The Gift by Leeanna Morgan

Author:Leeanna Morgan [Morgan, Leeanna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Romance, Military, SEAL, Mystery, suspense, Clean & Wholesome, Small town, love, Adventure, romantic suspense, christmas, montana, cowboy, Ranch, friendship, literature, kidnap
Publisher: Rogan Press
Published: 2017-11-29T18:30:00+00:00

CHAPTER TEN

Brett ducked to avoid the snowball heading toward his head. “This isn’t a good idea.”

Hannah hid behind him. “It’s better than being cooped up inside. Watch out!”

Another snowball flew toward them. He grabbed hold of Hannah’s waist, pulling her out of danger. Mary-Beth was enjoying herself more than she should have been.

He knelt on the ground and started making his own stash of snowballs. If no one was willing to listen to him, he’d make the most of being outside.

“Use these.” Hannah passed him two snowballs. “Dave and Thomas are under fire from their brothers and sisters.”

Hannah lobbed three snowballs in quick succession toward Thomas’ sisters. “Woo-hoo! I got them.”

Unsurprisingly, Laura recovered the fastest. Brett had never met a little girl like her. She was calm under pressure, fearless, and full of energy.

Another snowball rocketed toward him. He moved fast, barely avoiding the cold missile. “That’s it. Mary-Beth is in serious trouble.” He loaded his pockets with the snowballs he’d made.

Hannah laughed and handed him more ammunition. “You’d better take these, too.”

“You make a great wingman.”

“I’ve had lots of practice with Claire.”

Another snowball exploded against the arm of his jacket. “I’ll see you soon.” He ran across no man’s land, dodging another three snowballs before getting close to his sister.

Mary-Beth, knowing exactly what he was up to, met him in the middle of the yard. With more speed than accuracy, she unleashed a flurry of snowballs.

He ducked and made a dive for her feet.

But she knew how to look after herself. Mary-Beth jumped out of his way and grabbed two handfuls of snow. Before he had time to move, she squished the cold snow into his face and down his jacket.

Sensing an easy victory, the other kids fired snowballs at him.

After being pummeled with cold snow, he held up his hands. “I give in.”

Mary-Beth threw her arms in the air. “We won!”

A chorus of cheers rang across Pat’s front yard.

Brett got to his feet before anyone decided to throw more snow.

His sister took one look at him and grinned. “You’ve lost your touch. Last year you would have buried me under a mound of snow.”

“You had a lucky escape. I’m on my best behavior today.”

“Because of Hannah?”

He didn’t reply.

“Now you know how I feel.”

Laura ran toward them. “Can we make snow angels?”

“Sure,” Mary-Beth said. “I know the best place to make them.”

Brett watched his sister lead a group of the girls toward the barn.

Hannah stood beside him. “Everyone’s happy.”

He looked around the yard. Pat and Claire were adding a carrot nose to the snowman they’d been creating. Thomas was talking non-stop with his mom, and Dave’s little brothers were following him across the yard toward Pat. Anyone arriving on the ranch wouldn’t know how stressful it had been earlier in the morning.

“You were right.” He held Hannah’s hand and walked toward the barn. “Spending time outside has been good for everyone.”

“Mrs. Bennett will appreciate the peace and quiet. She was so patient with Laura and her sisters. Decorating a gingerbread house can be messy at the best of times, but she made it fun and messy.

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