Read Online The Best Christmas Ever by Cheryl Wolverton - Free Book Online

found that her hands wouldn’t release the chains. Justin was big, but was he big enough to hold her? She swung forward a second time. Was this really fun? She wondered as her hands began to sweat.
    But it was Justin’s smug look that goaded her into acting. She came forward again and pushed out of theswing. True, it was only a few feet, but it felt like miles before she thudded into Justin.
    Strong arms wrapped around her, jarring her to a stop. Immediately, Justin pulled her closer toward his powerful, hard chest. His scent, as well as an extreme feeling of safety and security, enveloped her. She rested her cheek against his shoulder for an instant, surprised at her reaction, then pulled back.
    In that moment, things changed. The world tilted just a bit—or maybe it was her. Because she suddenly realized just how attracted she was to Justin, more attracted than she’d been to her fiancé, or to any other man she’d ever dated. And there was nothing she could do about it, because Justin was the very man she’d tried to destroy two years ago.
    Justin saw Sarah’s eyes widen, then how she backed away. He was thankful she had put some distance between them, because he was afraid he might have just kissed her.
    He hadn’t thought about dating in ages. Oh, true, women approached him—pleasant, attractive women he met through business or at church—but he’d never been tempted in the least to pursue any of them. Earlier today, though, and now again…what was it about Sarah that was different from all the others? She brought out a surge of protectiveness and tenderness, true. He wanted to hold her and shield her. But why? Why her? His feelings were disconcerting, embarrassing.
    Hearing Mickie’s laughter, he wondered what his daughter would have thought if he’d kissed Sarah just now. He shook his head, feeling an emotion churning in his gut.
    Loneliness.
    He had to admit he was lonely. He loved his daughter, and Bill was a great guy. But Justin missed having someone closer around to share his experiences with. There was no one to talk to in the evening when he got home from work, no one to laugh together with over a joke or share those little secret smiles when Mickie did something really adorable. There was no one to hold when he felt overwhelmed or to love when he wanted to share that special experience.
    But Sarah?
    No.
    He couldn’t see himself with his sister-in-law, who probably still despised him despite what she said. Besides, he thought, going over to the picnic table where Mickie was slurping her cola, he would never risk entering into a marriage for convenience’s sake, or for an attraction, either. He’d learned his lesson. Convenience could turn into inconvenience real quick, and passion could fade.
    Odd though it sounded, he had vowed to marry only for love.
    His lips twisted cynically. People always thought women were the romantic ones, yet here he was, insisting on a love-based marriage. And how many women in the past two years had hinted at so many other types of arrangements. Love based, with him? Not one woman who had shown an interest had wanted love. Sarah certainly wouldn’t fall into that category, either…would she?
    Hah.
    He skeptically wondered if any women out there still believed in a marriage based on love.
    Reaching his daughter’s side, he realized Sarah was wiping up some cola Mickie had spilled on her top. His gaze settled on Sarah and against his will, he had to wonder why love and Sarah had come to him in the same thought.

Chapter Six
    “I hope you decide to spend Thanksgiving with us.”
    “I’d enjoy it,” Sarah replied.
    It was dark. Mickie was asleep in the back seat and Sarah rested her head against the cushion of her seat in Justin’s car.
    But she was far from relaxed. Tumultuous emotions over the day spent at the park still filled her thoughts. After the swings, Justin had proceeded to push Mickie, and several other children, on a merry-go-round. Then he’d