Read Online A Little Bit of Holiday Magic by Melissa McClone - Free Book Online

raised her chin, meeting Bill’s gaze straight on. “I could try, but it’s not worth the risk. What if you’re wrong and throw your back out? You won’t be able to finish decorating the tree, or make a snowman if the weather improves, or go to work in the morning.”
    She and her son had never experienced this kind of family time preparing for the holidays. Having Bill a part of it was special. No sense letting fear ruin the day for Liam.
    Bill studied her. “You’re practical.”
    Grace expected to hear teasing in his voice, not...respect. “Being practical goes with being a mom.”
    Bill swept Liam into the air again. “You’re a lucky guy to have such a great mom.”
    Her heart went pitter-pat like the Little Drummer Boy’s stick against his drum. Her life revolved around being Liam’s mom. There was no better compliment. “Thanks.”
    Holding on to a glittery green ball, Liam nodded. “Best mommy ever.”
    Grace’s chest tightened. All she’d ever wanted to be was a great mom. A great wife, too. Maybe someday she’d get another chance at the latter. “You’re the best son ever.”
    Liam nodded. “And Bill best daddy.”
    The word daddy floated on the air, a comic strip dialogue bubble looming over Bill’s head.
    Her joy evaporated. Her stomach churned. Her heart hurt. He was going to burst Liam’s bubble and...
    Bill casually ruffled her son’s hair. “That’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to me, little dude. Where do you want to hang the ball?”
    Grace released the breath she’d been holding.
    Liam pointed to one of the upper branches. “There.”
    “You’ve got this.” Bill lifted him higher.
    Her son hooked the ornament on the tree and was lowered to the floor. He dived into the box of ornaments. “More. More.”
    “Let’s put them all on,” Bill said.
    Maybe she’d overreacted, hearing Liam call another man Daddy. Maybe she’d been the only one feeling uncomfortable. Maybe Bill could smooth over an awkward moment like buttercream icing on a wedding cake.
    A wedding cake?
    Her insides trembled.
    Maybe she’d better forget this holiday fun and run as far away from Bill as she could during the next break in the storm. Not that she had a way to leave besides her two feet. Darn it.
    Grace could count on one hand the times Liam had said the word daddy. He didn’t remember his father. He’d been too young. But she told him stories about Damon and showed him pictures. Liam had seen other kids and their daddies at preschool and at the college day care where he’d stayed while she attended classes.
    Guess he thought Bill looked like a daddy.
    A superhot daddy.
    Don’t go there.
    Getting her son a daddy wasn’t on her to-do list. Or her Christmas list.
    Bill Paulson was not the answer to their prayers. He was not going to wrap himself up in a big bow. He was a one-day savior, not a long-term one.
    Not that Grace needed saving.
    She needed to get a grip on her fantasies and kick him out of the starring role.
    He touched her shoulder. “You okay?”
    Grace startled. No, she wasn’t okay, but she nodded, not wanting to admit the truth. She needed to protect her son’s heart. How was she going to do that? And protect herself, too.
    She glanced out the window. Still snowing. That meant she was stuck here with Liam’s idea of a daddy. And Bill happily acting the part.
    His eyes didn’t let go. “You look miles away.”
    She wished she was miles away. Away from him and the sugarplum temptation of his make-believe world, where all was safe and perfect.
    Grace, of all people, knew better.
    She gave her head a hard shake. “Just thinking.”
    “About me?” he teased.
    Her cheeks flamed. If he only knew...
    He made her feel things she’d buried deep inside her when she’d laid her husband to rest at Arlington. She would rather face a roomful of black widow spiders than tell him the truth.
    “About today.” Which was true. “I’ve never decorated a live Christmas tree before.