Page 79 of The Blessings of Christmas
“Stop. I’m a mess.” He tried to push her away.
Wriggling closer, she found his lips and kissed him hard. She felt his sharp intake of breath, the rigid set of his shoulders. Then his lips angled and softened. His arms closed around her and he lifted her off her feet. Connor landed a kiss that got the guys whistling. They were making a scene, and she didn’t care.
Breaking away, Connor took her in, one sooty palm cupping her chin. “Amanda, honey? What is this?”
Clearing his throat, her dad stepped up. “We saw the news, son. Amanda was worried, of course. We all were.”
“Someone was missing,” she choked out. “I just…”
“You thought the worst. Guess I can’t blame you. They found Jimmy. Took him to the hospital. Guess the dog’s okay too.”
She backed off a bit and nodded. “Of course. Well, I’m so glad.” Tried to pull it together so the guys wouldn’t tease Connor too bad about her showing up.
Grasping her upper arms, her husband looked deep into her eyes. “I’m here, and I’m okay. Sure, we had a bad afternoon. But, babe, this is my job.” He shifted in front of her like he didn’t want the guys to see her.
Embarrassment hosed her. But the icy chill around her heart was melted by a jubilant, hot flush. The horrible pictures thathad flashed through her mind receded. She wanted to crow from the rooftops. Climb the darn flagpole. Her imperfect world had been restored—the greatest gift she could ever receive this Christmas.
He guided her toward the front of the station, her dad trailing behind. “Would you take her home, Bill? I’ll be home when the shift ends. See you in the morning.”
Right. She’d be waiting for him that night, and he knew it.
She should have felt silly, but she didn’t. Just relieved and suddenly very hungry.
“See you soon, babe.” He kissed her again.
Had his lips ever felt this tender?
Tonight, she had her life back. Gratitude left her limp.
Reluctantly, she pulled away from his puzzled smile and turned to leave.
“Stop worrying. Can you do that for me?” The words Connor threw at her back made her wheel around to drink him in with her eyes, one hearty visual gulp that would have to do…for now.
He tipped his head to one side. “Aw, babe.”
Her dad took her arm. Connor trailed them out. The other guys busied themselves. They sure as heck knew what was going on. Every wife or girlfriend harbored Amanda’s fears. More than one man took out his phone, trying to look casual as he strolled into a more private area to make a call.
“Any word from McKenna or Angie?” Connor asked while her dad pulled the car up.
“Talked to McKenna. No word from Angie. McKenna doesn’t know anything.” Just an hour ago, that had all been so important.
Her dad opened her door as if she were an invalid. Poor guy looked so worried. Thank goodness he’d been there with her tonight.
“Shoo. Go back inside. I’m fine.” She motioned to her husband with both hands.
One more kiss on the cheek and Connor backed away, straightening his shoulders so the guys didn’t tease him too bad about the PDA, not that anyone would dare question Connor Kirkpatrick.
Amanda collapsed into the front seat, limp as a noodle. Across the way, tiny white lights sparkled on fir trees in front of a small bungalow. Her world readjusted. With a shivery sigh, she slipped back into Christmas, a time to be glad.
“You okay, little girl?” her dad asked, pulling away from the firehouse.
Little girl. He hadn’t called her that in a long time. A billboard on the corner caught her eye. “Fine, Daddy. Just hungry. Can we drive through McDonald’s for an eggnog shake?”
“You bet.”
Her father snapped on the radio andLittle Town of Bethlehemcame on. She settled back, letting the lyrics sink in. In no time, they were driving through the carryout lane at Mcdonald’s and Dad was handing her a shake as if she were ten again.
“Don’t know how you can drink that when it’s freezing outside.” Despite his grumbling, her dad wore a little smile like he was secretly pleased. He pulled back out into traffic, which had picked up. Last minute shoppers must be headed down to Lake Street, the main drag in Oak Park.
