00:00:01.815-05:00A Conflicted Christmas - Part One by Margo Hoornstra<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn247Yjjb1hTIH0uBlY3aSABO-aZeZLlFxTjKshM049izyAjeaz-UJv-Vs7QZN_Jlx9NuoEaY2eTaELLIufj1McUPX8kCs0Ebe1UYwdhBKi17U8gaxTFo-OCe8PnmB6faQnJKGFvQ19ETM/s1600/Let+it+Snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1224" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn247Yjjb1hTIH0uBlY3aSABO-aZeZLlFxTjKshM049izyAjeaz-UJv-Vs7QZN_Jlx9NuoEaY2eTaELLIufj1McUPX8kCs0Ebe1UYwdhBKi17U8gaxTFo-OCe8PnmB6faQnJKGFvQ19ETM/s400/Let+it+Snow.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
peered through the snow-spattered windshield at the neon sign and hoped like
hell there was room at the inn.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mandy
Nichols kept a tight grasp of the steering wheel as she pulled her older model
Jeep to a stop across from the hotel entrance. Her absolute last hope here in their
little resort town of Cascade Lake.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Of
course, Dean and the girls would pick this week for his before the Christmas
holiday visit.” Nerves always did make her talk to herself. “The busiest
tourist week all year.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
very week of the Snowfall Festival. When every single hotel, motel and bed and
breakfast room for thirty miles in any direction was booked months in advance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Keeping
her foot on the brake, she shoved the gear shift into park. Call her crazy, but
no way could she contemplate the idea of spending an entire week, day and night
under the same roof with her soon to be ex-husband. Especially during the
Festival. What used to be an annual high-point in their once happy life together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
flipped off the windshield wipers then brought her mitten clad hands up to
smooth absently over the top of the steering wheel. “Sitting here with the
engine running, brooding, sure isn’t going to change things.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">An
instrumental rendition of <i>Jingle Bell Rock</i> played on the radio, and she
absently tapped her fingers in time to the beat, momentarily lost in the
cheerful song.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Momentarily</i>.
Because before she knew it, the tune ended.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Doctor
John’s Hemorrhoid Crème. We devote our bottom line to your bottom…line.” The
idiotic message, delivered in a nasally monotone, boomed out of the speakers
next.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“No
sense sticking around to hear about that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Her
bottom line…she was flat out of distractions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“No
more stalling.” She shut off the engine with a renewed sense of purpose. “The
sooner I go inside, the sooner I’ll have this over with.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Before
she <i>completely</i> lost her nerve.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dropping
the keys in her purse, she cranked the door handle then stepped out to the
chilling sting of fat, wet snowflakes landing on her cheeks. She ducked her
head as she scurried toward the door, all the while buffeted by frigid Northern
Michigan winds. A perfect match for the current condition of her heart. Ice
cold and frozen solid. Even the heated blast as she pushed her way into the
lobby wouldn’t affect any change in that. Nor could the piped in Christmas
carols swirling in the air. Or huge blue and red balls twinkling and sparkling
as they dangled from the ceiling on silver cords. A large and lush green wreath
studded with vibrant red holly berries and matching velvet bow hung on the wall
behind a long, marble counter. That couldn’t do it either.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“There’s
just no getting away from the Ho-Ho-Ho around here.” There she went muttering
to herself again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Except
for buying gifts for the girls, she was in no mood to even <i>do</i> Christmas this
year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“At
all.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Two
customers already in line turned around, forcing her to bring out an apologetic
smile. An elderly gentleman with kind eyes smiled back. The younger,
pony-tailed woman—who looked about as harried as Mandy felt—didn’t.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">While
she couldn’t very well block out the music, she could divert her eyes from all
things festive. Glancing to her right, her gaze landed on a framed poster from
a previous Snowfall Festival.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Wouldn’t
you just know.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Preserved
behind glass, this one was from seventeen years ago. Ironically, the very event
where she and Dean first met. Shortly after he’d arrived in town, a newly
assigned State Police Trooper, and she was a recently hired third grade
teacher. Both embarking on new phases in their lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Taking
off her mittens, she unzipped her parka. With people ahead of her, and only one
agitated clerk in evidence, she couldn’t do much more than stand there,
wait…and try her very best <i>not</i> to remember…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Nobody
told me there’d be an actual angel on the premises this year.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
tenor voice, deep, smooth and rich, set off a tremor of awareness in her that
flowed from head to toe. In truth, she was strongly attracted to the voice
before she even laid eyes on the man behind it. Once she did that, she was a
definite goner. Dark brown, neatly trimmed hair framed an incredibly handsome
face. Broad shoulders topped the body of a male model.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
gulped in a breath and hiked her purse higher on her shoulder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Obviously
an outdoors man, he carried the scent of snow covered evergreens etched with
cinnamon candy. As he moved forward, his appealing fragrance surrounded her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I’m
Dean.” He flashed a warm smile. One that lit up his eyes, causing them to
crinkle at the corners in the most charming way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
hadn’t recovered enough from his angel comment to respond when he reached out
to capture one of her hands in both of his.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Pleasantly
captivated, she didn’t mind one little bit. “Mandy Gearhart.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Hi,
Mandy Gearhart. If we’re already into supplying last names, mine’s Nichols.
Dean Nichols. Nice to meet you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Same
here, Dean.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">From
that moment forward, their life together evolved into something truly
wonderful. A two-year courtship, fairy tale wedding and happily ever after with
all the trimmings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Until
recently.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Can
I help who’s next?” The request was followed by an exaggerated throat clearing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Brought
back to the present, she blinked as the stocky clerk stared at her in
expectation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I
need a room for a week starting tonight.” Stepping forward, she didn’t even try
to hide the desperation in her voice. <i>What was the point?</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Let’s
see what we have.” Pushing a pair of wire rimmed glasses further up on his
nose, he tapped the keyboard with a number of sharp clicks, then squinted at
the screen in front of him. “You could have made this reservation online, you
know.” He flicked her a look of pure irritation before bringing his attention
back to the screen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>It’s
much more fun to be here in person with you.</i> Best to keep the smart-ass comment
to herself. “My computer has been acting up lately.” She had no trouble at all
telling the lie. He didn’t need to know the gory details of her recent life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">A
looming non-contested divorce, two beautiful girls, ages fourteen and thirteen,
who couldn’t accept the fact that their once blissfully in love and happily
married parents were neither anymore. Both daughters she and Dean shared caused
them very few problems beyond the inevitable drama of their teen years. Until
the separation threw everyone into unknown territories. Neither girl had been
exactly thrilled when their mother first suggested the idea of getting their father
a hotel room while he was here, and she hadn’t had the energy for another
argument.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Hence
this trip to make the reservation face to face.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
trill of a desk phone beside the clerk cut into her thoughts. Quitting his room
search for her, he reached over to pick up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Front
desk.” Glancing down, he grew silent to listen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>For
crying out loud.</i> As far as she was concerned, the interruption of a phone call
ranked right up there with cutting in front of someone in line. Extremely rude.<i>
I’d like to get this handled, please.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Leaning
on the counter, when her cell chimed, she moved slightly away then rummaged in
her purse until she found it. <i>Amanda</i> shown back at her from the display screen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Hi,
honey. What do you need?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Where
are you, Mom?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Uh…ma’am?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
glanced over as the desk clerk caught her eye, held up the pointer finger of
his right hand, then disappeared somewhere into a back room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>For
heaven’s sake.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Mom?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Yes.
I’m here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Where?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Running
errands.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Who
just called you ma’am?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
shut her mouth and blinked, waiting for an only slightly deceptive response to
occur to her. None did. <i>What was the use?</i> She never was a very good liar,
especially when her kids were involved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I’m
at the Hamilton Inn making a reservation for your father.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Mo-o-m.”
A heavy sigh followed. A massive eye roll no doubt came next. “I thought we
talked about this.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“We
did.” She called up her most authoritative mother voice. “When I first informed
you and your sister of my decision.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I
don’t know how you could let things get this far.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“How
I…” She closed her eyes, gritted her teeth and slowly counted to ten. “That’s
how you see this?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“What
I don’t see is why Daddy can’t stay with us for one measly week.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Because
he can’t.” Her standard reply was decidedly weak. <i>What else was new?</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“But
why?” Amanda was close to whining. Close but not quite.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“It
will be easier for all of us.” Another equally feeble response came out of her.
The only one she could share. Unlike so many others she kept locked up tight in
an irreparably broken heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Especially
the soul revealing…<i>I have to keep your father as far away from me as I possibly
can while he’s here to spend Christmas with us…rather you. Because the hurt he
caused me is still way too fresh and raw.</i> Just as she’d begun to locate the outer edges of the healing process, seeing him again, living under the same roof with him
again, even temporarily, would be like having the scab ripped off a partially regenerated wound to create a whole
new one. <i>Because once he is in the house, even for a short time, I might not
be able to stand the heart wrenching pain of seeing him leave again.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Another
exaggerated throat clearing caught her attention. The desk clerk had
reappeared. Drumming his fingers on the counter as he stared at her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I
have to go, honey. I’ll be home soon.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“But,
Mom…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“We’ll
talk then. Bye. I love you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Waiting
until Amanda responded in kind, she slid the phone back into her purse and
again stepped toward the counter. “Did you find something?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I
don’t have a standard room available for a full week on such short notice.
Starting tonight.” The look of irritation struck again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
totally ignored it. <i>Customer service certainly was a lost art.</i> “What do you
have available?” <i>And please, please, please don’t tell me nothing.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
peered intently at the screen, hit a couple of keys, and then peered again.
“The only type of room I do have available for that length of time on such
short notice is one of our suites—king-sized bed, two person in-room Jacuzzi
tub, plus a few other amenities, which goes for one ninety-nine per night. Plus
tax.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Her
mouth dropped open, she reared slightly back and blinked. Sooo out of her price
range. Totally ridiculous to even consider. She’d have to teach an additional
class all summer to pay for it. Get a waitress job on the side or something as
well. Maybe this was a mistake after all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>I’ll
be home for Christmas<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>You
can count on me.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
taunting lyrics of a new Christmas melody suddenly flowed out of invisible
speakers as if meant for her alone. Crooned in a deep, smooth, tenor voice, of
all things.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Please
have snow, and mistletoe</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I’ll
take it.” Slapping her credit card on the counter, she made sure to shove it
his way before she had a chance to change her mind. Which, considering the
alternative, she definitely would not do, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>…find
me where the love light gleams</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Resisting
the urge to cover her ears, she confirmed the reservation with her signature,
collected her card, then nodded her thanks to the clerk who was on the phone
again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>I’ll
be home for Christmas…if only</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">As
she hurried away, she made sure to shut the door tight behind her blocking out
the rest. Greeted by another blast of brisk, cold wind, she dodged a sudden
deluge of heavier snowflakes as she rushed back to her car.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">No
way could she handle Home for Christmas ever again, not with one Dean Nichols.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">It has to be hard, living like Mandy does, with an irreparably broken heart. My guess is Dean isn't faring much better. Come back tomorrow to find out for A Conflicted Christmas - Part Two. </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Plus, I have more short stories, available for free, on my </span><a href="http://www.margohoornstra.com/" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">WEBSITE</a></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />Jannine Gallanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01047728297429025804noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-3312594826973839282018-12-25T01:00:00.000-05:002018-12-25T01:00:01.255-05:00No Room at the Inn, Chapter 3, By Barbara Edwards<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Chapter Three</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">The next seconds passed in a blur. Shorty dropped his cup, sending porcelain shards everywhere. All three men jumped up, knocking over their chairs in their haste to reach the door. Charley picked up the closest weapon she could find—a broom—and chased them down the slippery steps as they raced toward the truck, yelling all the way.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">As they neared the truck, Joe cranked the engine and slammed it into Reverse. The men jumped back, and Charley plowed into Shorty, knocking them both to the ground. Tires squealing, the truck shot backward about twenty feet then lurched to a stop as a hulking black Escalade blocked its path. When Joe tried to pull forward, Big Sammy’s men boxed him in.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Charley halted, broom in hand. She needed to call the sheriff, but her phone was still in the cottage. What were the chances she could slip away unnoticed? She took one step backward, then another. Just when she was about to make a run for it, the doors of the Escalade flew open and two men jumped out. The driver was short, stout, and middle aged, and his passenger was the exact opposite. The gangly young man sprinted to the truck and yanked open the passenger side door. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Vinnie ran to meet the driver. “Boss, what are you doing here?”</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">“What I should have done last week, instead of sending you three jokers.”</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">“But we found the girl, just like you told us. We were bringing her back.” Vinnie’s voice held a pleading note.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Charley clenched her teeth and tightened her grip on the broom. There was no time for the sheriff. She would have to handle the situation herself. This was her inn, and she was not going to have a mob hit in her back yard on Christmas morning. End of story.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">She shoved Shorty aside and marched toward Big Sammy. “You there, what are you doing here?”</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Big Sammy furrowed his brow. “Who are you?”</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">“I own this inn, and you and your associates are not welcome. I’ll thank you to leave immediately.”</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">“Look, lady. We got no beef with you. We’ll leave as soon as we have what we came for.”</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Joe had climbed from the truck and approached the group with a small sledge hammer clutched in one fist.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Big Sammy jerked his chin in his direction. “Tell the big guy to drop the hammer. We don’t want to make trouble. We’re just here to pick up—”</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Just then the tall, skinny young man appeared from the other side of the truck with one arm wrapped around Maria’s shoulders and a worried look on his face. Tears leaked from her non-mascara’ed eyes. “Pop, I told you not to send Vinnie and the boys. They’ve scared her half to death.”</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Big Sammy strode over to the young couple and reached for Maria’s hand. She hesitated then proffered it reluctantly before snuggling back into the safety of Little Sammy’s embrace. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">He leaned toward her. “Young lady, you are one slippery customer. The boys have been looking for you for three days.”</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">“I know,” she acknowledged in a small voice. “That’s why I ran.”</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">“I bet you don’t know I sent them to bring you to the house to spend Christmas with the family.”</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">“B-but you hate me.”</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">“Nah. At first, maybe I wasn’t too pleased when Little Sammy told me he was gonna be father. But eventually, the missus, she. . .uh. . .helped me see the error of my ways.”</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Little Sammy grinned. “Mom chased him around the kitchen with a rolling pin, yelling at the top of her lungs that nobody was gonna deprive her of her first grandbaby.”</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">His father grimaced. “So, Maria, are you willing to let bygones be bygones and become a member of the Spitelli family?”</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">She glanced up at Little Sammy’s adoring face. “Sammy’s gotta ask me himself.”</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">The young man promptly dropped to one knee on the crunchy grass and took both her hands. “Maria Bartoli, will you marry me?”</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">She smiled and nodded. “I guess.”</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Big Sammy smiled and rubbed his hands together. “Good. That’s settled. Let’s get going. Mama’s got Christmas dinner in the oven, and if we’re late she’ll make minestrone out of me.”</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Joe stepped forward. “Maria, are you sure you want to go with them? You don’t have to, you know.” He slapped the hammer against his palm.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">The girl pulled away from her fiancé’s arms and went to Joe. Standing on tiptoe, she planted a swift kiss on his cheek. “I want to. Don’t worry. And thanks for taking care of me.”</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Two minutes later, Charley stood in the yard staring at receding taillights. “What just happened here? I feel like I’ve been part of some ridiculous reality TV show.”</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">“That makes two of us.”</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">“It was kind of sweet, though.”</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Joe nodded. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Out of habit she glanced at her watch. Eight o’clock had come and gone. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>Yikes!</i> </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">She tamped down the rising panic and turned to face him. “I’m sorry to run, but I’ve got to serve breakfast for twelve in half an hour.” She stuck out her hand. “It was nice to meet you, even under such bizarre circumstances. Have a safe trip home, and Merry Christmas.”</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Instead of the quick, friendly shake she’d intended, he took her hand and didn’t release it. “I just had a thought,” he said. “How would you like to come home with me for New Year’s?”</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Her mouth fell open. Had she heard him correctly? She liked Joe and he was certainly attractive, but they hadn’t even known each other twenty-four hours. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">His dark eyes sparkled with seductive mischief. “When I called home I didn’t give my mom any specifics about Maria—I didn’t want to worry her—but when I told her I was bringing a girl home for the holidays she was pleased. . .and more than a little relieved, I think. She’s been after me for years about the state of my social life. I’m sure she’d be happier to see you than a pregnant, Goth teenager.”</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Hearing the love in his voice when he talked about his mother brought an ache to her heart and a lump to her throat. “It’s not that I don’t want to make your mom happy, but—”</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">His expression sobered. “It would make me happy. I could stay and help out here until your guests leave. Then we could drive to Roanoke together. A few days of R & R would do you good. You look tired.”</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>Ouch. Not exactly what a girl wants to hear from a good-looking guy.</i> “Gee, thanks.”</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">“Tired, but beautiful. I’m just saying you could use a little spoiling.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Was he trying to melt her like last week’s snowman? Nobody had spoiled her, or even suggested it, in years, and if they had she would have rebuffed them. She’d made her own way and forged her own life since her parents’ deaths. She had the inn. She had Henry for help. She was in control. It was a safe, if lonely, way to live.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“You’d love it,” he continued. “One of my sisters and her husband host the annual family New Year’s Eve party, and my mom makes killer black eyed peas the next day.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Family, a party, and the opportunity to eat someone else’s cooking. Her walls began to crumble. He seemed to know just how to hit her soft spots.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“Come on,” he urged, tugging her toward him. “Take a chance.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Should she? Could she?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">She allowed him to pull her closer until only a breath separated them. She hadn’t had a reason to celebrate the beginning of a new year in ages. Maybe it was time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“I think I’d like that,” she murmured.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“Good.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">His arms tightened around her back, and his lips settled on hers in a kiss filled with the promise of good things to come.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span>Check out my full-length story, By Reservation Only</div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>By Reservation Only (Deerbourne Inn)</b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">by Barbara Edwards </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Link:</b> http://a.co/d/atQwzPx</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">It's the grand opening of The Deerbourne Inn! Award-winning Chef Nathan Harte has worked long and hard to restore this historic property in Willow Spring, Vermont. He’s ready to greet his guests with fine cuisine, comfortable rooms, and maybe even a ghost or two. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">He's escaping the rat-race of the city for a slower more rewarding life, but is he ready to deal with a broken arm, a quirky arsonist, and a long-ago mystery? And what might he find up in the three hundred year old attics? </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Victoria Harte, his sister, has claimed the two cottages for her patients: wounded military suffering from PTSD who need the peace and quiet of the Vermont countryside. </span></div>
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Barbara Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379534828904059584noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-62709250202779915742018-12-24T01:00:00.000-05:002018-12-24T01:00:22.811-05:00No Room at the Inn, chapter 2, by Barbara Edwards<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Chapter Two</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Joe Matthews breathed an internal sigh of relief as a look of determination settled across Charley’s features. Maybe she wouldn’t send them back out into the storm after all. He hated being at someone else’s mercy, even someone as pretty as Charlene Holloway, but he couldn’t make the kid spend the night in his freezing truck. She was about to pass out from fatigue as it was. He glanced at Maria’s drooping, dark head as she shoveled the last spoonful of soup into her mouth and noted with surprise that his own bowl was empty, too. He’d never been a big fan of split pea, but Charley’s soup was a nice surprise—rich and flavorful, with plenty of ham. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">When she began to stack the empty bowls, he rose. “Here, let me take those.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">She smiled and relinquished them. “Thanks. If you’ll put these in the sink, I’ll fix dessert. Do you like pecan pie?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>Pecan pie</i>. At least one thing was going his way today. He nodded. “It’s my favorite.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">A pair of charming dimples bracketed Charley’s smile. “Great. What about you, Maria?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The girl shrugged. “Never had it.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Charley opened the refrigerator and removed a whole pie. “Then you’re in for a treat. My pecan pie won a blue ribbon at the Virginia State Fair last year.” She cut two slices and set them on the table, along with a pair of forks. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Joe slid the first bite into his mouth and closed his eyes in satisfaction. No wonder she’d won a blue ribbon—the pie was perfect, with a tender, flaky crust and firm, yet silky, filling. It might even be better than his mother’s, although he’d never admit that out loud. He cast an appreciative glance her way. Besides having hair the color of rich molasses and all the right curves under her long, loose sweater, Charley Holloway was one fine cook. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“I’ve figured out how to solve our accommodation problem,” Charley said, interrupting his bliss. “As soon as you’re finished, I’ll take you to my cottage out back. You can stay there.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">He frowned. “But what about you? I don’t want to put you out of your home.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“It won’t be a problem. I’ve got two bedrooms.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">His frown deepened as he glanced at Maria, who had nearly finished her pie. Surely Charley didn’t think they were. . .</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Then she flashed him a teasing grin. “You can have the living room sofa.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">He relaxed and picked up his fork. “That would be great. Thanks.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Ten minutes later, after retrieving their bags from the truck, he and Maria picked their way across the yard, following Charley to a white clapboard cottage trimmed with dark green shutters. He kept a firm grip on Maria’s elbow while he helped her up the ice-covered steps. The last thing he needed was for her to fall and go into labor. He’d only known her a couple of hours, but her defensive vulnerability stirred his protective instincts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Charley’s living room was small and cozy—emphasis on the small. Joe eyed the plump sofa and wondered how much of his length would fit on it. If he wanted to be able to stand the next day he might be better off on the floor. While Charley settled Maria in the guest room and pointed out the hall bath, he took stock of the situation. He’d expected to be home with his folks in Roanoke by nightfall, not camped out on a stranger’s sofa with a pregnant teenager in tow. All he wanted now was to get Maria home to his mom. She would know what to do. She always did.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">When Charley walked into the room with an armful of bedding topped by a big, fluffy pillow, he reached to take it from her. “Thanks. I really appreciate this.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">She glanced at the sofa with a rueful smile. “I know it’s small. You might be better off in my room, and I could sleep out here.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“I’ll be fine. Trust me. Your couch will be much more comfortable than my truck.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">She flipped the hood on her coat back over her head. “Well, I need to get back to the inn. I can’t leave Henry to take care of a dozen guests on his own. Make yourself at home, and I’ll be back in a couple of hours. You can start a fire if you want.” She tipped her chin toward the neat stack of logs by the fireplace then slipped out the door.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Joe glanced at his watch. Only seven-thirty. Now what? He didn’t see a television, although a well-stocked bookcase stood against one wall. He unbuttoned his coat and hung it over the back of a chair in the compact kitchen. Maybe he should check on Maria. He knocked softly on her door. Hearing no response, he turned the old glass knob and pushed the door open a few inches. The girl was fast asleep, tucked under a thick down comforter. She’d obviously washed her face and looked about five-years-old without all the mascara. He closed the door without a sound.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Maybe he should take Charley’s suggestion and light a fire. Ten minutes later, with a cheery fire crackling in the fireplace, he stretched out on the sofa as best he could. It had been a long day, and it wouldn’t hurt to rest his eyes for a few minutes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">He awoke suddenly to a hand shaking his shoulder. A soft, feminine voice said, “Wake up.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“Huh?” He blinked and focused on Charley Holloway’s face leaning over his. Almost close enough to kiss. He bolted upright, barely avoiding a collision with her chin. “What time is it?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">She laughed. “A little after nine. You’re welcome to turn in, but you’ll be much more comfortable if you take your boots off first.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">He glanced at his feet and immediately swung them to the floor. He’d fallen asleep on a strange woman’s sofa with his boots on. His mother would have his hide if she found out. Heat rose in his face. “Sorry.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“Don’t worry about it.” She set a foil-wrapped plate on the kitchen counter. “I brought the last two pieces of pie. Would you like one?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">There was never a bad time for pie, especially Charley’s pecan pie. “That sounds great.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">She took two plates from the cupboard. “How about a brandy? It’s the perfect thing for a cold night.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">He’d never drunk brandy, but a little warmth couldn’t hurt. The cottage was chilly in spite of the fire. “Sure.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“It helps me unwind, although I’m not sure you need much help with that.” She glanced at the sofa, and her dimples re-appeared. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Joe’s face warmed again, and he breathed a tiny sigh of thanks for the dim firelight. He hadn’t blushed like this since high school. <i>What is it about her?</i> <i>You’d think I’d never been alone with a woman before</i>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">He rose and joined her as she slid the second slice of pie onto a plate and added forks. “Let me take those.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Setting the plates on the coffee table, he waited until she joined him with two juice glasses half-full of reddish-brown liquid that sparkled in the firelight.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">She handed him a glass. “I hope you don’t mind. The proper snifters are in the dining room at the inn.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“These are perfect. I wouldn’t know a ‘proper snifter’ if it bit me on the nose.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">They sat side by side on the short sofa, watching the dancing flames and eating pecan pie in companionable silence. After a few minutes, he took a tentative sip from his juice glass. <i>Yow! </i>The stuff burned all the way down his throat. His eyes teared and he choked. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Her dark eyes widened in alarm. “Let me get you some water.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">He waved her down. “No…I’m okay…it’s just that…I’ve never…Wow.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“It’s an acquired taste. Just go slow.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">He took her advice and was surprised by the warm glow that spread through his body in a matter of minutes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">She tilted her head, and her lips curved. “Better?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">He nodded. “Yeah.” Blood was definitely flowing—everywhere. He shifted on the sofa. Time to re-direct his attention unless he wanted to embarrass himself further. “So, how long have you owned the Foxborough Inn?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Her expression sobered and she stared into the fire. “I bought it ten years ago, after my parents died. I’d been working in D.C., but their accident made me re-think my priorities. Washington’s political scene lost its appeal.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Joe couldn’t imagine politics ever having any appeal. “What about siblings?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">She shook her head. “I’m an only child.” Her voice sounded small and lonely. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">An image popped into his head of Christmas mornings with his parents, grandparents, and five siblings. Charley had likely never known that kind of cheerful pandemonium. “What do you do for holidays?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">She shrugged. “Rest. Relax.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“Alone?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">She took a sip of her brandy then nodded. “I usually close the inn right before Christmas until the middle of January. That way Henry can spend the holidays with his daughter and grandchildren.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“But not this year.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“We’ll close the day after tomorrow, when the wedding party departs.” She finished her drink with one final swallow and stood. “I’d better get to bed. I’ve got a busy day tomorrow—Eggs Benedict for twelve at nine o’clock.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Joe rose too. “Thanks again for taking us in. I hate to add to your work.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“I don’t mind. Busy is good.” Her smile seemed tinged with sadness, and he wondered if it was his imagination or a trick of the shadows.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">****</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">At six-thirty the next morning, Charley poked her nose out from under the comforter. No sound greeted her ears. Good. If she was lucky, she could grab a quick shower before her visitors awoke. Fifteen minutes later, dried and dressed, she tiptoed into the living room, where Joe Matthews’ lanky form draped over her sofa in an awkward jumble of limbs and joints. She knew she shouldn’t laugh, but a giggle slipped out anyway. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Joe rolled over and groaned. He scrubbed his prickly face with one hand then ran it through his hair. When he shoved the blanket aside and pushed to his feet Charley giggled again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“Sorry,” she said.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">He made a wry grimace. “I may never walk again.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“There are fresh towels in the bathroom. You’ll feel better after a hot shower.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">As he stumbled down the hall, she smiled and began humming a little tune under her breath. It had been ages since she’d seen a man first thing in the morning. It was kind of nice. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">When he returned, dressed in clean clothes and sporting a fresh shave, she directed him to the kitchen table. “Sit.” He gave her a quizzical look but complied. “Eat,” she said, setting a heaping plate of French toast and bacon in front of him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“You didn’t have to do this,” he objected, picking up his fork. “It’s too much work.” The last bit came out muffled by a mouthful of food. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">She couldn’t suppress a little buzz of gratification. Apparently her cooking was good enough to make a Southern boy forget his manners. “I enjoy cooking breakfast. It’s my favorite meal.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“Morning.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Charley turned to see Maria standing by the table wearing flannel pajama pants with koala bears and a long t-shirt that stretched tight across her tummy. She looked heart-breakingly young. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“Have a seat and I’ll bring you some French toast. Do you like bacon?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Maria gave her a classic teenage <i>duh</i> look. “Who doesn’t like bacon?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Charley smiled. “Exactly.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Joe finished his breakfast just as Maria dug in to hers. He rose and picked up his dishes. “Have you checked the weather yet this morning?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Charley pushed back the lace-edged curtain over the sink. “The sleet stopped sometime last night.” She leaned forward on tiptoe to check the thermometer mounted to the outside of the window frame. “It’s already above freezing. The roads will thaw in an hour or two.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Joe’s arm brushed against hers as he peered out the window. “Then we shouldn’t have any trouble making it to Roanoke in time for Christmas dinner with my folks.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Maria’s chair scraped the floor as she jumped up with a speed that belied her belly. “We gotta go now.” Her eyes darted between Charley and Joe, and urgency vibrated in her voice.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Joe crossed the room and laid a big hand on her shoulder. “Hey, it’s okay. We’ve got plenty of time.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Maria shook her head. “No, you don’t understand.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“Understand what?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“We gotta go. They’ll catch me.” She spread a protective hand across her belly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The girl was clearly terrified of someone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Charley hurried to Maria’s side, slid her left arm around the girl’s back, and placed her hand over Maria’s, holding her in a loose embrace. She frowned when the girl’s icy hand twitched beneath hers. “You’re freezing.” She lifted her gaze to meet Joe’s, and he nodded and strode to the fire to toss on a couple more logs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Charley guided Maria to the sofa. “Everything’s going to be fine. Come sit and warm up. Then you can tell us all about it.” Maria shook as Charley plucked the rumpled blanket off the sofa and wrapped it around her shoulders before sitting beside her.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Joe dragged a chair over and sat, taking her hands in his. “Maria, I won’t let anyone hurt you. Trust me.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“You d-don’t even know me.