If you like this online read you'll enjoy Sheri Whitefeather's books!

Mob Mistress
 £0.99

Killer Passion
 £2.71
 £2.71

Always Look Twice
 £2.68
 £3.15

Daniel's heart was beating, thumping wildly in his chest. He stood at Traci's door, his father beside him.

Traci stared at both of them. "Oh, my."

She wore a burgundy dress, and her hair was fixed in a loose topknot, red curls framing her face. Daniel wanted to draw her into his arms and never let go.

"Hi," he said instead. "Merry Christmas."

"Hi." She blinked, and Daniel introduced his father.

George smiled and took her hand. "You're pretty," he told her.

Her eyes misted. "Thank you. Come in, please."

The mouthwatering aroma of holiday food filled the house. A turkey was roasting in the oven, and a pumpkin pie cooled on the counter.

They entered the living room where lights twinkled on a tall evergreen. Wads of colorful paper and strings of shiny ribbon were strewn all over the floor. Parker and Tom sat on the sofa, inspecting one of Parker's new toys.

Tom smiled, and Parker leaped up and ran toward Daniel. He lifted the boy and held tight, smoothing the child's cowlick. This is what Christmas is about, he thought. Family, friends, and a warm feeling inside.

Tom and George took to each other immediately, chatting like old army buddies. Or possibly newfound relatives — two wise old men who appreciated the simple things life had to offer.

Traci slipped into the kitchen to check on dinner, and Daniel followed her. She leaned against the counter and released a shaky breath.

"I'm so surprised you're here," she said. "And with your father."

"He wanted to meet you."

"Really? Why?"

"Because I told him about you and Parker and how much you helped me." Daniel realized he was nervous. Traci seemed a little wary, and he prayed she would accept the gift he brought her.

"Are you moving to North Carolina after the holidays?" she asked.

"No. My dad is going back, but I'm staying here."

She twisted a strand of her unruly hair. "You are?"

"Yes." He moved closer. "And I —" He paused and reached into the suit jacket he wore. Handing her a tiny wrapped package, he waited for her to open it, too anxious to finish his speech.

She fumbled with the paper, and when she uncovered the gift, she met his gaze, her bright green eyes searching his.

* * *

Hours later, Traci and Daniel sat on the porch swing. Snow had begun to fall, but Traci wasn't cold. The man she loved had proposed, and the ring on her finger glittered like a falling star.

Wishes, she thought, do come true.

"When did you know?" she asked.

"That I loved you?" His hair blew in the breeze, like silk against midnight. "I'm not sure. It might have happened the moment I saw you. Of course I was in denial. I didn't think I was capable of loving again."

She leaned her head on his shoulder and watched snowflakes flutter to the ground. "Where are we going to live?"

"In Orchid House, if that's okay with you. There's plenty of room there, and I was hoping that —" He turned to nuzzle her neck. "That you would give me lots of babies."

Traci pictured Parker with a houseful of brothers and sisters. The image made her dizzy with happiness. She clung to Daniel's arm, knowing he would make a strong, caring father. "Cherokee babies," she said.

"Yeah." He smiled at her, pride shining in his eyes.

She touched his cheek, and when their lips met in a tender kiss, the scent of orchids swirled in the crisp, winter air.

Traci closed her eyes and thanked Daniel's angels, the winged ladies of the night, for blessing them with a Christmas love that would last forever.

THE END



chapter: 1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  11  12  13  14  15  16  17  18  19  20