Read Online Her Christmas Protector by Terri Reed - Free Book Online Page A

marry her.”
    Surprised by that tidbit, Faith had a better understanding of why Reva viewed her as a threat.
    Reaching to nuzzle the first llama to reach them, Dottie cooed, “Ah, here are my beauties.”
    “Hi there, Blondie.” Faith stroked the neck of a light-colored llama that had nudged her shoulder.
    Dottie laughed. “That’s Ricky. Blondie is over by the barn.”
    “Oops, sorry boy.”
    “You know, someday, I hope I’ll have some grandbabies to spoil.” Dottie gave Faith a sidelong glance over Ricky’s head.
    Faith stared ahead, choosing not to interpret Dottie’s look. Instead, she fought down a sudden wave of jealousy for the woman Luke would someday marry and have children with. “You know there’s only fifteen days left until Christmas.”
    Dottie’s gaze clouded. “I’d forgotten. I usually have decorations up right after Thanskgiving, but—” Dottie sighed. “I haven’t been in a very festive mood.”
    “That’s understandable.”
    Taking Faith’s arm, Dottie said, “But it’s time to throw off the melancholy and get ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus. When Luke gets back he can get the decorations from the attic.”
    “That would be wonderful,” Faith agreed.
    This Christmas would be a celebration. She was free of Vinnie and with people she cared about.
    What more could she ask for?

SIX
    L uke stretched out his legs, his muscles tight from today’s ride. He watched Faith sitting across the living room, her hands clenched tightly. She was still upset. The paleness of her skin concerned him. But she had no reason now to be afraid.
    The private investigator was more than likely flying over the Canadian border by now.
    For his part, the ride this afternoon had done nothing to dispel his frustration, because his thoughts had centered on Faith, alternating between the trouble she was hiding from and his growing attraction to her.
    “Did you enjoy your dinner, Luke?” Reva leaned her hip on the arm of the chair he sat in. Something about the way she’d been overly sweet this evening set off warning signals in his brain.
    He gave her a considering look. “Yes, you did a fine job, as usual.”
    With a satisfied smile, Reva walked back into the kitchen.
    Hoping to catch a moment alone with Faith so they could talk, he asked, “Are you heading upstairs, Mother?”
    “No, actually. I’m feeling very perky this evening,” Dottie said.
    Faith glanced up with a wan smile and rose. “If you don’t mind, I’ll go to my room now.”
    Concern arched through Luke. “Do you need anything?”
    “No, thank you. You both have been more than kind,” she stated and went upstairs.
    Luke debated following her. He really wanted to know more, but decided he had to let it go. He couldn’t get too involved. “Can I get you some tea, Mom?”
    Settling back in the cushy chair, Dottie patted his arm. “No, I’m good.” She picked up the remote. “I’ll just catch up on the news.”
    “I’m going to check on Lucy. I’ll be back in a few.” He turned to go.
    “Luke?”
    He stopped. “Yes, Mom?”
    “Tomorrow would you bring in the Christmas decorations from the attic?”
    His heart squeezed tight. Christmas without his father here was going to be tough. “Are you sure?”
    Though her eyes misted, she nodded.
    “Then of course.”
    “I think it will be good for Faith and I to decorate. Take her mind off whatever troubles her.”
    Family business. “I’m sure she’d like that.”
    “I like her,” Dottie stated.
    “Me, too, Mom.”
    A sage smile lifted the corners of Dottie’s mouth. “Good. Now off with you.”
    “Okay, Mom.” He hoped she wasn’t getting any ideas about matchmaking. The last thing he needed was to have to be on guard from his mother’s machinations.
    When he walked into the kitchen, Reva was washing dishes. Now was a prime opportunity to talk to her. He leaned against the counter. “Tell me you didn’t talk to the P.I. when you went to town.”
    Her hands