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“I know you need help. That’s enough.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“Who do you think is after you?” Charley asked quietly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Maria drew a shuddering breath. “Big Sammy, or a couple of his guys. I don’t guess he would do something like that himself.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Joe stroked her hand with his thumb. “Something like what?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“He wants to make me disappear.” She shivered. “Because of the baby, you know.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Charley glanced at Maria’s belly. “Is that Big Sammy’s baby?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Maria jerked upright and wrinkled her nose. “Eww, no. Big Sammy is, like, old. It’s Little Sammy’s.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“His son?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“Yeah.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“I’m sure this man wouldn’t harm his own grandchild.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Maria tossed her spiky, black cap of hair. “Hah! You don’t know Big Sammy Spitelli. When he wants someone disappeared, they disappear.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Joe sat back in his chair. “Well, you’re not going to ‘disappear’.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“Then we gotta get out of here. Big Sammy’s guys have been following me for three days in a black Cadillac with dark windows. That’s why I had to get out of Jersey.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Joe planted his hands on his thighs and pushed up. “In that case, we should be able to safely hit the road by nine. You finish your breakfast and take a shower, and I’ll go out and start chipping the ice off the truck.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“I’ll walk with you,” Charley said. “I’ve got to get breakfast started for the wedding party. Maria, don’t you worry. You’re going to be fine.” She pulled on her coat and followed Joe out the door.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The ice storm had transformed the inn and its surroundings into a glittering wonderland. Even the barn looked like something out of a fairy tale. The sound of dripping water filled the early morning stillness as tiny icicles melted on the eaves and gurgled through the gutters and downspouts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Charley caught up to Joe in a few paces. “What do you think of her story?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“It doesn’t matter what I think. She’s scared, so I’ll get her to Roanoke as soon as possible.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“What will happen then?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“I don’t know, but my mom’s a retired social worker. She knows people who can help.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Just then the crunch of tires on the ice-covered gravel driveway drew Charley’s attention as a vintage black Cadillac drove slowly toward the inn. She and Joe stood frozen as the car disappeared around the front of the building. Then a door slammed, followed quickly by a second. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Joe muttered an expletive and started forward, but she laid a hand on his arm. “Go back to the cottage and help Maria get ready to go. I’ll take care of this.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">She left him and scurried up the slick back steps. This was her inn, and nothing bad was going to happen here on Christmas Day, period.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Dumping her coat in the kitchen, she took a deep breath and marched down the short hall, past her office, to the lobby. Three men in black wool overcoats stood in front of the desk, stomping their feet and rubbing their hands together. When they saw her, they stilled.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Charley lifted her chin and pasted a smile on her face. “Merry Christmas. What can I do for you gentlemen?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The tallest stepped forward. “We’re traveling with some friends—a man and a girl. We got separated last night because of the weather and wondered if they stopped here.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“The girl’s knocked up,” the short, round one added helpfully. “You can’t miss ‘er.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“I’m sorry, but I can’t help you. All our rooms are occupied by a wedding party.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The tall one eyed her closely and twisted a chunky, gold ring on his right pinky. “You’re sure you haven’t seen them? They were headed this way. We’re in the freaking middle of nowhere here. There’s no place else to stop for miles.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The medium-sized man tugged on the tall one’s sleeve. “Vinnie, if they’re not here, they’re not here. We better get going and find them. Big Sammy’s not gonna be happy.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Jeez. Could these guys be for real? They looked and sounded like extras from <i>The Sopranos. </i>But what did she know? She’d never even been to New Jersey. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Vinnie pursed his lips for a moment then said, “Right. Let’s go.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Charley glanced at the grandfather clock across the lobby and chewed her lip. What if Maria was right? What if Vinnie and his pals really were some kind of hitmen? She wished she knew if Joe and Maria were still in the cottage. She didn’t want these goons to leave now and run into them outside. She needed to stall Big Sammy’s men long enough to give Joe and Maria a good head start. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“I’m about to start breakfast for my guests. Can I fix you gentlemen something before you go? You might have a long, cold drive ahead of you. I doubt any place else will be open Christmas morning.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"> “No, thanks. We need to be going.” Vinnie started to turn toward the door, but his short associate stopped him with a tug on his sleeve.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“We got time, and we gotta eat. I’m starved, and like you said, there’s no place else around for miles.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“I’m making Eggs Benedict,” Charley added.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The three faced her and then each other. She held her breath. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Finally Vinnie relented. “Okay, but you guys need to eat fast.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">His cohorts readily agreed, and Charley ushered them into the kitchen and seated them at the table. On her way to the fridge, she glanced out the window and saw Joe’s truck still parked near the barn. Her stomach began to churn. What if one of the men spotted it? If they knew Joe and Maria were together, they must know the kind of vehicle he drove. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">However, they quickly became embroiled in conversation about someone named Sal who owed Big Sammy money over a failed business deal and what they were going to do about it. Charley tuned them out and concentrated on getting food in front of them as quickly as possible. They were less likely to notice to anything happening outside with her Eggs Benedict under their noses. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Ten minutes later, she poured herself a cup of coffee and leaned one hip against the sink. The only sounds coming from the table were grunts of satisfaction as the men concentrated on their food. Something dark and a flash of movement outside caught her attention, and she shot a quick glance out the window to see Joe helping Maria across the icy yard to his truck. Her heart pounded in her throat. How far would the sound of the doors closing carry in the still morning air? She needed to create a distraction, but what? </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Music. There was a CD of holiday favorites in the player in her office and speakers throughout the first floor. Perfect. She set her cup on the counter and headed toward the door. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">As she passed, Shorty twisted in his chair, raised his cup, and looked over his shoulder—in the direction of the window. “Could I have another. . .Hey, Vinnie, isn’t that the girl?”</span></div>
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Barbara Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379534828904059584noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-18753996449037103922018-12-23T01:00:00.000-05:002018-12-23T01:00:00.239-05:00No Room at the Inn by Barbara Edwards<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">No Room at the Inn</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Chapter One</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">How much wine was too much? Was such a thing even possible? </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Bottle in hand, Charlene Holloway scowled at the steaming pot of Madeira sauce on the stove. As the sauce cooked down, she was supposed to add more wine, but how much? She’d been too distracted by the array of foil pans the caterer had deposited on her kitchen table to pay close attention to his instructions before he breezed out the door with a cheery, “Don’t worry. It’s foolproof.” It better be.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">How long had he said to re-heat the Beef Wellington? Thirty minutes or forty? And the minted carrots? Charley tipped a couple tablespoons of Madeira into the sauce then checked the pastry-wrapped tenderloin in the oven. It looked okay, but what did she know? Thank heaven the guests had chosen pecan pie instead of Baked Alaska or Bananas Foster for dessert or she might risk setting the kitchen on fire. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">As owner of The Foxborough Inn Bed and Breakfast in Dobson’s Ford, Virginia, Charley was used to cooking for guests. She could whip up a batch of morning glory muffins or an omelet jardinière in a wink, but a large formal dinner was well outside her comfort zone. That was why she had referred Mrs. Tisdale to Shenandoah Catering for the elaborate pre-bridal Christmas Eve dinner currently underway in the inn’s dining room. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Six months ago the Tisdales had booked the romantic, two hundred-year-old inn for their daughter’s intimate day-after-Christmas wedding. The wedding party had arrived that afternoon in a flurry of excited chatter and overloaded garment bags, and Charley and Henry, her right-hand man, had settled them in their rooms before serving sherry in the parlor. They were now working their way through a tureen of cream of celery soup while Charley assembled dinner plates in the kitchen.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">She had just pulled the beef from the oven when she heard a clattering against the windows, as if someone were tossing handfuls of uncooked rice against them. Sleet. Her jaw tightened. It had started—the ice storm forecasters had been predicting for days. Why did they have to pick this time to be right? </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The lights flickered and a moment later Henry pushed the swinging door from the dining room and poked his head into the kitchen with a look of concern on his mocha-hued face. “The guests have are finishing their soup. Are the salads ready?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Charley tossed her head to send a damp curl back where it belonged. “The plates are in the fridge. Can you serve by yourself? I’m tied up at the moment.” She lifted the roasting pan with oven mitt-clad hands.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“No problem.” Henry opened the wide door of the commercial refrigerator and began removing the pear, walnut, and blue cheese salads. When another gust of wind flung pellets of ice against the windows, he craned his neck and peered out toward the barn with a worried frown. The lights flickered again but regained their steady glow. “I hope the lights last through dinner.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Charley carefully transferred the Wellington to a carving board. “We’ll be fine. We’ve got the fire going in the dining room and dozens of candles lit. If we lose power the generator will run the furnace overnight.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Henry nodded and loaded a large serving tray with salad plates. “In the innkeeping business, it’s always something. Keeps you on your toes.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">That it did. In the ten years she’d owned The Foxborough Inn, she’d dealt with everything from a woman choking on the engagement ring her fiancé had placed in her champagne glass to the sheriff interrupting a wedding to haul the preacher off for fraud. Once she’d even had to fend off a flock of wild turkeys who decided to invade a tea party in the garden.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Charley held the carving knife poised above the Beef Wellington when a loud knock at the back door almost caused her to drop it. Who could that be? All the guests were accounted for, and no one would be out in this weather unless they had to be. She set the knife on the table, wiped her hands on her apron, and stepped to the door. Through the small glass panes, the porch light illuminated the rugged features of a man she’d never seen before. His cap bore the logo of a building supply company, and a couple days of dark beard stubbled his square jaw, not quite concealing a pair of deep creases that bracketed his mouth. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">He frowned through the glass and banged again when she didn’t respond. “Open up—it’s an emergency!” </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>What kind of emergency?</i> Before moving to Dobson’s Ford Charley had lived in Washington, D.C. long enough to learn not to open the door to a stranger without a very good reason. She leaned close to the door, stood on tiptoe, and peered through the window into the darkness. The man scowled, stepped aside, and thrust a teenage girl forward. The girl was small and slim, but with a prominent bulge protruding between the sides of her unzipped black parka. Short, spiky, black hair framed her thin face, and heavy mascara streaked her cheeks, whether from tears or sleet Charley couldn’t tell. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“We need a room,” the man yelled through the door.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Henry appeared at her side. “What’s all the fuss?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Charley half-turned. “They want a room, but we’re full up.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Henry peeked across her shoulder. “We’ll figure something out. Look at that child. We can’t leave her outside in this storm. It wouldn’t be right. Besides, it’s Christmas Eve.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Charley reached for the deadbolt and the doorknob. Henry was right, of course, and if the pair turned out to be axe murderers on the run, at least he had the old hunting rifle he used to scare off foxes from the chicken coop. She opened the door, and the man ushered the girl inside.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“Thanks.” His voice was gruff as he yanked off a pair of old deerskin gloves. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Charley eyed him closely than turned her attention to the girl, who shivered and tugged at her coat with small hands clad in black fingerless gloves. They were an unlikely duo. He was tall, sturdy, and weather-beaten and looked to be more than twice her age. Maybe he was the girl’s father. That would account for his sour expression. She appeared to be no more than seventeen or eighteen years old and at least seven months along. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Too bad she couldn’t help them. “I’m afraid we don’t have any rooms available. We’re booked solid for the next two days.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The man took off his cap and slapped it against his thigh, knocking bits of sleet onto the wide pine planks of the kitchen floor. When he raised his head his dark gaze held a hint of desperation. “We’ve got to have something—anything. The roads are too bad to drive further, and I can’t make her sleep in the truck.” He tipped his chin toward the girl, who swayed on her feet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“Here, child, you sit down.” Henry swung a kitchen chair under her before she collapsed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Charley sized up the situation. She had a dozen guests in the dining room who would be expecting their Beef Wellington any minute and a half-dead pregnant girl in the kitchen. Henry was dressed for serving; she had on worn jeans and an oversized sweater. “Henry, if you’ll slice and plate the beef—the sauce is in that pan on the stove—and add the carrots from the foil pan in the oven, I’ll take care of this young lady.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“No problem.” He moved to the island and picked up the carving knife.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Charley opened the fridge. “I’ve got some soup.” She turned to strangers in her kitchen. “Do you like split pea and ham?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“Whatever.” The girl might have been going for a classic, surly teenage response, but the exhaustion in her voice spoiled the effect.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">The man removed his coat and hung it on the back of a chair. “Thanks. That sounds great. By the way, I’m Joe Matthews and this is Maria.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Charley poured the soup into a large saucepan and set it on the stove. “Pleased to meet you. I’m Charlene Holloway, but everyone calls me Charley. Why don’t you have a seat. The soup will be ready in a couple of minutes.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Joe joined Maria at the kitchen table. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Charley stirred the bubbling pot. “What brings you out in weather like this?” </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">“We’re on the way to Roanoke,” Joe replied. “My folks are expecting me for Christmas.”</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Just him? The girl must not be related. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Charley set two steaming bowls on the table, along with crusty chunks of French bread. “What about you, Maria?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The girl picked up her spoon without raising her head. “I’m just on the road.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“Where are you headed?”</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">“Wherever. It doesn’t matter. As long as it’s away.”</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Charley sent Joe a quizzical look.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">“Maria told me she’s from New Jersey. I picked her up on the highway a mile or two south of Staunton. I’m a contractor there.”</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">At that moment the lights flickered twice and went out. Maria’s spoon clattered in her bowl, but before Charley had a chance to react, they bloomed back to life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Henry pushed through the swinging door. “I think maybe I’d better go out and check that generator. It looks like we might be needing it.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“Take the big flashlight,” Charley said, “and that slicker hanging by the door.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Henry retrieved the industrial-sized flashlight from the pantry, and slipped out the back door. About ten minutes later he was back, along with a bone-chilling blast. He shoved the door closed and shrugged out of the slicker. “The generator’s ready to go, but no one’s going anywhere tonight. I ‘bout killed myself trying to get back up the steps. There’s a thick coat of ice on everything and it’s still coming down.”</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 27px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Charley glanced at Maria, who had started eating again, then turned to Joe. “I’m so sorry, but we really don’t have any rooms left. Every single bed is taken.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">His dark eyes burned with resolve. “We’ll take anything—even a stall in your barn if you’ve got extra blankets.”</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Charley stiffened and stood a little straighter. Was he trying to make her feel guilty? No way was she going to put a carpenter named Joe and a pregnant girl named Maria in her barn on Christmas Eve because there was no room at the inn. She’d sleep out there herself before she let that happen.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>
Barbara Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379534828904059584noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-75583064955105738782018-12-22T00:00:00.000-05:002018-12-22T00:00:00.217-05:00Once Upon a Brave Christmas by Alicia Dean ~ Part 3, Conclusion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Neil took hold of her wrist and tugged her
inside the warm lobby. The cold hit her all at once, and she trembled, wrapping
her arms around her body. He pulled an afghan off the sofa and slid his damp
jacket off her shoulders, replacing it with the afghan. She wanted to lean into
his warmth, but not only was it the wrong moment, he thought she was a raving
lunatic.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“What the hell do you mean, you’re from
the future?”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">She sighed. No way was he going to believe
her. But, she had to try. She explained everything, from the moment Dorothy
asked for the favor, to the moment Lorelei found the letter.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Neil shook his head. “I don’t know what
kind of weird game you’re playing, or maybe you really are mentally unstable.”
He perused her face and then spoke as if calming a skittish colt. “If you are,
we can get you help.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">She shook her head rapidly. “No, I’m not
crazy. It’s true. Stay here, I’ll be right back.” She ran upstairs to her room,
snatched up the letter and the article, and hurried back down, thrusting them
at Neil.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">His eyes scanned them, his features
creasing in confusion. “What is this?” He looked up. “How did you fake this
article?”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">She groaned in frustration. “I didn’t fake
it. That’s an article from tomorrow’s paper.” She nearly stomped her foot. “You
have to believe me. Your brother’s life depends on it.” She pointed to the
photograph of the sobbing man. “That’s you, right?”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Anger sparked in his eyes. “It looks like
me, but I don’t even own that sweater. I’ve never seen it before. When you
planned this out, you should have been a little more accura—” His gaze went to
the Christmas tree where a handful of presents lay at the foot. He rushed over
and grabbed a gift the size of shirt box and tore it open. “Son of a…” He
turned to Lorelei, his face pale. In his hands, he held a bright green sweater.
Although, in the photo, it was colorless. But she recognized the snowflake
pattern.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“This is from John.” His voice shook. “I
hadn’t opened it yet, but I would have by tomorrow, when the article comes out.”
He took a step toward her. “Dear God, it’s impossible, but I think you’re
telling the truth.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“I am.” Relief flooded her. “And we need
to find him, before that”—she jabbed a finger at the image—”happens. The
accident occurred at two a.m. We have a few hours. Where would he go to drink
at this time of night?”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Neil shook his head. “I don’t know. We
live here at the motel. There are no bars open…”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“I know where he’d go.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">They turned. Dot stood in the doorway of
the lobby, tears streaming down her face. “I—I might have killed him?”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“No.” Lorelei took her gently by the hand.
“We can save him. It’s not too late. Where would he have gone?”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“There’s an abandoned cabin by Haddon
pond. We stash booze there.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“Come on, I’ll drive.” Neil headed out the
door, not bothering to grab a coat. Lorelei would have offered to drive, but
Neil was familiar with the area, and for all she knew, she’d drive them right
into 2018.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">The roads were treacherous, but Neil
handled the car skillfully, driving quickly but cautiously.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">On the way, Lorelei explained everything
to Dot, who sat in the back seat, trembling and crying.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“You were never happy without him. He
loves you and doesn’t care about what you’ve done, about your past. All that
matters is your future.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“This is…” she sniffed. “…unbelievable.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“I know.” Lorelei reached back and patted
her knee. “I’m still not sure I believe it myself.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">They slowed at a turn-in. The ’54 Chevy
bumped over a snow-packed drive until the car’s beams shone on a vehicle parked
outside a shack.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“Thank God,” Neil breathed. “That’s John’s
car.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">The three of them jumped out. Neil tried
the cabin door, but it was locked. He banged on it. “John! I know you’re in
there, let me in.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Silence.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Neil continued to knock and shout. “If you
don’t open this door right now, I’ll kick it down. Then, I’ll kick your ass.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">A few seconds went by before the door
opened. John looked over Neil’s shoulder where Dot and Lorelei stood shivering.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“What are you doing here?” He tipped
a whisky bottle up to his mouth.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“I need to talk to you,” Dot said,
stepping around Neil.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">He glared at her. “I think you’ve done
enough talking. Now go away. I just want to be alone and get schnockered.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Neil pushed his way past him into the
room. Dot and Lorelei followed behind. Lorelei sighed gratefully when the door
closed behind them and blocked out the biting wind.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“You can drink all you want,” Neil said. “But
you can’t drive.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“Screw you. You can’t boss me around.” He
staggered and gestured toward Dot with the bottle. “And screw you too. I don’t
need you nohow.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Dot stepped forward, her expression
beseeching. “I was wrong. Can you give me another chance?”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">He narrowed his eyes as if suspicious. “You…
want another chance? You’re the one who dumped me.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“I know. And I am so, so sorry. I love you
and I want to be with you. I just...I didn’t think you’d want me after what
I’ve done.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“You mean sleeping around?” John shook his
head. “I don’t care about that. All I want is you. I love you, exactly the way
you are.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“You do?” Her trembling voice held hope.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">He seemed slightly more sober. “Yes, I
absolutely do.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">She flew into his arms, and they
kissed…and kept kissing…</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Neil said, “Uh, I hate to interrupt, but
maybe we should head back to the motel before I freeze my…” He shot a glance at
Lorelei “…toes off.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">She grinned. Such a gentleman.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">John and Dot broke apart. “You can go on,”
John said. “We’re right behind you.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Neil grimaced. “No way, bud. You’re not
driving anywhere tonight. We’ll come get your car later.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">John frowned. “What’s going on, what’s all
this about?”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“We’ll tell you on the way, but you’ll
never believe it.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">~*~</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Neil was right, John hadn’t believed it,
but he didn’t care. He and Dot were together and, to him, that was all that
mattered. They had gone upstairs, and Lorelei sat with Neil on the cushy sofa
in front of the fire.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Neil shook his head. “Everything happened
so fast earlier, I guess I more or less took the time travel thing as the
truth. But, I gotta say, I’m dumbfounded. Can it really be?” He took her hand
in his. “Are you really from the future? How does that even work?”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">She let the moment wash over her…the
rightness of it all...being with Neil, his thumb stroking the back of her hand…
She nearly sighed with pleasure. “I think I’m still processing it myself. I
just couldn’t deny the proof that I’d landed in 1956. And, I promise, I’m from
2018.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">He grunted. “That figures. The first woman
I've ever thought I might see a future with, and you're not even of my world.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">His words brought tears to her throat. “I
know. I've had a lot of relationships. I thought I was in love once, but he
never made me feel the way you do.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">He lifted his brows. “So, this portal of
yours. What would happen if I was with you?”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">She gaped at him. “You mean, if you were
in the car with me, when I drove back to 2018?” She mulled it over. “I don’t
know how that would work… Would you really come?”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">He took her face in his hands and placed a
gentle kiss on her lips. “I can’t stand the thought of being five feet away
from you, I certainly don’t want to be decades apart.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">She blinked back tears. “But, we don’t
even know each other.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">He grinned. “That didn’t stop you from
jumping in the middle of our business.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">She laughed. “In all fairness, I was
saving your brother’s life.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">His expression sobered. “I know. And I can
never thank you enough.” He brushed a lock of hair back from her face and
trailed his finger down her cheek. “I’d like to get to know you. I can’t lose
you. Not before we’ve even had a chance.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">She thought for a moment. “Or, I could
stay here with you? Maybe for a little while until we see how it works out
between us?” A thrill of excitement shot through her. Not only would she be
with Neil, she’d get to experience all sorts of amazing things. The moon
landing, Elvis’ rise to stardom, tons of inventions. She made a vow that she
wouldn’t tell Neil about any of the events ahead of time…spoilers wouldn’t be
fair. And, she would try really hard to be ethical and not bet on any Super
Bowls, boxing matches, or World Series.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“You’d do that?” His eyes glittered like
liquid steel in the light from the flickering fire.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">She held her right hand up to gaze at the
ring. Dorothy had wanted her to find her brave self. Starting a new life in the
rockin’ fifties surely qualified. “Yes, I think I would.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“Well, that’s definitely an option. We can
spend our first Christmas together and make a decision about the future after
that, right?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">She smiled. “That sounds perfect.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">He stood and reached out his hand. “Come
with me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">She let him pull her to her feet. He led
her to the fireplace and pointed toward the ceiling. She looked up to find
mistletoe hanging above them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“Do you have mistletoe in the future?” He
tugged her closer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Stepping into his arms, she wrapped her
hands around his neck. “Yes, we most definitely do. You know, some traditions
are timeless.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">He flashed a sexy smile. “Then that means
you know what it’s for?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 13pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Giddy anticipation tingled through her. “I
know exactly what it’s for,” she whispered. With a contented sigh, she rose to
her tiptoes and showed him.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "timesnewromanpsmt" , serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 26px; text-align: center; text-indent: 48px;">~*~*~*~*~*~*</span><span style="font-family: "timesnewromanpsmt" , serif; font-size: 17.3333px; text-align: center; text-indent: 48px;">~*~*~*~*~*~*</span><span style="font-family: "timesnewromanpsmt" , serif; font-size: 17.3333px; text-align: center; text-indent: 48px;">~*~*~*~*~ </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><i> Thank you for
reading my contribution to our Christmas stories. </i></b></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
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<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "" sans-serif "" , serif;"><i>Be sure to stay tuned for tomorrow's Christmas Free Read by the wonderful Barbara Edwards...</i></span></b></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "" sans-serif "" , serif;"><i>Merry Christmas!</i></span></b></div>
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<br />Alicia Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003539473772776004noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-53519033262563502582018-12-21T00:00:00.000-05:002018-12-21T07:29:27.098-05:00Once Upon a Brave Christmas by Alicia Dean ~ Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5iTMlNEDqV2I9j8Cc3n9M50AgHbvmGjM5OuYIDjnkiCy1vGqtfPaxdcaNdC119lIlsoPOviaS5TNuA9dOOs53qVzWECgmzRIyQjMPAdSwScIL0J3hP79BYW7OFH7xvdVm9k3qZhp0cgMe/s1600/Let+it+Snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5iTMlNEDqV2I9j8Cc3n9M50AgHbvmGjM5OuYIDjnkiCy1vGqtfPaxdcaNdC119lIlsoPOviaS5TNuA9dOOs53qVzWECgmzRIyQjMPAdSwScIL0J3hP79BYW7OFH7xvdVm9k3qZhp0cgMe/s1600/Let+it+Snow.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 13pt;">My sweet Lorelei,</span></i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 13pt;">In case you haven’t figured it out, you’re
much farther away than you anticipated when you agreed to my favor. Not in
miles, but in decades. That’s right, you’ve landed in 1956.</span></i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 13pt;">I'm sorry I tricked you. I know you'll
find what I’m about to tell you hard to believe, but if you've already seen the
town, the people, the inn, then you’re aware something is…off. You know Mr.
Daws, my neighbor? He's a scientist. He has babbled on about time travel,
though I never believed him. Then one day, imagine my shock when he proved it
by making Thomas Edison appear for a visit. He sent him back quickly, said it
wasn't something he liked to mess with anymore, because he was getting on, and
he was afraid he wouldn't be able to correct it. But I begged him. And he
agreed. He created a time portal. And I gave it to you. It’s the ring.</span></i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 13pt;">You'll meet me—young me. Young me will not
know who you are or that you are a time traveler. I need you to correct an
awful wrong that I caused. On Christmas Eve, I broke up with John. He was
devastated. He drank himself into oblivion and later that night had an awful
car wreck that killed him. This article tells the story. The man sobbing in the
photo is John’s brother, Neil.</span></i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Lorelei studied the images. Even though
his face didn’t show, she could see now that it was Neil in the photo. Dear
God, was this true? Impossible… A realization hit her…she’d already met young
Dorothy—Dot. She could see the likeness now. Dot was a younger version of
Dorothy. Stunned, she continued reading.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 13pt;">I've carried guilt with me for decades.
Neil became a recluse and lived in misery. I've had a wretched existence. And
John’s life ended way too soon. My one act ruined so many lives. I can't leave
this world without righting my wrong. It's not entirely selfish. I hope this
experience opens up an adventurous side of you. You're too young and pretty to
live like an old lady. You never go out with friends, you don't have a young
man in your life. I hope this helps you find your brave self, and I hope you
take a chance and actually live life instead of just sleepwalking through it.
You can return to our time the day after Christmas, even if you have not
succeeded at the task. You must simply drive back the way you came, as long as
you are wearing the ring.</span></i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Lorelei stared at the ring, then the
letter, then the article, trying to decide if she really believed this
nonsense. But, in truth, how could she <i>not</i> believe it? The
cars, the outfits, the lingo, the cheap meal, Neil’s confusion, the odd
reaction to the way she was dressed. This was no vintage car show, this was
truly, literally, the 1950s. She was astounded…but she had to accept it. How
had Dorothy even known she’d find the letter? That she’d keep the ring on?
She’d left an awful lot to chance.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">A sudden burst of fury overrode her
confusion. How dare Dorothy make that kind of decision for her? Lorelei was
quite happy with her life. She’d decided romance wasn’t in the cards for her,
but she loved her job as an admin for a charity that helped the poor. And, she
loved her quiet life. She didn’t need anyone dictating her future.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">But Dorothy hadn’t actually done it
for <i>her</i>, had she? She’d done it for herself, because she hadn’t
liked the way her life turned out. How <i>selfish</i>… </span><span style="color: #fc2712; font-size: 13.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Although…she <i>was</i> attempting
to save a life. And even though it was bizarre, the least Lorelei could do was
try to correct her mistake…which would mean changing the past. A shiver ran
over her skin that had nothing to do with the snow and ice lashing the window.
How was she to prevent the tragedy? She couldn’t manhandle John and stop him
from driving.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">She sighed. She would do her best. And if
it didn't work, her conscience would be clear. But as soon as she returned to
her time, Dorothy was going to get an earful. </span><span style="color: #fc2712; font-size: 13.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">~*~</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Neil introduced Lorelei to his brother
that afternoon. John was better looking than in the newspaper photo. He
resembled Neil, although his hair was lighter and his eyes bluer. A chill
washed through her at the thought that he could be dead in less than twelve
hours.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">After they shook hands, he said, “I
understand you have a message for me. Do I know you?”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“No, I uh…” What could she say? She
couldn’t share Dorothy’s message now. “I met someone who knew you and they
asked me to say hi. Uh…” A name popped into her head. “Justin Timberlake.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">He frowned. “I don’t know a Justin
Timberlake. How did he say we knew one another?”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“He didn’t. Sorry, maybe it’s a mix up. I
told him I was traveling through, and he asked me to tell you he said hello.”
Lorelei cringed at the lies she was piling up. It all sounded so ridiculous.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“Okay, well, thanks for delivering the
message. I guess since you’re here, and the weather is a real doozy, you’re
sticking around for the bash?”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“I am. I appreciate you guys inviting me.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Neil said, “Speaking of the party, I’m way
behind on the food. I’d better get back to the kitchen.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“Can I help?” Lorelei wasn’t sure why she
offered, other than because she had nothing else to occupy her time until
tonight, when she could hopefully derail a tragedy.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">He lifted his brows. “Really? I need to
prepare a hundred canapes.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">She had no idea what a canape was, but she
was certain she could handle it. “Sure, I’m in.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">As it turned out, canapes were small
appetizers—in this case, white bread cut out in various shapes and grilled on
one side, some topped with deviled ham and horseradish, others with bacon and
peanut butter, which both sounded disgusting, but she didn’t have to eat it,
she just had to make it.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">It was a time-consuming task, but she
didn’t mind…it gave her an opportunity to be with Neil, something she was
enjoying more than was wise.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Neil told her about how he and John had
lost their parents in a boating accident when Neil was in high school and John
was twelve. The state wanted to take John, but Neil convinced them he could
take care of him, and he’d raised him and seen him through high school
graduation two years ago.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Lorelei’s heart warmed toward him. “That’s
admirable, that you would put your life on hold to raise your brother.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">He shoveled another batch of the toasted
bread onto a platter. “What else was I going to do? Family is everything.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Was this guy for real? Sexy, kind,
selfless… She almost sighed aloud.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">As he spread the toppings on the bread,
his taut muscles strained against the white t-shirt he wore, and she could
barely focus on his words. He glanced up and caught her staring. She started to
turn away, but he raised a hand toward her face, and she stilled. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">His eyes dropped to her lips, and her
mouth went as dry as chalk. Was he going to kiss her? She waited breathlessly,
not sure how she’d react, but she didn’t have to worry about it for long. He
brushed his fingertips along her jaw, then pulled back, showing her his hand.
