Cries in the Night by Kathy Clark

Author:Kathy Clark [Clark, Kathy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Goodreads: 19047351
Publisher: Nightwriter93
Published: 2013-11-25T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

The mall was super-crowded with everyone shopping the last-minute sales for Christmas gifts. It took Rusty several circles of the parking lot to find a space. As they walked along, not in a particular hurry to get to the phone kiosk, he caught her hand and entwined his fingers with hers. It was a ridiculously simple gesture that made Julie, for the first time in a long time, feel really special. Christmas music filled the air, along with the fresh smell of pine that came from the large trees that were elaborately decorated and placed throughout the mall.

Christmas had once been Julie’s favorite time of the year, but it was a holiday for kids. For the last five years, she hadn’t been able to bring herself to celebrate. With no family, she didn’t have any presents to buy except a few for her co-workers and staff, and she did that early to avoid the rush. So, as they strolled along, looking at the elaborate window displays, she realized she had missed all the color and sparkle. And the sentiment.

As they faced one of the big display windows, she saw their reflection in the glass. She and Rusty stood, side-by-side, her hand still snugly inside his much larger one. He was so tall and gorgeous that it took her breath away. The blue of the sweater brought out the intense color of his eyes and the delicious fragrance of his aftershave was driving her wild. How wonderful it would be to actually be a part of a happy couple, especially this time of year.

“Hey, Rusty … Julie,” a masculine voice called and they turned around.

Sam, Rusty’s younger brother and his fiancée Kate approached, their arms loaded with bags. Their gazes immediately took in Rusty’s hand gripping Julie’s possessively. Sam didn’t even pretend not to notice. Instead, he gave them a “gotcha” smile. “So, what’s new?” he asked.

“Oh, you mean my sweater?” Rusty bantered back. “Yeah, it is. Do you like it?”

“Looks good on you,” Sam answered. “I think you made a good choice, much better than some of the other sweaters you’ve worn.”

Rusty squeezed her hand. “This one is a good fit.” He nodded toward their purchases. “Looks like you two have been busy. What did you get Mom?”

Sam rolled his eyes. “She’s the only one left. I just can’t find anything.”

“She saves those Snow Village house thingies,” Rusty suggested.

“She’s got dozens of them. I have no idea which ones she needs.”

“How about a Painted Pony statue? I noticed she has started collecting them.”

Sam smiled and nodded. “Great idea.”

“We just passed a store that sells them,” Julie spoke up.

“So what did you get her?” Sam asked. “No, wait, don’t tell me … another gift certificate to Red Lobster?”

“No, I got her that last year,” Rusty scoffed. “This year, it’s for Carrabba’s.”

“That’s such a cop out.”

“No, it’s not. It’s a thoughtful, useful gift. She likes to eat. And I usually tag along when she uses it, so I get a good meal and some quality time with her.

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