Cathy's Christmas Confession: A Christmas Ridge Romance Book 3 by Patti Shene Gonzales

Author:Patti Shene Gonzales [Shene Gonzales, Patti]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-11-22T07:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER NINE

David’s nostrils twitched with the tantalizing smell of tomato sauce when he stepped out of his vehicle. The next thing that drew his attention was the barking of a dog. Judging from the ferocity of the bark, a very large dog. He hesitated until Cathy appeared in the doorway.

“Come on in,” she called. “He won’t bite.”

Sure.

David moved cautiously toward the house and up the front steps. The dog, no longer barking, stood next to Cathy with his tail wagging.

“David, meet Horace.”

To David’s surprise, the dog extended a paw in a handshake. He took the furry paw in his palm and looked at Cathy in wonder. “The way he was barking when I pulled up, I thought I’d have to give an arm to get in the door.” The dog withdrew his paw and padded into the living room, where he lay down on a rug in front of the couch.

“I’ve trained him to carry on that way until I tell him it’s okay. He’s my watchdog.”

“I’ll say. I wouldn’t want to come around if you’re not here.” He chuckled and turned toward the direction of the delicious smell. “Italian something?”

“Spaghetti. I hope you’re okay with that.”

He clapped his hands. “I love it. I think deep in my family tree lies Italian ancestry.”

Cathy grinned. “Good. I set the lights out here on the porch. I’d like them to go along the roof like this.” She indicated her intent with a sweep of her hand. “Up to the peak and back down the other side.”

“No problem. I see you have a long ladder out there. That should do it.”

By the time David had finished stringing the lights, the pasta was ready.

Cathy dashed outside to admire the festive addition to her house. “Thank you so much. They look wonderful. I haven’t had lights up for a couple of years now.” She shivered. “Let’s get inside and eat. It’s cold out here.”

David relinquished his coat and glanced around the living room. A fire crackled in a fireplace, giving the room a toasty feel. A photo on top of the mantle of a young woman and an older man caught his attention. Cathy and her father years ago? He walked over and studied it closer as Cathy ducked out from the closet door.

“You and your dad? Nice picture.”

Cathy’s look of chagrin told him he had guessed incorrectly.

“That’s me and my husband.”

He swallowed and searched for something to say, but she came to his side and spoke before he could form a reply.

She picked up the photo and brushed her hand across the glass. “Everett was thirty-eight when we married. I was nineteen.”

David blinked in surprise. “Quite an age difference there.” He rushed on. “But you were happy together.”

She tugged at his arm. “Come on. Let’s go eat and I’ll tell you my love story.”

He followed her into the kitchen and took a seat. She dished up two plates of spaghetti and set them on the table.

“Mind if I say grace?”

“Of course not.”

They bowed their heads.

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