A Texas Holiday Miracle Read Free Page B

Gabe,” the little girl said from the sofa.
    He didn’t want to engage in conversation, so he left. On his way back to his house, he cursed himself. He didn’t want to get involved, and helping the crazy lady was a sure way for that to happen. He was trying desperately to keep his privacy, and he’d probably just made a big mistake.
    That suffocating feeling came over him, and he went into the house to check on Pepper. She was better this morning and had even trotted outside to do her business. The shots always helped for a while. How he wished they could last longer. Soon he’d have to make a decision, and it was tearing him up inside. He just couldn’t let go.
    He wasn’t sure what he was afraid of. The vet had said it was the best thing for the dog, but how could killing something be good? If he did what the vet had suggested, it would be like letting go of Zack all over again.
    Some things were just too painful to endure twice.
    * * *
    L ACEY WAS STUNNED . The Grouch had helped. She was still trying to digest that. Maybe things would change. Maybe he would be friendlier. And maybe she would sprout wings and fly. Oh, yeah. Gabe Garrison had not changed. She had no idea why he had helped, and he probably had none, either.
    She had other important matters to take care of. For the first time, she’d become aware of how Emma brightened when Gabe was around. She’d formed a connection with him and Pepper.
    Their father had raised Emma. Mona had died six months after Emma’s birth. While Mona had been pregnant, the doctors had discovered cancer. Mona had refused any treatment until after the baby was born, but by then the aggressive cancer had spread. She hadn’t lasted long.
    Emma was more comfortable around men, and she’d somehow transferred that need for a father figure to Gabe. That was why Emma kept saying Gabe didn’t mean what he said. Another problem. Lacey had too many to deal with. She’d tackle the most pressing first.
    “Mr. Gabe brought our tree in,” Emma said, her eyes bright. It didn’t escape Lacey that Emma had said our. Maybe Lacey was winning her over.
    She knelt in front of Emma, who sat on the sofa. “Why did you disobey me again? You’re not supposed to go into Gabe’s yard.”
    Emma twisted her hands. “I forgot and I wanted to see what he was doing.”
    “Emma...”
    “Really. I forgot.”
    Lacey had a feeling she was fighting a losing battle about Gabe and his privacy, so she decided to tackle another problem. “What did the little girl at the tree lot say to you?”
    Emma looked down at her hands. “She said hi.”
    “Then why did you kick at her?”
    “’Cause I don’t like her.”
    “Why? She seemed real nice and she was there with her daddy....” Lacey’s voice trailed off as something occurred to her. “You don’t like her because she has a daddy and you don’t.”
    From the shattered look in Emma’s eyes, Lacey knew she was right. She wanted to stand up and do a jig. She’d gotten it right. Maybe parenting didn’t come through the birth canal. Maybe it was trial and error.
    She sat next to Emma. “You have a father, and he loved you more than life itself. You do know that, don’t you?”
    “But he’s not here.” The little voice wavered. “Why did my daddy have to go?”
    Lacey gathered her into her arms. “I don’t know, sweetie. I wish I had an answer that would make you feel better, but I don’t. Sometimes bad things happen in life, and we have to adjust and go on. That’s what Daddy wanted for you, and you promised him you wouldn’t be sad.”
    “I miss Daddy,” Emma cried.
    “I do, too.” Lacey held her sister and hoped by talking she could ease some of her pain. “Close your eyes.”
    “Why?”
    “Just do it.”
    Emma scrunched her eyes together.
    “Now, can you see Daddy? Try to see him.”
    “I can. I can see Daddy.”
    Lacey held her tighter. “Is he smiling?”
    “Yes. He’s smiling at me.” Emma’s voice grew