Home for Christmas Read Free

waistline.
    Miranda immediately wondered who she mourned for. She figured the other woman must be within a year or two of her own twenty-five years.
    “My mother, Caroline Finlay, sent me to pick up her order.”
    “I’m Effie O’Leary.” She brought out a parcel neatly wrapped in brown paper. “I know several of your sisters, but I don’t believe we’ve met. Where do you fit in the family?”
    Miranda liked Effie’s quick smile and friendly nature. “I’m Miranda. Fourth out of an even dozen. We haven’t met because I’ve been away in Denver.”
    “Are you home to stay?”
    Miranda heard no pity or censure in the other woman’s voice. Maybe she hadn’t heard about the scandal. “Only a few days. I’ve taken another job in the city. I start before New Year’s.”
    “I’m sorry.”
    “It’s good work. Well suited to me, I think.”
    “I didn’t have any choice, either, after I lost my husband. I knew how to sew, but that was my sole salable skill.”
    “I’m sorry to hear about your loss. How long have you worked for the Pettingills?”
    Effie chuckled easily. “I bought the business from them six months ago.”
    Miranda hadn’t seen a new sign on the building. She hadn’t heard a word about the Pettingills leaving town. “I’m finding plenty of new surprises. I’ve been away too long.”
    “Was your husband from Denver?”
    “Oh, I wasn’t married. I’m not widowed.” She glanced at the mourning dress visible beneath her unbuttoned coat, saddened by Sophie’s passing all over again. “I worked as a companion to an elderly lady. She passed away two weeks ago.”
    Effie grasped Miranda’s hand, giving her a firm squeeze. “I’m sorry.”
    Miranda nodded. “What brought you to Mountain Home? Do you have family here?”
    “None at all. I read the Pettingills’ advertisement in the paper and decided this was the place for me.”
    Miranda heard the echo of loneliness in Effie’s words and sensed her need for company. How sad to be alone in the world, to spend the holidays without loved ones. Miranda had missed her family while in Denver, but she’d had Sophie’s delightful companionship and conversation, parties and celebrations.
    Effie seemed in no hurry to return to her work. Sympathetic toward the other woman, Miranda offered a friendly smile. “Do you have a home in town?”
    “I live in the room behind the shop. It’s more than I need.” She seemed uncertain, hesitant. “It’s very cold out. Would you care for a cup of tea before you go?”
    Miranda smiled as she set down the package and hung up her coat. “I’d like that very much. Let’s visit while you continue your work. I’m capable with a needle, if you have something to keep my hands busy.”
    Effie’s enthusiastic acceptance kept Miranda busy sewing buttons on two boys’ coats, sharing confidences, and passing hours before she realized how late it had become.
    It was a fine thing to discover a new friend, a fine thing indeed.
     
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    As the last long rays of evening sunlight turned the skies and newly fallen snow varying shades of gray, Hunter slung an extra pair of snowshoes for Miranda over his shoulder and headed for the Finlay place.
    He made his way over the shortest route to the neighboring ranch, his snowshoes whispered over the swells of windswept snow.
    He knew one thing for certain; Miranda would make her excuses and stay home from the Children’s Christmas Program.
    He knew it just as clearly as he knew his own name.
    And the thought made him smile. If he timed his entrance just right, he’d be there in time to rescue her from her family.
    She deserved a spot of happiness during the holidays. He wanted to help make a happy memory, give her something else to think about when she thought of home. Something good. Something other than Warren and the pain he’d caused her.
    A smile tugged at his lips. He figured the Finlays bustled about the crowded house, all in various stages of