Christmas at Whisper Beach by Shelley Noble

Author:Shelley Noble
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 2017-10-17T04:00:00+00:00

Van snuggled against Joe. As usual when she should be feeling content and happy, she could barely keep her worries at bay. She’d heard Owen and Haley arguing from Haley’s room after everyone was in bed.

Van wanted to put her pillow over her head and drown out his words like she had done so many nights of her own childhood. She knew it was just two children, both frightened and hurting. Intellectually she knew she hadn’t caused their rift. There was a grandmother who might help the family and from what Joe had learned today when he called the hospital, Kathy Davis would need help once she was released from the hospital. If she was released . . .

“Stop thinking,” Joe said against her hair.

“Can’t help it.”

“I know, but Owen didn’t mean what he said to you.”

“I wasn’t thinking about that, but yes he did.”

“Well, maybe at the time but now he’s worried that you’re mad at him.”

“Of course not. I’m an adult.”

Joe chuckled and kissed the top of her head.

“Besides . . .”

Joe pulled away to look at her. “Besides what?”

“I know what he’s going through.”

“You do?”

“Well, not exactly. But about being torn. Wanting your mom, but wanting your mom like it is here, not like it really is. And I’m guessing that having three men in his life who care about him is pretty enticing. Which makes him feel guilty. And . . .”

“You are pretty wise, you know that?”

“Not wise. I just remember wishing the same thing.”

Joe pulled her close. “We would have taken you in. We didn’t know.”

“Water under the bridge. They’ll need the extra help when their mother gets out of the hospital. If the grandmother is even willing. Haley said they had a big fight before she left.”

“But would Owen really want to stay away from them?” Joe said. “I can’t imagine wanting to leave my family. Damn, I’m sorry, Van.”

“Stop apologizing.”

“Sorry. But I know holidays aren’t easy for you. And with all this added hoopla with the kids, I don’t want you to hate being here.”

“I don’t. I’m fine with it all. Why can’t you accept that?”

“I can. I will. Let’s not fight.”

“I’m not fighting. I’m just upset that Owen is taking his hurt out on his sister.”

“Oh, that’s normal. Siblings say stupid stuff to each other all the time.”

“You guys don’t.”

“That’s because we’re adults. But you should have heard us back in the day.”

“I don’t remember you fighting.”

“We were always on our best behavior when you came to visit.”

Van pushed away so she could look at him. “Why?”

Joe’s eyebrows lifted. “Because I threatened them.”

“Why?”

“Because I loved you and I didn’t want them to frighten you away. And I love you now, Van. And I’m still acting a little clueless, aren’t I?”

“A bit.”

“Forgive me?”

“Yep.” She wrapped her arms around him and held on tight. She loved Joe, she loved his family, she was even beginning to love her father again. Which reminded her she hadn’t bought him and his significant other, Ruth, a Christmas present.

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