In the Spirit of...Christmas and A Very Special Delivery by Linda Goodnight

Author:Linda Goodnight
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Steeple Hill
Published: 2006-02-15T00:00:00+00:00

Epilogue

Lindsey was sure she would never be happier than she was this Christmas morning. She sat on the edge of an ottoman next to the Christmas tree, surveying her world like a queen.

The farmhouse smelled toasty warm with pumpkin bread and spiced cider and the promise of baked ham for dinner. Presents littered the living-room floor, some already unwrapped and exclaimed over while others still waited for their treasures to be discovered. And though these pleased her, the real joy came from the two people beneath her Christmas tree—Jesse and Jade—the loves of her life.

They’d arrived early, almost as soon as Lindsey was dressed in her Christmas best—an outfit she’d purchased especially for today—a silky emerald blouse, long black skirt, and matching dress boots. From Jesse’s expression and brow-pumping compliments, she concluded she’d chosen well. She even felt pretty this morning.

“You open one now, Lindsey.” Jade pushed a package at her.

Lindsey shook her head. She needed no other presents than the ones she’d already received. After considerable discussion during which each had tried to give the other everything, she and Jesse had agreed to share ownership of the farm. More importantly, she could spend this special Christmas Day with the man and child she’d come to love so deeply.

The Virginia pine in the living room had long since given up its stately status. Laden with ornaments and tinsel, popcorn strings and lights, homemade angels and clay-dough cookies, Lindsey’s Christmas tree was loaded to the breaking point—thanks to Jade’s daily additions. She thought it was the gaudiest, most beautiful tree ever.

“I want to see you open all of yours first.” She lifted the camera from her lap and aimed.

Dressed in dark red velvet, her black hair pulled away from her face with a matching bow, the little girl was exquisite. With typical six-year-old exuberance, she hugged a stuffed dog to her white lace collar.

“This is my Sushi. I love her.”

The real Sushi, watching from her spot next to the furnace, lifted her head and woofed once.

“She loves you too,” Jesse said, his beloved mouth kicking up at the corners.

Snapping the ribbons from a box with one quick jerk, he opened a gift from Lindsey.

She held her breath as he lifted the sweater from the tissue.

“Wow.” He held the rich blue garment beneath his chin. “Now I’ll look decent enough to accompany you beautiful ladies to church this morning.”

Lindsey snapped a picture, happiness bubbling inside her. Jesse was as eager as she to spend this holy day together in God’s house.

“Do you like it?” She thought the blue looked stunning with his mysterious silver eyes.

“Love it.” He leaned across the pile of discarded wrapping paper and grabbed her hand, charming her with a wink. “But I love you more.”

Heart somersaulting in delight, she tapped him lightly on the head. “You’d better.”

With a gentle tug, he pulled her off the ottoman onto her knees in front of him. “No problem there. But I do have another problem.”

The sea-breeze scent of his cologne was almost as heady as the teasing, tender glint in his eyes.

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