“You had a smudge of peanut butter on your face.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">She laughed self-consciously, her cheeks
heating with embarrassment. So much for her sexy fantasy. “Oh…er…thank you.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">He nodded, studying her intently for a
moment. A silent, charged current passed between them, and she knew he was
attracted to her as well. “Lorelei, I—”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“Sorry.” She cut him off and busied
herself with the canapes. “I’ve fallen behind, I’m afraid. Better get back to
it.” He didn’t respond, and they finished in silence. She tamped down her
irritation with herself. She’d made the right decision. Nothing could come of
it, so what was the point?</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">~*~</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">That night at the party, Lorelei wore a
dress she’d borrowed from Dot—a burgundy floral lace swing dress that was a
little snug for her liking. Dot was petite and Lorelei, not so much. She was
grateful, though, she’d have stuck out like an alien from another planet in her
own clothes.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">The room was dim, other than the twinkling
lights from the tree and strung along the walls, giving the room a romantic,
festive feel. Music played, alternating between non-Christmas and Christmas
songs—a few she recognized and many she didn’t.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“I Was the One,” by Elvis began, and Neil
appeared at the table where she and Dot sat. He looked incredibly handsome in
black baggie slacks and an iridescent bronze dinner jacket with black collar.
He held out a hand. “May I have this dance?”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Wordlessly, she placed her hand in his,
and he led her to the dance floor, where he took her into his arms. His body
was strong and warm against hers—very real, yet this night felt completely
unreal.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">They danced in silence for a few moments,
then Neil whispered against her hair, “I’m not sure what’s happening, and I
know it’s soon, but I just gotta tell you.” He leaned back and looked into her
eyes. “I’m starting to feel something for you.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">She nodded, her voice shaky when she
spoke. “I know. Me too.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">He smiled. “I guess we don’t have to
figure out anything yet, we’ll just live in the moment.” He placed a kiss on
her forehead and pulled her back against him.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">She wasn’t a ‘live in the moment’ kind of
person, and she and Neil most definitely didn’t have many moments left
together. The thought brought on unexpected sadness and she incongruously felt
like crying.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">The song ended, and he led her back to her
table. Her legs weak, she lowered into the chair. Was she actually falling for
a man she just met? Someone with whom there was no future?</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“Hey, is everything okay?”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">She looked up to find Dot peering at
her. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“Yes, fine. I was just—”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“You were just staring at Neil like he was
a giant milkshake covered in whipped cream.” Dot smiled teasingly.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Lorelei’s face heated. “No, I wasn’t, I—”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“Hey, I don’t blame you. Neil’s dreamy.
And, he’s a wonderful fella.” Dot bit into a piece of stuffed celery and chewed
as she spoke. “Did you know that all the profit from this party goes to help
the less fortunate? It’s a thing he started himself called Lend a Helping
Hand.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Lorelei’s eyes widened in shock. Lend a
Helping Hand was the organization she worked for. And this man had started it?
She groaned inwardly. Really? Could he get any more perfect? “He does seem
great.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“Yeah.” Dot’s voice held resignation. “And
after tonight, he’ll probably hate me.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“Why?”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">She drew in a deep breath and placed the
remainder of the celery back on her plate. “I’m ending things with John.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Here we go…</span></i><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> Foreboding gripped her. “You are?
Why?”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">She shrugged. “Honestly? I’m not good
enough for him.” She lowered her voice. “I have a…reputation around town. I
admit, I’ve made mistakes. I cheated on him. He knows it and forgave me, but I
just feel so guilty, so unworthy.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“You can’t break up with him!” Lorelei
cringed as she almost shouted the words.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“What do you mean? Why not?”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“Because, you just…can’t.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Dot’s expression set in a mutinous glare.
“It’s honestly none of your business. This is hard enough already.” She shot to
her feet. “Just stay out of it, would ya?”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Dorothy stormed off…and right up to John
Whitten. Lorelei’s heart sank into her stomach. She rose and approached the
couple, her mind running through ways to stop John from leaving. His accident
happened at two a.m. That was hours from now. There was still time.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“How could you do this to me?” John’s
voice was an anguished cry. “I forgave you for cheating. I love you. You can’t
leave me!”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Dot squared her shoulders. “It’s over. I’m
moving away after Christmas.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“You can’t, please don’t.” He reached out
for her, but she stepped away from his touch. He shook his head. “I’ll never get
over you. I’ll love you til the day I die.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">His words sent a chill skittering over
Lorelei’s flesh.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“I’m sorry.” Tears choked Dot’s voice. She
turned and hurried away, bursting through the door leading to the kitchen.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">His features etched with pain and anger,
John whirled and headed to the front door.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Lorelei rushed up to him. “John, wait!”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">He ignored her until she gripped his arm
and stopped him, then he glared at her. “What do you want?”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“You…you can’t go. Please, don’t leave.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">He scowled, but she could tell he was
fighting back tears. “There’s nothing for me here.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“Maybe there is. You can stay, we can talk
to Dot together.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">He gave a humorless laugh and swiped at
his wet eyes. “I think I’ve suffered enough humiliation for one night.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“Let him go.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Lorelei released John and looked back to
find Neil standing behind her. She shook her head. “I can’t let him leave.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“He needs to be alone, not
around a crowd of busybodies.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">She glanced around. The dancing and
conversation had stopped, and the partygoers were gawking at them. “But, if he
leaves, he’ll—”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Neil huffed out a frustrated breath and
jammed his hands into his pants pockets. “Oh for God’s sake. It’s none of your
business. She’s hurt him over and over. He needs to let go.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“No, you don’t unders—” She shook her
head, turning back to find John gone. “Where did he go?” How had she not seen
him leave? She’d been too focused on Neil.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">She hurried across the room and to the
door. Neil called out to her, but she didn’t stop. She jerked open the motel
door and ran outside. She shouted for John, but the freezing wind snatched her
words away.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Behind her, she heard Neil say, “What the
hell are you doing? You’ll die of exposure.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">She shot him a quick glance then
frantically searched the parking lot. “Is his car gone?” Her teeth chattered,
but she barely felt the cold. “Did I miss him?”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Neil shrugged his jacket off and draped it
around her shoulders. “Why are you so worried?”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“Because,” the words choked out of her.
“If we don’t find him and stop him, he’s going to die. <i>Tonight</i>.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">He glared at her. “You’re out of your
mind.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“No,” she cried, desperate to make him
believe her. “I’m telling the truth. I <i>know</i> he’s going to
die.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“How do you know?”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">She drew in a deep breath. “Because, where
I’m from, it’s already happened.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“What do you mean, where you’re from it’s
already happened? That’s crazy talk.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“It is, but I’m telling the truth.” She
sucked in a deep mouthful of the icy wind. “I know, because I’m from the
future.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewromanpsmt" , serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 26px;">~*~*~*~*~*~*</span><span style="font-family: "timesnewromanpsmt" , serif; font-size: 17.3333px;">~*~*~*~*~*~*</span><span style="font-family: "timesnewromanpsmt" , serif; font-size: 17.3333px;">~*~*~*~*~ </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewromanpsmt" , serif; font-size: 17.3333px;"><br /></span></div>
<b><i>I hope you enjoyed Part 2. Please join me tomorrow for Part 3, the conclusion of Once Upon a Brave Christmas</i></b><br />
<br />
<br />Alicia Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003539473772776004noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-15296203801950781602018-12-20T00:00:00.000-05:002018-12-20T00:00:01.081-05:00Once Upon a Brave Christmas by Alicia Dean ~ Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Lorelei peered through the snow-spattered
windshield at the neon sign and hoped like hell there was room at the inn. She
also hoped like hell she was in Haddon. If she hadn’t made it to her
destination yet, she’d stay anyway. No way was she driving any farther
tonight. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">How had she let herself be talked into
this madness? A road trip during a blizzard, two days before Christmas?
Insanity. But Dorothy had been so insistent, so desperate. Lorelei couldn’t deny
the request of a dying woman, especially one who’d been like a grandmother to
her. Lorelei’s parents had moved to Australia from their home in Moore,
Oklahoma while Lorelei was in college. She only saw them every few years. With
no siblings, she had no family nearby and hadn’t celebrated Christmas in years.
So, she would embark on an adventure.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">It hadn’t been snowing hard when Lorelei
left three hours earlier. If it had been, she was certain Dorothy would not
have sent her on this task.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">She released her grip on the steering
wheel and rubbed her right hand with her left. She’d held on so tightly for so
long, the ring Dorothy had given her had made deep, painful grooves in her
fingers. The ring was 10 karat gold with a red, oval stone surrounded by small
green crystals. Cheap, gaudy, but Dorothy had been so excited to gift it to her
that Lorelei hadn’t had the heart to tell her it was hideous. She could take it
off now, but even without Dorothy knowing, it still felt like a betrayal.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Resigned to the fact that the pelting snow
wouldn’t ease up any time soon, she pushed the door open and was immediately
buffeted by a blast of icy air. She shivered as she stepped out, burrowing into
her scarf. A glance at the parking lot showed several older model cars, like, maybe
from the fifties or sixties. Had she arrived during a vintage car show or
something? If so, there was a good chance the motel would be full. And she’d
need at least one night accommodations—maybe two.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">She trudged toward the door, head down.
There was no moon out, and the darkness was broken only by the pink, green and
purple neon sign painting the words ‘Drop Inn’ on the white snow. The name gave
her hope. Apparently, reservations were not required.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">The heavy wooden door creaked as she
pulled it open. She stepped inside to the warmth of a cozy lobby with a fire
burning in the fireplace and a Christmas tree in one corner. Plaid furniture and
hard wood floors gave it a rustic, comfy feel. The sound of conversation,
laughter, and music coming from the other side of a closed door off the lobby
drew her attention.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Hoping she wasn’t interrupting something,
she pushed open the door. A group of unoccupied tables were scrunched together
at one end of the room while the other end was empty except for a larger
Christmas tree than the one in the lobby. A young woman dressed in retro
fifties garb was placing centerpieces on the tables. To the right was a bar and
next to that, an old-fashioned juke box from which an oldies song—one that
sounded familiar, but she couldn’t name—played. The guy behind the bar and the
customers sitting on the stools were dressed in throwback clothing, with
throwback hairstyles. Part of the vintage car show, she presumed. These people
went all out.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">The bartender spotted her and stepped from
behind the bar, approaching her with a charming, friendly smile. His dark hair
was slicked back with a wayward lock hanging over his forehead. He wore a
button up blue cardigan with a black shirt underneath. Gray-blue eyes raked her
from head to toe. His interest didn’t seem sexual, more…curious, puzzled. He
frowned briefly, then his countenance morphed back to friendly. "Hi,
sorry. I didn’t know anyone had come in. It’s kinda loud in here.” He gestured
toward the jukebox which had begun playing another unidentifiable oldies song.
“You need a room?"</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">"Yes, please."</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">"Sure, let's go out here."</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">He held the door open, and she preceded
him into the lobby. Going behind the desk, he opened a registration book and
slid it to her. “Your name and address, please.” On the wall behind him hung a
cork board with several hooks that held keys with paper tags numbered from one
through fifty. Some of the hooks held two keys while others held just one.
Those surely couldn’t be the room keys…</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">She brought her gaze back to him. “So, do
you always check guests in the old-school way, or are you keeping it real for
the vintage car show?”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">His brows drew together. “I’m sorry, I
don’t know what you mean.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“I mean, motels usually have computers,
and you’re using a…”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">His expression grew more bewildered. “Why would
we have a computer and how could we possibly afford one?”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">She chuckled in disbelief. “Why, you’d
need one because…” She paused. She was too tired, too frazzled to deal with
this. She just wanted to get a bite to eat and relax. “Never mind. What town am
I in?”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“Haddon.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">She sighed in relief. “Good. That’s where
I need to be.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">He gave a disarming grin. “No one <i>needs</i> to
be in Haddon.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">She laughed. “Well, you might say I’m on a
mission.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“Ah, a beautiful woman on a secret
mission? Intriguing.” He winked. With that one gesture, her irritation melted,
her insides warmed, and a feeling bordering on giddiness rose inside her. Were
those actually butterflies in her stomach? That hadn’t happened in a very long
time. This guy might be odd, but he was most definitely hot…and charismatic.
Nothing wrong with a little flirtation. <i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“You need my card and ID, right?”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“No ID necessary...” He peered at where
she’d written her information. “Lorelei. I’m Neil, by the way. Let me know if
you need anything at all while you’re here.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“You don’t need a card for the room?”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">He took a key from the board behind him.
“A card for the room…?”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“Yes, you know, for payment.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“Oh, you mean a Diner’s Club card? No, we
aren’t set up for that. You can pay with check or cash when you leave.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Her head spun with confusion. Diner’s
Club? Was that still around? They took <i>checks</i>? “You don’t need a
card for incidentals?”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">He handed her the key. “I’m not sure what
you mean, but I can safely say no.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">What was with this guy? He had intelligent
eyes, a confident air, but he was really, really dumb. How was he able to tie
his shoes, let alone run a motel?</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“Is there somewhere I can get some food?”
She hadn’t eaten since breakfast, not wanting to stop in the blizzard, and her
stomach was vehemently reminding her she’d been ignoring it.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“Sure. I can lug your bags to your room,
and if you’ll go back to the bar, Dot will take your order. I’ll be down soon
to make it.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“Thank you.” She assumed Dot was the young
woman decorating the tables. So, he was the cook…maybe he wasn’t supposed to be
checking guests in. Whatever, she was hungry and tired, and if he’d feed her
and get her a bed for the night, she didn’t care if he was a ninja assassin.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">~*~</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Half an hour later, Neil was placing a
cheeseburger and side salad in front of her on the bar. She’d wanted to go all
in and have the fries, but she decided to semi-concede to a healthy diet. They
didn’t have a wide variety to choose from—burgers, salads, fries, onion rings,
and chicken fried steak.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">She took a bite of the burger. Tasty.
Maybe she’d survive this place after all.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">The jukebox had been going steadily the
entire time she’d been eating and finally played a song she
recognized—“Heartbreak Hotel.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Neil was refilling her iced tea, and he
nodded toward the jukebox. “You know, that guy is going to be a big deal some
day.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Lorelei laughed. "Oh, you think
so?"</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">His expression remained serious.
"Yeah, he's boss.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">"Wow, you're really committed to this…vintage
car show thing or whatever is going on here."</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">He chuckled and shook his head. “You know,
I don’t have any idea what you’re saying half the time, but you seem like a
sweet girl, and you’re easy on the eyes, so that’s cool.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">He didn’t understand <i>her</i>?
Unbelievable. Had she ended up in some Twilight Zone, or was he touched in the
head? Of course, the first hot, charming guy she’d met in years <i>would</i> be
an addle-brained Norman Bates clone. She needed to get the message delivered to
John Whitten and get back home, ASAP.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“You wouldn’t happen to know a John
Whitten, would you?”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Surprise lit his silvery eyes. "He's
my brother. How do you know him?"</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">"I don't. I just...want to meet
him."</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">"He has a girlfriend." He
gestured to Dot, who was sitting at the other end of the bar, chatting with a
middle-aged woman. “He and Dot have been going steady for over a year.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Going steady… </span></i><span style="font-size: 13pt;">She loved the authenticity of the fifties
lingo. Nice touch. “Oh, I'm not interested in him romantically. I have a
message for him."</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">"He's at work, but he’ll be around
tomorrow. We both live here at the motel. We’re having a Christmas bash
tomorrow evening, you’re welcome to come."</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">"That’s very kind of you, thank you.”
She had no desire to attend and hadn’t packed any party wear, but she might
need that opportunity to connect with John. “Can I get the check?”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“Sure, I’ll get Dot.” He moved away to
tend to another customer, signaling to Dot with his hand</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Dot came over with the check. She was
about Lorelei’s age, pretty, with auburn hair pulled back in a ponytail. “I
love your outfit,” Dot whispered. “Though I’m not brave enough to wear
something like that. I’ve never seen such tight slacks before.” She wore a
floral, full-skirted dress with three quarter length sleeves and a Peter Pan
collar.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Lorelei grinned uncertainly. “Thank
you…” <i>I think.</i> What a strange compliment-slash-insult. Lorelei
wore black leggings and a red sweater with short boots. Nothing shocking in the
least.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">The check, however, was shocking. Seventy-five
cents? That was impossible. “Excuse me,” she said to Dot. “I think there’s been
a mistake.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Dot had been walking away, and she turned
back, her manner distracted and harried. “What’s the problem?”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“You charged me seventy-five cents, did
you mean seven-fifty, or…?” Even seven-fifty would be cheap, but seventy-five
cents? Preposterous.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">“No, that’s right.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Two of the tables were now occupied, and a
thin man wearing a suit was waving at Dot. “I gotta go. If you have a problem
with the bill, you’ll need to see Neil.” She rushed off.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Something wasn't right. Lorelei twisted
the large ring around her finger. An unsettled feeling had been forming in her
stomach and now it grew to mass proportions. If the storm of the century wasn't
raging outside, she'd scrap this nutty plan and head back home…tell Dorothy she
couldn't find John, and she’d have to die without her one wish fulfilled… Yeah,
right. Like she could do that. She was already here. Might as well see it
through.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">All she had to do was give Dorothy’s
message to John…and it had to be before Christmas Day. Tomorrow was Christmas
Eve, so it was her only chance. Dorothy wanted Lorelei to tell John that she
was sorry, and if she'd known how things would turn out, she never would have
hurt him like that. That he was the best man she’d ever known and life without
him had no meaning.</span><span style="color: #fc2712; font-size: 13.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">It was weird, it sounded like a
declaration of love, but surely Neil’s brother hadn't had a romance with the
much older woman. Perhaps he was a grandson? Lorelei had asked Dorothy why she
couldn't call him and tell him, or send him a letter. Dorothy had explained
that he was out of her reach, and this had to be done face to face. Even though
Lorelei didn’t understand it, she’d acquiesced.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">She left two dollars on the bar with the
check, feeling like she was stealing, and went upstairs. Her room was larger
than she’d expected. There were no amenities, not even a telephone, let alone a
TV. No matter, she didn’t plan to watch television, and she had her
cell—although so far, she hadn’t been able to get a signal when she’d tried to
call Dorothy to tell her she’d made it. She’d get this odd task completed and
get the hell out of Crazy Town. Too tired to unpack, she dug out her toothbrush
and pajamas, took a quick shower, and dropped into the comfortable bed, falling
asleep immediately.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">~*~</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">The next morning, she awoke, feeling
rested…but still uneasy. Hopefully, she’d be able to deliver her message before
the party and head home. She pulled jeans and a shirt from her bag. When she
unfolded the jeans, an unfamiliar envelope tumbled out. She frowned in
confusion and picked it up.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Inside, she found a single sheet of paper
with a note in Dorothy’s handwriting, and a tattered newspaper article from
the <i>Haddon Herald</i>. The article’s headline read, “TRAGIC SINGLE-CAR
ACCIDENT KILLS ONE” with the sub heading, <i>Haddon Resident Dies in Fiery
Wreck</i>. The picture accompanying it showed a man standing on a darkened
roadside near a mangled car, his head buried in his hands as though he were
weeping. A smaller photo was inset into that one, showing a good-looking,
smiling guy, who she assumed was the victim. The date was December 26, 1956.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Her hands shook, and cold wind swept
through her soul. She sensed the letter would confirm an awful truth her brain
hadn’t been wanting to accept. She began to read. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewromanpsmt" , serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">~*~*~*~*~*~*</span></span><span style="font-family: "timesnewromanpsmt" , serif; font-size: 17.3333px;">~*~*~*~*~*~*</span><span style="font-family: "timesnewromanpsmt" , serif; font-size: 17.3333px;">~*~*~*~*~ </span></div>
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<b><i>I hope you enjoyed Part 1. Please join me tomorrow for Part 2 of Once Upon a Brave Christmas</i></b>Alicia Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12003539473772776004noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-53456325503393896632018-12-19T00:00:00.000-05:002018-12-19T00:00:00.447-05:00A Critterful Christmas ~ Part 3 by Leah St. James<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsoJWlV0eX1RA80tUpYACRLRvttn-ESMmDe2ojH7b59fb3H7QPJU7lbGLb4EXRtQB-eVDKw-V2YqmyKc7dN8Zr0xtp2-ewO5jVrgenW-iOqCSRLX1raKqSTmeCpgs3ngzGJJNp3u3RXbo/s1600/Let+it+Snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1224" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsoJWlV0eX1RA80tUpYACRLRvttn-ESMmDe2ojH7b59fb3H7QPJU7lbGLb4EXRtQB-eVDKw-V2YqmyKc7dN8Zr0xtp2-ewO5jVrgenW-iOqCSRLX1raKqSTmeCpgs3ngzGJJNp3u3RXbo/s400/Let+it+Snow.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">Dmitri pulled the SUV to the shoulder, what there was of it, got out and hacked at the wiper blades with his scraper to dislodge the inch of ice that had accumulated. It was the third time he'd had to pull over since leaving the veterinary clinic, and even for a guy like him who liked winter weather, this was getting old.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Apparently reading his mind, Apollo <i>mrowled</i> when he climbed back into the driver's seat. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"I know, buddy. The weather is looking a bit iffy for my plan. What do you think? Should I still give it a go?"</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was a simple plan. Get home as quickly as he could, settle Apollo with a bowl of kibble, clean up the cat's mess--quickly--then head back into the storm with a bottle of Chianti and a package of gourmet cheese and crackers his sister had sent him. He'd stick in the box of Belgian chocolates he'd picked up at the warehouse store, just because he liked Belgian chocolate. And because Layla looked like a woman who would enjoy good chocolate. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">He hadn't even shocked himself at how quickly it had taken him to jump from ‘Dr. Spencer’ to simply ‘Layla.” Sometimes things just felt...right.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As if his body agreed, a shot of energy sizzled all the way to his fingertips. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Son, you’ve got it bad,” he mumbled to himself. No way he was going to let a foot of snow get in his way of getting to know Dr. Layla Spencer.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">He eased the SUV to a faster pace and was nearing his neighborhood when his radio squawked to life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">“<span style="font-style: italic;">All units, BOLO for missing teen. Fifteen years old, six feet, 140 pounds, wearing hunting pants and jacket.</span><span style="font-style: italic;">”</span></span><br />
<div style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span>The dispatcher added the teen’s name and address. The parents had come home early from a day trip to find him and his dog gone and couldn’t reach him on his cell phone. They’d been out searching several hours.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">He thumbed the radio on to acknowledge, then gave the cat carrier a grimace. “Looks like I have to delay my plans, and your bowl of kibble. There’s a kid out in the snow somewhere, and I have no intention of spending Christmas Day telling a couple parents their son is still missing. Or worse.”</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">After swinging the vehicle in a U-turn, he headed away from civilization. He engaged the flood light and pointed it toward the shoulder of the rural highway, looking for anyone walking or signs that someone had passed—a near impossible task considering the gusting winds and drifting mounds of snow.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">He’d driven no more than a quarter mile, creeping along, when Apollo started wailing.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">“Not now,” he told the cat. “I’m busy. Be grateful you’re warm inside a heated vehicle, not stuck out there like that poor kid probably is. And his dog.”</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">In response, Apollo ratcheted up the volume and started clawing at the mesh covering on the side of the carrier.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">“Seriously, buddy. I get it. You want out. I can’t deal with you right now.”</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">The cat kept it up until he was using both paws. Dmitri slowed the car and turned to give his cat a stern look. Apollo’s claws clung to the meshing, and spots of blood dotted the material.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">“For crying out loud!” Dmitri flipped open the carrier’s locks and opened the top. “There. You happy now?”</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">But Apollo wasn’t happy. He stood on his hind legs, front paws on the passenger’s door, and stared fiercely out the window into the dark, his head making tiny jerks from side to side. And he was crying, a pitiful, mournful sound.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">Shaking his head and muttering about crazy cats, Dmitri put the vehicle in gear and started forward again. He’d just passed a small access road locals used to get up to the hunting trails when the cat started going berserk, clawing at the faux leather padding like it was the enemy.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">He stopped again and leaned over to capture the cat, and a tiny spot of red flashed in his peripheral vision. “What the…?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Apollo had stopped picking but was looking straight ahead and <span style="font-style: italic;">mrowling</span> again, like he was calling for someone. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Wondering if he was as deranged as the cat, Dmitri backed up and hung a right onto the access road, pointing the floodlight forward. He’d traveled about a hundred yards uphill when the beam picked up a dark shape in the field of white. He eased the SUV forward until he could make out a vehicle turned sideways and plastered against a large snow bank. Blinking red taillights glowed through the storm like Rudolph’s nose.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Dmitri pulled the SUV as close as he could, then radioed an update and his position to dispatch. “Send a wrecker and a bus,” he added. “It looks nasty. Could be injuries.”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">With a pat on Apollo’s head and a caution to the cat to be good, he levered himself from the SUV and jogged to the ditched vehicle, a small, older sedan pitched down at a 20-degree angle. It appeared stable but had come to rest on a sideways tilt, blocking the driver’s side doors. Someone—or something—inside was emitting a high-pitched whining. Whining like a dog.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Dmitri shined his flashlight into the interior. </span>The airbag hadn't deployed, and the driver was moving sluggishly, trying to unbuckle the seat belt. In the back, two figures seemed melded together.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Hell.” Dmitri slogged around the car, slid and caught himself on the side panel. There was an <i>I BRAKE FOR ANIMALS</i> sticker on the rear bumper. Another read: <i>DON’T ARGUE WITH YOUR VET. SHE KNOWS HOW TO NEUTER</i>.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A snorting laugh caught abruptly in his throat as the beautiful vet’s image flashed through his brain. Layla? What the hell would she be doing out in this storm? With passengers. And a dog?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">His heart thundering, his brain testing the theory that he'd actually located the missing teen, he assessed how to extricate them all. He scrambled to the passenger side and tugged on the door. It didn’t budge. He stripped off a glove to rap on the window.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Hey, Doc! I’m going to get you out. Hang in there!” He pointed to the handle, hoping she understood to unlock the door.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Nodding, she scooted to the right. After another eternity a <span style="font-style: italic;">click</span> signaled the locks unlatching. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It took a few min</span>utes for Layla and her passenger to climb from the sedan. Thankfully, and miraculously, they appeared shaken up but not injured.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">"Thank you, thank you, thank you," she said, throwing her arms around him for a quick hug...too quick. "I was sure we were destined to become human Popsicles. But we need to hurry," she said. "I have a patient in the back seat who needs attention." She jerked her thumb toward the boy who had hunkered down by the open door. "And we need to call his parents."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After a few quick questions, Dmitri confirmed the boy's identity, and relief flooded him as he made his first happy transmission of the night.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was another ten minutes to get Apollo back in his carrier, then transfer the dog into the SUV. </span>By that time the EMTs had arrived and bundled the boy onto a stretcher to get checked out at the hospital where his parents would meet him. Layla climbed into the back of his SUV to take care of her patient.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">"How is he?" Dmitri stood at the open door, watching as she gently worked her hands along his ribs, back and legs. After a few minutes she looked up, hope in her eyes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">"He needs a thorough exam, but all things considered, he's in amazingly good shape."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">Taking a deep breath for the first time in what felt like hours, Dmitri smiled as she finished up with the dog who had thankfully decided to take a nap. Finally, thirty minutes later, her car was packed up and hauled off.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">Layla stared after the wrecker’s tail lights, then sighed. “Looks like I’ll need a new car.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Maybe try to get one that has more than a three-inch clearance from the ground? You know so you can drive in this white stuff? We tend to get a lot of it around here.”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">She squinted at him and wrinkled her nose. “Ha ha. I’m from southern Texas. What do I know about cars for snow?”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Yeah?” He ushered her into the front of the SUV, then rushed to take his seat behind the wheel. As he navigated them back onto the main roadway, he said, “You know, I could help you shop. For a new vehicle.”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“You could?” There was a smile in her v</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">oice that made him want to grab her and spin her around.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Absolutely. Consider it a public service, so we don’t have to dig you out of any more snow drifts.”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">She jabbed at his arm with her mittened fist. “Again, ha ha ha. Very funny.” After a moment of quiet she said, “Seriously, thank you for rescuing us. I was really worried. But I kept praying. Thank God you found us.”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Um….” He nearly didn’t tell her, but if anyone would understand, a vet would. “I can’t take all the credit. Apollo somehow sensed you, or maybe the dog, and sort of signaled your position. I figured, what the heck…” He glanced to see if she thought he’d gone insane, but she was nodding. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“You hear those stories every once in a while. It’s a mystery how they do it.”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">They pulled into the lot at the clinic a few minutes late</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">r and crawled from the SUV.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">“Look.” Layla pointed upward. “The snow stopped.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Dmitri tilted his head and gazed into a field of stars glimmering against a velvety black sky. “I’ll be damned. No snow. Like it had never happened.”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">They got the dog inside and settled, and Dmitri was about to say goodbye, ready to put his wine and cheese aside, along with his budding romantic intentions, when she stopped him with a hand on his arm. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“It’s midnight. Officially Christmas. I have to check Baxter out, but would you and Apollo care to keep me company for a bit? You can let him out of the carrier. I’ll get him some treats and put a blanket down for him to cuddle in and rest his tail while you and I have some eggnog and cookies?” </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">She gave him a hopeful smile, and his heart zinged again.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“There’s nothing I’d like more. Let me get my cat.”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>He retrieved the carrier from the SUV and turned it so he could see Apollo's face. “Looks like we’re going to get our date with the beautiful vet after all. Merry Christmas to us, buddy. Merry Christmas.”</span><br />
<br />
.....................<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I hope you enjoyed meeting Dmitri and Layla (and Apollo and Baxter). And I hope this story gave you a bit of a break in your busy holiday preparations. (Parts 1 and 2 can be found <a href="https://rosesofprose.blogspot.com/2018/12/a-critterful-christmas-part-1-by-leah.html" target="_blank">here </a>and <a href="https://rosesofprose.blogspot.com/2018/12/a-critterful-christmas-part-2-by-leah.html" target="_blank">here</a>.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Please check back tomorrow for the beginning Alicia Dean's story, "Once Upon a Brave Christmas." (I know it will be great!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Happy holidays from my family (including Hercules) to yours!<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small; text-indent: 0px;">Leah writes stories of mystery and romance, good and evil, and the power of love. Learn </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small; text-indent: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjINQ4oIV3f1EAzwjraRbfYurT1JeJDBa1JGNOTDcB5ydtWJLJ9GfxZLMeRz7udY_DkO_gHJdUb5BtUpSeKwKrtes_vCw2TzJW3iZhaXvmz_FBKFEcGf7Hq6QHNxaX2FBERmoJ3Mb6pvOYJ/s1600/Leah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="994" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjINQ4oIV3f1EAzwjraRbfYurT1JeJDBa1JGNOTDcB5ydtWJLJ9GfxZLMeRz7udY_DkO_gHJdUb5BtUpSeKwKrtes_vCw2TzJW3iZhaXvmz_FBKFEcGf7Hq6QHNxaX2FBERmoJ3Mb6pvOYJ/s200/Leah.jpg" width="123" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small; text-indent: 0px;">more at her </span><a href="http://leahstjames.com/" style="font-size: medium; text-indent: 0px;" target="_blank">website</a><span style="font-size: small; text-indent: 0px;">, or visit her </span><a href="https://facebook.com/leahstjames" style="font-size: medium; text-indent: 0px;" target="_blank">Facebook page</a><span style="font-size: small; text-indent: 0px;"> where she occasionally posts about writing, her life, her son's cat and more.</span></span></span>
