Christmas Kisses by Verna Clay

Author:Verna Clay
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: M.O.I. Publishing
Published: 2013-11-20T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17: Wrecking Ball

Mac listened to Cecelia recount their day decking out the coffee shop. He glanced at his son and when she got to the part about serving Razzle-Dazzles, the boy almost smiled. Cecelia's enthusiasm was infectious and he found himself asking questions and even chuckling. All-in-all, Mac considered the day a success as far as making progress with Sean—thanks to Cecelia.

After Sean said goodnight and Mac was left alone with Cecelia, she said, "I think he had fun. He met several teens and Sarah Tanner invited him to her ranch. Her boys are about Sean's age and if we could get him to the Lazy M, I just bet he'd have a great time. Sarah and her husband, Sage, operate a dude ranch so there's a never-ending list of activities. I wonder if Sean likes horses?"

A wave of thankfulness flooded Mac. "Thank you, Cecelia."

She reached to place their cups on a tray and then shyly lifted her eyes to his. "I enjoyed every minute. Sean is a good kid. He just needs time to adjust to you."

Mac sighed. "There isn't much time before his return to Denver. I hope we can at least become friends in the next week and a half."

"Perhaps you should invite him back. Maybe start a yearly get-together."

"I know you're right, but I don't know the outcome of my surgery just yet."

Cecelia frowned, "What does that have to do with being with your son?"

Mac studied her face. "I'll be honest with you, Cecelia. If I lose my ability to paint, I'll be no good to anyone, especially Sean."

Cecelia stood, lifted the tray, and said softly before turning to leave, "That's a copout." When she returned to the living room, she said quickly, "Goodnight. See you in the morning."

Mac watched her retreating back. He'd give her one thing; she had guts to speak her mind when provoked.

A week later, Mac hadn't progressed any further with his son. The boy had started going to the coffee shop daily with Cecelia. She said he showed interest in watching Justin make drinks. She also paid him cash to help with cleanup, like sweeping and mopping. When he was back at the house however, he spent most of his time in his room and Mac was feeling very frustrated. Once, to curb his frustration, when no one was home, he'd unlocked his studio and tried to mix some paints. The effort ended with a mess on the floor and him spouting profanities into the empty room.

The night of that same day, while Cecelia tried to engage him in conversation, he'd barely responded. He'd been surprised by a flash of anger in her eyes. She was usually so calm and understanding. He'd expected her to speak her mind, like before, but she merely said goodnight to him and Sean. Rather than stay in the same room with his father, Sean also headed to bed.

Two days later, Mac received a phone call that sent him through the roof. "What!" He practically yelled into the phone.

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