Santa Wore Combat Boots Read Free Page A

I’m so tired of being disappointed.”
    “Think positive. After all, it’s Christmas, the season of miracles.”
    There was that word again. Emma had turned into a non-believer years ago. If miracles were real, then someone somewhere would see how much she needed Larry and bring him back. Now that would be a true miracle.
    “You’re right,” she said for Traci’s sake. They had been instant friends since their husbands left for their first tour in Iraq. Three tours later, Mike had come home with a purple heart and a prosthetic leg, but at least he’d come home. “Madame Zelda could be the answer to my prayers.”
    “You have to believe it, Emma. Good things come to those who are patient, or whatever that saying is.” Traci turned to re-fold a stack of sweaters. “I think it’s time. Open up to Madame Zelda. My sister-in-law, Olivia, goes to her once a month for guidance. Trust me, she wouldn’t keep going if the lady was a hoax.”
    “Okay, positive attitude, I’ve got it.” Emma moved to straighten another display. Closing her eyes, she told herself this was it. It had to be.
    “On to something fun,” her friend conveniently changed the subject and Emma relaxed. “Are you taking the kids on base to see Santa? Meghan and Drew can’t wait.”
    “I don’t think so, not this year.”
    “Oh, c’mon, we always have fun. Now that Ben is a little older, maybe he won’t get scared like last year.”
    “Traci, I’m just tired. You know they’re going to extend our hours this week, and I have so much to do for the Post 518 dinner. I just don’t know when I could fit it in.”
    “Oh, I understand. But if you want Mike and I to take the kids so you can get some time to yourself, just let me know.”
    “Thanks, you’re the best.”
    “Hey, you know I try.” Traci gave her a quick hug. “So how are plans for the dinner coming, anyway?”
    “Ugh, slow. I’ve started gathering supplies. A couple ladies volunteered to bake some desserts. Jake is checking to see if we can use the community room at the fire station.”
    “ Ahhh , firefighter Jake, with the razor cut brown hair, rock-solid body and green eyes to die for.” Traci sighed. “He’s such a nice guy. I think there should be more men like Jake Nicklaus in this world. We should try to snag a DNA sample and clone him, what do you think? Either that or start a fire.”
    “You have a husband, remember?” Emma couldn’t place the sudden twist in her stomach at the mention of Jake. “He’s been such a good friend and neighbor. I don’t know what I’d do without him.”
    “Why don’t you bring him with the kids to see Santa?”
    “Not a good idea.”
    “Why not? You’ve never seen him with a girlfriend, right? At least you’d have some adult company if you don’t have to worry about coordinating with us.”
    “No. Larry and I always dreamed of doing this kind of thing. I can’t imagine going with anyone else.”
    “But Sarah was so young when he died. Does she even remember?”
    “She remembers when we look at pictures.” Emma knew it was only because she continued to talk about Larry to Sarah every chance she had. “Ben never got to see his father.” Which was one more reason why Emma didn’t like Christmas, or any other kind of family holiday, for that matter.
    “Then let me ask you this,” Traci stopped working and crossed her arms over her ample chest. “After all this time, have you ever looked at Jake as more than just a neighbor?”
    “What?” Emma was horrified. “Of course not, how could you even think that?”
    “Because he’s a young, handsome, hardworking guy with apparent morals if he hasn’t so much as hit on you. Look at you.” Traci spun Emma around to face a mirror. “Gorgeous! You won’t find many men like Jake Nicklaus around in this day and age.”
    “And I don’t want to. Ugh, why am I even having this discussion with you? My life is fine, Traci. I have enough to do. I don’t need a man in my