The Christmas Family. Linda Goodnight

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СКАЧАТЬ do that?” Brady didn’t know why he was asking. Of course, she’d do it. In the past, she’d mothered a number of foreign-exchange students along with her brood of seven. And that didn’t count the handfuls of friends and relatives who’d lived temporarily in the Buchanon house, including Jake, Allison’s fiancé. Mom loved having the house filled with people.

      “I think it’s a great idea.” This from Allison.

      Brady, for all the hope suddenly surging through his veins, had his doubts. Mom might be on board, but what would Abby think? The Buchanons were strangers to her, and the family didn’t know Abby like he knew Abby. She was stubborn, prideful, independent to a fault. Pretty, too, he’d noticed, though why his thoughts had gone in that direction he couldn’t fathom. “I don’t know. Think she’ll go for it?”

      Mom arched one eyebrow and reached for a chip. “There’s only one way to find out.”

      * * *

      “Someone here to see you, Abby. Take a break.”

      Abby slid a tray of dishes onto the sink in the back of the diner and turned toward her boss. The noon rush had passed but there was still plenty to do. “Who is it?”

      “Karen Buchanon.”

      “Karen Buchanon?” If Jan had said Brady, she wouldn’t have been surprised. In fact, she’d probably have gotten that jittery wiggle in her stomach, a totally stupid reaction to a man she barely knew. But he was a good guy who could cause Prince Charming fantasies even in a hard nut like her. She also felt a little guilty for upsetting him. He’d offered an act of kindness and she’d shot him down.

      Yesterday, he’d come into the Buttered Biscuit with a big grin and a crazy invitation for her and Lila to temporarily move in with his parents while he built her brand-new house. Even though her heart had leaped at the offer, he could not have been serious. Well intentioned, yes. Serious, no way.

      She didn’t know the Buchanons. They didn’t know her. Things like that didn’t happen except in movies. And how had he known a decent place to live was her primary reason for rejecting the makeover?

      Five minutes later, as she sat across an open table from the blonde and lovely Buchanon matriarch, she learned how serious Brady had been. “Mrs. Buchanon, please don’t take this the wrong way, but why? Why would you open your home to a complete stranger?”

      “My family has been tremendously blessed, and we believe that caring about others is not only a directive from the Lord but it makes us happier people. We love to give. Brady’s gifts are in his ability to build, and he loves giving away a Buchanon Built home at Christmas. He plans for it and looks forward to it all year.”

      Abby fidgeted with the saltshaker, realized what she was doing and shoved it back to the side of the table. Brady had hinted that the Buchanons were devout Christians, but so were lots of people in Texas and none of them gave away houses. At least none that she knew about. “There are other people in Gabriel’s Crossing who could use a makeover.”

      “My son’s heart is the biggest part of him and, as I’m sure you’ve noticed, that’s saying a lot. When Brady sets his sights on something, he’s a bulldog.”

      “But why me?”

      “It’s the way Brady’s made. He picked you and you’re it.” She folded her hands atop the table. “I do know this. He was taken with your little girl. He told the family about her, showed us the angel she drew him and even hung it on his refrigerator.”

      A piece of pride chipped away. “He did?”

      Karen nodded. “‘An angel from an angel,’ he said. Now, we’re all anxious to meet her. She must be amazing.”

      “Oh, she is. Lila is the kindest, funniest, smartest, most resilient—” She caught herself and laughed, self-conscious and sure her warm face glowed pink. “Sorry. I get a little carried away about my daughter. She’s everything to me.”

      “Then do this for her, Abby. Let Brady build your house. Give that amazing daughter of yours a new home for Christmas. And give us the pleasure of knowing your special little girl.”

      Unbidden tears welled in Abby’s eyes. Buchanons didn’t play fair.

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