Secret wishes, sweet surprises, and gifts straight from the heart. Delight in this season’s most joyous presents with these four sparkling tales… “Making Spirits Bright” by Fern Michaels Melanie McLaughlin desperately wants to adopt two orphaned siblings and give them a real home for Christmas. A just-for-the-holiday marriage to Bryce Landry fits her plan perfectly…until unexpected sparks have Melanie dreaming of forever by his side… “Runaway Christmas” by Elizabeth Bass A glass of wine, lounging in pajamas, and catching up on movies—that’s Heidi Bogue’s idea of a perfect Christmas. Until her thirteen-year-old niece makes a surprise visit—and a snowstorm turns Heidi’s café into a community refuge. Now one handsome cop is giving Heidi plenty more reasons to celebrate… “Home for Christmas” by Rosalind Noonan Jo Truman needs a replacement Santa for her gift shop’s Christmas Eve party. She’ll do whatever it takes to convince lonely soldier Sam Norwood that he’s perfect for the part...and that the season for love is always… “Christmas on Cape Cod” by Nan Rossiter Maddie Carlson would do anything for her best friend. And helping Asa Coleman babysit a rambunctious puppy Christmas Eve night is her one chance to help the troubled teacher put his past to rest…and give the sweetest gift of all.
Release date:
October 30, 2018
Publisher:
Zebra Books
Print pages:
432
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“Dad, wake up!” There was a short pause and then the same soft voice whispered again with more urgency. “Dad ... Dad, wake up! We have to go find a tree! You said we had to get up early.” This time the plea was accompanied by gentle nudging and prodding. Asa Coleman opened one eye and squinted at the little face, which was inches from his nose. The face smiled. “Time to get up!” it announced cheerfully.
Asa closed his eyes, pulled his pillow over his head, and pretended to fall back asleep. He heard a small sigh of frustration and, from under the pillow, pictured the little boy standing in the middle of the braided rug with his hands on his hips, the arms and legs of his new pajamas rolled up to fit his small frame. To add to the boy’s dilemma, Asa let out a loud snore. Almost immediately, there was a determined tug on the blanket ... but Asa just pulled back and snored again.
It was quiet for a moment and he began to wonder what new plan was being hatched. He lay still, waiting, and felt the mattress press down under the weight of two small feet. He felt the two feet planting themselves firmly on either side of his legs and then he felt their weight shift as the small body leaned forward to take hold of the covers. Another moment passed and he could barely contain his laughter. But ... just as the unsuspecting perpetrator was about to give the covers a tremendous heave ... Asa threw off his pillow, spun around, and tackled him. The surprised boy giggled helplessly as Asa bounced him onto the bed and tickled him mercilessly.
“Stop, Dad! Dad, stop!” the squealing, squirming boy pleaded breathlessly. “I’m going to wet my pajamas!”
“What?!” Asa teased. “You mounted an attack on the enemy without going to the head first? What were you thinking, man?”
The little fellow giggled, shrugged, and sputtered, “I don’t know!”
Asa picked him up and set him on the floor. “Go ...” He watched the blond-haired boy run down the hall and wondered if he’d ever get used to being called “Dad.” He looked out the window and glanced at his bedside clock—not even six yet—Noah certainly was an early riser! Just then, he came running back down the hall, full tilt, and bowled his father onto the bed, attempting to return the tickle. Asa laughed, feigning surrender and protest, and tried to protect himself. Noah just giggled, truly believing he had the upper hand—until Asa turned the tables and the little fellow found himself on the bottom again, getting the worst of it.
“Hey, what’s the idea of waking up your old man before it’s even light out?” Asa interrogated playfully.
Noah was trying to catch his breath, and sputtered, “You said we had to find a tree!”
“And ... how can we find a tree in the dark?” Asa teased.
“Well, we have to have breakfast first,” Noah explained matter-of-factly.
“We do?”
“And you said we have to pack.”
“Pack what?” Asa continued to tease.
“Clothes ... and Christmas presents!” Noah answered with a beaming grin.
“Oh ... no need to worry ’bout that.... I think you’re just getting coal for Christmas.”
Noah looked dismayed.
“Well ... have you been good?” Asa asked with a serious face.
Noah nodded. “Mm ... hmm.”
Asa cupped his chin thoughtfully. “I don’t know ... I guess we’ll have to wait and see ...”
“You’re just teasing,” Noah said hopefully.
Asa shrugged, raised his hands palms up, and smiled. Then he sat on the edge of the bed and yawned. “So, what’re you making for breakfast?”
“Da-ad!” Noah moaned despairingly. “You’re making breakfast!”
“I am? Well, what am I making?”
“Hmmm,” Noah said, cupping his own chin in thought. “How ’bout French toast?”
“Are you goin’ to help?”
“Sure!” Noah said, hopping off the bed and pulling Asa by the hand. Asa slowly relented, stopping only to pull on his jeans, and then shuffled to the kitchen.
“First things first,” he said sleepily, reaching into the cabinet for the coffee.
“Okay,” Noah said, opening the fridge and taking out the milk, orange juice, and butter. “How many eggs?” he asked.
“Two.” Asa answered, absently measuring the coffee.
Noah balanced the eggs in one hand and then reached into the back of the fridge for a small jug of maple syrup.
“Gettin’ low,” he announced with authority.
“Is there enough for today?”
Noah shook the bottle and peered inside. Even though he couldn’t really see how much was left, he answered with optimism, “I think so.”
With the coffee perking cheerfully, Asa pulled out the pancake griddle, set it on the stovetop, and lit the burners. Then he reached for the bread. “How hungry?”
“Two,” Noah answered with a nonchalant shrug. Asa took out four slices of bread and Noah pushed an old oak chair over to the counter. Asa set the bowl in front of him and Noah looked up in surprise.
“Go ahead ... you know how.”
Noah grinned and reached for an egg, but, just as he cracked it, there was a knock at the door. He looked up and the eggshell fell into the bowl. With egg still dripping from his fingers, he hopped down and went to the door and opened it, smearing the knob in the process.
Maddie peered around the door. “Am I too early?” Then she answered her own question as she unzipped her jacket. “Actually ... looks like I’m just in time!”
Asa smiled at the rosy, freckled cheeks of his old friend and noticed that they were wet. “Is it snowing?” he asked.
“Just started ... but not too hard.” She closed the door behind her and then looked from her hand to the doorknob.
“Thank the chef,” Asa said, smiling and nodding toward Noah, who was back up on his chair, fishing out the eggshells. Maddie rinsed her hands . . .
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