Mixed Signals by Liz Curtis Higgs

Author:Liz Curtis Higgs [Higgs, Liz Curtis]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 978-0-307-78886-3
Publisher: The Doubleday Religious Publishing Group
Published: 2011-03-22T20:00:00+00:00

Norah considered herself an above-average conversationalist. But even a pro runs out of small talk eventually.

Since the minute David Cahill stormed out her front door, trailed by a tearful Belle, Norah had been preparing for their return. Room was made at the festive table for another guest. Didn’t I want six all along? Symmetry gave her a small frisson of pleasure deep in her bones. The Christmas stocking with David’s name carefully stitched across the top was quickly hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that dear David soon would be there.

Soon came and went. Late had settled in.

The food waited, no doubt shriveled beyond recognition, warming in her Silver Spoon ovens downstairs. Her three remaining guests, filled to the gills with hors d’oeuvres and eggnog, sat expectantly around her table, strangers to one another, thrown together only moments before the whole messy drama had unfolded in the foyer.

This was not at all the day she’d anticipated, planned for, prayed for, hoped for. Which meant God was up to something, and for that she was exceedingly grateful. After all, what would Christmas be without him?

Patrick was looking at her now, his eyes darker than usual, a hint of a smile playing at the corner of his mouth. Scoundrel. She should punish him for his carelessness, for inviting David without informing anyone else. What a lot of unnecessary heartache he’d caused. Still, it was hard to stay mad at a man who meant well and looked so crestfallen when he realized what he’d done.

He’d apologized to her profusely in the kitchen, even after she’d swatted his hand when he reached for a biscuit. He’d grabbed her hand in return, lifted it to brush his lips against her floured palm, begged her forgiveness. When he grinned—his mouth covered with White Lily Flour—she’d laughed until her sides hurt.

How could a woman stay mad at such an impossibly charming man?

Belle’s parents were holding up well, considering. A pleasant couple, obviously trying to sort things out, wondering what they’d missed and who the blond stranger was who’d stolen their daughter’s heart. Belle could deny it all she wanted, insist her elders were seeing things that weren’t there, but it was clear that David had eyes for her alone and vice versa.

Norah smiled to herself. You don’t live fifty years and miss the obvious stuff. The question was, had the two of them figured it out yet?

As if in answer, the front door swung open, ushering in the snow-covered couple. Belle and David both sported identical red noses and expressions suggesting … astonishment? Norah was certain of one thing. David’s cheek bore a distinct scarlet handprint, and Belle’s neck was a startling shade of pink, showing off a shiny new gold necklace.

My, this is turning out to be a memorable Christmas.

“Finally, you two!” Norah hurried to greet them with a warm hug, steering them to their chairs, waiting side by side at the table. “Forgive us, David, for getting our signals crossed. Naturally we wanted you with us for Christmas.

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