Read Online Blue Christmas (The Moody Blue Trilogy | Book One) by Diane Moody - Free Book Online Page A

me—I get kind of twitchy being away from the
store too long. Anyway, just wanted to let you know you can take the rest of
the week off if you want. I really appreciate you stepping in to help out like
you did. In fact, you’ll find a nice little bonus in your next paycheck. I’m really
grateful.”
    She jumped up and danced a silent victory jig, pounding her fists in the
air. She paused to steady her voice. “Oh, well, that’s—I mean, I’m sorry you
felt you had to come back so soon. But are you sure you don’t need me?”
    “Yes, I’m sure. Take some time off. Enjoy your break. I’ll give you a
call in a few days. And thanks again, Hannah. Merry Christmas.”
    “Merry Christmas, Jim. Bye.” She threw the phone on the bed and jumped in
the air. “Yessssssss! Yes, yes, yes, yes, YES!”
    Her cell phone rang again.
    The doorbell rang.
    Kylie’s name flashed on her cell. Kylie! She hadn’t talked to her since
all this began! She had so much to tell her!
    The doorbell rang. Again. And again and again.
    “Yikes! Just a minute, Jason!”
    She tossed the phone back on the bed, unanswered. I’m sorry Kylie,
I’ll call you later, can’t talk now, you’ll understand when you hear what’s
been going on! She hoped somehow her mental message would get to Kylie. Yeah
right.
    Hannah flew around her room, grabbing the rest of her outfit. She hopped
on one foot then the other as she pulled on her black slacks then ran a brush
through her clean hair. She brushed her teeth in record time then hurried to
the door. She stopped, took a deep breath.
    Be calm. Look relaxed. She opened the door.
    “Why didn’t you tell me there was a blizzard out here, girl? I coulda
killed myself coming over here!” Jason stomped his shoes on the welcome mat
before stepping into the apartment.
    “I didn’t know.” She peeked out then shoved the door shut against the
frigid air. “I slept all afternoon. Is it that bad out there?” When she turned
around, he was there. Right there.
    “Whoa—Hannah. You look amazing,” he said, folding his arms across his
chest as if studying her. “I mean really amazing. You clean up good.”
    Her face warmed under the scrutiny of his attention. “Well that’s good to
know. I guess?” Seeing such affection in those warm green eyes reduced her
knees to linguine. “Um, so you think it’s too dangerous to drive?”
    “It’s looking
pretty bad. The roads aren’t impossible but don’t plan on coming home tonight.
You’ll be snowed in for sure.” He took both her hands in his. “Which, of
course, would be such a shame now, wouldn’t it?”
    The butterflies flitted through her stomach.She plastered a
nervous smile on her face. “Give me just a second, will you?”
    Hannah hurried to her bathroom, grabbed her small makeup bag and tossed
it in her purse. With these people, you never know when you’ll be home
again. The thought scattered the butterflies on another round. Still, she
couldn’t help feeling excited.
    Twenty minutes later they walked hand in hand to the back entrance of the
McKenzie’s estate. Hannah slowed her steps, her hand tugging Jason back.
    He turned. “You okay?”
    “I’m really nervous, Jason. All these people . . . I don’t
think I can do this.”
    He cupped her face in his gloved hands. “Look. You liked Mom and Dad,
right?”
    “Of course I did.”
    “So see? We’re all related. We’re just a normal family, Hannah. You’ll do
great. And I promise not to leave you stuck with any of them. Deal?”
    She sighed, only slightly reassured by his promise. “Deal.”
    The evening was one of the sweetest Christmas memories Hannah ever
experienced. Just as Jason promised, his family turned out to be a
conglomeration of McKenzie warmth and kindness. They made sure to include her
in their conversations, asking questions about her studies, her interests, her
family, her plans. Jason kept his promise, staying close to her side, sitting
on the arm of her chair or