'Tis the Season: A Collection of Mimi's Christmas Books Read Free Page B

you didn’t care.”
    “What can I say? I’m an unthinking jerk. There were so many loose ends at the office, and I’d decided if I could finish them all early, we could have the rest of today and tomorrow to celebrate. But then everything fell apart…” He stopped when he heard her loud sigh. “You’re right. Same old excuses. I’m really sorry, baby. No more work. I promise.”
    “I’m sorry to have worried you." The youngster’s voice wobbled, but her sincerity rang true. “I guess I understand how important your job is right now while you’re setting everything up. You explained it to me—ad nauseam—a-and I know I promised to cut you some slack. It’s just that the new house isn’t home to me. And not having anyone around was driving me crazy. I hate spending all day alone. Hold it!” Her voice rose shrilly. “Before you remind me that I have all the toys other kids would love to have, it’s—”
    “No, I’ll never say that again. While I drove around looking for you, I realized something radically awesome.” Sara watched in the rear-view mirror as the teen smacked her father’s arm in the way young girls do when they’re being teased. “It dawned on me that I would hate to be treated like I was nothing but a hindrance. Especially since it isn’t true. You alone colour my world, little girl. You always have. Without you everything would be—hmmm—yucky grey!”
    “Awww, Dad.” Sniffs and hugs followed. Soon, in a little girl voice, Amy continued. “And now, because of me, we’re all stuck in a snowstorm, huddled in a cold car on Christmas Eve.”
    Feeling she’d given the father and daughter sufficient time to make up, Sara butted in. “Couldn’t help but overhear, and I just want you to know that we don’t have to remain in the car. If your dad feels up to carrying you, my house is within walking distance. Wanna go for it?”
    “Can we? Cool!” Instinctively, Amy flung her hand toward Sara and smiled when it was taken and held for a moment.
    Without thought, before letting it go, Sara kissed the back gently. Jack’s startled gaze caught hers. Why she blushed, she’d never know. Something in his look made her lower her eyes and pretend an interest in her furry pet.
    "Did Sara tell you I hurt my ankle, Dad? I can’t put any weight on it.”
    “Right, I brought my bag with me. Let’s take a look.”
    Sarah added without turning around. “We didn’t take her boot off because I thought the tightness of the leather would give the same support as a tensor bandage.” Hoping she hadn’t made a mistake, she glanced back to see if his face showed any distain or anger.
    His answer made her relax. “You’re probably right. Can you wait until we get to Sara’s house, Amy? Then I’ll take it off and look at the damage.”
    “Sure. No problem. Except I can’t put any weight on it at all. Sara had to piggyback me to the car." Amy grinned with affection, and without hesitation Sara grinned back.
    “You’re lucky I didn’t put us both in the snowbank with these silly boots I’m wearing.”
    “For some women, it’s all about being modern and looking good rather than practicality.” Jack’s stiff voice caught both her and Amy’s stare.
    “You’re kidding, right?” Sara couldn’t stop from challenging his remark. “I’m wearing these silly boots because it was a sad day for me, and I wanted to dress frivolously for once to help cheer myself. I took my son to the airport and thought I’d be spending the night alone, so… Hold it! What time is it??” Her voice broke, the worry coming through loud and clear.
    Without hesitation, Jack answered. “Close to seven. Is there a problem?”
    “Yes. Kai, my son, promised to Skype me at seven-thirty my time, and he’ll be frantic if I’m not there to answer. He knows nothing would keep me from hearing how his trip went. We must leave now.”
    “Yes, okay. Is it very far?”
    “About a quarter of a mile. I knew I couldn’t