The Secret Christmas Child by Lee Tobin McClain

Author:Lee Tobin McClain
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2019-09-03T18:26:55+00:00

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It took two van trips to get all the boys and dogs hauled over to the church that afternoon, and even then Gabby had to drive separately, bringing Nana and Izzy. Nana was going to help with the sewing, and Izzy, as usual, was cheerfully along for the ride.

Being around all the boys in the Rescue Haven program was good for Izzy. Between them, and Reese and Jacob, she’d gotten used to deeper voices and a slightly rougher style of interaction, and as a result, she was more confident and happier than ever. Since Gabby didn’t expect to raise her with a father in the home, all the boys and men surrounding her now were a godsend.

As they got out of the van, she heard a few of the boys complaining. They were tired. They were cold. They didn’t want to hang out in a church.

But it was good-natured complaining, not like the slightly hostile tone they’d had this morning. Reese had called it right, getting them all outdoors for fresh air and exercise.

Reese called a lot of stuff right. He was good at his job, and if she hadn’t known him before, she’d never have guessed that working with kids wasn’t his first choice of career.

God worked in mysterious ways. Reese had been truly gifted at carpentry, but wasn’t he affecting even more boys, for the better, in his current position? Just look at how he’d gently educated the boys about his prosthesis, modeling gracious acceptance of a disability and calm, secure leadership.

Nana squeezed her arm as they walked together up the icy sidewalk. “I’m so proud of you for how you’ve embraced this work,” she said. “You’ve grown into an impressive woman.”

Her words warmed Gabby, and so did the voice behind them. “I’ll second that,” a familiar voice said.

“Sheniqua!” Gabby spun around and hugged her old friend. “It’s great to see you, but what are you doing at the church today?”

“Even doctors get a little time off,” Sheniqua said. “And you know I like quilting and sewing, so when your grandma said you all were working with the boys here at the church today...I thought I’d stop by, see if I could help.” She held up a plastic container and flipped open the lid. “Plus, I brought cookies.”

Drawn by the delicious fragrance, several boys circled them.

Gabby inhaled with deep appreciation. “Chocolate chip. You’re the absolute best,” she said.

“Could I try one?” David asked.

Wolf elbowed him out of the way. “I can help you carry that, ma’am.”

Sheniqua held the container out of reach. “Wait your turn, boys. Nana and Gabby—and Reese, where is he?—anyway, the adults get the first pick before I give the rest to you young people.”

Nana and Gabby quickly took warm cookies and Gabby took an extra one for Reese, wrapping it in a napkin. Then Sheniqua handed the container to Wolf and told him to distribute the cookies fairly.

As Sheniqua, Nana and Gabby walked into the church, Sheniqua put an arm around Gabby. “Your grandma’s right, you know? You’re all grown up now.

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