BRINGING HOME CHRISTMAS by Vicki Hinze

Author:Vicki Hinze [Hinze, Vicki]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781939016379
Publisher: Magnolia Leaf Press
Published: 2019-10-14T16:00:00+00:00

12

December 21st

5:30 PM

The phone rang.

In her mother’s kitchen, Lauren answered, “Hello.”

“Lauren, it’s David. How was your mom?”

After filling a tea cup, Lauren sat down at the breakfast bar. “She looks a lot better. Jessica was waiting on lab results to confirm it, but physical signs are the infection has stopped spreading and just maybe the antibiotics are kicking in.”

“That’s great. Does she look better?”

“Yes, she does.”

“It’s rattled me to see her like this. I can only imagine what it’s done to you.”

He really cared about her mother. Lauren could hear it in his voice. “I’ve had root canals that didn’t make me as nervous.”

“Did Jessica have any luck, finding nurses to help Mrs. Wong?”

“I texted you on that.”

“Didn’t get it.”

Probably the weather. “It’s done. People were signing up so fast, Jessica had to forfeit one of her two days. Everyone had a story of something wonderful Mrs. Wong had done for them or their kids and wanted to help.”

“And that right there is one reason I love it here.”

“Me, too.” Was Holt Ridge big enough for both of them?

“She’s going to be so excited.”

She was. “I thought maybe we could stop by and tell her on our way to dinner.”

“What if we announced it at the dance?” David said. “She’s going to want to thank everyone.”

“That’ll work.” Lauren nodded. “It’ll be a nice touch, and it’s good for the kids to see how the community comes together to help each other.”

“Speaking of help,” he said. “I, um, wondered if you’d do me a favor.”

Now that was unexpected. “If I can.”

“My leg has exceeded its daily dose. Would it be too much trouble for you to pick me up and we ride together to Pope’s Catering? I know we agreed to meet there, but it would be best if I didn’t drive anymore today.”

“Of course. I’ll be there in about fifteen minutes.”

“Thank you, Lauren.”

“No problem at all.” She hung up the phone, certain his leg had to be killing him or he’d never ask for a favor, especially from her.

Caroline walked in and shrugged out of her coat, then went straight for the teapot. “It’s wickedly cold out there.”

“They’re calling for more snow. One to two inches.” Lauren smoothed a hand over her black skirt and sweater top.

“I’ve been to see Rory. He’s going to do the Santa stint, but I’m not sure the kids are ready for it. He’s ticked to the nines.”

“Why?”

“That’s the thing. When I told him Reverend Wong would fill in if he couldn’t handle it, he got really upset. He said he’d do it, and he intended to see it done.”

“He’s actually looking forward to it.” Lauren gasped. The recluse forced to interact. “What else could explain that kind of reaction?”

“I don’t get it,” Caroline said.

“You don’t have to,” Lauren told her. “Just be there to keep him from snapping at the kids. He’s supposed to be Santa. Someone who wants to see and spend time with them. No one can remind him like you.”

“I wasn’t planning on going.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.