Read Online Kisses on Her Christmas List by Susan Meier - Free Book Online Page B

the coffee.”
    In a few minutes, everyone had a slice of cake and a cup of coffee or glass of milk. They talked some more about Mary’s plans to remodel her house, then Mary asked Finley about school and Finley launched into an unusually happy, unusually lengthy discussion of her classes, her classmates and recess.
    Mary seemed to soak it all up, but Shannon really listened, really participated in the conversation with Finley.
    When the cake was gone and the conversation exhausted, Shannon rose from the table and gathered their plates, which she slid into the dishwasher. “We really have to get going. Not only do we have to make something for dinner, but it will also be dark soon.”
    Mary rose, too. “That’s the bad thing about winter. It gets dark too early. And with all these clouds, you can’t count on the light of the moon to get you home.”
    Finley laughed. “That’s funny.”
    Mary tickled her tummy. “I’m a funny lady.” She pulled Finley’s jacket from the back of her chair and helped her slide into it. “You can come back anytime you like.”
    Finley nodded.
    â€œJust always remember to bring cake.”
    At that, Finley giggled.
    After sliding into her parka, Shannon picked up her cake carrier and headed for the door. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”
    â€œOh, you don’t have to. I’m fine.”
    â€œI know, but Mom and Dad are arriving one day this week for the holiday. So you’ll be invited to Christmas Eve dinner. I’ll need to give you the time.”
    â€œSounds great.”
    Shannon gave her a hug, opened the door and stepped out onto the cold porch.
    Carrying Finley, Rory followed her. “She’s great.”
    Leading them down the stairs, Shannon said, “She is. But she was even funnier when her husband was alive.” She peeked back at Rory. “He had a heart attack two years ago. She’s really only now getting back into the swing of things.”
    â€œThat’s hard.”
    â€œYeah.” She caught his gaze again. “But lots of life is hard.”
    He knew she was referring to her divorce, which she’d barely explained. Still he could tell that life—marriage—hadn’t treated her any more fairly than it had treated him. It was no wonder they got along so well. Both had been burned. Both knew nothing was certain.
    They finished the walk chitchatting about nothing, making conversation to alleviate the boredom. But when they got into the house and Shannon pulled off her knit cap, throwing snow around her kitchen when she freed her hair, a knot formed in Rory’s stomach.
    He liked her. He wanted to kiss her so much that he’d almost acted on the impulse twice.
    He didn’t want to get married again. He wasn’t even sure he wanted to get in a serious relationship again. But he liked her.
    And he wanted to kiss her.
    And if he didn’t soon get out of this house he was going to act on that impulse.

CHAPTER FIVE
    T HE SNOW ITSELF might have stopped by Sunday morning, but on Monday morning the air was still cold, the wind wicked.
    They set out to get Rory’s car from the interstate at seven o’clock, but discovered it had been towed—with all the other stranded cars—to a used car dealership in the next town over, so the roads could be plowed.
    By the time they returned to Green Hill, the store was already open for business. When they entered the crowded first-floor sales department, color, scent and sound bombarded them. Throngs of noisy people crowded the sales tables. Red, green and blue Christmas ornaments hung from the ceiling, along with strings of multicolored lights and tinsel. The scent of chocolate from the candy department wafted through the air. “Jingle Bells” spilled from the overhead speakers.
    Shannon cast a quick glance at Finley, who was being carried by her dad. Her eyes had grown huge. Her mouth was a little