The Twins' Family Christmas (Redemption Ranch Book 2) by Lee Tobin McClain

Author:Lee Tobin McClain [McClain, Lee Tobin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction, Forever Love, Christian Stories, Faith Based, Inspirational Reads, Love Inspired, Young Widower & Single Father, Single Woman, Hearts Desire, Clean & Wholesome, Life-Changes, Second Chance Reunion, Honesty & Trust, Home & Family, Lifetime Love, Romantic Schemes, Love-Family & Forever, Action & Adventure, Small Town & Rural Area, Beautiful & Feisty, Christmas Holidays & Celebration, Christmas Time, Holiday Whimsy, Festive Season, Winter Weather, Family & Domestic Life-Young Child-Twins, Military Service, Christian Pastor, Redemption Ranch Series
Publisher: Love Inspired; Original Edition
Published: 2018-11-01T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

The next day, just after Lily had cleaned up from the healthy lunch she’d forced herself to eat, she looked through the window and saw Carson walking out the door of his cabin.

Instantly, she was flooded with embarrassment and hurt.

It would be better if you’d stay away.

She didn’t normally dwell on the times she’d felt unwanted: tiptoeing around her parents’ arguments, trying to make friends at a new school, being assigned as the only woman in a work unit overseas.

But somehow, being told to stay away by Carson—from him and those sweet little girls—hurt a hundred times more.

She couldn’t give in to the despair that threatened her, though. She had to make every effort to keep it at bay.

She dried her hands and went over to the spot in front of the fire where Bella, the old Akita, lay on a soft blanket.

Step one, when you were feeling bad: help someone else.

She rubbed the dog’s ears for a few seconds, earning a feeble tail wag, and then grabbed her laptop and settled in at the little kitchen table.

Starting her online course early would keep her plenty busy, keep her mind from going places that wouldn’t do her any good.

She’d just opened the welcome video from the instructor when there was a knock on her cabin door.

Her emotions stampeded out of the place she’d corralled them, because it couldn’t be anyone but Carson.

She stood and drew in a deep breath. She’d send him away.

As she crossed the cabin, there was another knock. “I’m coming!” She grabbed the door and flung it open, but didn’t step back for him to enter. “What can I do for you, Carson?”

He winced. “Could I come in and talk for a minute?” His eyes were concerned, studying her.

“Are the girls all right?”

“Yes, of course! They’re down in town, at a party for one of their friends.”

“Then what do you need?”

He sighed. “It would be easier if I could come inside.”

Don’t you know you’re killing me? She opened the door and stepped to one side, arms crossed.

He closed the door behind him, rubbing his hands together and stomping the snow from his boots. Then he looked at her, his dark eyes sorrowful. “I’ve hurt you when I was supposed to help you. I’m sorry.”

“I’m fine.”

“It’s not your fault my girls tend to get attached too easily. Probably, it’s my fault.”

“Happens a lot, does it?” The moment she said it, she wished she could take it back. But she’d thought her connection with his girls was at least a little special.

“No,” he said slowly. “They do tend to enjoy being around women, and to cling to their teachers. But the way they’ve latched onto you...no, it’s never happened before, quite like this. They’ve grown so fond of you that they want to make it permanent. In fact, they’re quite annoyed with me that I don’t see the light.”

She waved a hand. “Kids.”

He blew out a breath. “I’m botching this apology. I think you’re a very appealing woman—you can probably tell—and if things were different, I’d—”

“Don’t, Carson.

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