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Leah St. Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11004006100786260893noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-72681824651857845072018-12-18T00:00:00.000-05:002018-12-18T04:44:05.593-05:00A Critterful Christmas ~ Part 2 by Leah St. James<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVi7UJsiWGg87quIGYgy_0LwdasNuX4UoeOIC5AxoGpX7R6YsLroP9ff7VAtpVC6Nfm6-JPK_I9Qja0hnBOjPxRzc5wuDtau0h9ni8gCABMzZjT2qsU9kNai_HaihJ2bcPY-3iLlD01pG5/s1600/Let+it+Snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1224" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVi7UJsiWGg87quIGYgy_0LwdasNuX4UoeOIC5AxoGpX7R6YsLroP9ff7VAtpVC6Nfm6-JPK_I9Qja0hnBOjPxRzc5wuDtau0h9ni8gCABMzZjT2qsU9kNai_HaihJ2bcPY-3iLlD01pG5/s320/Let+it+Snow.jpg" width="244" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">Layla locked up after the sexy police officer and set the alarm. Then she watched through the blinds while he secured his cat in the front seat of the police department’s vehicle before swiping his hands over the front and back windshields to clear the accumulated snow. That was a man used to the white stuff.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Predictions called for six to ten overnight on top of the six already on the ground. It would be a very white Christmas. Lord how she’d wished for that growing up in Texas. They got occasional winter frost, sometimes ice. Never anything that required knee-high boots to navigate, unless you counted waders for fishing. Neither had she ever had to stow an ice pick in her car to hack her way to the door lock. Had she realized how cold it had to be to snow, she might not have wished so hard. And she might have thought twice before moving to the middle of nowhere in Northeastern Pennsylvania where the average late spring temperatures mimicked the winter lows she was accustomed to.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A shiver worked its way from her shoulders down her spine, and she wrapped her arms more securely around her middle as she made her way toward the kennel area in the back to check on her charges.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Occupancy was light for a holiday, only four dogs. They might be small in number but were sure mighty in volume. Since taking over the veterinary practice a year and a half ago, she’d been full up only once, and that was during the fall, a perfect storm, she’d been told, of deer hunting and football season. People in these parts tended to have family nearby who would care for their pets when they traveled. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was a nice little area—big little area in square miles, she corrected herself, but with a friendly small-town feel. The main shopping area was a half mile to the west, home to a beauty salon, indy book store, state liquor store, grocery/pharmacy, as well as a couple convenience store/gas stations and restaurants of the mom-and-pop diner variety with one of the best bakeries she’d ever encountered. The area’s main industry came from the ski slopes ten miles to the north of town. Families flocked from the suburbs to ski the trails in the winter, and frolic in the water park/lakeside resort in the spring and summer. Most of the county’s residents worked there in one capacity or another. And in the past eighteen months, she’d met many of them and their pets. A few had become good friends even if they tended to stick by themselves, especially at holidays.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">All in all, it wasn’t a bad life she’d made for herself—just solitary. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Normally she could handle lonely, even preferred it after five long and excruciatingly boring years with her ex, a man who claimed to love her—and all her pets—to the moon, then demonstrated it by trying to get rid of her most senior cat while she was away at a conference. The creep. She’d gotten home early, just in time to discover he’d taken 15-year-old Charlie to the local shelter. </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">She’d retrieved her cat and booted the man out on his backside, for good.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Figuring her heart had frozen with the temperature in these parts, she hadn’t thought of romance in too many moons to count. But seeing big, brawny Dmitri Jones talking baby talk to his cat had thawed something inside her, and whatever it was had gushed to the center of her heart and made her yearn for more. She’d shut her front door and locked it behind him, but a part of her had wanted to follow, to climb into the SUV with him and his tomcat.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was a crazy thought, one that made her give herself a mental shake.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Despite that mental shake, an image of his earnestly worried blue eyes as he’d asked for help popped into her mind. Blue eyes, golden blond hair, a chiseled face and body that reminded her of a Viking warrior followed close behind. Sighing, she willed the image away, along with the tsunami of female interest it aroused.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Patting her chest in the region of her heart, she hurried toward the kennel and pushed through the double swinging doors to check on her Christmas Eve charges.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">She’d just finished feeding the crew—the big German shepherd, a basset hound, a beagle and a yappie terrier—when the doorbell pealed, and pealed and pealed.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“What the…” she murmured. “Is nobody taught patience anymore?”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">She flipped on the lights, hit the alarm code and pulled the door open. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A man stood there, arms crossed over his chest and shaking like he was palsied. She peered closer. Not a man. A teen, probably 15 or 16. Still young and stupid enough to get himself into real trouble, old enough that it would count. He wore a camouflage jacket and pants, with a mud-colored cap covering muddy brown hair. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">His forehead glistened, and his eyes looked like she’d captured them in a flash—shocky. The dogs’ frenzied barking was probably giving him a massive headache to boot. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Ma’am? Is the vet here?” It was the voice of a kid. A scared kid.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> “I’m Dr. Spencer.” She drew her lab coat around her once more, stepped into the frigid air and squinted into the night to look for the injured animal. “Who needs a vet?”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“My dog. We were out hiking and he took off after a rabbit then fell into a hole. I found him and pulled him out but I think he broke his leg. He can’t walk and is whining like he’s in pain.”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Did you call your parents?”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I dropped my cell phone somewhere when I was looking for him so started walking for help. Besides, they're out of town.” He gulped. “I need you to come with me. He’s too big for me to carry. Please.”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Something smelled fishy about this kid’s story, but then kids weren’t always the most rational beings. Layla gave him a good, long look. He didn’t look crazy, or high. Just scared…and feverish. She swung the door wide so he could enter. “What’s your name? Do you live around here? I’ll bet your parents don’t know about this, do they?”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">His head wagged from side to side and grimaced. “My name is Christian Johnson and I live a mile down the road. Like I said, my parents went to some thing in Philly for the day and—” He lifted his shoulders in a can’t-be-helped gesture.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Give me their number.”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Ma’am?” He sniffed and ran a hand under his nose</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“You’re obviously a minor and I’m not taking you anywhere without letting your parents know.”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">He recited the ten digits, and she placed the call. “No answer.” </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I told you, they’re not home.”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">She held his gaze for a long count, looking for signs of a lie. Kids could be such good liars. “Where is your dog?” </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I made a shelter for him about half a mile to the north. I tied him there and told him to stay, and now I’m scared he’ll freeze. Or that another animal will get him.” His wobbly voice spurred Layla to hurry to grab her medical bag, coat and boots. She hated to leave the dogs in their crates with no one in the building, but the thought of a wounded animal lying in the cold in the middle of a storm, that was a biggie.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Several minutes later they set off in the direction he pointed. Her little car’s heater pumped out cold air like A/C in the summer while she squinted through the wipers slapping crazily at the windshield. The snow had picked up its pace, and in the back of her mind was the worry they might not make it back. The kid sat next to her, his arms wrapped around himself, teeth chattering. He’d likely been out in the cold for too long. Nothing felt right about this.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After plowing along a bumpy, uphill road, through close to a half a foot of the fluffy white stuff, she pulled to a stop where he pointed at the edge of the lane. Ahead was a rustic lean-to shelter at the edge of a copse of trees. Inside the shelter, a dark shape lay on the ground, motionless.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The boy jerked his chin toward the shelter. “There he is. Please hurry.”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Every molecule begging to stay inside the relative warmth of the vehicle, she pulled up her hood, tied the laces under her chin and stepped into the swirling snow. If she’d thought it was cold on her front porch, this was arctic. Even taking a breath hurt, so she focused on marching one step at a time through the shin-high powder. As she approached, she fumbled with her cell phone to turn on the flash light and shined it toward the figure now ten feet away. It was a large black lab, lying on his side. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">She jogged to him, dropped to her knees and opened her kit. “What’s the dog’s name?” </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Baxter. He’s ten years old. I’ve had him since—” The boy’s voice broke.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Relief gushed through Layla when she placed the stethoscope over the dog’s chest and picked up a faint heartbeat. “I need you to go to my car. Open the trunk. There are blankets in there. Bring a couple back. Quickly.”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Yes, ma’am.”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">While the boy retrieved the blankets, she checked the lab for wounds or other signs of injury. The one leg was swollen, no protruding bones, but the boy could be right. “Come on, Baxter boy, hang in there. We’ve got you now. It’s Christmas Eve. Let’s make this a happy memory, okay?”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After they’d bundled the dog in the blankets, Layla grabbed her phone from her pocket and caught the boy’s gaze. “You’re not in trouble, but I’m calling the police.”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">His eyes widened and he gulped. “Why?”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Like I said, you’re a minor and I need to let them know what’s going on. I should have done this back at the clinic.”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After another gulp, he nodded. Layla hit 9-1-1, but nothing happened. She peered at the phone’s tiny icons. “Crud. No service.”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Yeah, I could have told you that, Dr. Spencer. We’re at the edge of a wildlife area.” The boy had dropped to his knees and had cradled his dog who’d roused enough to lick his tongue over the tears sliding down the boy’s face.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Her heart melting, she still gave him an eye-roll. “Wise guy.” She repacked her bag. “Let’s get this big boy back to the clinic. I’m calling the police and you’re calling your parents from there. Understood?”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Yes, ma’am.”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">By the time they made it back to the car, another inch or so of snow had fallen. She used her arm to swipe it off, as she’d seen Dmitri Jones do, then slid behind the wheel. In front of her was nothing but white, no signs of the road itself. Praying the boy didn’t realize what deep doo-doo they were in, she flexed her hands to ease her death grip on the wheel and eased into the storm. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Dr. Spencer, you might want to put it in a lower gear going down the hill.”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“What hill?” Layla afforded herself a quick glance to the rear. Christian was pointing straight ahead.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“It’s a pretty steep pitch, and with Baxter, we’re a good 75 pounds heavier than we were heading up.”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Right.” Long-forgotten equations involving force, mass and acceleration snarled in her head. “We’ll pick up speed faster.”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“That’s right!” The kid’s tone was half shock and half pride, and she had to smile as she eased off the gas and levered the gear from drive to second. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For whatever reason, though, her little car didn’t seem to recognize the command. The engine revved a few times and the car jolted forward down the incline that was, indeed, pretty steep. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Moving to first gear didn’t help. Neither did gently tapping on the brakes. Neither did a full-on foot-slam. The car picked up speed, bumping down the mountain that these people called a hill at an ever-increasing rate. “Crap! Hold on!” Layla yelled as she battled the wheel.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">She’d navigated a particularly sinister curve when the car hit bottom with a crunching <i>thud</i>. The force catapulted them sideways, and they started to slide down another steep incline. After executing a tilt-a-whirl move, the car careened into a mountain of white.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you missed Part 1 of A Critterful Christmas, you can find it <a href="https://rosesofprose.blogspot.com/2018/12/a-critterful-christmas-part-1-by-leah.html" target="_blank">here</a>. I hope you'll come back tomorrow for the story's conclusion.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Leah writes stories of mystery and romance, good and evil, and the power of love. Learn more at her <a href="http://leahstjames.com/" target="_blank">website</a>, or visit her <a href="https://facebook.com/leahstjames" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> where she occasionally posts about writing, her life, her son's cat and more.</span>Leah St. Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11004006100786260893noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-26936076993402801212018-12-17T00:00:00.000-05:002018-12-17T05:11:54.520-05:00A Critterful Christmas ~ Part 1 by Leah St. James<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
He peered through the snow-spattered windshield at the neon sign and hoped like hell there was room at the inn.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Dmitri Jones turned off the car’s ignition, sighed, then turned to the creature caged in the passenger seat at his side.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“It’s okay, buddy. We’ll get you fixed up good as new. I promise.” He inserted a finger tentatively through the peek-hole in the carrying case, only to snap it back a nanosecond later. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sucking on his finger to soothe the scratch that hadn’t quite broken the skin, he swung the SUV’s door open and pushed to his feet. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Despite the sign that advertised 24-hour care, the veterinary clinic was dark as a graveyard. A single floodlight at the corner of the roof was the only sign of life, if you could ascribe that word to the dim beam that looked like it could crap out at any moment. The only thing it was lighting was the snow falling at a rate of an inch an hour on top of a single compact car at the end of the parking lot.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was Christmas Eve in Serenity, Pennsylvania, and not a creature was stirring. That’s what he got for moving from the lively comforts of urban Philly to the boonies. And this was the booniest of the boonies, way out on the county’s rural route. Had a closer clinic been open, he wouldn’t have slipped and slid the several miles over the mountain roads. Another pitiful mewl from inside the carrier reminded him he probably would have crawled here to get care for Apollo. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">He slammed his door shut, and somewhere in the not-too-far distance, a cacophony of barking erupted.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Ice-packed snow crunched under his boots as he moved around the car to the passenger door. After another sigh, and a deep breath that was half prayer, he opened the door and lifted the pet carrier.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">His action was met with frantic <i>mrowling</i>, some hissing, and a lot of scrambling inside the confined space, making the carrier pitch and yaw as if possessed. </span><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Apollo, settle down before you hurt yourself worse.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">With a few mutters about damn cats and their propensity for finding trouble, he marched toward the front door to the clinic. A Please Ring sign on the front had him leaning on the doorbell.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The shrill pealing did nothing to quiet the canine residents, whose barks had turned from inquisitive to frenzied, but it made him feel like he was doing something. Because if anything happened to Apollo…</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The cat had only been with him for a couple months, but in that short time, he’d grown attached to the little brat. More, he’d made him forget how damned lonely he’d been for the past couple years. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">His mother had known. She’d practically forced the cat on him. A rescue, she’d told him…or a rescue to be. If Dmitri didn’t take him, he’d go to a shelter, and no one wanted that. Especially for a big, strong bruiser of a tom cat like Apollo who could clear a cluttered table with one swipe of his paw, then pounce on the detritus until it was shredded to his satisfaction.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And since Dmitri had decorated for Christmas the past weekend, the cat was in tinsel heaven.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">He’d cat-proofed as much as he could before leaving for his 12-hour shift that morning, hoping for the best, but when he’d dragged his weary ass through the door that evening, it was like walking straight into a scene out of <i>Twister</i>. Lights securely strung at his windows just a few weeks ago now looped lazily to the floor. Garland he’d twisted up and around the banister lay shredded along the stairs like a swath of evergreen road kill. And the Christmas tree—that hurt. The 7-foot Douglas Fir lay on its side, the feet of the 18-inch tree holder braced at a 90-degree angle to the floor. Bulbs had fallen and rolled every which way, littering his brand-new hardwood flooring with splinters of gleaming gold, red and blue glass. And underneath it all, a spreading stream of water. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It’s not like the stuff was irreplaceable, but the decorations reminded him of quiet holiday mornings with his mom, dad and sister, before he’d joined the Army—where holidays were a whole different challenge—then moved half a state away to take this job. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">He’d stood there, stunned, wondering what to do first, when a low growling caught his attention. It took him a minute, following the tortured sound, to locate the damn cat who had wedged himself in the corner behind the fallen tree. Dropping to his hands and knees, he crept forward through the puddle and across broken bulbs and ornaments to grab him. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“What’s the matter, buddy?” Another low growl answered.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">That Apollo was hunkered down instead of running was Dmitri’s second hint that all was not well with his new pet. The third was the bite he got when he lifted him and Apollo turned into a hissing, spitting, scratching, biting demon. It was only sheer strength that enabled Dmitri to keep the cat from going for his jugular.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">His musings were cut short when the clinic door flung open, bounced against the interior wall and boomeranged back toward the woman who stood there, glowering. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Holy moly,” she yelped, wrapping a white lab coat more securely around her shivering body. “Where’s the fire?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Uh…” Words escaped Dmitri because standing before him was an angel. A dark angel for sure, with blue-black hair caught away from her face and eyes that, despite their scowling expression, reminded him of the richest hot fudge.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Can I help you? Or are we going to stand here all night while I freeze to death?” </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Her southwestern twang was a rarity in this part of Pennsylvania. This angel was not from these parts.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Sorry, I uh… are you open? My cat. I think he broke his tail. It won’t straighten. Just kind of--” He made a floppy motion with his wrist, then hefted the still fidgeting carrier and turned it so she could peer into the mesh front.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Her face softened. “Don’t tell me. Your Christmas tree is toast, right?” She stepped back, waving him forward.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Yeah, well. I think it’s fixable. I’m not so sure about Apollo here.”</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The sudden thickness in his voice was unexpected. Truth be told, his mom was right. He had been lonely, and the cat an unexpected pleasure. He was fun. And simple, like himself. Apollo ate. He drank. He used his litter box. He even perched himself in front of the 65-inch TV screen when football was on.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Come on back. Let’s take a look.” Walking backwards, she extended her hand. “Dr. Spencer. Layla Spencer.” </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">He introduced himself and his cat as they shook hands—hers soft, silky and warm. Dmitri followed her into an examination room with lighting so bright, he wished he’d brought in his ball cap to shade his eyes.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Squinting, he set the carrier on the table and opened it, prepared for Apollo to bolt. But Dr. Spencer—Layla—had crouched down and was talking to the scared and hurting animal in some sort of language that he apparently understood. After crooning “poor baby” a few times and promising she wouldn’t hurt him, she reached into the carrier and eased Apollo onto the table. Instead of running for his life, he lay there, blinking, and staring at her as if he’d taken a couple shots from Cupid’s bow. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Giving the cat long, soothing strokes halfway down his pelt of jet black fur with one hand, while holding him in place with the other, she turned her attention to Dmitri.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Chances are you’re right about Apollo’s tail, but tell me about him. How old is he? Could he have eaten anything? Are there other animals in the home? Does he go outside?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“He’s two years old. I just got him actually. He belonged to a friend of my mom’s who couldn’t keep him. I don’t know too much about his history other than he’s been healthy, has all his shots and has been fixed.” He made air quotes around that last gruesome euphemism for taking the poor cat’s manhood. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“He eats well. Plays a lot.” An image of his trashed house flicked through his mind, and he filled her in on what had happened. She listened intently, then she leaned down to whisper a few more words to Apollo. The cat answered by purring, loudly, with squeaking punctuation marks every few seconds.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Aren’t you a good boy?” she crooned while motioning for Dmitri to hold the cat. After gently probing the length of the tail, she finished examining him, including his eyes and mouth, heart and lungs with a tiny stethoscope hooked around her neck. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“He’s healthy. I don’t feel a break, and I don’t see any evidence of an abscess or wound of any kind. I think it’s sprained. My guess is he got it stuck in something when he upended the tree, then yanked to pull himself free. That could do it.”</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“What’s the treatment?”</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Just rest. He should be fine in a few days. I could X-ray, but I’m pretty confident it’s not broken judging by the way the end is twitching. He just can’t lift it.” She washed her hands at the sink and turned to give him a smile over her shoulder. “No need to go to the expense just yet. Unless you insist.”</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">He didn’t insist, although he wouldn’t mind hanging out a bit longer. The remoteness of the place had his cop’s senses on edge, but if he were honest, he’d admit his other, more manly senses were taking more notice of the doctor herself. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Pushing the thoughts aside, he managed to maneuver Apollo into his cage, despite more angry chatter from the cat, and followed the vet to the front desk.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“That will be $100. I take cash, check or card.”</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">He offered her his plastic and finally blurted the first thing on his mind. “You here all by yourself? On Christmas Eve?”</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The look she gave him was bland, but her eyes were dead serious. “You here to make trouble for me? On Christmas Eve? If you are, you should know I have a loaded Colt Cobra .38 Special under this counter and I know how to use it.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">His eyebrows shot to his forehead. “Hell, no. I’m with the Serenity PD, for crying out loud. Just making sure you’ll be safe.” His eyebrows drew together. “You got a license for that .38?”</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Yes, Officer…” Her eyes dropped to his credit card. “…Jones.” A hint of humor flashed across her face as she handed it back, along with her business card. “Call me first thing tomorrow and let me know how Apollo is doing.”</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“On Christmas day? No day off for you?”</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“They’re my patients, my responsibility and my priority.”</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Well…thanks.” He lifted the case and headed for the door, still reluctant to head from the warmth of the clinic, and the beautiful vet. He ran his gaze around the reception area one more time, then gave her a final smile. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Make sure you lock up after me, Doc. Thanks for being here on Christmas Eve instead of with your family.” </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">She tilted her head, a smile ghosting at her lips. “My critters are my family, Officer. Merry Christmas.”</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The thought of no family sat like a lump in his gut. No one should be alone on Christmas. An idea began to germinate.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Back out in the SUV's frigid interior, Apollo gave a single mighty wail.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I’m with you, buddy,” he said, “I don’t want to leave her either. But don’t worry, I have a plan.”</span><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">..............</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I hope you enjoyed Part 1 of my holiday story. Please come back tomorrow for <a href="https://rosesofprose.blogspot.com/2018/12/a-critterful-christmas-part-2-by-leah.html" target="_blank">Part 2</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Those of you who follow this blog might recognize Apollo as a ringer for my older son's cat Hercules. (Yeah, I kept with the mythological god naming convention.) :-)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Hercules hasn't broken or sprained his tail (yet), but he's wreaked havoc on our trees for three years straight now. (The lopsided, de-decorated tree pictured below was the aftermath of his leaping attacks in year one. I think that's him peeking from behind our TV on the lower left, preparing for another leap.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Leah writes stories of mystery and romance, good and evil, and the power of love. Learn more at her <a href="http://leahstjames.com/" target="_blank">website</a>, or visit her <a href="https://facebook.com/leahstjames" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> where she occasionally posts about writing, her life, her son's cat and more.</span></div>
Leah St. Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11004006100786260893noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-55789328469537212292018-12-16T00:00:00.001-05:002018-12-16T00:00:01.921-05:00Now for the conclusion: Undead For The Holiday<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
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" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> All too soon, I’m craving another
taste of blood. Unable to resist, I take the glass from Will and toss the rest
of the contents down my throat. I get this sense of well-being. I’m floating
on<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> a wave of euphoria that’s gently eroding the
shores of my anxiety.</span> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Oliver <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Twist-style</span> I hold out the
glass with both <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">hands,</span> and manage two
thick words, “More, please.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Smiling, Will reaches for it just as a painful
Charley <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Horse twists and binds my leg muscles.
The cup drops to the floor as I yelp, "Ow. Ow. Ow." The only way I know to counteract the pain is to stand. I struggle to get up b</span>ut putting weight on my legs hurts so badly I'm practically hopping. At
the same time, I'm trying to rub the back of my calves. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Poor baby,” Will bends so his strong fingers can knead <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">the bunched and quivering </span>tissue. “Cramps are an unfortunate
part of the turning process. You need full strength vamp blood to ease the pain and facilitate a
smooth transition.”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If that means sinking my teeth into him, I will be condemned to die in
agony. The concept is far too disturbing and animalistic.<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> “I can’t bite you.”</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not until your fangs come in,” he agrees
matter-of-factly, “but there are other ways.” </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Making quick work of it, Will bites open a
vein in his inner wrist, and sticks his</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> bloody arm under my nose. I can't help recoiling from the sight,
but the <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">tantalizing scent sends my</span> olfactory
senses into overdrive. The faint metallic odor of iron mingles with Will’s <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">unique essence and becomes a heady perfume. My stomach
growls loudly in anticipation.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Shutting my eyes, I tentatively touch the tip of my tongue to where blood is <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">bubbling out of the wounds. Ambrosia</span> for the
gods—there is no other description. I start to lap at the oozing holes like a kitten with
a saucer of <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">milk. Then fully succumbing, I </span>wrap
my lips around his flesh and suck in earnest.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Finally, I'm satiated. At least, for the moment. Will tenderly settles me back down in the bed, and kisses my forehead as he adjusts
the covers. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> The last thing I
see as I'm lulled into sleep is Will keeping silent vigil. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>****</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I come awake to Will whispering<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> near</span> my ear, “Holly. Wake
up, Honey. There's someone nosing around outside.” </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My first instinct is to flee, but Will makes a soft shushing sound and
presses down slightly on my shoulders to keep me in place.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keeping my voice equally low, I ask hopefully, “One of the other guests?”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Everyone cleared out when the ice storm started.” His head shakes before I can ask the next obvious question. “Our cars are the only ones in the
lot.”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not a new guest then. This isn't good. “Is it <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">him</span>?” </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I don’t know,” Will’s answer isn’t as reassuring as I want. Then again,
he wouldn’t rouse me if it was only a dog or something like that.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“W-what should we do?” I'm back to stuttering and roll my lips
together to keep them from trembling.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“You will stay right here.” Reassuringly, he traces the curve of my
cheek with his fingers. “I’m going out to look.”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> “I’ll come with you.” </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Not this time.” Will plants a quick kiss on the top of my head as I
grab his hand and cling to it. “You’re still too new and fragile. I’d have left
you sleeping, but worried you’d wake up and panic to find me gone.”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He’s right. That would freak me out. <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Thing</span> is? It’s equally upsetting when he detaches his hand from my sweaty grip, and walks
away. As he opens the door, <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">I spot several
stakes sticking out the back pocket of his jeans. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bile rises in the back of my throat, I kneel
up on the bed, and can't help but plea,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Don’t go.” </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The raw quality in my voice has Will looking<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> back, and that brief distraction is fatal. A thin, black-metal </span>stake
flies through the open entry and nails him in the <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">chest. He crumples without a sound.</span> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">I struggle to comprehend what happened.
All I know is Will’s dead, and it’s my fault. Grief and guilt smash into me. But before I can go
to him, the killer casually steps over Will and into the room. </span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Still dressed <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">like</span> <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">a historical</span> fashion plate, he smiles gently
when he sees me. Then, sounding more like a benevolent father than a blood-sucking
fiend, he scolds, “Naughty, naughty girl.” I’m <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">admonished
with a finger wag</span>. “You really shouldn’t have put me to the trouble of fetching
you.” </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There might be insanity in his eyes, but it’s no match for the crazy that’s
come over me. He’s killed my Will. Murderous revenge galvanizes me into action.
As brain flips to autopilot, I jump off the bed, and swipe one of the stakes
left on the end table. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Screaming, “Will,” at the top of my lungs, I throw the
wooden weapon as hard as I can. Even
at this close range, I miss by a mile and it bounces harmlessly off the <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">doorjamb. Snatching up the last stake, I hold it like a
battering ram and run straight at the deranged vampire. I fully intend to annihilate him or die
trying. I see his eyes widen in surprise, but he doesn't seem overly frightened by my Banty Rooster impression. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m barely two steps away when </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Will uses the chaos to rear up and
gore the rogue through the heart. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stumbling to a stop, no longer seeing anything but Will, my heartache
morphs into amazement. Arms dropping to my sides, the stake slips from suddenly
nerveless fingers as I cry out, “How?” </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Will moves <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">slowly, as if in extreme pain, but he stands before pulling </span>the stake from his chest. I want to puke.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Missed,” Will says with satisfaction as he tosses the bloody piece of metal over by the baseboard. Absently, he rubs at
his left pectoral muscle. Only then does my hero and very canny love <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">explain</span>, “Didn’t even nick the heart. I was <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">playing possum until I got the opportunity to strike." He winks. "Thanks for the assist. You created the perfect distraction."</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> He says this as if I'd been in on his plan all along. "Yeah, right," I mumble.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It’s a mistake to look down. T<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">he dead vamp's open and blankly staring eyes are a sight that will haunt
me forever. I can't look away until Will grabs the duvet off the bed and throws
it over the body. I wish I could blot him out of my head as easily, but it's impossible. Because of him, my life has been irrevocably changed.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Lifting my gaze to Will, I<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span>blubber,
“I thought you were dead.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Picking me up, Will carries me back to the
bed and sits with me on his lap. In a firm voice, he tells me, “</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Now that
I’ve got you back in my life, it’s going to take a lot more than a little chest
wound to kill me.”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">The aftermath</span> of <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">adrenaline,</span> affirmation of life—whatever—spurs
me to take his face between my hands. I kiss him. Mindlessly. At least I’m no
longer thinking.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s a long time before we speak again. Then he has the never to say, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>It almost killed me when you got
married.”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">This</span> rouses a<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> little</span> righteous indignation in my breast, but not enough for me to leave the shelter of his<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"></span> arms. “It's not like you wanted me.”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>With a long sigh, Will gingerly adjusts our positions until he can rest his back against the <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">headboard. </span>“The
Nosferatu Council got wind of our <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">relationship. Hols, I
was summoned before them, and </span>told to back off.”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> It's a good reason</span>, and one I didn't expect. That doesn't mean I’m ready to
let <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">him</span> off the hook. At least not yet. Though, I
probably will. <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Hell,</span> I <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">know</span> I will. “You could have told me.” </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“No, I couldn’t.” Taking my hand, he presses my open palm to his heart. I feel the steady thump thump. “A very long time ago, the Council created a <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">calculated</span> catch-22 meant to prevent vamp/human
relationships. We're forbidden to disclose our nature to humans. <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">At</span> the same time, it’s against the law to
change a person without informed consent.”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While I heartily agree with the idea of informed consent, such <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">diametrically opposed</span> laws <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">smack</span> of double jeopardy. “I would think that
would be<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">… I</span> don’t know, unconstitutional.
