A Marry-Me Christmas by Jo Ann Algermissen

Author:Jo Ann Algermissen [Jo Ann Algermissen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781459281141
Publisher: Harlequin

6

Early the next morning, Catherine awoke to find Angelica standing at the ironing board, pressing a rumpled dress.

Last night, after they fruitlessly searched several rooms in the lodge, it had seemed heartless to leave Angelica there alone. After all, Catherine did have an extra twin bed in her cabin. She’d lost her privacy, but gained Angelica’s confidence.

Catherine smiled. Not a bad exchange, she thought silently. Judging from the pinched look of Angelica’s lips and the awkward way she held the iron, ironing was not one of the child’s accomplishments. She watched Angelica iron in more creases than she ironed out wrinkles.

“Morning, Angelica. Need some help?” Catherine offered, pushing the sheet back and sitting up.

“Uh-uh. I can do it.” Angelica flashed her a smile. She slid the iron to one side as she wrestled one long sleeve into a flat position. “Sorry I woke you. I tried to be quiet.”

“You were quiet.” Catherine slipped into her robe. “I’m an early riser. Have you eaten breakfast?”

“Uh-huh. Cereal.”

The smell of heat scorching fabric brought Catherine to behind Angelica. She turned the iron onto its heel plate. “Here. I’ll do this. You wash up and get ready.”

For a second, she thought Angelica would refuse. “I gotta look nice today ‘cause we’re having tryouts after school.”

“Tryouts? For what?”

“Solos in the Christmas pageant.”

“Instrumental or voice?”

“Singing.”

“What song?”

“‘Drummer Boy.’ Or ‘Silent Night.’ Or…” Angelica threw up her hands as she hurried into the bathroom to wash her face and brush her teeth. “They’re my favorites, but any song will do.” Over the rush of water running in the bathroom sink, Angelica added, “Mom will have to come to the school play if I sing a solo, won’t she?”

Catherine didn’t answer. As a teenager, she’d used the same faulty logic: Proud parents wanted to see their children perform. Up until the day she betrayed her mother by contacting her father, Claire had religiously attended every school function. During high school and college, each time Catherine excelled in an activity, she’d written to Claire, secretly hoping her mother would surprise her by showing up.

She hadn’t.

“Maybe you could come,” Angelica suggested, stepping from the bathroom as she dried her face on a towel.

Catherine put the finishing touch on the dress by ironing the lace around the white Peter Pan collar. She held it up for Angelica’s inspection.

“Thanks. You do it better than me.” While Catherine held it, Angelica slipped it over her head. “On Christmas Eve, Ms. Babs invites the summer kids and their folks here for a party. It’s really cool.”

While Catherine buttoned the back of Angelica’s dress, the child chattered enthusiastically. “Ms. Babs has the big trees in front of the lodge decorated with lights. And we play games. And stuff our faces. And have fun.” Her eyes were bright when she turned around and asked, “Why don’t you come, too?”

“Maybe I will,” Catherine replied, not firmly committing herself.

Angelica grabbed her waist in a tight hug. “We’ll find Mom’s charm bracelet, so she’ll have to be here, too.” Before

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