Read Online Angel Song by Mary Manners - Free Book Online

her he cherished her, as well.
    Where would it all lead? Was this part of God’s plan?
     
     
     
     

11
     
    “Mom, what time is Mr. Jason coming?” Linsey asked as she skipped into the kitchen.
    Quinn glanced at her watch as she basted the turkey. Music hummed from the radio and her cheeks were warmed by heat that rushed from the open oven door. The rich aroma of Christmas—turkey, yams and warm pumpkin pie—filled the kitchen. “He should be here any minute, but Mama and Mr. Cantori are running just a bit late.”
    “Is Tom Turkey ready?” Linsey scrambled beside her to peer into the roasting pan.
    “Careful.” Quinn shielded the inquisitive child from the heat as she bathed the baking breast in drippings. “He’s golden brown.”
    Linsey’s nose scrunched. “That’s good, right?”
    “It’s perfect.” Quinn replaced the roaster lid and closed the oven door. “Just a little bit longer and we’ll be ready for Christmas dinner.”
    Linsey spun in a circle, and her red-velvet dress billowed along her knees. Crisp, white tights sheltered her legs from the winter cold. “Can I play with my toys while I wait?”
    “Of course you may.” A pang of regret marred Quinn’s joy. Though Linsey had handled the fact that she didn’t receive the doll she wanted—the gift highest on her list—Quinn still sensed her daughter’s disappointment. But Linsey was a sweet child. She didn’t pout; she treasured what she did receive.
    Quinn had received a gift of her own—an offer from the community college to teach art classes beginning in January. The hours were perfect, the pay was generous, and the position would allow her and Linsey to remain in Landers Hollow among friends and family. Maybe Jason was right after all…maybe what she considered a detour—getting laid off—was one of those things God was turning into a beautiful blessing.
    She hummed along to the music as she stirred the mashed potatoes and basted rolls with melted butter. She’d wait for Jason to arrive before sliding them into the oven to brown.
    The doorbell rang, and Linsey’s patent-leather shoes pounded the wood floor as she raced to open the door. “Mom, he’s here!”
     
    ****
     
    Jason stomped the snow from his boots as Linsey pulled open the front door.
    “Merry Christmas, Mr. Jason!” Her cheeks were flushed, the freckles more pronounced, and a green satin bow gathered her hair into a wavy ponytail.
    “Merry Christmas, sweetie.” The aroma of roasted turkey and sweet potatoes danced with warmth as he entered the house. “Have you been cooking?”
    “Mom has. She let me help make the green bean casserole, and I got to stir the mashed potatoes, too.” She stepped back to allow him entry. “Tom Turkey’s almost ready.”
    “Well, it smells delicious.” His stomach growled. “My, don’t you look pretty today.”
    “Thank you.” Linsey grinned as she pirouetted. “This is my special Christmas dress.” She did a little tap dance. “And my Christmas shoes.”
    “Beautiful.”
    “Mom has a special dress, too.” Linsey’s head bobbed, bouncing wisps of copper ringlets that had escaped the tail. “She looks real pretty.”
    “I’ll bet she does.” Jason craned his head, hoping for a glimpse into the kitchen where he heard Quinn hum along to Christmas music playing on the radio.
    “What’s this?” Linsey tapped the large package in his hands, wrapped in red foil paper and a shimmery-gold bow.
    “I’m not sure, but it has your name on it.”
    “My name?”
    “Uh huh.” He showed her the tag, and then handed the package to her. “I think Santa got a little confused and left it at my house instead of yours. I’m sure he meant for me to bring it to you.”
    “Can I open it?”
    “I think you’d better.”
    Quinn stepped into the room and the sight of her in a fitted, knee-length black velvet dress and matching spike-heeled pumps stole Jason’s breath.
    Her mahogany eyes twinkled. “Merry Christmas,