Do vampires have a constitution?”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“We operate under a slightly different system. Sill, with the addition
of stiff penalties, the laws steer us away from intimate relationships
with humans.” </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Huh,” I don’t know how to respond to that.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Then I met you,” he smiles down into my eyes. “I <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">refused the order</span> and petitioned for<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> a dispensation. I wanted to tell you everything. Then, if you agreed, I hoped to turn and marry you.”</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I try to picture Will in front of a <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">dais</span> filled with robed and fanged vampires. <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Fighting for us. “I take it they refused?”</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Due to your age,” he nodded gravely, “they refused.” </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I was twenty-three.”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; tab-stops: 22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s a young age to be making such a
life-altering decision. <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">I was </span>ordered to
end the relationship, but I argued until I got a compromise. Of sorts. If I stayed
away from you, until you'd passed the acceptable minimum age of twenty-five, <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">the Council</span> would grant my
request.” He tugged
on a lock of my hair to show his disapproval. “I never believed you’d marry someone else.”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My heart took root in the pit of my stomach. I’d been
five months shy of my twenty-fifth birthday when I married Mike.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You ass.” <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">We’d lost so much time.</span> “One single word and I’d have waited.”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I met
Mike while still part of the walking wounded, and he’d convinced me to rake a chance on him. I was honest and he knew I carried a torch for
someone else, but he claimed I’d learn to love him. Since he was a good man, I
thought he might be right. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> At any rate, I did my best. However, the second miscarriage broke us, and we divorced.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Will’s jaw works before he admits, “I kept <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">track, you know. From a distance.</span> Each time you lost a baby, I was at the hospital. <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Grieving with you.</span> I stood at the back of the cemetery
when you buried your parents. When you got divorced, I was going to give you a year and then come for you.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">”</span> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hot
tears wet my cheeks. Knowing <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Will had</span>
been there,<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> silently supporting me through each
crisis heals something inside me. Turning in his arms,</span> I <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">bury my
face in that warm and comforting spot between his neck and shoulder</span>. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I was honest. Mike knew I never stopped loving you.” </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“And I've always loved you, Hollis<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">. Always</span>
have and always will.” Lowering his head, he kisses me, and in that press of lips, I know I've come home. Much much later he whispers, “Merry
Christmas.”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Merry Christmas,” I repeat. Heart swelling, I believe the curse of bad luck <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">has been lifted</span>. Will’s love has saved me
from the toxic gene pool of my ancestors. “You know—after getting bitten, all I wanted was to get to you. I knew you’d take me in.”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“You’ve always had my heart,” Will fervently swears, “and you always
will.<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> <i> The End </i></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><i>Thanks for reading. I hope you have a very merry holiday season. </i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><i>Don't forget to visit me at <a href="https://www.remullins.com/" target="_blank">remullins.com </a></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><i>or visit my Facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/robinelaine.mullins" target="_blank">REMullins/author</a></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><i> </i></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
remullinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02803012686654154333noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-14254350996852822782018-12-15T12:44:00.000-05:002018-12-15T12:44:10.549-05:00Undead For The Holidays Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> "I was passing through <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">town, of course, I</span> decided to drive around the square." I shrug like it's no big deal. "It was great to see <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Samantha’s Gifts</i> still in business.”</span>
<br />
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is that where it
happened?”</span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
wave off
the interruption. I will tell this at my own pace. “I got out to stretch
my legs as I've still got a hundred and fifty miles to go. So, I walk
around the lights and I'm almost back to my car when this guy
approaches.” I have to stop and swallow hard. This next part is going to
be harder to
tell. </span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Did you recognize him?”</span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, but he was dressed like a caroler.” </span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What does that mean?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You know, he wore one of those <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ye olde <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">yuletide</span>
Christmas caroler-type</i> <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">outfits.</span>” I
see understanding dawn in Will’s eyes. “Can you believe it? I stand there smiling at him; e<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">xpectantly waiting to be serenade with Jingle Bells or Silent Night.” </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If my laugh sounds
bitter. It is.</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He
grabs me. Slaps one hand over my mouth and is choking me with the other
arm so I can't scream." Emotions make me hiccup. "He, ah, drags me
behind the bushes along the west side of the courthouse. <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">You can guess what I thought, but he didn’t…” I trail off. It's too hard to go on.</span></span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Come on, Holls, tell me.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
barely hear the gruff demand. Without thinking I grope for his hand, and </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">I’m pretty sure I don’t manage another
full breath until our fingers link together. “He, um, I know it sounds insane, <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">but</span> he..oh, hell, he<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> bites
me.” A hot, burning sensation had seared the nerve endings where his fangs plunged
through my flesh. Even the memory causes me to break out in a clammy sweat.</span></span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a show of support, Will quietly <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">squeezes my hand</span>. It gives me the courage to
finish, “He sucked <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">blood</span> out of me until I
thought I was going to die.” <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Holly,” Will whispers. </span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It's
surreal. I feel detached from my body; like I'm hanging in limbo. Then,
when he's done, he drops me to the ground, and all I can do lie in a
heap. He pokes me with his foot and starts getting agitated. I can hear
him ranting about</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> getting a steak because of me.” I try to chuckle, <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">but</span> it comes out pretty weak. “It was awful. I
thought he was going to butcher <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">me right then
and there.</span>”</span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He said," Will pauses and tries again, "he said he was going <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">to turn you into steak?” </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I'm not surprised that Will sounds confused. </span>“I swear that’s what he said. He's got to be some sort of cannibal. <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Why else would he drink</span> blood <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">and</span> talk about eating <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">me</span></i>?”</span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I see.” Some emotion flickers deep in Will’s eyes.
<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">That, if the situation wasn’t so dire, I might read
as amusement. </span>Since I’m unable to tell for sure, I glare on <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">principle. </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You don’t believe me. But the guy's evil.
<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">He</span> looked human, <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">but</span> <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">he’s</span> got fangs. Like a
wolf. He drank my blood, and then started talking about getting steaks.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will cups my
cheek in his palm and directs my face so I meet his eyes. “I do believe you, Holly. Tell me what happened after that?”</span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hate this last part, and self-loathing clogs
my voice,<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> “It’s…awful.”</span></span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Then say it fast,” Will coaxes. </span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nod and
do as he advises, “He, ah, slit</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">his</span> wrist.” I think about the long
and gross looking fingernail slicing through his skin. “He tries to dribble blood
into my mouth, but I spit most of it out. That made him so mad he pinched my nose
shut until I had to swallow.” </span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Shit. How much did you get?”</span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shrug because<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">
I</span> don’t know. “A few drops. Not much more than that.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay.” Will<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">
relaxes fractionally. “How did you get away?”</span></span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He seemed to think I’d lost too much blood
<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">to go anyplace.”</span></span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It was probably more a case of underestimating
you.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
hate how much it pleases me to hear that. “Anyway,
he tells me he'll be right back and walks off. I don't even wait until
he's out of sight before I'm crawling to the nearest tree. I use it to
stand, and make</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> it back to my car.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank goodness,
after years of misplaced car keys, I’d developed the habit of carrying them
in my coat pocket. Otherwise, I’d have been out of luck as I'd dropped my purse when
the madman first snatched me.</span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Will's
next question is unexpected. “How did you know to come to me and not the cops or
hospital?”<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s
when it hits me. His easy acceptance of what happened strikes me as
strange. Could be, he's placating
an injured victim—but I’m not getting that vibe. Though it hasn't made
the National News, I abruptly wonder if Will's already heard about this
attacker. </span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> "Hollis?" He prompts. </span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">“Oh, I needed someplace to hide
until I feel better.” </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is that all?” He murmurs cryptically. “So,
you never figured it out.” For the first time he seems uncertain. Clasping both my hands, he tells me, “<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">This</span> is going to be hard for
you to hear, but <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">a rogue vampire attacked you</span>.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vampire. The word I'd refused to consider <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">slaps at me</span>, and I unconsciously
wrap my arms around my middle. “So you’ve heard about this guy before?
Is that what they’re calling him? The Vampire?” </span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Not just call him</span></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">—</span>he is an actual
vampire.</span>” Will is completely serious. “Vampires exist, and while <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">it’s</span> rare, sometimes one goes <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">rogue.”</span></span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My brain is too foggy to understand, <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">but</span> Will continues to explain in a calm yet persuasive
manner. So much so, that <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">after listening to all
he has to say, I’m inclined to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">believe</i>
him</span>. Remembering my attacker’s fangs and how he drank my blood are the swaying
factors that make it real.</span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It
sounds as if he feared he’d taken a fatal amount of <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">blood,</span> and panicked. You see, the punishment for draining a human is death by
<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">stake</span>. That’s why, I believe, he was attempting
to keep you alive by giving you some vampire blood." He smiled slightly, "<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Holls</span>, he was trying to make you a vampire, not turn you into Holly
steaks.” </span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must look <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">totally</span> befuddled as Will reaches over and tips my chin up to shut my mouth. Then he repeats,
“He wasn’t planning to cut you up into <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">steaks</i>.
He was trying to prevent himself from getting <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">staked</i>.” </span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am as yet unable to puzzle this through.
All I know is that it doesn’t sound possible. “I’m not a vampire.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not yet. But if you got enough vamp DNA, you're already in process.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s
test it out.” Rising, he walks into the small adjoining bathroom.</span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>****</span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The moment I hear water running, I lean over to the bedside table, and flipped back the top of the
towel. Wrapped inside the white <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">terrycloth</span>
are three hospital-style bags of blood and five wooden stakes with lethally sharp points<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">. </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The weapons have me looking at the bathroom door. Just who does he intend to use them on?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
faucet cuts off, and I toss the cover back into place. My hands are
resting innocently on my stomach when Will returns with a small </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">glass of water in one hand and the room’s
clean, plastic-lined ice bucket in the other.</span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You
need to get some fluids back in you.” He holds the glass to my lips. “Drink up.”
</span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a night filled with mayhem, this is such
a normal sounding request that I a<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">utomatically take
several sips. Instantly, my stomach instantly reject the cool water, but Will is prepared.
Faster and slicker than a magician, he has the empty bucket ready as I heave every
drop back up.</span></span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I glance up and gag
again. This time it’s because <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Will has </span>opened
his mouth, <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">and</span> I can see his incisor
teeth elongating. Calmly, he punctures the tip of his <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">forefinger
on one glinting tip, and</span> proceeds to squeeze several fat, red drops into the
remaining water.After swirling the glass, he tries to hand it
back to me.</span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">“Absolutely</span> not.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Patiently, as if I’m a truculent patient
refusing to take my medicine, Will explains, “The inability to tolerate plain water
is often the first sign of impending change.”<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe,
I don’t want to know.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Come on, <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Holls</span>,
you’re braver than that,” he reproves. “One swallow made you throw up—”</span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Could be a fluke,” I interrupt.</span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“One way to find out for sure is to try again.
This time with a drop of my blood, vampire blood, mixed in. If you not only tolerate
it but it relieves your other symptoms, I think we can safely say you’re starting
to turn.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Into a vampire.” </span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He eyes me with kind sympathy. “Yes.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Like you?”</span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">“But I don’t want to be undead.</span>” </span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Vampires are not undead. I don’t even
know what that means except as a plot twist in a B movie. We aren’t reanimated
corpses,” he chuckles. “Like every other living being, w<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">e</span> are born into this world. It’s just that some
of us are born to vampire parents. Others, like you, <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">start as human and get turned along the way. Doesn’t matter. Birth</span> and
death <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">remain</span> in the cards for all of us.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What about mirrors?” I can’t believe how vain I sound that my first worry is about my reflection. </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">“</span>Or how about those stakes you were talking about?” That reminds me of the weapons he's hidden beneath the towel. </span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: 22.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Come on,” he cajoles with a charming smile, “be
reasonable. A stake through the heart will kill anything. The rest is garbage. You
know good <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">and</span> well, I don’t sleep in a coffin. I go out during the day<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">. The only things Hollywood gets even partially right is
we do have an extended lifetime. Although it isn’t eternal. We’re simply a race that is a bit
stronger, our senses are a little more acute, and we heal pretty fast.”</span></span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want
to argue that no one can exist on a diet of blood and nothing else. But, before
I can speak, the muscles in my back twist like a <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">bodybuilder</span> in a towel wringing competition. Immediately, Will’s there.
He brings the rim of the glass to my lips and pours
most of the contents down my throat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">It sounds silly,
but</span> I’m equal parts grateful and horrified when I promptly feel
better. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> I might not want to admit it, <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">but</span>
I guess it’s true. I am fast-tracking my way to becoming a blood-sucking
monster. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> ****</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Come back tomorrow for the conclusion of Undead For The Holidays.</span></div>
remullinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02803012686654154333noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-48249435456212760182018-12-14T00:00:00.000-05:002018-12-14T00:00:04.849-05:00Undead For The Holiday<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk524351268;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Hlk524351268">Undead
For The Holiday</a> </b></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk524351268;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I peer at the neon sign</span> </span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk524351268;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">through my snow-spattered windshield, and hope like hell there is room at
the inn. It will have to be a <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">really</span>
cheap room as I lost my purse running from a crazed attacker. That’s why I’m
counting on the proprietor, whom I used to date, to take pity on me. </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk524351268;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As I continue to stare at the neon light, part of me realizes the ruby-colored,
gas-filled tubes should appear <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">stationary. During
the</span> last half <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">hour,</span> my vision has
become so jacked up the letters are drunkenly undulating. They twist and turn
into ever-elongating lines until they’re blurring together like a blob of water-spotted
ink.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk524351268;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will has to help. Even if he has a mean streak—he
did break up with me on Christmas Eve. Once he sees my condition, though, I’m sure he
won’t leave me out in the cold. He will, however, demand to know what happened.
Am I prepared to give him the explanation? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk524351268;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The truth makes me sound deranged. <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"></span></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk524351268;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After an assault like the one I’d just
experienced</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk524351268;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">, most victims would seek medical
attention. I plan to steer clear of all hospitals and law enforcement. The very
idea makes my gut clench. It’s my body's method of warning me against
something. And the message is loud and clear. Do not try to explain these weird bite marks to <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">skeptical</span> medical staff. For sure, I'd <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">end</span> up spending Christmas restrained to a
gurney and shoved into some long-forgotten corner of the psych ward. </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk524351268;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>My<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> life has been marred by bad luck and setbacks</span>. Case in point?
William Whitfield broke up with me on Christmas Eve. Of course, it was ten
years ago. Ten years ago, in fact, to the very day. </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk524351268;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Stuff like that only happens to someone like me.</span></span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk524351268;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite my mother’s claim to the contrary, I’ve
long suspected some erstwhile ancestor polluted the family gene pool. Dooming
me to walk hand-in-hand with rotten karma under my very own dark cloud. When angels
handed out blessings, I got that tiny, stuck-on speck at the bottom of the
fortune barrel.</span></span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk524351268;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If someone is there to witness my stupidity, I always <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">push</i> when the sign says <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pull. </i>I run into glass <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">doors</span> and trip over air. If I go to a restaurant
with a large group of friends, only my chair makes a farting noise when I sit. Runaway
grocery carts will race past a thousand cars just to hit mine. </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk524351268;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And just the other day, I greeted an old acquaintance by
enthusiastically slapping them on the back only to learn they were recovering from
spine surgery. Then there's my mouth. My worst enemy. What trouble hasn't it gotten me into? Like telling Will I loved him and wanted to have his babies right before he dumped me in front of a hundred onlookers.</span></span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk524351268;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fleeing
Amber Heights, Missouri with a broken heart, I married on the rebound. Not an immediate bounce
as it was almost two years later but my heart was still hurting.</span></span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk524351268;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the last eight years, the mishaps came like
clockwork. I lost a promotion to a <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">slimeball</span>
co-worker. I fell for an IRS phone <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">scam</span> and
had my identity <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">stolen. My Facebook page got</span>
hacked, and the perp (I suspect same <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">slimeball</span>
co-worker) posted a dick pic to my page landing me in FB jail. </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk524351268;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While these things stung, <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">I find that</span> with time I can laugh. At least, I can find the humor in most of
it. However, I did experience four real tragedies in the last four years that hurt
too much to talk about. I suffered two miscarriages and lost both parents within
a year of each other. </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk524351268;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ten months ago, I got divorced. </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk524351268;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For this first Christmas Eve alone, I decided to go back to Amber Heights. <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Like sadistically</span> pressing down on a <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">bruise,</span> I planned to skulk down a bittersweet memory <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">lane. I say <i>skulk</i> because I'd intended to get in and out</span> with none the wiser. </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk524351268;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing goes as planned<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">, and that’s why </span>I’m sitting outside Will’s place too weak to drive
back to <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">my lonely house.</span> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk524351268;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thousands
of muggings occur every day, and this number only increases over the holidays. I'm not sure getting mugged would have even phased me. But this mad<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">man</span>
hadn’t wanted the money in my purse. He hadn’t groped <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">or sexually violated me in any way</span>. No, what he’d wanted was—even more
deviant and disgusting. Something that horrified me so badly, <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">I’m</span> having trouble putting it into words. </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk524351268;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My train of thought shatters as another shiver
racks my spine. I’ve never felt this cold before. My head reels in a way that suggests
something vital inside me, some internal gyroscope, has broken. Or, p<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">erhaps, I’ve lost too much blood to keep the inner-</span>balancing
<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">gizmo pumping. Without it, m</span>y brain has
gone to mush and the view outside the windshield has taken on the otherworldly
cast of an overexposed photograph.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk524351268;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a
little start, I realize my car is still idling right smack in the middle of the
damned highway. Like a complete fool, I haven’t given a thought <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">to </span>other travelers. A quick check, reassures me the highway is dark in either direction<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">. </span>It’s official. No one in <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Southwestern Missouri is stupid enough to drive in such
conditions.</span> Just me. One desperate woman. </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk524351268;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turning
the wheel, I inadvertently hit the gas with too much force and go into a slide across the parking lot. I wind up stuck in a small mountain of plowed snow.<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> Longingly, </span>I stare at the long, white building, and then my last brain cell fires in sudden warning<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">.
I can’t go in there. I’ll be trapped</span> inside a small boxy motel room. Having my car parked right outside is tantamount to a flashing arrow saying,
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Here I am</span></i>.
<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk524351268;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> If I’m going to conveniently box myself up like a
Christmas gift, I might as well put a big bow on the door.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk524351268;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Thing</span> is, I can’t go any further. I’m
on the verge of losing it when the car door abruptly opens, and I shriek in fear. The cold blast of <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">air brings me back to my senses as does Will’s</span> deep voice,
“Hollis?” </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk524351268;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>T<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">ime falls away as I look into Will’s
deep brown eyes and search his face. He hasn’t aged. I have. Under these circumstances it’s stupid to get
hung up on looks, but he’s every bit as devastatingly
handsome. The expression he wears is equally familiar. How many times did he scrutinize
me as if I was a puzzle to be solved?</span> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk524351268;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gently, he touches my cheek. “What
happened? Are you hurt?” </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk524351268;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I try to answer, but only manage something inarticulate. I suspect my face
is stark and my eyes haunted when he says, “Something got you running scared.” <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Raising his head, he looks around and then back down at me.</span>
“Let’s get you inside.”</span></span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk524351268;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m afraid I’m not much help as he lifts me out
of the car and carries me to the guestroom next to the motel office. Once inside, I'm lowered onto an upholstered chair and he goes to <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">pull</span>
back the <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">bed linens</span>. Hazily, I take note of
<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">the updated decor</span>. I like the new soft blues and
muted greens. They're warm and <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">inviting</span>. </span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pet name that hasn’t crossed my lips in
a decade comes out automatically, “Wills?” I croak.</span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It makes him smile. “That’s right.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Llock</span>,” I stutter, “<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">th</span>-the d<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">oor.</span>” </span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">This</span> garners a sharp look, but he doesn’t
pepper me with questions. Quietly, he crosses to<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">
the</span> single window, next to the door, and pushes back the edge of
the curtain. As he peers out, I catch the reflection of festive, multi-colored
twinkle lights hung around the glass. </span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a few moments,
he relaxes and drops the panel back into place. "Nothing but snow," he reassures me. Still, he turns
the deadbolt with an audible click and flicks the security bar into place.</span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">“Do—do you have a gun?”</span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That has his brows
snapping back together. Again, I feel the full force of that laser stare. “Gun?” Coming
back to the chair, <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">he squats in front of me and removes my boots</span>. “What kind of trouble are you in?” </span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With snowy
footwear set aside, he reaches <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">for the zipper of
my coat, and I suddenly discover I don’t want him to see the bite marks. Rationally,
I know the assault wasn’t my fault. It’s stupid to feel dirty and ashamed. But I
do. </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Childishly</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">, like a toddler that believes the
world disappears when their eyes <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">are shut</span>,
I try to hide the injury by clapping my palms around my <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">neck. I must look like I’m trying to choke myself because Will snorts.</span></span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What’s this?” Gently,
he works my fingers loose. “Look, Holly, I don’t know what’s going on here. If
you’re sporting a hickey from some boyfriend, that’s one thing. If someone has
hurt you, I need to know.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With that, he brings my hands down and bares my
throat. I can’t </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">breathe waiting for Will to comment on the <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">bloody holes decorating
my neck.</span> The hard questions I fear, however, don’t come. Instead of shock,
his face hardens with anger. </span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But all he says is, “You need to get out of those wet clothes. Can you do it?” </span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sure,” I say, but make no move to do so. I’m
shaking so hard I don’t think I can lift my arms. He seems to realize this.</span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Think
of me as your doctor.” He blows out a hard breath. Then, before I can think to be embarrassed, he
has me stripped and tucked into the bed <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">beneath</span>
a pile of welcoming blankets. Then with a, “I’ll be right back,” he’s out the
door.</span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
grateful he’s back before I can stress over being left alone. He’s
scrounged up<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> a long sleeved tee shirt in black cotton
and a pair of plaid flannel pajama pants that look soft and well worn. As good
as those look, I’m more intrigued by whatever he’s got wrapped</span> in a white bath
towel. It makes a <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">mysterious thunk</span> when he sets
it down. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the same efficiency he used to undress me,
he helps me dress. A few pillows get stacked behind my head, covers are drawn up to my
chin, and I know what he’s doing. He’s getting me ready for the inquisition.</span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure enough,
Will sits on the side of the <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">mattress</span> and
pins me with an expectant look. “Start talking, <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Holls</span>.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
was at the courthouse…” </span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can't help but falter when his eyes flare.
The last time I went to see the town’s holiday display, we were together, and he
knows it.</span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like a lot of small
towns, Amber Heights <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">was built</span> on the classic
square. At its epicenter is<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> a</span> stately,
gray-stone, domed courthouse surrounded by well-manicured lawns. Since the end of
<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">WWII,</span> <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">the</span>
chamber of commerce seasonally <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">fills</span> the public space
with Christmas <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">trees and colorfully lit
decorations.</span> </span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The night
Will and I last wandered, hand-in-hand among the illuminations and
live-action dioramas, snow had been falling softly in big, fat flakes. Naturally,
I was <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">enchanted by the winter wonderland. Enraptured
to the point I became </span>overwhelmed by thoughts of romance. That’s my excuse for kissing Will under
an arch of white twinkle lights, and infamously stating I wanted to
have his babies.</span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tried to be nice about
it<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">. Regret shimmered around him</span> as he
did his best to let me down gently. But all I heard of his little speech was that
we were over.</span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A sad little sound brings me back to the present,
and I'm mortified to realize it came from me. I find Will watching with a
thoughtful expression, and I think his eyes seem sad. Then
again, I’ve always been good at deluding myself. I shake it off. The only thing
I’m <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">certain of is that</span> he knows <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">exactly</span> where my mental side trip has taken me.</span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dammed
if I’m going to rehash this now. </span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> ****</span></div>
<div class="yiv4972779280ydp2cdc2651msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Come back tomorrow to find out if Will believes Holly's outrageous tale.</span></div>
remullinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02803012686654154333noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-78808756733035514972018-12-13T00:00:00.001-05:002018-12-13T01:19:15.457-05:00A Beary Merry Christmas by Vonnie Davis<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhDXHLNmw-_4uYrw-SxNnBbhnMtb6q2rzDrrZRM05mZwRIvITWWvn0lfCeRkU8KYNI8084BGkMq7JqpMBvFI3EkENuIthyphenhyphenUhcHOk3aE32PPgshK_TSEvh42G-zIlQwgPeoqn4zAzO608/s1600/Let%252Bit%252BSnow.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="481" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhDXHLNmw-_4uYrw-SxNnBbhnMtb6q2rzDrrZRM05mZwRIvITWWvn0lfCeRkU8KYNI8084BGkMq7JqpMBvFI3EkENuIthyphenhyphenUhcHOk3aE32PPgshK_TSEvh42G-zIlQwgPeoqn4zAzO608/s400/Let%252Bit%252BSnow.jpeg.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 13.33px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Final Chapter of
"A Beary Merry Christmas"</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">“Danner,
do ye think a hot shower would help warm ye?” Hughen took her empty hot
chocolate mug and set it on the coffee table.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">“Ah
</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">… ”</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> A sensual vision of his washing her
back steamed her mind, short-circuiting her ability to speak.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">“If
the idea appeals to ye, I’ll wrap a plastic bag around yer injury to keep it
dry.” His hands rested on his knees, his one dark eyebrow arched in expectation
of her reply.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">If
only she could form a coherent, appropriate thought and voice it.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">“Ah
</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">… </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">” <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">He
has such large hands. Imagine how they’d feel soaping and squeezing my behind.
Crap, I give up. My hormones just won’t allow a fitting response.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Danner
simply nodded and Hughen smiled.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">“Good.
I’ll get ye some clean clothes once I get the scissors to cut some of the
length off. I’m six-four and ye must be </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">…</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> “</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">“Five-six.
I do have clothes back in the rental car, wherever that is. The way it keeps
snowing, it’ll probably be lost until spring.”</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">"Ye can stay until spring kisses the Highlands." He winked and stood. “Och, we’ll make do. Never fear. I’ll take care of ye.”</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">He
did, too. Soon her hand was wrapped in plastic. Clothes were altered and placed
on the marble vanity. He showed her a stash of new combs and toothbrushes he
kept for times his nieces and nephews spent the night.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">“The
toothbrush is wee-sized but new. Now I dinna want to tell ye what to do, but
I suggest starting yer shower with lukewarm water, slowly increasing the
water's temperature. It will help remove the cold, damp vestiges of yer
horrific experience in the snaw.”</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Somehow
he’d moved closer or maybe she had. Who knew? She looked into his brown eyes.
“Thank you, Hughan.” Her hand rose to settle on his shoulder and he lowered it to his
heart. The organ beat strong and steady. Was he trying to send some kind of
signal? </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">He captured her chin with his thumb and index finger. “Dinna be feart as ye shower." His thumb slowly swept back and forth over her skin sending all kinds of twitchy feelings southward. "Much as I want to join ye on the other side of that shower curtain, I’d never force meself on a woman. I’m too much of a
man fer such weak behavior. I real man kens to wait.”</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Gentleman
that he was, he showed her how to turn the lock. Her heart warmed as she
smiled. As if she didn't know how to lock a door. Clearly he was trying extra
hard to make her feel safe. She appreciated his efforts. Few men would have
bothered.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="border-image: none; border: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 9.53px; padding: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">He kissed first one
cheek and then the other before leaving her to shower in private.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; border: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 9.53px; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><b>~*~*~</b></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 9.53px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Warm, clean, and dry Danner stepped into a pair of insulated underwear Hughan had cut into shorts. He’d
placed a safety-pin in the elastic for her to adjust the waistband. There was a pair of red sweatpants he’d also
trimmed in hopes of fitting her. She jerked on the cord to tighten it so the
pants stayed in place while she rolled them up twice. She unfolded the faded green Highlands College sweatshirt and
tugged it over her head. A pair of his thick socks were next and she chuckled.
The heel came to her calf. What did they say about men with big feet?</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 9.53px;">
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Girl, best not go
there.</span></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 9.53px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">She rolled the socks
down three turns. Comb in hand she stared into the mirror, ready to tackle the
tangled mess of red hair.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">At
least her trip had taken a decided turn for the better. Spending Christmas Eve in
a strange man’s cabin watching him strut around in a kilt would be no hardship.
He made such a testosterone-filled sight. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 9.53px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br />
Would she remember all of this when she got home? She barely recalled the
accident a few hours ago. Events were so jumbled and confusing. Exactly,
what all had happened? She hoped her head trauma would allow her to remember.
She didn't want to forget one minute of her time with this man.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 9.53px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">She had to admit
Hughen had a lot of good qualities. Kindness was one. Gentleness another. The
degree to which he’d mourned his late wife spoke of a strong capacity to love.
A character trait she found endearing. If he was a professor, he was also
intelligent. And he wasn’t afraid to tackle something difficult like building
this cabin. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 9.53px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">He was certainly a
fine package physically, too. Everything about the man was appealing—muscles
out the whaa-zoo, tribal tats on his chest, upper arms, and back, dimples when
he smiled, and dreamy brown eyes with golden striations. All that manliness
wasn’t erased one bit by the skirt he wore or the gold hoop in his ear. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Wait.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br />
She glared into the mirror. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 9.53px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Wait just a gosh-darn minute! Her heartbeat gonged in her ears as her
scientific mind took over. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">The
bear wore a gold wedding band. </span><br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">So did Hughen. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">The bear had gold in his brown eyes. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">So did Hughen. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">She swallowed her apprehension and it was audible in the tiny room. The bear
wore a golden earring. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 9.53px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">She glanced at the locked bathroom door and scowled. So . . . did . .
