Page 126 of Mistletoe and Mischief

“I don’t need help,” Bobby said, “but if Teri wants to volunteer I won’t stop her.”

Teri and Christie exchanged an eye-rolling glance.

All of them were on the floor when the doorbell chimed yet again.

“That’ll be Beth Morehouse,” Teri said.

“Oh, were you expecting her?” Christie asked. “Why’s she here?”

“Delivering a puppy,” she said on her way to the door.

“Teri, don’t tell me you and Bobby are getting a puppy!” Christie called after her.

“No,” James answered on her behalf. “We are.”

“James!” Christie yelped. “Isn’t this something you should’ve discussed with me first?”

“Well...”

Before he could respond, Teri walked into the living room, followed by her guest. Beth held a basket—with a small black puppy staring out. The little creature wore a pink bow that contrasted with its glossy fur.

“Oh, she’s adorable.”

“Yes, and she’s all yours,” James told her. “Merry Christmas, darling.”

“Merry Christmas,” Christie said, her voice choked.

“Why are you crying?” James asked, drawing his wife into his arms.

“I... I always wanted a...dog.”

“I know.”

Christie threw her arms around James’s neck.

Teri took the basket out of Beth’s arms. “Thank you so much for bringing over the puppy.”

“I was happy to,” Beth said. “I know this little girl will have a wonderful home, so thankyou.”

“Our pleasure,” Christie murmured.

James kissed her forehead. “Merry Christmas, my love,” he said again. “I thought we could name her Chessie.”

“Chessie! Of course.” Christie laughed.

“You’ll get your gift later,” she promised in a husky voice.

James turned three shades of red. “I’ll hold you to that,” he said. “Now come and meet your dog.”

15

After dropping off the puppy at the Polgars’, Beth headed back to her house on Christmas Tree Lane. She’d enjoyed her brief visit with Bobby and Teri and James and Christie. The two couples were obviously devoted to one another. Watching them all working together, assembling toys for the triplets, reminded Beth of those early years with Kent. Finances had been tight back then, but they’d managed; their happiness had more than compensated for the luxuries they’d done without. She missed those times, and yes, she missed Kent, too.

On the way home Beth felt empty inside. For three years she’d pretended she was happy. Pretended she’d rather live her life without Kent. It’d all been a lie.

And now it was too late.

The girls would be getting ready for evening services at the church and the three of them would arrive together. Kent had said he might attend, as well, but she knew he’d sit with Danielle, not with Beth and the girls. That made sense, but it was another blow she wasn’t ready to deal with.

---