Golden Christmas Read Online Free Page A

tone of
voice now, as if she was happy to be here. He prayed she was—prayed
that she enjoyed his company and wasn't simply being nice to the
blind guy.
    He sat on the sofa to tie his laces, then
rose and took his coat off the hook by the door. Honey bumped her
nose on the back of his leg, and he stooped to stroke her. "You
stay here, girl. No point in you coming when you'll have to spend
most of the time in the car."
    "Isn't she allowed in the pub?"
    "The pub will be bursting at the seams, and
she won't be allowed near the puppies. They haven't finished their
vaccination program yet."
    "Oh, okay. I didn't think of that."
    The rustle of fabric and soft tread of
Vicky's feet alerted him as she moved closer. He caught her
enticing fragrance as she crouched to make a fuss of Honey.
    Feeling ridiculously jealous of his dog,
Jonathan grabbed his cane and locked his door, then followed Vicky
downstairs and outside.
    "My car's about fifteen feet directly in
front of you."
    Jonathan liked that she didn't try to take
his arm and guide him, but let him find his own way. He counted his
paces, careful with his cane so he didn't knock it against her
paintwork.
    "Couple more paces," she said.
    Jonathan touched the door, opened it, and
checked the head clearance. Then he felt for the dash and the seat
before climbing in and shutting the door.
    The driver's door opened and the car bounced
lightly as Vicky climbed in. Her floral fragrance engulfed him
inside the small space in the car. He inhaled deeply, savoring the
feeling of being close to her. Jonathan reached for his seatbelt
and silky strands slid over his hand—her hair? Just the thought
sent his pulse racing.
    He fastened his seatbelt and the car vibrated
as the engine hummed and Vicky pulled away. They chatted about
inconsequential things during the five-minute drive.
    "Here we are." Vicky pulled up and the engine
stopped. "I hope this pub does good food because I'm starving."
    "It does," Jonathan said. Although suddenly
his appetite had deserted him.

Chapter Four
    A burst
of welcoming heat and the delicious fragrance of food greeted Vicky
as she walked into the pub. Jonathan followed, and she held the
door open for him. It was difficult gauging how much assistance to
offer him. She didn't want to overdo it, but she didn't want to
leave him to cope when he wanted a hand.
    The place was full of cheerful people,
chatting and laughing, sitting at tables set around the edge of the
snug old-fashioned room with its oak bar and shiny bar taps. Pine
boughs decorated with gold baubles and red bows adorned the beams,
and Christmas music competed with the sound of voices.
    Behind the bar, a young woman with long blond
hair raised a hand in greeting. She made her way through the crowd.
"I'm so pleased you made it, Jon." She embraced him and he kissed
her cheek. "You must see the puppies while they're small. They're
simply adorable. I want to keep them all!"
    Jonathan touched Vicky's back. "Vicky kindly
played chauffeur. She's staying in the gatehouse."
    "Hi, I'm Shelly. Owen mentioned you might be
in. It's so good of you to give Jon a ride."
    "Hi, Shelly. Nice to meet you." Vicky held
out a hand and Shelly shook it.
    "Are you happy to eat lunch first and visit
with the puppies afterwards? I'm rushed off my feet at the
moment."
    "Of course. We're not in a hurry," Jonathan
said.
    "Take the booth beside the fire. I reserved
it for you when Owen mentioned you might come."
    Shelly picked up a couple of menus, and with
no comment, she took Jonathan's arm and carefully led him through
the throng of people to a table set in a small alcove beside a
roaring log fire. On a wooden beam above the fire hung a banner
that read Merry Christmas from all at the Fat Goose.
    Jonathan touched the chair and table,
obviously getting his bearings, then slid onto the padded booth
seat. Vicky sat beside him, and Shelly laid the menus on the table.
"I'll send someone over in a moment to take your orders."
    "Thank