. Hughen. She'd been taught never to believe in coincidences. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Had she been so out
of it with all that happened, she imagined he was a bear? A memory opened her
mental door and sauntered right in. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">She’d seen a bear
change into a man. </span></div>
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Oh, my God!</span></i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"></span><br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 9.53px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Her legs trembled and
she grabbed onto the edge of the vanity while the memory played out in her
mind. The bear had held her close as if she were a treasured object, not his
next meal. He’d carried her here. Here to this cabin. Then right in front of
her, he’d morphed into a naked man and not just any naked man—Hughen.</span></div>
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">A shape-shifter? </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Nah!</span></i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"></span><br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 9.53px;">
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Couldn’t be. </span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Hadn’t Mrs. Campbell,
who owned the Bed and Breakfast where she'd stayed last night, gone on and on
about Scotland being a land of enchantment and wondrous magical happenings? The
old inn keeper had shared stories of witches and wee people and animals that
were angels in disguise. At the time Danner has chalked Mrs. Campbell's fantasy
leanings to tourism at its best. Now …</span></div>
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Now</span></i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> she needed more
rational thinking and less wayward supernatural thoughts. True, shape-shifters
were relevant in mythology and literature, as well as movies and TV shows.
Hadn’t she and her younger brother watched every rerun of “The Incredible Hulk”
when they were kids? She’d loved Michael J. Fox in “Teen Wolf.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">“No. No, now. This
can’t be.” She straightened and looked in the mirror at her bruising forehead.
All this had to be a result of bashing her head on the steering wheel. What she
really needed to clear her mind was a full tumbler of Hughan’s whisky. </span><br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 9.53px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">She slapped the comb
on the marble. Whisky! The bear’s breath reeked of whisky! She couldn't unlock
the door fast enough. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">She stormed to
the great room and found Hughan stirring a pot of something.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 9.53px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">“Feel warmer?” He
smiled. “I’ve made carrot soup for supper. We’ll have it with a shrimp Caesar
salad. I’ve got plum pudding me sister-in-law dropped off yesterday. It’s her
Christmas treat and I’d love to share it with ye.” He studied her, his smile
dimming. “What’s wrong?” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">“Do it!” she barked.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">The spoon slowly
lowered to the stovetop. “Do what?” His dark eyebrows dipped into a “V.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">“Shift into a bear.
Show me I’m not crazy.” If her shape-shifter theory was off the mark, she hoped
they could laugh about it eventually. Or that he didn’t throw her out into the
storm rather than spend Christmas Eve with a nutcase. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Hughan kept his eyes
focused on her. “Bear willna hurt ye. He’s crazy aboot ye, so he is.” He
approached her slowly. “So am I. We just met, but I feel I ken yer character.
‘Tis why I’m going to entrust ye with something that has to remain a secret,
just as it has for over a thousand years. Too many people will get hurt if ye
divulge what I’m about to show ye.” </span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Oh, dear God. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">My suspicions are
correct. </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">I can hardly breathe. </span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Her heart beat
rampant in her ears like a tympani drum. “I understand, but as a scientist, I
have to watch the process.” She clasped and unclasped her hands, ignoring the
pain her actions wrought. "I have to witness it. Dissect the methodology
of the transformation." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">“I have your vow of
secrecy, then?” The set of his face bore no tolerance for a broken promise. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">“Yes. Your secret
will never pass my lips. Who would I tell? I work with people run by facts.
They’d never believe me.” Her breathing had turned rapid. With any luck she
wouldn’t faint. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Items of clothing
whispered to the floor. Slowly, yet quickly, he changed into a large bear. She
fought to keep her eyeballs in her head. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">This was wrong, so
wrong. One species could <i>not</i> change into another. And yet she’d
witnessed it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">As if the animal knew
her quandary, it extended a front paw for her to touch. The fur was both
bristled and soft. She fingered the gold band on the diget and flicked the hoop
in its ear. There was a wildness about its odor and yet there was a whiff of
lime and sunshine much like the aftershave Hughan wore. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">She walked around the
animal, studying every feature. It had all the traits of a fully-developed
bear. Or in her world of academia, a carnivoran mammal of the family Ursidae.
They were classified as caniforms or doglike carnivorans. She was looking at a
brown bear species. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Astounding. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 9.53px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Two creatures
co-existed in one body.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 9.53px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">This was
so alien to all she knew. And, yet, proof stood in front of her. And it was …
fascinating. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 9.53px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">“Shift
back, please.” She sat to observe every change and alteration as the man
returned. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 9.53px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Hughan
stood before her—naked and presumably comfortable with it for he didn’t move.
His eyes pierced hers as if studying her for any fear or revulsion. “Do ye have
any questions of me?”</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Oh,
she had a million. “Does it hurt?”</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 9.53px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">He shook
his head. “Nae. Well, perhaps a second or two when I first inhale as a bear.
When me systems are adjusting to the new size.”</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 9.53px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">She
nodded. That made sense. “Have you been this way all your life?”</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 9.53px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">“Aye. I
ken me other half was there, but bear-shifters doona shift until around twelve,
or so, when we enter adolescence and hormones flood our bodies.” </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">“Is your
whole family—“ </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">“Most of
us. Aye. Not me mum. Da’s mutated gene ran strong and all three of their sons
are shifters.” </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">He reached for his kilt and wrapped it around him. Her girly bits
sulked. What a shame to cover the Yuletide log. Danner rolled her eyes. Her
hormones were being more naughty than nice. </span><br />
<i><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Behave. </span></i><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Hughan kept watching her. "To ease whatever concerns ye have,
we can talk more while we eat. I thought we’d sit on the floor and have our meal
at the coffee table in front of the fire.” He donned his stockings and boots,
then reached for his sweater. "I just need to ken ye're nae scared of me.
'Tis verra important ye're comfortable with me dual existence." </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">"I'm not afraid of you." The words tumbled out before she was aware
they resided in her heart. Memories of the bear gently carrying her to safety
at this cabin anchored her trust. "I don't think I'm afraid of your bear
either. If he was going to harm me, he'd have done it out on the icy mountain
at my wrecked car." </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Hughan smiled and exhaled a gush of what she suspected was relief.
"There's something ye need to ken about our combined species. While it is
the human half that commands the majority of control and facetime, it is the
bear half that chooses the human's mate." </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">She shook her head in disbelief. "Now you're stretching
things." </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">"'Tis true, Danner. Bear chose ye for me. Somehow he ken ye were coming
and how important ye could be to me. He was in a state of extreme anxiety about
ye all af'tanoon. He sensed ye were in trouble. So ye needna fear him. Ye are
his choice for me." </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Danner silently replayed the words Hughan just spoke. "I can't believe I'm
going to say this, but Bear sounds absolutely sweet." Almost as sweet as
the kilted man in front of her. A spark of happiness swept across his handsome
face like a shooting comet. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">He took her uninjured hand and kissed it. She sighed at his tenderness. His
cheek rubbed against hers and she almost purred. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">“Me Christmas present, so ye are. I’m glad I won’t be spending the holiday alone
in this cabin. I’m beyond happy ye’ll be by me side to celebrate.” </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">A warmth
spread through her. This was a man she’d enjoy getting to know. Maybe she'd
change her flight back to the States so she could stay a little longer. Classes
at the University didn't start until the third week of January. “I’m
glad, too,” she whispered. Her hands slid over his chest and he enveloped her
in his arms. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">His
head lowered and a sexy-as-hell grin spread just before his lips teased hers.
“Where’s the bloody mistletoe when ye need it?" </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">~ The End
~</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 13.33px; text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">What do
you think? Did she stay longer? Forever, perhaps?</span></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4iNn1KqW9649CxKiGrk8R5qyy8JMPo5GOSU1-OPujwIn2L84h0wWxgelaVOe5wfXZ8hq00NwMeuslv3nEtyYjbanmXRxpFedv_jbPOHKDMTUTtTyYfru59EeyVUwKZSQmM6iaHomyQE/s1600/Vonnie+Davis+Logo+Bright.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="574" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4iNn1KqW9649CxKiGrk8R5qyy8JMPo5GOSU1-OPujwIn2L84h0wWxgelaVOe5wfXZ8hq00NwMeuslv3nEtyYjbanmXRxpFedv_jbPOHKDMTUTtTyYfru59EeyVUwKZSQmM6iaHomyQE/s400/Vonnie+Davis+Logo+Bright.png" width="348" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></i></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"></span></b></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 9.53px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> </span></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl3UUrJdrPX47FP2A_oVCv9VXwzzDJxeXsXW2wV9FugMbX1g6O3cbhqmfdDr9QiGBrLIjvqm0-aCVOg0z5F4xckHmLNOH-fwsJXptKINjx1cfkPzqgGXBMPKWK5fpG1i28ENBSC6YY8qM/s1600/scottish-bear-shifters-trans2.png"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="margin: 0px;"></span></span></b></a><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Thank you
for reading my segment of our free Christmas reads. I do love writing bear
shifters. Please follow me on Amazon at <a href="https://tinyurl.com/ybguqjgh"><span style="color: blue; margin: 0px;">https://tinyurl.com/ybguqjgh</span></a>
to keep up with my new releases. </span></b></div>
<br />
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">WAIT
until you see what RE Mullins has in store for you tomorrow! You won't want to
miss the next story. Merry Christmas, everyone. </span></b></div>
Vonnie Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04636934830795471572noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-67174931487391751842018-12-12T00:00:00.000-05:002018-12-12T03:38:34.931-05:00A Beary Merry Christmas by Vonnie Davis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNaEBGqfYEZIAE_dqq7xDhZVycaU2RP1_8UXUAYI0AnAk04mK_bQ8PBa_fApcjZ1-wgSEjBqiUFSVeHUeTL3oPBmEhcM3q7Cr1cgLMFg6LnJBxHQLW_lXKM0KrQf5KgrHSzaIhMLUt7z4/s1600/Let%252Bit%252BSnow.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="481" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNaEBGqfYEZIAE_dqq7xDhZVycaU2RP1_8UXUAYI0AnAk04mK_bQ8PBa_fApcjZ1-wgSEjBqiUFSVeHUeTL3oPBmEhcM3q7Cr1cgLMFg6LnJBxHQLW_lXKM0KrQf5KgrHSzaIhMLUt7z4/s400/Let%252Bit%252BSnow.jpeg.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
<h3 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Chapter Two of Three</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">After struggling to open both doors, Danner accepted
she’d have to crawl out of the car’s window to go for help. She struggled and
wiggled to make her escape, falling face first into the snow. When she landed, she cut the edge of her hand on a
jagged rock buried beneath. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">The unscheduled snow gymnastics caused her knit cap to blow away before she
could snatch it. She grabbed for a pine
branch to keep from sliding down the side of the mountain and gasped when the rough needles upbraided the inflamed skin around the cut. Scarlet drops colored the snow. Needing to move higher, Danner reached for a
boulder and used it to aid in her climb upward. It made the most sense to head
where she’d been. There was a road there and an inn where she could ask for
help—in the warm.</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Wind whipped the snowflakes around her. Snow fell down
the back of her coat and her sneakers were caked with it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Good Lord, my teeth are chattering.</i> </span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">A bare branch was a foot beyond her reach, and she toed her way toward it--inch by frigid inch. She stretched and strained to grab it. The dead wood gave way and she tumbled
down the steep hill, crying out in pain as her back hit the demolished car
with a thud. She took a couple of deep breaths to see if she’d cracked any ribs.</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">When no pain caused her to gasp, she brushed snow from
her face and wished again she’d gotten gloves yesterday at the little shop
where she’d bought a scarf. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">She’d been so pleased to find her ancestors’ tartan—a pretty sky blue, celery green, and a marine blue weave. There were no matching gloves in stock. Today her hands were paying for the exposure. Her toes were stiff. Yeah, she could use a pair of those fur-lined boots so many women wore in the Highlands.</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">She rose to her hands and knees—and came face-to-face
with a bear.</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Oh,
dear God!</span></i></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">She froze. So did her heart. It was no
use to scream. Who would hear her out here? </span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">The bear plopped onto its bottom as if to get a better view of
her. She gaped. The beast had a wedding band on one of its digits just behind
its long, black claw. Had it belonged to a previous victim? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">To her astonishment, the beast’s dark eyes bore kindness
as it tilted its head to study her. That’s when she noticed a small gold hoop
in its ear. </span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">This was beyond bizarre. She had to be hallucinating</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Really, what kind of bear wore jewelry? What did the carnivoran mammal do? Lumber into Zales and pick out some golden adornments? Where would he keep his credit card--in its fat folds? </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">In the face of certain death, her mind must have slipped into the realm of insanity. Just as well; maybe she wouldn’t feel the pain when the bear tore her apart. She stood to face the inevitable and prayed it would be
quick.</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">In like manner, the bear stood on its hind legs, towering
over her. With gentle movements it brushed the snow from her coat. She trembled
at its touch waiting for his claws to rip her to shreds. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Instead, it picked her
up and held her to him like a baby. </span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">She screamed and its dark brown eyes glowed
golden. Its muzzle lowered to her face and damned if she didn’t smell whisky on
its breath as it made a jaw popping noise.</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Yep,
I have truly lost my mind.</span></i></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">The bear walked on its hind legs as it held her close. A
deer dashed over and the bear loosened its hold on her as if to show off his
trophy to the other animal. </span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Oh
hell, why not? I am clearly crazy. The accident and exposure to the cold
elements have taken away my ability to reason.</span></i></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">The furry beast carried her around a large group of
pines, waded through a gurgling stream, and trod toward a log cabin in a small
valley nestled between high ridges. He set her on the steps and growled while
motioning toward the door. She had to be delirious. </span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Since
when do bears live in cabins? He should be in his own habitat, hibernating.</span></i></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Her vision blurred and everything Danner had learned over
her lifetime fell into question. The bear before her changed into a man. </span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">A naked man. </span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">He stood in the
full-moonlight and her ladybits broke into a stanza of “Santa Baby.” Good Lord, he had broad
shoulders. His heavily muscled chest and biceps were decorated with tattoos. A
narrow treasure trial of dark hair took her eyes on a journey to a fantasy
kingdom. </span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">First the caring, bejeweled bear and now a fine measure
of the male species—all from one body. How could this be? Her over-stimulated
mind shutdown at the incredulity of it all—and darkness overtook her.</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #c0504d; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">~ * ~ * ~</span></b></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Hughen stared at the slender woman passed out on his front steps.
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bear! Why?</i></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">She’s
yer new mate, Hugh. I carried her to ye while I was at the forefront.</span></i></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">He backed up a step, then two while Jack Frost nipped at
his frosted arse. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nay. Och nay. I dinna
need a mate. Me mate’s passed on.</i></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Aye,
and this is yer new one. She’s perfect fer ye. Take her inside and warm her.
She was knocked around in a car wreck and then slid down part of Dendrick Ridge.
Ye need to take care of her.</span></i></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">The red-haired woman did have a large knot on her forehead. Dried
blood, too, where her hand was sliced. He scooped her lithe form into his arms
and carried her up the wooden steps. Once inside, he laid her on the sofa, removed soaked sneakers and stockings before covering her with a wool blanket made of his tartan. The navy and forest green plaid would help warm
her while he got dressed. </span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">When he bent in front of the fireplace to scrunch his heavy stockings and tie his
shoelaces, a feminine moan sounded behind him. Before he turned to check on his
injured visitor, he grabbed his kilt and wrapped it around his naked hips. Faint alto lyrics filled the place with soft singing. “Chestnuts roasting by an open fire," made him smile.</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">An enticing sight met him when he glanced over his
shoulder. An unusual sight, really—violet eyes like Highland heather stared at
him. His heart thundered for a few beats before righting itself. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>She was a true beauty even with her long
ginger hair hanging in wet, tangled tresses.</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">“How are ye faring? Do ye need more blankets? Are ye in
pain?” He tugged on his sweater and knelt beside the sofa, taking her hand to
examine her palm. </span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">She jerked it from his grasp, her violet eyes wary. </span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">“Easy, lass. Ye’ve got a nasty cut. I’ll get me first aid
kit. I’m Hughen Matheson, by the way, and this is me cabin. I’ll nay harm ye.”
He stood and put some distance between them to ease her discomfort.</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">“How did I get here?” Her gaze darted around the large room.
“How … how did I get here?” her voice rose with a tinge of fear.</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">“Warm up first and then we’ll talk.” In the kitchen, he removed
the first aid kit from the pantry. He looked at the remaining drink in the pot. “Would ye
like a cuppa hot chocolate to warm yer insides?”</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">She stared at him with those
mesmerizing eyes. Poor thing was petrified.</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">He folded his arms over the counter between the living
and kitchen areas of the big room. In an effort to calm her, he smiled. “I
willna harm ye in any way. I ken ye must be feart, alone in a strange man’s
house with nae recollection how ye got here. Once I’ve given ye some
nourishment, fixed yer cut hand, and gotten ye warmed up by the fire, I promise
we’ll talk. “Tis Christmas Eve. I never murder innocent women on Christmas
Eve.”</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">The corners of her mouth twitched as if she fought a
smile. “I’ll take that hot chocolate. Thank you for looking after me. I’m
Danner MacKay.” Her voice was low and sultry like the summer winds over Loch
Moray. She shifted under his plaid. “I’m grateful for the warmth although I
have no clue how I got inside your cabin. I know I keep saying that, but this is all so strange. I need a lot of answers.” </span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">“Fair enough.” He leaned to gauge the height of the gas
flame beneath the pan, then stirred the contents while it heated. How could he
explain her presence here without scaring her to death? The truth was always
the best. As much as he could share with her, anyhow. “Ye were in a car accident. Ye
have some minor injuries. Do ye recall what happened?”</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">She straightened into a sitting position and wrapped his plaid around her. “Some. Bits and
pieces.” Her fingers ran through her wet hair. “I remember the car falling and
thinking I was going to die. A bear came.” Her forehead wrinkled as if she were
in deep thought. Her hand went to the darkened knot above her eyebrows. “Its …
its eyes glowed a bright yellow. Golden.” </span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Och, she would remember that. “A bear, ye say?” Hughen reached
for a mug and poured it nearly full of hot chocolate and shook a can of whipped
cream to top it off. She was pale and that worried him. To help revive her, he added whisky to the sweet concoction. </span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">A steaming cup in one hand and the first aid kit in the
other, he returned to sit on the coffee table near her. He extended the warm mug
and she wrapped her uninjured hand around it.</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">“This feels so good. I don’t know if I should drink it or
bathe in it. I was almost an ice cycle out there.”</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">His mind had snagged on the vision of her bathing in hot
chocolate … or a fragrant bubble bath … or in the stream near the cabin in the
warm moonlight of summer. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><i>Steady, man, ye need ta think on something else a'fore yer kilt tents</i>.</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">“Are ye hurt anywhere else, Danner? Do ye need some ibuprofen?”</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">“That might help my headache. I’m sure I’ll be a mass of
bruises tomorrow but for now the only pain I feel are in my head and
hand.”</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">“Be right back with the pills.” He retrieved a bottle of
extra-strength pain relievers and a class of water. On impulse, he poured
himself a squat tumbler of whisky. Her appearance at his place had shaken him more than he cared to admit.
What had possessed Bear to bring him a woman?</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Once she took the pills, he sat on the coffee table again
and sipped the whisky, its burn traveling down his chest to extinguish his own
discomfort. Setting it aside, he opened the first aid kit. “Now, let’s get that
hand taken care of. Is there anyone ye want to call to let them ken ye’re okay?
I have a cell if ye have need of it.”</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">“No. There’s no one I need to call.” </span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">He examined the depth of the cut. “Nae husband, Danner?”</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">“Not anymore. I’m divorced.”</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Her confession pleased him and he stilled for a few seconds to absorb the feeling. She had the softest skin; it was almost pearlescent, glowing in the firelight. Peroxide
bubbled when he poured it over the open wound. He wiped it off with gauze and
squeezed antibiotic cream over the gash. Three butterflies held the swollen
edges of her hand together before he wrapped a bandage around her hand.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Just because he
could, he brought it to his lips and kissed the pressure point at her wrist.
Her heartbeat fluttered against his lips.</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">“There. A kiss for yer boo-boo. Do ye use that term in
America?” He feathered a second kiss to her wrist before he lifted his head to
gauge her reaction. Her perfect lips were shaped into an “O” and a beautiful
blush fanned across her cheeks.</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">She cleared her throat. “Y … yes, we do kiss boo-boos,
although it’s been years since I’ve been the beneficiary of such tenderness.”</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">A burst of protectiveness and, aye, anger surged through
him. “What kind of milksop were ye married to, Danner? Didna he treasure ye?
Protect ye?”</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">“No.” She brought the mug to her lips and gulped her
drink. Then, flog him blind, she slowly licked the whipped cream off her upper
lip.</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">He watched the movement of her tongue and damn near
groaned. There was a wee mole next to her upper lip that fascinated him. His own tongue brushed against the back of his two front teeth as it mimicked
what he’d like to do to that small mole and her luscious looking lips.</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">“What about you, Hughen? Are you married?”</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>“I lost me wife
nearly two years ago.” To his surprise no pang of pain seized his heart at the
mention of his loss. He’d mourned with every cell in his dual persona for his
childhood sweetheart. Some claimed he’d mourned to excess, but he was a man who
loved hard.</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">See?
Yer new mate is healing ye already. ‘Tis time ye moved on, Hugh. Ye need
someone to love.</span></i></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">He was a jumble of emotions. Unexpected desire for this
strange woman warred with the memory of the only love he’d ever ken. </span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">“So you live here alone?” Danner glanced around the great
room.</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">“Aye, I do. Me two brothers and their families live on
the other side of the hill. After Kaylee died, I sold our house in Mathe Bay
and threw me energies into building this cabin. I wasna fit for civilization for
a year after a sudden, murderous brain embolism took her. She was on her way
home with a pregnancy test tucked in her purse.”</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">“Oh, how sad. I’m sorry for your loss. That must have
been devastating.” Her eyes glistened with tears. “I can’t imagine that kind of
deep pain.” Her tender heart was evident. “I went through a lot of pain, too, but nothing
compared to yours. I lost both my husband and a close friend thanks to their
affair. They’re getting married tonight. A romantic Christmas Eve wedding.”</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Her voice carried a lot of pain and he understood. “Is
that why ye came to Scotland from the States? Ye’re American, right?” A bloody
beautiful American.</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">“Yes. I’m from Las Vegas. I teach biology at the
University of Nevada.”</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">He laughed and she scowled at his behavior. “Danner,
ye’ll never believe this. I’m a chemistry professor at Highlands College. How bizarre is that? Statistically, what are the chances?”</span></div>
<div>
<i></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">See,
Hugh? I told ye she was perfect for ye. Now, claim her and show her what chemistry a Scot can ignite..</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl3UUrJdrPX47FP2A_oVCv9VXwzzDJxeXsXW2wV9FugMbX1g6O3cbhqmfdDr9QiGBrLIjvqm0-aCVOg0z5F4xckHmLNOH-fwsJXptKINjx1cfkPzqgGXBMPKWK5fpG1i28ENBSC6YY8qM/s1600/scottish-bear-shifters-trans2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1197" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl3UUrJdrPX47FP2A_oVCv9VXwzzDJxeXsXW2wV9FugMbX1g6O3cbhqmfdDr9QiGBrLIjvqm0-aCVOg0z5F4xckHmLNOH-fwsJXptKINjx1cfkPzqgGXBMPKWK5fpG1i28ENBSC6YY8qM/s400/scottish-bear-shifters-trans2.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<h3 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Come back tomorrow for the final chapter of "A Beary Merry Christmas."</h3>
Vonnie Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04636934830795471572noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-84336195311606579192018-12-11T00:00:00.000-05:002018-12-11T01:09:58.391-05:00A Beary Merry Christmas by Vonnie Davis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQMLlHtA5_oBSi_92_PpBjenkLH62kyRpZwFmCjyj0xE3QFNTXm7eQMFOItg-jh2yjrcKlwzQp1-TdudabWoaV9uhEECbwavp1_I5VrTOFSCXCTkn1Kbiul7hR2_ls5Ya7rqmiAtGGY30/s1600/Let%252Bit%252BSnow.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="481" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQMLlHtA5_oBSi_92_PpBjenkLH62kyRpZwFmCjyj0xE3QFNTXm7eQMFOItg-jh2yjrcKlwzQp1-TdudabWoaV9uhEECbwavp1_I5VrTOFSCXCTkn1Kbiul7hR2_ls5Ya7rqmiAtGGY30/s400/Let%252Bit%252BSnow.jpeg.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Chapter One of Three</h3>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">She peered through the snow-spattered
windshield at the neon sign and hoped like hell there was room at the inn. Even
though it was only three-ten in the afternoon, with her luck, there’d be no
vacancies. Everything about this trip had gone wrong—flight delays, lost
luggage, and a chipped tooth just for starters.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Danner McKay grumbled to the silent interior
of the vehicle. “Who leaves warm Las Vegas and travels to the frigid Scottish
Highlands for Christmas? <i>A</i>
feel-sorry-for-me divorcee who refuses to spend the holiday alone while her ex
remarries. That’s who."</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">The compact car hit a patch of ice on the nearly deserted
road and spun into a couple of do-nuts while she fought for control. Her neck did a whipping motion with every spin. She’d
swallow in fear if she had a bit of spit remaining in her mouth. Her foot off
the gas, the demon car finally slowed. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">“What idiot rents a car online without
checking which side of the road everyone drives on?” She leaned her forehead
against the steering wheel. “Me, that’s who. For a woman with a PhD, I can do
some pretty dumb things.” Granted, the University of Nevada where she taught
biology had a high opinion of her intelligence. At this moment, she didn’t
quite agree with their assessment. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">For the past three days, she’d been a mass of
nerves trying not to wreck the rental on these twisty, narrow Highland roads.
She hadn’t relaxed for a moment of this ill-conceived trip. Back home, tracing
her ancestors’ roots sounded romantic and fun. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And just where was the fun in all of this?</i> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Danner took a deep breath and straightened in
her seat. She didn’t think it was possible, but the snow was falling harder. The
lighted sign before her was no longer visible. Or was it behind her now? After
several revolutions, she no longer knew which direction the car was headed.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">She should have given more credence to Mrs.
Campbell’s remarks at breakfast this morning, but the owner of the quaint Bed and Breakfast was always spouting something strange. “Och, the snaw will
be an arse-dragger by this afta’noon. Any numpty oot driving in it has a
hovercraft full o’ eels, so he does.”</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">The Scottish and their sayings—if she only
understood them. Still, Danner had to admit this amount of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">snaw </i>was the most she’d ever experienced in her life, much less
driven through. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">And, like an idiot, here she sat.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">A truck barreled down on her, its honking horn pierced the storms quiet. Her normally organized mind quickly zipped
into confusion. Which side of the road was she on now? Where was she supposed
to be again? Right side, or left? In an effort to simply get out of the way,
she pressed on the gas to reach the side of the road. Before she got there, the
truck—no it was a tour bus—sped by, creating a powerful, slushy wind current
that shuddered and blew her tiny car off the icy road. It slithered down an
embankment. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Unable to think of a way to stop its momentum
into the foggy, snowy abyss, Danner panicked. She jerked on the emergency brake.
The car spun and slid backwards before it ran out of ground and dropped. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I’m going to die!</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">After a moment of freefall, her neck snapped
back amid a loud crash. Metal screeched. A second later she lurched forward to
bash the steering wheel as the car’s body crunched and echoed. The seatbelt cut
into her breast momentarily snapping off her air. Jarring shuddered through
her body—and then eerie silence amid stark stillness. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Am I dead?</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Someone’s heart is pounding in this car and I’m the only one in
it. Has to be mine.</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><i>Maybe I’m still alive. Warm</i><i> coppery-scented liquid is trickling over my eyes. My head hurts. Do you hurt when you’re dead?</i></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Danner wiggled her
toes in her sneakers. She raised her thighs a couple inches off the seat three times. Relieved to know the lower part of her anatomy worked, she shrugged
her shoulders twice to test her arms. Her fingers opened and closed. Pleased
everything responded to her mental commands, her hands went to her eyes to wipe
away the moisture. They came back blood-covered. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">The view from her rearview mirror showed a
large grey boulder holding the scrunched compact in place. Her trembling
fingers extended to depress the ignition button. It was senseless to keep the
car running when it couldn’t go anywhere. She needed to nullify the potential
fire hazard; she had a nearly full tank of gas, or petrol as the Scots called
it.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">A chill took root and began to grow inside
the car.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>She couldn’t sit there forever.
She’d have to get out and go for help. Which way, she hadn’t a clue. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Something
thudded on the windshield and Danner jumped. Two little paws brushed away the
snow and the black nose of a fox’s pointy red-face pressed against the glass to
peer inside. His black eyes seemed to take in her predicament. A series of
rapid, high-pitched yelps followed, almost as if it were asking her if she was
okay. And wasn’t that the silliest thing?</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Not only am I alive, I’m imagining things. Head trauma, I bet.</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">The fox jumped off the hood and disappeared. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #c0504d; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">~ * ~ * ~</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Hughen Matheson passed out hot chocolate and
bags of candy to the four wee carolers who’d stopped at his cabin to deliver some Christmas music. Although he was sure the Almighty was pleased with their
off-key renditions, he wasna so sure the heavens were as enamored of pots
and pans turned into drums as he was. He couldna recall when he’d smiled so wide over
the makeshift instruments tied around each child’s waist.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Nae
one could make a racket like his nieces and nephews. Aye, and he loved them all
with a fierceness.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">When his brothers decided it was time to go
home, the normally noiseless log cabin filled with an unholy din. Och, the wee ones loved their Uncle Hughen, so they did. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Outside, he lifted each one in turn for a
hug and gleefully accepted their chocolaty-mustached kisses before setting them
on the back of the truck. Six-year-old Lachlan was the last to leap into
his arms. His favorite, though he’d never tell a soul, was squeezed a little
tighter than the others. And typical for the rascal, Lachlan tugged on the tiny
hoop he wore in his ear.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Hamish, his twin brother, covered the precious ones with blankets to keep them from becoming
snawlads and snawlassies on their ride across the range of birch, aspen, and
Scot pines that separated them from each other. He hugged Hamish before he took
his position at the tailgate to make sure they didna get into mischief. Hughen leaned in the open window to embrace Bruce.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Love warmed Hughen’s chest. Family was one of
life’s richest blessings.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">He waved and bade each one farewell by name
as they slowly drove off. Silence settled around him like a blanket of nettles.
