Read Online All I Want for Christmas: A Kinnison Legacy Holiday novella by Amanda McIntyre - Free Book Online

Liberty.
    “What was it Doc told us? Patience and—” She took him in fully, bracing her hands on his chest.
    “Dee-termination,” Rein said with a groan of pure pleasure. He lifted his hips, pushing deep. “Oh, yeah, I like your determination, darlin’.”
    “Then you can tell Santa…” she said, moving her body with his.
    Holding onto her thighs, trying to keep up nearly made Rein’s eyes cross.
    “That all I want for Christmas is…” A gasp tore from her throat.
    There was something different about this time. He felt it as he rose, pushing deep, giving her everything—his heart, his body, his future.
    “Is you, sweetheart,” she sighed. “Just you.”

Chapter Four
     
    Per the judge’s orders, Cody had gone every Friday afternoon with Miss Ellie to visit his mother for a few hours.  Each time had proved to be more difficult in terms of his behavior when he returned to them. It was as though his demeanor had changed. Sullen, quick-tempered, aggressive—he usually took a nap, preferring to be alone until he was ready to be social. Liberty had brought it up to Ellie when she met them at the diner that Friday. “I know you said to expect some changes, but it seems to be getting worse,” Liberty said to Ellie after buckling Cody into his car seat. “Is there any reason why? Something we should be more aware of?”
    Ellie glanced at the car and sighed. “His mother made him a promise that she’d be out before Christmas and that they would spend it together. Today, however, she seemed preoccupied. She seemed hypercritical of Cody—his hair, his clothes, how he spoke to her, and then would tell him how much she missed him. Mixed messages.”
    “We’ve been trying to teach him to use his manners. We’re not trying to overstep anything.”
    Ellie patted her arm. “I doubt that teaching a child a few manners is going to harm anyone.” She shrugged. “As long as they are basic manners that anyone would teach, I think you should go ahead, just as you’re doing.”
    “Sunday is a family dinner over at Wyatt and Aimee’s. Do you think it’s too much to force him to be social?”
    “You can see,” she replied. “But honestly, I think he needs family. Children tend to respond favorably when they’re welcomed into an environment of love and acceptance.”
    Liberty nodded. “Taking my cues from you, Ellie,” she said, accepting Cody’s backpack.
    “There is something you need to know. Rowena’s lawyer is trying to get enough collected to post her bail before Christmas. And, I’ve heard something about a plea bargain. If that should happen, there’s a good chance she’ll get Cody back.” Ellie stated. “That said—I’ve made the offer that she and Cody are welcome to live at the house, with the caveat that she get a job and keep her nose clean.”
    Liberty realized for the first time the weight that Ellie placed on her own shoulders when it came to caring for and helping these displaced families.
    “It’s a gamble,” she said, “but I’d rather have her living in the house so my staff and I can keep an eye on Cody.
    Not thrilled by the news, Liberty headed home, knowing Rein would be even less enthralled. When he arrived home that evening after helping Nate with some renovations at the pharmacy, Cody was still in his room.
    Rein dropped his tool belt over the hook by the back door. He gave her a kiss and glanced in the family room. “Where’s Cody?” He narrowed his gaze. “Did he come back the same as before?”
    Liberty nodded. “Yes, I’m afraid so, but there’s more. It seems Rowena’s lawyer is trying to strike a deal to get her three-month sentence reduced and post bail before the holidays. She’s claiming she was a victim, that she didn’t realize she was meeting up with a drug dealer, claiming that she thought it was a job interview her friend had set up for her.”
    Rein frowned. “Christmas is just a few days away.”
    “I know. His mom apparently implied strongly