Christmas Wish Come True. Jaimie Admans

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      “I’m sure he’ll be back soon. Will you stay awhile longer and watch Tyler put the star on the tree?”

      Emily nodded. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

      They went to the living room and took seats on opposite sides of Tyler. Together, the three of them became happily immersed in the animated world of snowmen and forest animals while they waited for Jordan to return.

      ***

      Jordan wasn’t ready to go inside and face the disapproving glares from Emily and Isabella. He’d had good reason to leave over an hour ago, good reason to rethink the way he’d been conducting himself. What the hell was he doing – letting his guard down, allowing himself to begin to feel something again? This had to stop – the way he’d been running around, acting all father-like lately. And even kissing the one woman he had no business kissing.

      Seeing the silver chest sitting in the box amongst the ornaments woke him up.

      Maybe he should go back to the coffee shop. He’d sat in his truck across the street from it for over an hour. But he hadn’t had the nerve to go in there either. Nevertheless, it was a hard reminder of how much loving someone could hurt. He’d hoped it would stop the regret that had gnawed at him since losing his brother. Or wipe away the nighttime cries of the little boy who’d unexpectedly entered his life. And, not least of all, erase the memory of Isabella’s sweet lips.

      But not even visiting the place where he’d first met Kim and began this long, sad course in his life had helped him forget any of that, or the people in his house now – happily decorating the tree, probably waiting for him. If he just hadn’t seen the jewelry box – bringing to mind the last Christmas he’d had faith in love. Seven years ago. Kim found the engagement ring nestled under layers of tissue paper inside. She said yes. He thought they were happy.

      Then Derek arrived.

      Jordan turned off the engine. Man up, his inner voice shouted. He heard the faint sound of laughter coming from inside the house. Before he realized what he was doing, he was at the front door, pushing his way inside, like something had pulled him there. He looked at the small group, his gaze resting on his adorable nephew sitting between the women on the couch, laughing at a Christmas cartoon Jordan remembered watching as a child. His heart did a flip. It took him by surprise. But, even worse than that, it worried him.

      ***

      Isabella saw him first, but it was Tyler who jumped up to greet his uncle when Jordan entered.

      “Uncle Jordan! We waited! We waited!” He ran to the box and retrieved the star, then went to Jordan. “Lift me up!”

      Jordan dutifully obeyed, hoisting Tyler to the top of the tree. “Now the lights, the lights,” Tyler insisted, waiting in gleeful anticipation as Isabella plugged them in. They all stood together, gazing at the beautiful spectacle in the middle of the living room. Emily, pleased by the sight of the three of them looking like a happy family, decided to slip out quietly.

      She stepped past the coffee table, catching her knee on the edge of the ornament box, tipping it over. The silver chest slipped out, falling with a thud on the hard wood floor. The three adults looked toward the noise simultaneously. The lock was sprung and the chest popped open. Jordan’s expression was fixed on the diamond solitaire ring that rolled out, watching as it twirled to a stop by the wall. Isabella picked up the chest, quickly tucking back some photos that peeked out.

      “Oh no,” Emily exclaimed, moving to the ring and scooping it up. She stood there holding it, her eyes filled with concern. “I’m so sorry,” she said to Jordan.

      Jordan clutched Tyler a bit closer, as if to shield him. “No worries. It’s not doing any good in that box anyway, Emily. You take it – sell it. Donate the money to the shelter.”

      “Well, all right – if you’re sure?”

      “I’m sure,” he said firmly.

      “What about these?” Isabella asked quietly, holding the box open to reveal the stack of photographs. Jordan barely glanced at them.

      “They belong to him.” His eyes moved to the boy in his arms. “When he’s ready.” He set Tyler down and ruffled his hair. “You did a great job tonight, buddy. I’m going to take a shower. Would you like Isabella to tuck you in?” When Tyler nodded, he said, “I’ll see you in the morning, okay?”

      “Okay,” Tyler replied, his head down.

      Isabella watched as Emily hugged Tyler. “It’s a beautiful tree, darling. Soon, Santa will come and admire it, too. Aren’t you excited about that?”

      Tyler nodded again, but the familiar uncertainty returned to his face. Isabella wondered if he was remembering his disappointment over last year’s wish. Or maybe he recognized his mother’s silver chest. Either way, she was more determined than ever to make things as close to right as possible for him.

Chapter Seven

      It was a quiet Sunday morning. Jordan left early, and Emily took Tyler along once again, saying he’d done such a good job decorating his Christmas tree that she needed his help with the one at the shelter. Isabella was grateful for this time alone. She needed to recharge her batteries from her first week of non-stop efforts where Jordan and Tyler’s relationship was concerned. She was just a substitute teacher, not a family psychologist. Thank goodness Tyler had someone to talk to at school. But here at home, Isabella was overwhelmed by the prospect of explaining why Santa couldn’t bring his parents back on Christmas morning. Not to mention the looming disaster of Jordan’s probable plan to let the Forresters take Tyler in. With the baby steps they’d made since she’d been here, she hoped there was a chance Jordan would change his mind.

      She threw herself back in her bed, succumbing to the wave of helplessness that hit her. Jordan’s work had been keeping him so busy, getting an opportunity to speak to him was a challenge in itself. And, the last time she’d been completely alone with him, very little talking had been done.

      Isabella closed her eyes, remembering how he’d kissed her. So hot. And though the foolish dreamer in her wished for more kisses, more of Jordan, her inner realist could only hope that Tyler would be okay when Christmas was over.

      She rolled onto her side. How well did Jordan know the couple who wanted Tyler – Kim and Derek’s friends? He’d only just learned about Tyler after his brother and sister-in-law were killed, but surely he’d met them, at least. She’d known him long enough to be sure he’d do what he thought was best for his nephew. So, they must be decent people. She hoped.

      Isabella jumped out of bed and headed to the main house for coffee. The kitchen telephone was ringing and she hurried through the door to answer it, thinking it could be Emily or Jordan. “Yes…hello?”

      “Oh. Hello. Er – is this the Butler residence?” The woman on the other end sounded surprised.

      “Yes,” Isabella answered her.

      There was a slight pause, then the woman responded carefully. “May I ask who I’m speaking with, then?”

      A cattiness rose in Isabella. She had the distinct impression the woman assumed she was Jordan’s girlfriend, and Isabella surprised herself by allowing her to think it. СКАЧАТЬ