Being alone was nae way to live. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Hughen stacked logs onto his front porch—enough
to see him through the blizzard—before he trudged back inside a house that
echoed with loneliness. Och, it had the appearance of Christmas cheer thanks to his sisters-in-law who’d decorated it for the holidays. Bless
them, they didna like the thought of his being alone so much since Kaylee
passed.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>A framed picture of the happiest day of his life graced the mantle
decorated with pine and red-berry garland. Both Kaylee and he beamed with joy.
Had someone told him on the day of their wedding he’d lose his childhood
sweetheart in a few short years, he’d have declared them crazy. A long, pained
sigh escaped from his lungs. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">This was his second Christmas without her. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">He
moved to the kitchen end of the great room to straighten the mess his nieces
and nephews made. Maybe he’d make himself a huge mug of hot chocolate with a
healthy dribble of whisky to warm his icy soul. He glanced at the remaining
cocoa in the pan. Nae, he’d take the whisky straight. He had a long,
lonely night ahead of him.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Ye willna be alone this Christmas Eve, </span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">his bear promised him.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">He scoffed and downed his whisky. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Och? And will auld Saint Nick drop a bonny
lass down me chimney?</i> He refilled his glass before returning the bottle to
its shelf in the pantry. This drink he’d sip in front of the roaring fire.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">His bear budged at Hughen’s chest. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What is it? Ye’ve been restless all
aft’anoon. I sense unease and I’m nae in the mood. I’ve got me own memories to
contend with tonight.</i></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Shift, Hugh! Someone needs me help. A fox is here to take me to
her. </span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">His bear was now a frantic presence. Denying
his other half would only cause him misery and a colossal bout of heartburn.
Bear could be bloody nasty at times. Finally, he agreed to allow his bear to
come to the forefront. To keep the shift from tearing apart his clothes, he tugged
on the shoestrings before toeing off his boots. He undressed, tossing his
things on the leather chair by the door.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Naked, Hughen stepped outside into the
howling wind and heavy <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">snaw</i>. A chill
skittered over his skin like a spider rushing up a wall to spin a web. Taking a
deep breath, he prepared himself for the change to begin. The last thing his
human eyes saw was an excited red fox pacing in front of the wooden steps,
nipping and chattering away. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">A shimmer of transposing cosmic
waves, a whirlwind of mind and soul continuum, and he transmuted from human to
bear. Bones cracked and popped as they either shortened or grew. Eyes and ears
moved into bear positions. Layers of fat covered muscles. And thick fur erupted
from smooth skin. Although the mutation took less than a minute, a heartbeat or
two of discomfort existed with his animal’s emergence.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Once his bear was completely
in control, it roared repeatedly as it circled in front of the structure. Then it followed
the chattering fox in search of who he’d sensed was in danger—his human’s new mate.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6z5qOrShIEqgU6jcsCexhLl8zGZDeyGuTg7rbo7i-XuKHcH6B3O43hStRDczBVMVAx-8WS6lFW9h-5ZFv57exr4R3936KOUTzO3b3BvQTkRDOhrvlQbaNklqXBGvG8aqTowy3GamACU4/s1600/scottish-bear-shifters-trans2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1197" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6z5qOrShIEqgU6jcsCexhLl8zGZDeyGuTg7rbo7i-XuKHcH6B3O43hStRDczBVMVAx-8WS6lFW9h-5ZFv57exr4R3936KOUTzO3b3BvQTkRDOhrvlQbaNklqXBGvG8aqTowy3GamACU4/s400/scottish-bear-shifters-trans2.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px; text-align: center;">
<b>C<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #999999;">ome back tomorrow for the next chapter of "A Beary Merry Christmas."</span></span></span></b></div>
Vonnie Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04636934830795471572noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-75424125352362310462018-12-10T00:30:00.000-05:002018-12-10T00:30:03.561-05:00The Worst Christmas - Part 3 by Diane Burton<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS85ajMl8kzQVz43ONs9LlVzjkSFceKNHcnL9QNfGbvqHJ4XM-ZNeoLC8pEucTHcdlTmR63xwUqLKseqiaUJeHyHdaiOmKEU95o6Tn7xFR26ZfgxoNfHIgtAcwsP2zdIcr_rs0CH_UibI/s1600/Let+it+Snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="773" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS85ajMl8kzQVz43ONs9LlVzjkSFceKNHcnL9QNfGbvqHJ4XM-ZNeoLC8pEucTHcdlTmR63xwUqLKseqiaUJeHyHdaiOmKEU95o6Tn7xFR26ZfgxoNfHIgtAcwsP2zdIcr_rs0CH_UibI/s320/Let+it+Snow.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The Worst Christmas</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Part 3</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jim squeezed Mariana’s hand, but he
looked at Nate. “I guess you’d better tell us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“I called Grandma Thacker last
night.” Shame colored his neck red, and he looked younger than fourteen. More
like a six-year-old admitting he sneaked cookies after she’d gone to bed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When he didn’t say any more, Jim
said, “And?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Nate immediately went on the
defensive. “Mom, you were so upset and crying and I was mad that we had to
leave home and . . . and I yelled at her, told her we didn’t want to come
because she hated us—you and me—and it was all her fault that our car got
wrecked and you were hurt. And . . .” He ran out of breath, dropped the
attitude, and sheepishly examined his feet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Oh, Nate.” She jumped up and grabbed
her son’s shoulders. “That was very bad. How could you? She just had a heart
attack.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“But, Mo-om.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jim rose a lot slower. “Not so much
bad as . . . thoughtless. I understand that you were defending your mother. I
appreciate that. And so does she. But yelling at an old woman was probably not
the best way to handle the situation.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mariana and Nate stared at him askance.
He should’ve yelled at Nate. Or blamed her for raising such an inconsiderate
kid. Oh, dear Lord, what if her son’s tirade put his mother back in the
hospital? Gave her another heart attack? Yet, Jim calmly patted Nate’s shoulder
and said it wasn’t the best way to defend her? The man was a saint. A real,
live saint.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Nate threw himself against Jim. “I
am so sorry. I shouldn’t have done it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jim held the sobbing teen, the same
way he’d held her. “It’s not the end of the world. I’ll call my mother and
smooth things over.” He held Nate, patting the boy’s shoulder as he blubbered.
“Between you and your mother, I won’t have a dry shirt left.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Excuse me, folks?” Cora entered
the sitting room. “You have a visitor. Is it okay if I let her in?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A visitor? Mariana had a terrible
feeling about that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Thank you, Mrs. Willow. I am right
here.” Jim’s mother’s haughty tone preceded her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Mother? What are you doing here?”
Jim rushed to the doorway and drew his tiny mother in, while the innkeeper
backed away. “Sit down. Don’t tell me you drove from Chicago.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She sat on the edge of the settee.
“Of course not. My driver did. Young man—” She stared pointedly at Nate. “—I
will talk to you later. Jim, take the boy out to the kitchen. I believe I smell
Christmas cookies. I would like to talk to Mariana.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mariana panicked. She glanced at
Jim then squared her shoulders. She would handle this, if only to save her son
from a scolding. He needed one, that was for sure. But this little woman, in
her elegant wool pants suit and velvet cloche that perched right on her
perfectly-coifed hair, wasn’t going to do it for her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Sit, Mariana.” Jim’s mother, her
voice softened, patted the place next to her. “I’m afraid there’s been a
misunderstanding between us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Where had that conciliatory tone
come from? And the sadness in her blue eyes, identical to her son’s.
Reluctantly, Mariana sat on the edge of the settee. Though mere inches separated
her from her mother-in-law, the gulf was wider than the Mississippi.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“I want to apologize for the impressions
I have given you. My daughters, also. What was intended as concern over Jim’s marriage
apparently was perceived as disapproval.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>And
it wasn’t?</i> Mariana tightened her jaw so she wouldn’t blurt out the words.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“In the hospital, I had time to
examine my life, my priorities.” She reached across the space and took
Mariana’s hand. “You have made Jim very happy. I’ve never seen him smile as
much as he has in the past three years. After his father passed, he acted more
serious than he’s ever been, shouldering responsibilities for his sisters and
me. Since he met you, he’s happy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Color
me stunned.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Your son’s phone call last night upset
me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mariana’s stiffened. <i>No way was this woman going to take it out
on Nate.</i> “Ma’am—”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She patted Mariana’s hand but
didn’t release it. “I recognized your need to defend your cub. Don’t. He did
nothing wrong. He made me aware of the problem between us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“But—”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Another hand pat. “This is very
difficult for me, so please let me finish. I admit I questioned my son moving
out to a farm and telecommuting instead of staying in the city to handle his
father’s investments. As I said, he is happy. And that’s all a mother wants for
her children. As for my daughters.” She sighed. “They will treat you properly
from now on, and with respect. We all will. I am sorry it took an accident,
your being hurt, and a young man’s determination to make us realize our
shortcomings.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A stunned Mariana didn’t know how
to respond.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jim’s mother reached up and turned
Mariana’s chin. “Oh, my. I’m afraid you will have two beautiful shiners for
Christmas. If anyone says anything, just tell them they should see the other
guy.” A small smile, one so like her son’s, curved her lips.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“That’s what Jim said this morning.”
She squeezed the older woman’s fingers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Smart man. But of course, he’s my
son.” The smile grew. “You are such a strong woman, Mariana. I admire that. Raising
a child by yourself, managing a large farm, and teaching agri-business at the
community college is nothing short of amazing. I’m ashamed to say I felt
intimidated by you and your accomplishments. Susan and Amelia admitted they
are, too.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>They
were intimidated by </i>her<i>? Holy cow!<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Mrs. Thacker, I—”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Do you think you could call me
Grace? I would not expect you to call me <i>Mother</i>.
But <i>Mrs. Thacker</i> sounds too formal.”
This time, she gave Mariana a tentative smile before standing, finally releasing
Mariana’s hand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Grace, I had no idea. I apologize
for my son’s call. He should never—”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“He has initiative. And his defense
of you is admirable. You should be proud of him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“I am. But he should not have upset
you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Grace waved that aside. “Let’s find
those two boys and hope they haven’t eaten all the cookies. Then, we will get
this show on the road, as my father used to say. Mr. Willow promises to take
care of your vehicle, which you can pick up on your way home. The girls are
preparing a Christmas dinner that will knock our socks off. Or so they say.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">With her arm linked through
Mariana’s, Grace led her into the kitchen. A few cookies remained on the plate
in the middle of the table. While Grace munched on one, Mariana realized how
difficult this visit must have been for her. To admit her failure to welcome
Mariana and to take on responsibility for her daughter’s attitude, too, made
Mariana regard her with respect. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">How fortunate she was. With two men
in her life to love her, she could open her mind and heart to accept his family
the way they were. Different from her, yes, but united in their love for Jim,
they accepted her the way she was.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Instead of the worst Christmas, this
one was going down in her book as the most amazing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Wishing you all a great holiday season. Come back tomorrow for Vonnie Davis’s “A Beary
Merry Christmas.”</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />Diane Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03754105332297068271noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-80387495515234402442018-12-09T00:30:00.000-05:002018-12-09T09:14:38.661-05:00The Worst Christmas - Part 2 by Diane Burton<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS85ajMl8kzQVz43ONs9LlVzjkSFceKNHcnL9QNfGbvqHJ4XM-ZNeoLC8pEucTHcdlTmR63xwUqLKseqiaUJeHyHdaiOmKEU95o6Tn7xFR26ZfgxoNfHIgtAcwsP2zdIcr_rs0CH_UibI/s1600/Let+it+Snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="773" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS85ajMl8kzQVz43ONs9LlVzjkSFceKNHcnL9QNfGbvqHJ4XM-ZNeoLC8pEucTHcdlTmR63xwUqLKseqiaUJeHyHdaiOmKEU95o6Tn7xFR26ZfgxoNfHIgtAcwsP2zdIcr_rs0CH_UibI/s320/Let+it+Snow.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The Worst Christmas</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Part 2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Come inside anyway.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">With that, the big man—who made six-two
Jim look small—tramped through the snow toward the big, white Victorian house
with brightly-lit windows. He waited at the bottom of the steps that led to a
wide porch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Gotta clear those stairs again.”
He tsked. “Be careful now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Wait.” She shuffled through the thick
snow, Jim holding onto her arm, and Nate bringing up the rear. “Did you mean
there isn’t room for us?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Don’t worry. We’re find space for
you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mariana breathed a short sigh of
relief as the front door opened. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“George? What was that noise—” A
large woman in a cable-knit sweater, flannel pants, and fleece-lined clogs
stood in the doorway. “Oh, my goodness. You poor dears. Come in, come in.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mariana held onto the rail with one
hand and Jim with the other as she climbed steps slick with snow. George had
better shovel quickly and put down deicer, or someone could get hurt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Cora, their car is in the ditch.
I’ll get the tractor in the morning and hauled it out. Meanwhile, we gotta take
care of them. They can’t go anywhere.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Of course, come in.” Cora’s sweet
smile and kind eyes reminded Mariana of her grandmother. With a step back, the
woman held the heavy front door open for them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Heavenly aromas of cinnamon and fresh
pine hit Mariana as she eagerly entered the home. The foyer welcomed her with
its warmth, gaily-decorated evergreen boughs, and lit candles inside hurricane
lamps. Off to the right, a large lighted tree stood in front of a picture
window. Though Mariana could hear voices, she didn’t see anyone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">An elderly gentleman, clad in country
tweeds, came toward them. “The more the merrier, eh, Cora?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Dad, take their coats while I get
an ice bag for her face. Looks like you’ve got a nasty cut there, ma’am.” Cora
left them standing in the foyer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Her father pointed to a wood bench against
the short wall on the left. “Sit down, folks. Give me your coats and take off
those boots.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mariana looked at her husband who
appeared as overwhelmed as she by the rapid orders from the innkeeper and her
father. Didn’t seem to bother Nate, though. He leaned against the bench and toed
off his boots while she and Jim sat. Driving for hours in the blizzard followed
by plummeting into the ditch caught up with her. She couldn’t even think what
to do next. Weariness weighed down on her, crushing her spirit. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What kind of a Christmas is this?</i>
Stranded in the middle of nowhere. No room at the inn. The irony wasn’t lost on
her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Mom? Are you okay?” Nate, sweet
dependable Nate, stooped in front of her and unlaced her boots. Jim helped her
off with her coat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">All she could do was cry. This was
the worst Christmas of her life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">* *
*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After Cora ushered them from the
foyer into a warm kitchen and gave them hot chocolate to drink, she
disappeared. Moments later, George came in from outside. He sat at the country
table and pushed a plate of snickerdoodles closer to them. He asked about the
roads and where they were from. All the usual questions innkeepers asked their
guests. The momentary break, cookies, and chocolate drink helped Mariana
compose herself. She was about to ask about the accommodations when Cora
reappeared. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Okay, folks. Come this way.
George, take care of the young man.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She led Jim and Mariana down a hall,
family photos hanging on both sides—a “rogue’s gallery” her mother would have
described it. Cora opened the door to a bedroom at the end. “Here you go.
George brought in your luggage. If you need anything, just ask.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A weary-to-the-bone Mariana flopped
across the big sleigh bed, icepack on her nose while Jim unpacked her small
carryon bag. When she realized her son hadn’t followed, she asked, “Where’s
Nate?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“He’s settled down in the sitting
room with the other kids. George gave him blankets and a pillow. The kids
grouped themselves in front of the fire. Big ones on one side, little ones on
the other.” Jim carried her cosmetics bag and his shaving kit into the attached
bathroom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Hey, hon?” he called. “I think
this is their bedroom.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Huh?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“George and Cora. I think this is
their bedroom.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She sat up so abruptly the room
swam. Holding the ice bag against her nose, she looked around. Formal family
pictures hung over a long dresser, covered with a lacy scarf and more casual family
photos, similar to the ones in the hall. This was, indeed, the owners’ bedroom.
Cora must have run in there and prepared the room for guests. How very kind. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And selfless. Where would they
sleep? They weren’t young people to sleep on the floor. Yet, they gave up their
bed for strangers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Tears ran down her cheeks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Okay, babe. What’s going on?” Jim
sat on the edge of the bed next to her. When he put his arm around her
shoulders, she leaned into him and rested her head against his chest. Though
they’d only been married three years, he’d become her rock. Always there for
her, comforting her, giving her strength.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Are you still shaken by the
accident?” His breath fluttered her hair.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She shook her head. “Yes. And no.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">His chuckle rumbled under her ear.
“Decisive, as always. Seriously, where do you hurt? Besides your nose.” He
gently touched that feature. “You are going to have a shiner. Or two.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“I didn’t want to come on this
trip.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“You’ve made that clear from the
get-go.” He sounded more disappointed than sarcastic, which would’ve been her attitude
if their roles were reversed. “I’ve tried to understand.” That, he had. “But I
can’t figure out why you’re so opposed to spending Christmas with my family.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Last year, they’d celebrated Christmas
at the old farmhouse where she’d grown up. After her mother passed, she’d moved
in when she realized her dad couldn’t live alone anymore. Her aunts (widowed,
no children), Mariana’s seven sibs and their families gathered around the
dining room table, like they’d done for years. A loud, boisterous group, clad
in jeans and “ugly” sweatshirts, with kids ranging in age from fourteen (Nate
and his cousin Alex) down to the babies (three of them now, with two more on
the way). Laughter, tears of reminiscences, too much food. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Such a contrast to their first
Christmas with Jim’s mother. Quiet, a catered affair, his sisters and their
stuffy husbands, no children. Everyone dressed to the nines. The loudest noise
was the clinking of silver against china, where her insecurities skyrocketed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Your mother hates me. Your
sisters, too.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“No, they don’t,” he said too
quickly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“You haven’t seen the way they look
at me. Dumpy Mariana, Jim’s big mistake.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He squeezed her shoulders. “Not a
mistake. I love you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“I love you, too,” she whispered. “I
was repeating what they think.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Pushing her away, yet gripping her
shoulders, he stared at her, his piercing blue eyes hard. “They said that? I
will talk to them.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Not in so many words, but I can
tell. Their actions, their whispered asides. Not your mother so much as your
sisters. Your mother just looks down her nose at me, which is a good trick
since I’m eight inches taller.” She looked up to see if that got a grin. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nope.</i> “I’m not good enough for her
precious little boy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He snorted. “Suze and Amy are pains
in the butt, always trying to protect their <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">little</i>
brother. Don’t pay attention to them. They’ve run off every girl I brought
home, which is why I didn’t let you meet them before the wedding. I told you I
dated some real losers. I suppose my sisters mean well.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Yeah? That’s what I always say
about my aunts when they butt into my affairs.” She gave him a small smile.
“Ever since Mom died, they tried to take her place, cautioning me about <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">men</i>, telling me how to raise Nate. Even
so, they think you walk on water.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Really?” He grinned. “Smart
ladies.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mariana gave him a playful punch on
the arm. “I wanted to stay home this Christmas.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“I know you did, but Mom isn’t up
to the long drive out to see us, and her doc said she can’t fly yet.” Jim
cleared his throat. “I wanted to spend this Christmas with her. It might be her
last.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Guilt swept through her. “You never
said that. I didn’t know you felt that way.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He pulled her close again. “I
didn’t want to burden you with my morbid thoughts. Besides, I thought it would
be fun to take Nate and do some after-Christmas shopping down Michigan Avenue.
He’ll go nuts in the Lego store.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She thought about the hours her son
spent designing and assembling airplanes and spacecraft with the tiny
tight-fitting blocks. And how he devoured the catalog each time it arrived in
their mailbox, dogearing pages and circling items on his wish list. “He would
love that. Thank you for thinking of him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Hey, he’s my son now, too. I can’t
take his father’s place, but I can love him like my own.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">How did she get so lucky to find
such an understanding man? She’d thought Tom was the only man she’d ever love.
Turned out she was wrong about that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Maybe she was wrong about other
things.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In thinking about how awkward she felt
with Jim’s family, she hadn’t considered that he missed them. In September,
he’d flown up to Chicago for his mother’s heart surgery, a real scare for him.
She couldn’t leave the farm because of her dad and the animals. Not that she’d
wanted to go. Maybe she should’ve figured out how to be with him for support,
the way she’d gotten her brothers to take over while she was gone now. After
his mother’s heart attack, she should’ve realized Jim would want to spend this
Christmas with her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Again, guilt raced through her.
Instead of focusing on her own insecurities, Mariana should have thought of
Jim. She’d been alone, with just Nate, for ten years. Putting Jim and his needs
first hadn’t occurred to her. Quiet, undemanding Jim supported her and her son,
asking for nothing in return. How could she be so selfish?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mariana stroked Jim’s jaw. “I’m
sorry for being such a jerk about going to your mom’s. I’ll be on my best
behavior.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He clasped her hand. “No. I want
you to be yourself. I know it will be hard on you but try not to let Suze and Amy
get to you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She blew out a raspberry. “Easier
said than done.” When he started to say something, she added, “I’ll try.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“That’s my girl.” He kissed her
soundly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After checking on Nate, she crawled
into bed next to Jim who was already sawing wood. She lay quietly, thinking
about how she could make it up to him. She promised to accept his mother and
sisters as they were. They were his family. Despite being uncomfortable with
them, she would make the effort to be nice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">* *
*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The next morning, the sun greeted
everyone as it shone on the snow-covered trees. Cora prepared a breakfast that
left no one hungry. But when they left the dining room, George had bad news. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“I towed your car out of the ditch,
but it won’t start. I called Henry, best mechanic in town, and he can’t come out
and look at it until he pulls other poor souls’ cars out of ditches. Won’t be
until this afternoon, probably.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mariana glanced at Jim. “I am so
sorry.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Not your fault. I’ll call my mother
and tell her we’ll be late.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Uh, Mom, Jim?” Nate tugged on
Mariana’s arm. “We need to talk. First.” He led them into the empty sitting
room, where folded blankets and pillows had been stacked next to the fireplace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“You probably want to sit down,” he
said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">From her son’s expression, a frisson
of fear shot through her. “What’s wrong?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Nate shuffled his feet. “I, uh,
might have done something bad.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<o:p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Come back tomorrow for the conclusion of <i>The Worst
Christmas.</i></span></span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<o:p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<o:p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></o:p></div>
Diane Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03754105332297068271noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-40399327849170291412018-12-08T00:30:00.000-05:002018-12-08T00:30:00.264-05:00The Worst Christmas - Part 1 by Diane Burton<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6jzBs_3vjQaCheIunVc96PrBepLHSzG8OQH4z13Aj-_CIqLpOUO0xnhpJhxLn3RowWZmWB1go3EyDzdROW_TUv_EenK6uLVvM97COOZmn3wDyPCfRIAiKI7gUS9bZ2KFvMTAT5XEYRA/s1600/Let+it+Snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="773" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6jzBs_3vjQaCheIunVc96PrBepLHSzG8OQH4z13Aj-_CIqLpOUO0xnhpJhxLn3RowWZmWB1go3EyDzdROW_TUv_EenK6uLVvM97COOZmn3wDyPCfRIAiKI7gUS9bZ2KFvMTAT5XEYRA/s320/Let+it+Snow.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The Worst Christmas</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Part 1</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She peered
through the snow-spattered windshield at the neon sign and hoped like hell
there was room at the inn. The red glowing sign on the billboard for The Willow
Inn, two miles ahead, barely penetrated the blowing snow caught by the
headlights. It reminded Mariana of scenes from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">2001: A Space Odyssey</i>. As much as she liked snow for Christmas,
this storm had caught her unawares. The weather report she’d watched last night
hadn’t mentioned the intensity. Apparently, the storm’s path had shifted, too. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The wipers scraped
the glass, proof that Jim hadn’t replaced them like she’d asked before they set
off on this trek. The song “Over the river and through the woods . . .” always
made her think of going to her grandparents’ farm for Christmas, not into
downtown Chicago and a high rise. Even though she’d grown up driving in snow,
she hated it. Feared it. And there she was creeping along on a country road at
five miles an hour. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Wake up, darn you.” She didn’t
dare take her hand off the steering to<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> poke her husband’s
arm. “</span>Wake up, Jim. The storm is getting worse. I told you we should’ve
stopped at the Holiday Inn we passed. But, no, you wanted to keep going.” Then he
made her drive while he snored away. “Couldn’t you have stayed awake to keep me
company?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Huh?” Jim struggled awake, the way
he did every morning—jaw-cracking yawns, throat clearing, grumbles. The man was
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i> a morning person. But here it was
eleven-thirty at night, and he’d better pay attention.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“I told you we shouldn’t drive any
farther tonight. That we had plenty of time to make it to your mother’s in the
morning.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He straightened and scrubbed his
hand down his face. “Wow. It’s snowing. Pretty bad, huh?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Brilliant observation, Sherlock.”
Mariana hunched over the steering wheel, squinting to see the neon sign through
the patches of clearing amid the frost on the windshield. The defrost wasn’t
working properly, as she’d told her husband three weeks ago. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Why aren’t we on the highway?” he
asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“I saw a sign for an inn. I just
can’t drive any farther.” They climbed a hill so slowly she feared the tires
wouldn’t grip, and they would slide backwards. Who knew Illinois had hills? “The
storm is more than pretty bad, damn it. It’s wicked dangerous. I told you—”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Mom, could you give the
I-told-you-so’s a rest?” Their backseat driver—aka, Nate—must have looked up
from the game on his cell phone long enough to yawn in imitation of his stepfather.
“He knows you didn’t want to go to Chicago. I didn’t, either, but nobody asked
my opinion. I could’ve stayed home with Grandpa, you know.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">They crested a hill, Jim pointed. “There,
see that white sign? The Willow Inn. Quaint.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Thank God.” Mariana tried to slow,
but the car gained momentum as it traveled downhill. In her agitation over her
son’s comment, she hadn’t watched the speed. Okay, she told herself, I can do this.
Years of driving in winter weather kicked in. Slow, no braking hard, take it
easy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The driveway came up faster than
she expected. Automatically, she hit the brakes hard. The car slewed to the
right then left. A red light on the dash flared as the ABS kicked in. The
brakes automatically gripped and released. Her hands, knuckles white, gripped
but didn’t release the steering wheel. Her heart clutched. She wasn’t going to
make it. She pressed harder on the brakes. Thudding vibrated through the wheel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Mom! You’re going to put us in the
ditch.” Panic flared in Nate’s voice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“You’ve got this, babe. You’re
doing fine.” Jim laid his hand on her thigh. Despite her anger at him, his calm
voice helped her more than she could say. “Nate, calm down. Your mother is a good
driver. We’re not going—”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Crash.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Several things happened at once. The
front of the SUV plunged to the right. A ditch. A deep ditch. She’d missed the
driveway. The seatbelt tightened. The airbag exploded, jamming her glasses into
her nose. Fear overwhelmed pain as she realized what she’d done. She’d buried
the car in a ditch. After batting the airbag down, she turned off the engine. Blessed
silence. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Wait. Silence?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Is everyone okay?” she cried.
“Jim? Nate?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Yeah.” Jim swatted his airbag out
of the way. “Nate?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Told you so.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Nate.” Jim never shouted at her
son, even when he deserved it. His quiet, steel-clad voice was worse.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Yeah. I’m okay. Sorry, Mom.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Tears ran down her face.
Frustration, anger, fear, despair. A sob wracked her chest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Babe?” Jim released his belt and
leaned over to her. “Are you hurt?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Head down, she cried harder. She
wanted to go home. Home to the cozy farmhouse, the live tree with family
ornaments, and the homey decorations. Home where she belonged. Not on the road
in the middle of an Illinois blizzard. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She never wanted to drive four
hundred miles to her mother-in-law’s condo in downtown Chicago, where
everything was perfectly matched by an interior decorator. Where Jim’s perfect,
size two, itty-bitty mother would give a tight smile and stilted welcome to her
size sixteen daughter-in-law who towered over her by almost a foot. And his
sisters—who took after their mother in size and attitude—would snicker behind her
back, often not bothering to hide their disdain of the country bumpkin their <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">baby</i> brother had married.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jim enveloped her in his warm arms
while she cried even harder. He always knew the right thing to do and say. “It’s
okay, babe. We’re okay. Don’t cry.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Yeah, Mom.” Nate leaned over the
front seat and patted her shoulder. “Don’t cry. We’re okay.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Despite the cold seeping into the
car, she wanted to stay where she was—in her husband’s arms, with her son close
by. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“So. Are we going to sit here all
night—in the cold,” Nate groused, his concern for her gone. “Or go inside where
it’s probably a lot warmer?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Practicality was her son’s middle
name. He’d had to be. All those years they’d been alone after his father died.
He’d been a great kid. Loving, kind, thoughtful. Not the snide, sarcastic
teenager he’d turned into the past year. As much as she appreciated his
practical approach, she could do without the attitude.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“We’ll deal with the car in the
morning,” Jim said, Mr. Practicality himself. “Nate’s right. We need to get
inside. C’mon, Nate, throw our jackets up here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“But what if there’s no room?” she
whimpered, as he helped her into her heavy jacket.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jim ignored her question and opened
the passenger door. Rather, he tried to open the door, but the snow prevented
it. Mariana looked out her window before trying her door. It opened. A blast of
wind and snow hit her in the face. She flinched, ducking her head into her coat,
turtle-like. Tipped as they were, gravity shut the door.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jim angled sideways to put on his
jacket then pulled up her hood. “I’m going to have to crawl over the gearshift.
