Angel Song Read Online Free

Mama and her generous husband, Lorenzo, was a home Quinn cherished.
    Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” drifted from a radio beside the microwave and Mama Cantori hummed along. The velvety voice reminded Quinn of the approaching holiday. How would she buy Linsey’s gifts? The worry was like a sliver embedded under her skin, nagging her. On the counter, steam bubbled from a crock pot. The aroma of carrots and a plump, juicy roast filled the room. Quinn’s appetite roared.
    “Oh, I’ll get those.” Quinn rushed to the sink to help with the dishes.
    “Nonsense. I’m almost done.” Mama Cantori set the baking sheet in the dish drain to dry and then wiped the counter before untying an apron from her ample hips. “There, done.”
    “I’m sorry I’m late.” Quinn placed the bag of to-go cartons in the refrigerator as Linsey pirouetted around the table. Yes, the child was back to her old self, completely healed. “I had some trouble getting the car started.”
    “I saw Jason Graves drop you off. Did you run by the church, first?”
    “The church?” Quinn’s pulse stuttered. “What church?”
    “Landers Hollow Community Church.” She propped her reading glasses atop white hair, woven into a neat bun. “He’s the youth director there.”
    “Youth director?” She hesitated. “At the church ?”
    “Of course, but you say it like it’s a bad thing.” Her eyebrows knit together. “Did you fall and bump your head, Quinn? You’re not making a lick of sense.”
    “No. I should have put two and two together. I mean, he came into the diner and then he tried to help me with the car. When he couldn’t get the battery to turn over, he offered me a ride. And then he mentioned a Christmas pageant.”
    “Yes, the children’s pageant on Christmas Eve.” She shook her head. “It’s such a shame…Mrs. Donaldson in the hospital.”
    “Mrs. Donaldson?”
    “Never mind.” Mama Cantori waggled her plump fingers. “Are you going to help Jason?”
    “Of course not. How could I?”
    “How could you, indeed?” Mama’s dark eyes narrowed. “You should consider all the possible ways, Quinn. Jason’s a nice man…a generous man. He’s a good neighbor—always willing to help.” She nodded. “I’m glad he’s finally getting out again—outside of church, that is. What happened to that poor man…” She wrinkled her nose. “Oh, it was beyond awful.”
    “What do you mean?”
    Mama glanced at the clock. “Oh my, it’s getting late.” She shook her head, pressing a hand to her lips. “I must go start dinner for Lorenzo. He’ll be home from work soon and ravenous, as always.”
    “But the roast—”
    “I made that for you and Linsey, dear.”
    “Thank you, Mama.” Quinn’s eyes filled with tears. There was no end to the elderly woman’s generosity. “One day I’ll pay you back for all the heartache I’ve caused.”
    “God has a way of turning heartaches into blessings.” She wrapped a scarf around her head and then gathered her long, wool coat from a hook on the kitchen wall. “I’ll be back in the morning…early, right?”
    “Yes, I have the breakfast shift again.” Though waking in the middle of the night was less than appealing, Quinn actually preferred the early shift. She was halfway done with the work before Linsey even woke, and returned home as Linsey finished her day at kindergarten. That left plenty of daylight to spend with her daughter.
    Except today, a cluster of heavy, gray clouds stole the sunlight and made three o’clock seem like midnight.
    “Mom, can we build a snowman now?”
    “We’ll see.” Quinn dipped a spoon into the crock pot and nibbled a chunk of potato. Mmm…delicious. “Say good-bye to Mama Cantori, first.”
    “Bye, Mama Cantori.” Linsey flew across the room and into the woman’s outstretched arms. “I love you.”
    “Bye, sweetie.” Mama Cantori pressed her lips to Linsey’s copper crown. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
     
    ****
     
    Jason