Read Online The New Year's Wish by Dani-Lyn Alexander - Free Book Online Page A

No, no, no . . . A small ad caught her eye. Hmmm, maybe. Be your own boss, work from the comfort of your home, set your own deadlines.
    A gust of wind rattled the window, and Olivia turned toward the sound. The gray sky mirrored her mood. She took another sip of tea. An image of herself—snuggled in a blanket, cup of tea at her side, computer in her lap—took form. “This is perfect. I’ll be able to stay home with you and work.” She clicked on the ad and read through the terms of use.
    Barney rolled over to lay spread-eagle on his back. “You could be a little more appreciative, you know.” A ding from the computer called to her as she scrolled through the list of available jobs. Website building. No. Graphic design. She laughed. No.
    â€œHere’s one. Proofreading. How hard could that be?” She forced her attention to the task at hand. A small surge of satisfaction started to blossom. She didn’t need the Harrises. She would start her own proofreading business. That had been her original goal, and with only three weeks left before New Year’s Day, it was time to act on that resolution.
    She filled out the sections needed to create a profile, then sat back and stretched. Now she just had to wait for people to send her work. The sense of accomplishment was short-lived, though, as images of Garrett flooded her now unoccupied mind. Garrett shoving his hand through his hair in frustration. Garrett smiling at her after she’d screwed something up. Garrett hugging Gracie close, a look of pure love shining in his eyes. Gracie.
    A stab of grief shot through her. Olivia had become more attached to the little girl than she’d realized. The subtle way she managed to get her father to do what she wanted, the bubbly smile when she was excited about something, and the awe that filled her eyes when she’d seen the first giant balloon coming toward her down the street.
    A small measure of comfort finally offered some warmth. She pushed her chair back, and Barney surged to his feet. “Oh well, at least Gracie will get to spend New Year’s Eve with her dad,” she said out loud, a wry smile in her voice. Gracie’s happiness at having her daddy with her on New Year’s Eve was the only silver lining in this mess. “Maybe he’ll even take her to Times Square.” She dropped her cup into the sink and headed down the hallway with Barney on her heels. “Stay, boy. I’m going to take a bath.” She rubbed her eyes, still strained and puffy from her earlier crying jag, and trudged off to let steam and bubbles do their magic.

EIGHT

    G ARRETT SLAMMED THE PHONE down and logged off the computer. It was no use. He couldn’t concentrate, couldn’t drag his attention from the hurt that had been etched on Olivia’s face. Knowing he’d put it there was more of a burden than he could take. He rubbed his hands over his face.
    The door to his office banged open. “Hi, Daddy.” Gracie ran across the room and dropped her book bag on the floor. He glanced at his watch. Was it that late already?
    â€œHey, sugar.” He opened his arms and she scrambled onto his lap for a hug. “How was school?”
    â€œIt was good. Are we gonna go get the tree tomorrow?”
    â€œSure.”
    Katie stuck her head in the open door. “Hi, Garrett.”
    â€œHi, Katie. Thank you for dropping Gracie off.” He didn’t know what he’d do without Katie to babysit. The week she’d been on vacation only reminded him how much he needed her. He’d have to take Gracie out to get her something nice for Christmas.
    â€œNo problem. Her homework is done. I have to run, though. Last-minute Christmas shopping.”
    Garrett waved and turned back to Gracie.
    She jumped off his lap and turned toward Olivia’s desk. “Can Olivia come to get the tree with us?” She turned back to him expectantly.
    He rubbed a hand