Read Online New Beginnings by Charlotte Carter - Free Book Online Page A

the room a joyous refuge for her family.
    She’d just finished passing the tray around when Evan and Maureen arrived. Cam opened the door for them.
    “Hi, Pop. We made it.”
    “So I see.” He stepped back to let the foursome enter.
    Maureen herded her young ones inside. Jacob’s brown hair was slicked down except for one cowlick that made the hair at the back of his head stand at attention. Petite Olivia was a delicate blonde version of her mother.
    Anabelle went to greet them. She hugged Maureen. “I’m so glad you and your children could be with us today.”
    “It was very nice of you to invite us.” She cupped her daughter’s head next to her.
    Olivia buried her head in her mother’s thigh. Jacob stood very straight and extended his hand. “Hi, Mrs. Scott.”
    “Hello there, young Jacob. We’re very happy to have you and your sister here on Christmas Day. In fact, there just might be a present or two under the tree with your name on it. Olivia too.”
    The boy’s dark eyes widened, and he quickly glanced up at his mother.
    Maureen nodded, and they all moved farther into the living room. Greetings were exchanged, more eggnog served, and the grand scramble to open presents began with oohs and ahs and many thank-yous.
    Anabelle noticed how carefully Jacob unwrapped his presents, a Read It Myself book and a remote control crazy car. He carried the car to Evan, who was sitting on the floor amid the jumble of wrapping paper.
    “I think it needs batteries,” Jacob said.
    “Mother?” Evan asked.
    “I put some batteries on the table beside your father.”
    Cam tossed his son the batteries, who handed them off to Jacob. Working with care under Evan’s supervision, the boy slipped the batteries in place. It looked to Anabelle that her son and this young boy had already developed a relationship, their heads close together, their quiet exchange of questions and explanations. She had the distinct impression this would not be the last time Maureen and her children joined the Scott family for a holiday dinner.
    A swell of pleasure rose in Anabelle’s chest. She did so want Evan settled, and she knew that Maureen was an excellent choice.
    Quiet, shy Olivia took her new baby doll to Lindsay Belle and gave it to her. Lindsay Belle babbled “bababa” and handed Olivia her new stuffed panda bear, to Olivia’s delight. The two little girls hugged.
    “It looks like Lindsay Belle has a new friend,” Ainslee commented in a quiet voice.
    And maybe, in time, a couple of stepcousins, Anabelle mused.
    Getting dinner on the table was a cooperative affair with all the women helping out, including Maureen.
    Once settled, Cam called for everyone’s attention. “Let’s begin by saying grace.”
    They all held hands around the table, Anabelle holding Lindsay Belle’s sticky fingers on one side and Kirstie’s on the other. She silently said a heartfelt,
Thank You, Lord
, before Cam began to pray.
    “Dear Lord, we come to You with open hearts, deep gratitude for this day, and acknowledge the sacrifice of Your Son for our salvation. Please bless those of us at this table, watch over us in the coming year, and lead us into Thy service. Amen.”
    “Amen,” they all chorused.
    “Boy, does this look good,” Evan announced as he reached for the plate of sliced ham. “I’m starved.”
    “Me too!” Jacob echoed with childish enthusiasm.
    Smiling, Anabelle helped herself to some spinach salad before passing the dish along to Kirstie. Young Jacob was definitely developing a case of hero worship when it came to Evan. As troubled as she’d been at one point about his relationship with a woman with two young children, she’d long since put those concerns behind her.
    From her perspective, Maureen—a strong woman with a mind of her own—would be a perfect match for Evan.
    She looked around the table at her family and the table settings. A green damask runner ran down the center of the table, accented with holly branches, and