Page 112 of Mistletoe and Mischief

They got into their vehicle, and Corrie and Roy returned to the warmth of the house.

“I really didn’t do that much,” Roy protested. “Bob was so obviously innocent....”

“Are you complaining about the cookies and candy they brought?” she asked, half-joking.

“No way!”

“Then enjoy and quit your muttering.”

He laughed. “You’re right. Have you tasted that English toffee yet? It’s good stuff.”

“Don’t tell me how good it is, I’m resisting.”

“Why?”

Corrie rolled her eyes. “Because it’s hard enough not to overindulge during the holidays without you telling me how good everything tastes.”

“Fine. Leaves more for me.”

Sighing, Corrie brought the tray into the kitchen and covered it with a towel. Out of sight, out of mind. She returned to the back bedroom and resumed wrapping gifts.

Fifteen minutes later, Roy poked his head in. “You about done?”

“Yup. I’m putting the final touches on the last package. Why?”

“Anything here for Gloria?”

“Of course.”

“Well, she just parked outside the house.”

“Oh.” Corrie felt a bit flustered.

“She isn’t alone.”

“Did Chad come with her?” Corrie couldn’t hide the excitement in her voice.

Roy nodded. “Only they don’t seem to be in any big hurry to come inside. They’ve been sitting in the car chatting for the past ten minutes.”

Corrie arched her eyebrows. “Can you tell if they’re arguing?” She certainly hoped not!

“I didn’t want it to be obvious that I saw them.”

“Good point.” Still, one might think that Roy, a private investigator, would know how to watch without being seen.

“Besides, this istheirbusiness.”

Another good point, although that hadn’t troubled him earlier when he’d gone to see Chad, which she restrained herself from mentioning.

The doorbell chimed.

“I’ll get it,” Roy said.

Corrie made her way into the kitchen and brewed a fresh pot of coffee. She heard Roy greet their daughter and Chad, and she quickly joined them.

“I know we’re early,” Gloria said. She held hands with Chad—a positive sign. “Chad thought we should all talk before everyone came for dinner tonight.”

“Sure,” Roy said, sitting down in his recliner.

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