Page 110 of Mistletoe and Mischief

“Yes, it is. You aren’t going to argue with me, are you?”

“I...no.”

“Good, because it would be very tempting to stop you the way I used to once upon a time.”

Beth swallowed hard. She’d forgotten. In the early days of their marriage, anytime she disagreed with him, Kent would take her in his arms and kiss her.

10

“Honey, can you get the door?” Corrie called from the back bedroom. She swore that if Roy didn’t get his hearing checked soon, she’d start ignoring every word he said. That would give him a little demonstration of what she put up with every day.

“Okay,” he yelled from the living room.

With an exasperated sigh Corrie went back to her wrapping paper and ribbon. She was almost finished with Noelle’s birthday gift, the one they’d take to Grace Harding’s party. She still needed to arrange the last of the Christmas presents under the tree before their children arrived for dinner, which would be followed by Christmas Eve church services. After that, they’d go to Noelle’s first-birthday celebration at the Hardings’. Gloria, Roy and Corrie’s eldest daughter, would be coming tonight. Corrie hoped Gloria would bring Chad Timmons.

She couldn’t help worrying about Gloria, who was single, pregnant and determined to manage on her own. What disturbed Corrie most was the fact that there was no reason for Gloria to be so stubborn. Chad loved her; Corrie was convinced of that. She’d invited him to dinner and hoped Gloria wouldn’t be upset with her. Oh, she hadn’t made a secret of it, but she hadn’t talked it over with Gloria, either.

Mack and Mary Jo would be with them and of course little Noelle, too. She’d been born on Christmas Eve one year ago, at the Harding ranch; Mack had delivered her. Corrie had a lovely birthday cake ready for her adopted granddaughter, not to mention a pile of gifts. Corrie couldn’t wait to watch Noelle open them. There was nothing like a baby to bring excitement and joy back to Christmas.

“Corrie,” Roy shouted. “It’s the Beldons.”

“I’ll be right there,” she shouted back as she finished tying the ribbon on the gift she’d just wrapped.

Corrie had been expecting Peggy and Bob to stop by at some point that afternoon. It was tradition. Every Christmas Eve the Beldons came over with a plate of Peggy’s homemade cookies and specialty candies.

“Merry Christmas,” Corrie said, hurrying into the room and opening her arms. She hugged Bob and then, after taking the plate from Peggy, embraced her, too.

“I hope we aren’t interrupting your day.”

“Nonsense,” Corrie told her. “You know you’re welcome anytime.”

“Especially when you come bearing gifts,” Roy joked.

“Sit down, please. I’ve got eggnog and coffee, whichever you prefer.”

“We can only stay a few minutes,” Bob said, claiming the corner of the sofa. “Hollie and Marc are driving over from Spokane.”

“Wonderful! I’m glad they can make it.” Corrie hadn’t met the Beldons’ daughter and son, but she’d heard lots about them. She and Peggy often met for lunch and had a strong friendship.

“It’ll be good to have them here for Christmas.”

“We’ll have a full house ourselves,” Roy said. “Mack and Mary Jo are coming for dinner tonight and they’ll be here on Christmas Day, as well.”

“Gloria will be here tonight, too, and she’ll attend church services with us,” Corrie added.

“And Christmas Day?” Peggy asked.

Corrie shrugged. “She didn’t say. I imagine she’ll come for dinner, unless...”

“Unless?”

“Unless she plans to spend it with Chad.”

“Ah, yes. How are things going between her and Chad?”

“Fine, I think. Gloria hasn’t said much, but she seems happier these days, less...confused. I know they’re seeing each other regularly. If they have any wedding plans, however, they haven’t shared them with us.”

“Chad put the crib together,” Roy said. “I volunteered and so did Mack, but Gloria said Chad would do it.”

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