Read Online Snowfall on Haven Point by RaeAnne Thayne - Free Book Online

Sheriff Bailey has plenty to do without worrying about cutting out paper snowflakes, honey.”
    Like what? See how many puzzles he could guess right on Wheel of Fortune or if he could win Final Jeopardy?
    That sounded about as pathetic as he felt right about now, so he opted to keep his mouth shut.
    â€œYour dinner just needs to be popped into the microwave when you’re ready,” Andrea informed him. “Is there anything else I can do for you before we leave?”
    â€œI think I’m good. You’ve done more than enough already. I’m not sure the guilt trip Wynona laid on you really required you to decorate my house for the holidays.”
    She opened her eyes a little wider. Hers were green like Chloe’s but the soft green of unfurled leaves in spring. “What guilt trip would that be?” she asked, trying to look innocent.
    He was a hardened law enforcement officer and knew when someone was innocent and when they weren’t. “I grew up in the same house with Wyn. I know just how adept she can be at emotional blackmail.”
    She chewed on her lip, watching her kids as they discussed their decorating plans between them. “If you would rather the children didn’t put up a Christmas tree, I can talk to them later and explain things to them. Don’t feel obligated, really. They’ll be fine. This time of year, they’re easily distracted.”
    Marshall knew that’s exactly what he should do—just tell her he didn’t want a Christmas tree.
    It had been really sweet of them to make the offer—especially Chloe, who was obviously still nervous around him. If the little girl was willing to do the work to get over her fear, he couldn’t refuse her the opportunity.
    â€œIt’s fine. I have to stare at these same walls for the next few weeks, so I guess a little holiday spirit would at least brighten the place up for me.”
    Andrea’s relieved smile sent a weird little shaft of warmth through his chest. “That’s very kind of you. Thanks. I never want to discourage my children from doing nice things for others, especially when they come up with the idea on their own.”
    â€œGlad I could be of service,” he said, unable to keep the dry note from his voice.
    â€œDon’t worry about the tree,” she added. “I’ll take care of it.”
    â€œAre you sure? I was planning to trudge up the Mount Solace trail in the snow later so I could cut one down.”
    She made a face. “Ha-ha. I’m sure I can find one.”
    Andrea glanced out the window, where big, fluffy flakes were beginning to fall like puffs from the cottonwoods along the creek. “Here comes more snow. I heard we’re supposed to get several more inches tonight before it warms up later in the week. I worry about you here all by yourself.”
    He didn’t like being the object of anyone’s pity. For reasons he couldn’t have explained, it bothered him more, coming from her. “I’ve got a phone. I should be fine.”
    â€œHave you arranged with anyone to shovel the walks for you?”
    He hadn’t thought that far ahead. “No. I’ll call around, see if I can find a service to take care of it for me.”
    â€œOr you could ask a neighbor boy,” she suggested. “Louise and Herm Jacobs have a grandson who probably could use the cash, especially just before the holidays.”
    He stiffened at the suggestion. “That might work,” he said slowly, wondering why he hadn’t thought of it himself.
    â€œHis name is Christopher. He’s got a...bit of an attitude, but he’s basically a good kid. He’s had a rough time of things lately. His mother died this summer, which is why he’s living with his grandparents. Oh, you probably know that already.”
    â€œWhy would I?” he asked.
    She looked briefly confused at his tone, which he just realized sounded abrupt and