Nate, get out and help your mother first.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Nate grumbled at Jim’s directions
but followed them. When he widened the opening of her door, he gasped. “Mom?
You’re bleeding.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Babe?” Jim took her chin between
his thumb and forefinger and turned her head toward him. Now, with the interior
light on, he could see where her glasses had cut into her nose. He grabbed a
tissue out of the console, took off her glasses, then gently wiped the bridge
of her nose and down her cheek. “There now. That’s not too bad.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When she winced, he added, “Sorry. Okay,
you have a good gash there. We’ll put some snow on it to take down the
swelling. There’s certainly enough of the white stuff out there.” He chuckled
at his joke. She didn’t.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Her nose felt like the size of an
elephant’s trunk. Crying made the damage from the airbag worse. Supporting the
door on his hip, Nate scooped up a handful of snow. “Here, Mom.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She gave him the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">look</i>, and he dropped the snowball with a
sheepish grin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“You folks okay?” A bear of a man,
clad in a heavy parka, a scarf wrapped twice around his neck, and a hat with
furry flaps, bore down on them. “Thought we heard something out here. Wife sent
me out to look.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Mom drove into the ditch,” my
oh-so-helpful son announced.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“I can see that. Your car slewed
sideways, so you aren’t sticking out in the road. That’s good. C’mon, little
lady. Let’s get you out of there.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Nobody, not even Jim, called
Mariana <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">little</i> lady. Since her son
stood off to the side, acting like a dunce, she took the big man’s hand. With
the SUV leaning to the right, climbing out was not an easy task. It was for the
big man. With one pull, she flew out of the car and into his arms, nearly
bowling him over. His big hands on her shoulders steadied both of them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Uh, thanks.” Snow—up to her knees—filled
her boots. When she tried to back away from the man, she lost her balance.
Fortunately, Nate came to his senses and grabbed her flailing arm. Between the
big man and her son, she avoided a face plant in the snow. Rather, a butt
plant. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">While they helped her onto higher
ground, Jim crawled across the console. Before the big man could help him, Jim lunged
out of the car. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">He</i> did the face
plant. Nate slid down into the ditch to help him. So did the big man. “Thanks. Appreciate
the help. Jim Thacker.” He held out his hand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">While they shook hands, Mariana
said, “Please tell me you have a vacancy.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He hesitated. “Wish I could. We’re
full up.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-indent: 28.8px;">Return tomorrow for Part 2 of </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: 28.8px;">The Worst Christmas</i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-indent: 28.8px;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-indent: 28.8px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-indent: 28.8px;"><br /></span>Diane Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03754105332297068271noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-27483874827988349702018-12-07T00:01:00.000-05:002018-12-07T00:01:00.790-05:00What To Do About Joe ~ Part Three by Jannine Gallant<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTX5pCm5l77DSoNO7W88BPamQIzjdc1Ka-iJHHRYV7vh2bBi1xIDOmXoYVF8T8VkFSY7xHPYED86RAwhpd_HPTAqhhTcDdeWgO9nroPuNpvxOnF3PLcbMw8olsM7LvPFojoI4F76la9Vgy/s1600/Let+it+Snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1224" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTX5pCm5l77DSoNO7W88BPamQIzjdc1Ka-iJHHRYV7vh2bBi1xIDOmXoYVF8T8VkFSY7xHPYED86RAwhpd_HPTAqhhTcDdeWgO9nroPuNpvxOnF3PLcbMw8olsM7LvPFojoI4F76la9Vgy/s320/Let+it+Snow.jpg" width="244" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Isabel sat, curled
up on the end of the couch, full of the excellent ribs and coleslaw, wondering how
this evening was going to end. How she <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">wanted</i>
it to end. She liked Joe—a lot. But spending the night with a strange man went
against every common-sense instinct she possessed. Even if she was ninety-nine
percent certain he was a gentleman who wouldn’t take advantage of her. Then
again, she’d believed Marcus the Philandering Jerk was a good guy, too. What
did that say about her ability to judge men?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Joe sat down
beside her and handed her a mug of coffee. Fragrant steam rose from the cup,
and she sniffed deeply before taking a sip.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“It tastes like roasted chestnuts. Christmassy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Holiday flavored creamer.”
He leaned back into his corner of the couch and brushed aside the cat’s tail
when Tiger swished it across his face from his perch above. “Move it, dude.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The cat jumped
down from the back of the sofa and took a wide berth around Lucky, sprawled in
front of the tree, before strolling into the kitchen. Loud crunching ensued.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“The snow let up.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“It did?” Isabel
turned to stare out the window, but it was too dark to see beyond her
reflection in the glass. Worried eyes stared back at her. “Do you think they’ll
get the freeway reopened?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I’m sure they’ll
try. It’s Christmas Eve, and people who were hoping to reach their families
will want to get back on the road.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Maybe I should—”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“What? Go out
there to sit in traffic? You still don’t have chains on your tires. It will
take a little sunshine in the morning to melt the ice off the roads, even if
they do get them plowed.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“You have a
point.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">He took a sip of
his coffee. “Tell me your plans for this evening.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Huh? Oh, you mean
if I’d made it to Las Vegas?” At his nod, she frowned. “Hmm. I probably would
have blown a roll of quarters at the slot machines and then maybe soaked in the
hot tub for a while, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">if</i> whatever
motel I found that takes giant dogs even has a hot tub. After walking Lucky, I
would have returned to my generic room with the TV bolted to the wall to flip
through channels before settling down to read a book.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“As exciting as
that sounds . . .”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">She set her mug on
the coffee table and pressed a hand over her mouth to hold back a snort of
laughter. “Continue.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I was going to
say I can provide all that and more.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Do tell.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">He waved toward
the tree. “Flashing, colored lights, just like you’d find on the Vegas Strip,
plus the ambiance of holiday music playing in the background.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">From the speakers,
Springsteen crooned <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Santa Claus Is Coming
To Town</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">She hummed along.
“Making a list and checking it twice . . . I wonder if I’m on the naughty or
nice list.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">He studied her for
a moment, his brown eyes growing warmer as heat flared in them. “Definitely
nice.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Isabel squirmed a
little, wondering if spending the night with a stranger was really such a bad
idea. Finally, she tore her gaze away. “What about the hot tub in my scenario?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I have a jetted tub in the bathroom where you
can lounge to your heart’s content. If you want to throw away your money, I’ll even
set up a jar near the tub, and you can toss quarters at it. Whatever lands
inside, I’ll double, just to keep things interesting.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">She collapsed
against the decorative pillows, giggling helplessly. “That sounds so much
better than what I had in mind.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Darn straight.
Here at <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">casa</i> Angelo, we offer the
personal touch.” He set his cup beside hers with a thump.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I bet he does. </span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">His personal touch was what she was afraid
of.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">His eyes darkened
to an even richer brown, like decadent chocolate. Slowly he slid across the
cushion until their thighs touched. “I know I said I wouldn’t make a move on
you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I sense a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">but</i> coming on.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">He laid his big,
warm palm on her knee. “You did mention this was sort of a date, and I’d be
less than honest if I didn’t tell you that, right now, all I want to do is kiss
you. Then I’ll back off. No pressure. I promise.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“One kiss. Afterward
. . . we’ll see.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">He moved in
closer, cupping her cheek as he slid his fingers into her hair. Staring into
her eyes for a moment, he lowered his head and covered her lips with his. The
kiss started gently as he gave her time to think about it, even pull away if
she wanted to. When she let out a tiny sigh and gripped his bicep, he deepened
the contact. She opened her mouth beneath his, and clung as he kissed her so
thoroughly, she thought she might dissolve into the cushion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Finally, he pulled
away, his chest rising and falling as he worked to get his breathing under
control. “One kiss. A spectacular kiss, but that’s it. Just one.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Wow. Talk about chemistry.
I’m surprised the couch didn’t ignite.” She blinked a couple of times. “It
might be best if I hit the road, Joe. Or at least go see if a room opened up at
the inn.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“No need. You can
trust me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Maybe so, but I’m
not sure I trust myself.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Silence followed
her words until the vibrating buzz of a cell phone sounded from his pocket.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">He closed his eyes
and swore silently. “I have to answer that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Of course.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">While Joe talked
to the caller in a calming voice—something about a cat and tinsel and
intestines—Isabel gripped her hands together and stared at her dog, stretched
out on the floor. Lucky let out a moan and rolled to his back, sticking his
paws in the air, utterly carefree. Whenever Marcus the Jerk had kissed her, her
dog and whined . . . or growled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I have to go.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">She swung around
to face Joe as he rose to his feet. “What’s wrong?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Cat emergency.
The poor thing will probably need surgery. Why people who own cats hang tinsel
on their trees is beyond me. This one ate some and now—” He broke off. “You
don’t need the details. Make yourself at home. Take my bed since I won’t be
using it. I’ll see you in the morning.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Okay.” He’d
reached the door before she’d pulled her thoughts together. “Thank you, Joe. I
hope the kitty makes it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“So, do I. Bye,
Isabel.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The door shut with
a thud, taking the what to do about Joe decision out of her hands. She wasn’t
sure if she was thankful . . . or sorry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">* * * *<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The sun was
shining and the snow melting in big wet patches when Joe pulled into his
driveway late the next morning. Where Isabel’s car had been parked, all that
was left were a few piles of snow. A shovel leaned against the nearby shed. He
blinked tiredly and let out a sigh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Damn.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">He’d really liked
the woman. Chances were, he’d never see her again. And that just plain sucked.
Sitting there for a moment, feeling sorry for himself, he thrummed his fingers
on top of the steering wheel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Finally, he got
out of his truck and tromped through the slush to the front porch. The door
squeaked when he opened it, and silence greeted him. On the back of the couch,
Tiger stood up and stretched before settling down again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Merry Christmas
to me.” His voice disrupted the quiet. With a sigh, he headed to his bedroom to
peel off his clothes and drop them on the floor. The bed was neatly made, not
the way he’d left it. Bending, he pulled back the quilt and sniffed the pillow.
It smelled faintly of something floral. Like Isabel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">That cheered him somewhat.
He took a shower, soaking some of the tiredness away, and then dressed in a
pair of old jeans and a flannel shirt. As he left his room, the scent of fresh
coffee teased his nose. He stopped cold. Had he set the timer on the coffee pot
the night before? He certainly didn’t remember doing it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">From the kitchen,
a dog barked. Tiger hissed in response before streaking past Joe into the
bedroom. When a soft voice scolded, the tight knot in his chest eased, and a
smile curled his lips. Practically running, he crossed the main room and
stopped with the bar counter between him and Isabel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I thought you
left.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">She turned away
from the stove, holding a spatula. “You were out of eggs. Luckily the little
market at the gas station was open and had some. How’s the kitty who ate tinsel?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Recovering from
surgery. I had to stay with her afterward, but she’ll be fine.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Excellent. Have a
seat. Breakfast is almost ready.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I can’t believe
you’re still here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Her blue eyes lit
up with a hint of humor as she smiled at him. “I wouldn’t have driven away
without telling you goodbye. I was raised to have manners.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Stepping around
the end of the counter, he took the spatula out of her hand, dropped it on the
counter, and turned off the burner beneath the eggs before slowly drawing her
against his chest. “I’m glad.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“So am I.” Her
tone was slightly breathless. “You know I can’t miss the bachelorette party.
Right?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Not when you
drove cross-country to be there.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Exactly. But
after the wedding—”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“When is it?” He laid
his palm against the curve of her waist, and a warm tingle shot through him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“New Year’s Eve.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Do you have a
date?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Not since I
dumped Marcus the Jerk.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">His heart beat a
little faster. “My staff will be back by then. Do you want one?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">She wrapped her
arms around his neck. “You mean like a second date?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I’m counting
breakfast as our second date. The wedding could be our third.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“That’s a relief.
On a third date, I wouldn’t hesitate to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ask</i>.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">He gaped at her. “Honestly,
Isabel, you take my breath away. You’ve made what would have been an extremely
boring Christmas very special.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“And you’ve
restored my faith in men. Last night I was wondering what to do about you, Joe.
Now I know.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Oh?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Kiss me and find
out.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">* * *
*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I hope you've enjoyed my contribution to our holiday stories. Return tomorrow to see what Diane Burton has in store for us! To get all my latest book related news, follow me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JannineGallant.Author/">FACEBOOK</a>. Happy reading!</span></div>
Jannine Gallanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01047728297429025804noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-51905351898539773902018-12-06T00:00:00.000-05:002018-12-06T00:21:39.076-05:00What To Do About Joe ~ Part Two by Jannine Gallant<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Joe Angelo shut
the oven door and turned around when a thump sounded from the front porch. Even
Elvis singing <i>Blue Christmas</i> on the
classic rock station couldn’t drown out the eruption of barking that followed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“What the heck?”
Hurrying past the table in the large, open dining area, he reached the door and
stopped. Tiger stood on the back of the couch in front of the window, his fur standing
on end as he spat at the face staring through the glass. Lights from the
Christmas tree in the corner flashed intermittently across the shaggy fur,
giving the dog a, colorful, otherworldly appearance. Heavy panting fogged the
image, but the cat wasn’t fooled into believing his adversary had left.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">With a grin, Joe
opened the door, flipped on the exterior light, and looked into a pair of hesitant
blue eyes. “You changed your mind about the ribs?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“You did offer.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Happily. Come on
in.” He backed up a step when the huge Irish Wolfhound pushed past him. Isabel
quickly followed, and he shut the door against the howling wind. “Uh, will he
want to eat my dinner or my cat?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Lucky loves cats
. . . but not because they taste good.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Tiger swished his
tail and stared at the beast, who was quivering with excitement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I’m not too sure Tiger
will return his affection.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I guess I can
leave him in the car.” She gripped the dog’s collar with both hands and tugged,
sounding less than thrilled at the prospect. “He’ll be a little lonely, but he
probably won’t freeze.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“No, he won’t, but
I’m not completely heartless. I’m more worried about Lucky than I am about Tiger,
who has a bit of a temper when crossed. Let the two of them work out their
differences in the nice warm house.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Isabel released
her grip, and the dog shot farther into the room. “Thank you. I simply couldn’t
face such a long drive through that storm. Call me Chicken Little.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“No, your decision
was a smart move. Which makes you bright, not a coward.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dimples appeared
in cheeks that were pink from the cold, and her blue eyes held a hint of
amusement. “Very apropos since Bright is my last name. I’m glad I’m living up
to it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">He held out his
hand. “Welcome to my home, Isabel Bright. I’m Joe Angelo.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">She shook his
extended palm with a firm grip that sent a shot of electricity up his arm before
the sizzle warmed a few other places. The woman was extremely fine, petite,
pretty, and blond. He did his best not to notice the tempting curves beneath
her fake fur jacket and failed miserably.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Your name is appropriate,
too, since apparently you’re my guardian angel tonight. If it wasn’t for you
and your craving for ribs, I’d probably be spending the night in a ditch.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">He groaned. “No
angel jokes, please. Growing up, do you know how often I got teased?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Her eyes sparkled.
“So, I shouldn’t tell you that, with those curls, you look just like cupid?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“No, you shouldn’t.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">She covered her
mouth with her hand but couldn’t hide a smile. “Definitely not serial killer
material.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“That’s a relief. Let
me take your coat. The ribs are in the oven heating, and I have coleslaw and
rolls to go with them. Not exactly traditional holiday fare, but—”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Who cares. If
they taste as good as they smell, I’ll think I’m in heaven. No pun intended.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">He rolled his eyes
as he hung the jacket she handed him on the coat tree beside the door. Isabel
glanced over at her dog, who sat near the Christmas tree, whining and thumping
his tail on the hardwood floor. Tiger narrowed his eyes to mere slits in
response but didn’t move.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I really
appreciate you taking us in like this, Joe.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“You’re very welcome.
I wasn’t looking forward to spending Christmas Eve alone, so you’re actually
doing me a favor.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">She followed him
as he headed back to the kitchen. “No family to visit for the holidays?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I run a
veterinary clinic. Since I let my staff have the next few days off, I needed to
stick around for any emergencies. Most of my relatives live down in Phoenix.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Nice of you to be
so considerate of your employees.” She leaned on the counter while he lifted
down a couple of wine glasses from a cupboard. After a moment, she asked, “There’s
no Mrs. Angelo?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“That would imply
I actually have time to date. Would you like a glass of Cabernet with your
ribs?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I’d love one.”
She frowned at the pattern in the granite countertop while he poured the wine.
“Dating is overrated, anyway.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“It is?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">She nodded then
sipped the wine he handed her. “Thank you. This is excellent. Men—well, not you
since you’re an angel, but other men—are jerks.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Ouch.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Sorry.” Taking another
sip, she grimaced. “I’m feeling a bit jaded at the moment, having just
discovered the man I thought was crazy in love with me also loved—and I use the
term loosely—two other women. <i>At the same
time.</i> He didn’t see why I was upset when I found out. Unfortunately, we also
worked together, so I kissed both him and the job good-bye. Metaphorically
speaking.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I’d say you have
every right to be angry. Obviously, the guy wasn’t worth your time, but job
hunting is never fun.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I think I’ve had
about enough of the political scene, anyway. That’s what this cross-country
drive to Vegas was about, deciding if I want to remain in the D.C. area or get
out of the swamp.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Where’s your
family?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“On the California
coast. I’ll stay with my parents for a few days between the bachelorette party
and the wedding since Amanda is getting married in Carmel. I’m hoping to have some
sort of plan for my future by then.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When the timer on
the stove went off, he grabbed a couple of hot pads and pulled the roasting pan
out of the oven. The aroma wafting up from the steaming ribs made his mouth
water when he pulled back the foil. Turning, he nearly tripped over Lucky, who
had deserted the cat in favor of food. Some fancy footwork on his part saved
their meal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Nice try, buddy.”
He set the pan down on the counter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Huh?” Isabel
glanced up, and her eyes widened.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The dog laid his
chin on the counter and stared at the ribs. Drool slid down the side of the
cabinet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Stop that, Lucky.
Go lie down. I’m sorry, Joe. I should get his food out of the car.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Right now, he can
have a rib for an appetizer. It won’t hurt him, and I brought home plenty for
leftovers.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“You really are a
nice guy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Yep, that’s me.
Nice and harmless.” He put the rolls and a container of coleslaw on the counter
next to the ribs before getting out plates and flatware. “Which is a good thing
since you took a huge risk by coming here alone. That wasn’t so <i>bright</i>.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Ha ha.” Isabel
dipped a finger into the barbecue sauce and licked it off. Her eyes closed
slowly. “<i>So</i> good. Yum. As to your
safety lecture, it wasn’t that big a risk.” She pointed at the dog. “He isn’t
just a pretty, slobbery face. If you tried to hurt me, he’d rip your arm off.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Good to know. Not
that I have any intention of making a move on you.” He dished up their plates
and gave her a quick grin. “Unless, of course, you ask nicely.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">She laughed out
loud, her dimples showing. “Do you have any mistletoe hanging around?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Joe handed Lucky a
rib before following Isabel to the table with his plate. “No, I’m afraid not.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Then, I think
you’re out of luck. I don’t <i>ask</i> on a
first date, nicely or otherwise.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Is that what this
is?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Seems like a
date. We’re enjoying food and wine together, maybe a little harmless flirting. Since
we didn’t know each other before tonight, this has all the makings of a blind
date.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Isabel?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">She glanced up,
delicately holding a messy rib between her fingers. “Yes?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“If this is a
blind date, I should have let my married buddies set me up years ago. I didn’t
know what I was missing.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">* * * *<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Does this "blind date" have a happy ending? Stop by tomorrow to find out? To check out all my books, visit my <a href="http://www.janninegallant.com/">WEBSITE</a>. Happy reading!</span>Jannine Gallanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01047728297429025804noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-73035889467379010502018-12-05T00:01:00.000-05:002018-12-05T00:01:00.469-05:00 What To Do About Joe ~ Part One by Jannine Gallant<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8vcmf3vd8AKeKQ5-6cAfzLvKB4jjjjMDdFILIJZPhr9pVUKOT60zjgrDM0OX4ncuK_iP3j54SNEvUABD7BHL0e_4h5qylSaHGVZXo1eGJeHl8KN58KC5FpD_NQvbYTHr5QfMWZjZh468/s1600/Let+it+Snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1224" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8vcmf3vd8AKeKQ5-6cAfzLvKB4jjjjMDdFILIJZPhr9pVUKOT60zjgrDM0OX4ncuK_iP3j54SNEvUABD7BHL0e_4h5qylSaHGVZXo1eGJeHl8KN58KC5FpD_NQvbYTHr5QfMWZjZh468/s320/Let+it+Snow.jpg" width="244" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">She peered through the snow-spattered windshield at
the neon sign and hoped like hell there was room at the inn. Pressing harder on
the gas, her Prius fishtailed on the slippery road, and the much smaller “no
vacancy” sign hanging between the looped garlands of holiday tinsel became
visible in the glow of her headlights.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Why am I not
surprised? It’s been that kind of day.” Isabel Bright glanced over at her traveling
companion who had his nose pressed against the side window. “Who’s kidding whom?
It’s been that kind of month.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Gritting her teeth
as her tires slid again, she wondered why she hadn’t had the foresight to buy
chains before embarking on this insane trek. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Maybe because I didn’t exactly plan ahead.</i> The last-minute decision
to drive cross-country to Amanda’s bachelorette party instead of flying had
been sheer idiocy considering the weather, but she’d wanted to use the time alone
to clear her head. Make a few decisions about her future.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“How’s that
working out for you?” Her voice rang with sarcasm as the flashing neon sign
above the sketchy-looking motel disappeared behind her in a swirl of snow on
the lonely stretch of road. Why stop now when she could put a couple hundred more
miles between her and her jerk of an ex-boyfriend. Even if the weather was
better suited to a sleigh than her pint-sized car.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Beside her, Lucky
panted, fogging the windshield. Isabel turned up the fan on the defroster,
which was fighting a losing battle against the Irish Wolfhound’s heavy
breathing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“If we keep
driving, maybe we’ll outrun the storm. Who knew it snowed in Arizona?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">She’d expected
cactus, sagebrush, and balmy temperatures for this segment of her trip, not
pine trees and a blizzard. The northern part of the state and the southern half
might as well have been on different planets.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lucky turned to
look at her and whined, then scratched the door.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Seriously? You
have to go now? We’ll both turn into popsicles.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">He whined again
and added a low woof for good measure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Oh, for crying
out loud.” Isabel slowed to a stop in the middle of the empty road. Deserted
because she was the only one stupid enough to be driving in a snowstorm. If she
pulled to the edge, she’d probably wind up in a ditch. “Fine, you can get out to
pee.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When she opened
the door and stepped into ankle-deep snow, a blast of arctic air hit her in the
face and penetrated her faux-fur jacket, which would be plenty warm for spending
Christmas in Las Vegas—if she ever made it there. Obviously, it wasn’t designed
to withstand real winter weather.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Come on. I’m not
walking around the car to let you out.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lucky squeezed his
way over the center console and landed beside her with a thump. He gave his
massive head a shake and sniffed his way down the road in the direction they’d
come. Wagging happily, he was obviously thrilled with the situation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">At least one of us is enjoying this.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“We aren’t here to
play. Do your business, and let’s go!” Her shouted words whirled away on the unrelenting
wind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">A rumble sounded
in the distance, growing louder as lights appeared around the bend. Isabel
shielded her eyes against the glare and breathed a sigh of relief when the
oversized pickup stopped before running over her dog. Not that anyone could
miss seeing him since he was as big as a small pony.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Lucky, move!” She
shuffled forward in leather boots with slick soles, struggling to stay upright.
Swearing beneath her breath, she finally reached the driver’s side door of the
truck where her dog stood with his front paws planted against the window. “Oh,
my God! Get down!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When Lucky ignored
her completely and whined, the driver lowered the glass a couple of inches. “He
probably smells the ribs. I was in the mood for decent barbecue and brought a
rack home with me for my Christmas Eve dinner.” The deep voice held a hint of
amusement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I’m so sorry.”
Grabbing Lucky’s collar, Isabel pulled with all her strength. When he backed away
without warning, her foot slipped out from beneath her. She landed on the icy
pavement, sprawled on her backside. “Ouch!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Are you okay?”
The door opened with a creak, and a big male in a puffy jacket bent over her,
his face a blur in the darkness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lucky sniffed him
and licked the side of his neck.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I think so. Move
it, you moron!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Hastily, the man
backed away. “I’m sorry, I—”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Not you, my dog.”
Isabel could feel her face heating with embarrassment as she tried to scramble
to her feet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">He put a hand
beneath her elbow and lifted her effortlessly before steadying her at her
waist. “Careful.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Thank you.” She
let out a puff of breath in the frigid air as she slapped snow off her backside.
“I apologize for Lucky and for stopping in the middle of the road. I’ll go move
my car out of the way so you can get past me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Your dog doesn’t
look like he fits in that thing.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Just barely.” When
Lucky lifted his leg to pee on his truck tire, she cringed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Uh, not to
question your judgement, but you should put on chains.” The chatty stranger gestured
toward the rear of her Prius, illuminated by his headlights. “The road
conditions are only going to get worse as you climb.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Climb?” Her voice
squeaked. “We’re still going up?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I’m afraid so,
and the road crews won’t be out to plow anytime soon since this isn’t a major highway.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“There was a
pile-up on the freeway. I was lucky to get off when I did, and my GPS showed
this road connecting to I40 in another thirty miles or so.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Thirty miles of
winding road that climbs over a thousand feet. Maybe you should go back into
town to wait out the storm.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“There’s no room
at the inn. Motorists who got off the freeway ahead of me must have filled the
place.” She wrapped her arms across her chest and tried not to shiver as
snowflakes dampened her hair. “I don’t have chains. I wasn’t planning to drive
through a blizzard.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“You travelled all
the way from Virginia without carrying chains?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">She scrunched her
brow. “How did you—oh, my license plate.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“That’s quite a
road trip.” When Lucky nudged his hand, the man patted his head. “Where’re you
headed?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Las Vegas. Bachelorette
party for one of my oldest friends right after Christmas.” Her teeth chattered,
and she clamped them together. “I planned to get there a couple of days early. Sorry.
I’m still blocking the road. I’ll move my car so you can go home and eat your
dinner. Come on, Lucky. You aren’t getting those ribs.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I wouldn’t mind
sharing. I certainly can’t eat the whole rack by myself, and I don’t like the
idea of leaving you on the road without chains. The snow is really coming down
hard, and you won’t get much traction with street tires. Chances are, you’ll
wind up in a ditch.” He reached out to touch her arm, and she instinctively backed
up a step.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I’ll be fine.” <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">At least I hope so.</i> What kind of idiot
was she, hanging out alone on a deserted road with a strange man. With
her recent luck, he was probably a serial killer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Seemingly reading
her mind, he held up both hands. “Hey, I’m harmless. I promise.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I’m sure you are,
but—”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Do I look like a crazed
killer? I’ve been told I have a baby face.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I can’t see your
face in the dark. Anyway, what does a serial killer look like? I doubt they all
wear creepy white masks à la Michael Myers.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I expect you’re
right. Most probably look like normal guys—” He broke off. “I’ll shut up now. I’m
sure this conversation isn’t reassuring you. If you take it slow and stay in
the middle if the road, you should be fine. It’s not like there’s any traffic
tonight.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“True. We seem to
be the only morons out driving.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">He grinned. “I’ll
follow behind you until I get to my turnoff in another mile.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Okay. Thank you,
uh . . .”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Joe. Good luck
with the rest of your drive, and have fun at the bachelorette party.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">She summoned a smiled.
“I’m Isabel, by the way. I’ll do my best. Have a merry Christmas, Joe.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“You, too.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Amazingly, Lucky
deserted the truck and the ribs to follow her when she headed back to her car.
Even more surprisingly, she didn’t fall on her butt getting there. Maybe things
were looking up, after all. A minute later, both she and her dog were inside
the car. She shifted into gear and gave the engine some gas. Her wheels spun
but finally caught, and the car lurched forward.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Yes!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">With her wipers
slapping the fat flakes pelting her windshield, she leaned forward and peered
at the stretch of pristine white emptiness in front of her. No tire tracks to lead
the way, but if she didn’t stray from the center of the road, she should survive
the next thirty miles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Behind her, the
glow of Joe’s headlights was comforting. Until, with a double tap on his horn,
he turned right and disappeared.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Her heart thumped
in her chest as she let her foot off the gas. Who was she kidding? No way was
she driving miles and miles through a blizzard when it had taken her five
minutes to go a measly one. And if by some miracle she made it to the freeway, it
would probably be closed when she got there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Turning, she
stared at her dog. “What do you think? Should we go back to the inn with the no
vacancy sign and beg for a place to spend the night, even if it’s only a shed
out back? Or do we throw ourselves on the mercy of Joe—who hopefully isn’t a
serial killer—and help eat his ribs while we figure out what to do?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lucky let out a
low woof.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Isabel put the car
in reverse. “That’s what I thought you’d say.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">* * * *<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBS2R3KxOMS7Lt2DJ5DpOl4eetXxatcHGWqI57STwIrdkP-4Q987VMKVxnm9GZeYd8tthwSHepwbLrpBb__Ch-osUix6G8u1aQXtDMGagqvMDFBqArpwiA-uqLyL1a_tj590v3UwUeQLh/s1600/HIDDEN+SECRETS+MM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="979" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBS2R3KxOMS7Lt2DJ5DpOl4eetXxatcHGWqI57STwIrdkP-4Q987VMKVxnm9GZeYd8tthwSHepwbLrpBb__Ch-osUix6G8u1aQXtDMGagqvMDFBqArpwiA-uqLyL1a_tj590v3UwUeQLh/s200/HIDDEN+SECRETS+MM.jpg" width="121" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Is Joe a serial killer? Does Lucky get those ribs? To find out what happens next, come back tomorrow for part two. Don't forget, my latest book, HIDDEN SECRETS, is available in digital and print. Pick up a copy at your local Barnes & Noble or download it <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B79CJY7">HERE</a>. Happy reading!</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<br />Jannine Gallanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01047728297429025804noreply@blogger.com19