A Fresh Start for Christmas by Kimberly Grist

Author:Kimberly Grist [Grist, Kimberly]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-12-09T16:00:00+00:00

***

Memphis gasped when Mike pulled in front of a Gothic Revival-style house with pointed arches and window shapes. The gray two-storied wooden structure trimmed in white sported decorative screens with wrought iron, covering the windows and front door. The wooden rockers and massive swing looked inviting on the L-shaped porch. “It’s even more charming than you described.”

Mike pushed his Stetson to the back of his head and followed her gaze. “After we sold our other business and relocated here a couple of years back, Ma put us to work. Between my father and four brothers, we brought the place up to her standards. Her first request was a water closet. Thankfully, my brother Matt carried out that task. The details on the wrought iron were my sister’s idea.”

She smiled. “It seems strange since we’ve never met, but I feel as though I know you and your family well. I’m excited to meet them in person.”

“There’s a bunch of us and when we get together, it gets noisy.” Mike squeezed her hand. “You’ll get the opportunity to meet. Honestly, I was hoping to spread it out a bit. I don’t want them to scare you off.”

“Believe me, growing up in a children’s home, I know a thing or two about noise.” Memphis grinned. She accepted Mike’s assistance exiting the wagon.

His hands lingered on her waist. “Did I tell you how happy you made me by agreeing to come?”

Memphis’s eyes met his. Dark amber. Intriguing. “I’m delighted to be here with you.”

The screen door slammed and a young girl squealed. “Grandma, she’s here.”

Memphis felt the rumble of laughter from Mike’s chest. “You’re about to become acquainted with Annie, my brother John-Mark’s sister-in-law. She recently turned six. Her brother, Andrew, will be along soon. He’s nine.”

Mike reached for her carpetbag. “The kids think of Ma and Pa as grandparents and me and my brothers, uncles. They’ll most likely want to refer to you as Aunt.” He glanced at her lips. “Hope that’s okay?”

She offered a watery smile. “How wonderful. Growing up without any extended family, I never imagined having a niece or nephew.”

“A word of warning. They’re a precocious pair. You never know what they’re going to say.” Mike placed her hand in the crook of his arm. “Speaking of which, you’re about to meet my mother, the incomparable Tennessee Montgomery. She’s bound to fret over you like a mama bird.”

As if on cue, the front door opened and the woman she’d heard about for years emerged. Her boots made quick taps on the front porch. “Y’all come on in the house. It’s chilly out here.” She waved them inside

Memphis felt her knees wobble and was comforted by Mike’s wink. They followed his mother into the house. Mrs. Montgomery was the same age as Mrs. Shelby. Except for the silver streaks in her auburn hair, she would have guessed her years younger.

Mrs. Montgomery’s green eyes sparkled. She extended her arms and brought Memphis into a strong embrace. The scent of lavender and a feeling of welcome engulfed Memphis.

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