Page 41 of Christmas Homecoming Secrets
He looked up and met her eyes. She tried not to blush, ordered herself not to, but the heat crept into her cheeks anyway.
“Does she, now?”
“Yes, but you have to bring Sasha.”
“Well, then, how can I refuse?”
Apparently, he couldn’t.
Together, the three of them walked over to her parents’ side of the house and found her mother in the kitchen, popping more popcorn. “Hi, Mom, look who’s here to help decorate the tree.”
Her mother turned from the microwave, gasped, and threw her arms open as she hurried to him. “Bryce!”
He hugged her. “Hello, Mrs. Hollis.”
“I’m so glad you’re home.” She leaned back and cupped his cheek as he looked down at her. “And I’m so sorry about Frank.”
“We all are.”
“More popcorn, Mom?” Jade asked.
“The other didn’t last very long.” She let Bryce go and returned to the microwave to pull out a yummy-smelling bag.
“I’m sure it didn’t.” Jade clasped her hands and looked at Mia. “Well, now, how about a little tree decorating?”
“I’ll get Gage and Jessica,” Mia said. “They’re in the playroom.” She darted down the hallway and soon returned with the twins. “This is Bryce,” Mia told them. “He’s Mommy’s friend.”
Gage studied him from under lowered lashes and Jessica frowned at him, but said, “Hi.”
Jade forced some cheer in her voice. “All right, little people, let’s have some fun.” Mia cheered, Gage smiled and Jessica giggled.
Jade led the way into the den, and Mia picked up the remote and aimed it at the stereo system sitting on the bookshelf. Soon, Christmas music filled the house and ornaments hung from the tree. The children’s faces beamed, and Bryce seemed to be enjoying himself.
Even Gage had gotten over his initial shyness and let Bryce lift him to place an ornament on a top branch.
Guilt slammed her that she was enjoying this time with her family while Heather was grieving. She should be there with her. She should be looking for Frank’s killer. She should bedoingsomething.
Bryce caught her eye and she gave him a tight smile. He raised a brow, and then his expression softened. “It’s okay,” he mouthed. Her heart settled a fraction. He was right. These kids needed her, and they deserved a happy Christmas.
When it was done, Jade stepped back to admire their work. “It’s perfect, you guys.”
“Hit the lights, Pop,” Gage said.
The overhead lights went off and the multicolored bulbs covering the tree twinkled merrily.
Jessica walked over to hug her. “Thank you for this,” the child said softly. “Even if this is all there is, it’s already the best Christmas ever.”
Jade’s heart splintered, and she squeezed the little girl to her and kissed the top of her head. “I totally agree with that.” Today had been a teaser, a sampling of whatcould be. And hit home it was exactly what she wanted. Her gaze went to Bryce, and the longing intensified. “All right, everyone. Dig in to the leftover popcorn.”
Her phone rang as the kids raced to the bowl.
She stepped out into the sunroom for a little privacy. The snow fell on the other side of the floor-to-ceiling windows, and it occurred to her that she was too exposed. If someone were truly trying to kill her, she needed to take more care. She backed into the small alcove where the outdoor storage room was. It faced the house and shielded her from any possible prying eyes. “Hi, Captain.”
“How are you feeling, Jade?”
“Okay.” She just realized she still sounded pretty hoarse. “Not a hundred percent, what with the aches and pains, but I’m all right. What can I do for you?”
“Two things. First, I got a look at that security footage from the shooting. Unfortunately, it doesn’t tell us much. The shooter was thin, and wore a flannel shirt and a green generic ball cap. Looks to be about five-seven or five-eight, but could be a couple of inches taller.”
