Jingle Bell Blessings Read Online Free Page A

dream?”
    He nodded, a jerky motion. “And when I woke up I didn’t know where I was.”
    â€œI wasn’t having much luck sleeping either. I’d probably go to sleep faster if I wasn’t alone.” She rubbed her chin as though in deep concentration. “Do you suppose I could sleep on the extra bed in here? It would really help me out.”
    This time when he nodded, he looked up at her with relief in his big brown eyes.
    She eased the tears from his cheeks with her fingers. “I know I’ll feel safe in here with you.”
    He sniffled.
    â€œOkay, better get that bug snug again.” He dutifully laid back down and she tucked him in. “If it wouldn’t keep you awake, I’d kind of like to keep the little light on.”
    â€œIt’s okay,” he agreed gratefully.
    She smoothed his hair once more. “Thanks.”
    Climbing into the bed she guessed once belonged to a nanny, Chloe actually did feel better. She had been worried about Jimmy being alone, frightened in the strange house. She smoothed the blanket in place, leaving her arms out. Now, if she could just get Evan Mitchell out of her thoughts. Sighing, she realized that wouldn’t be nearly as easy.
    Â 
    Early morning sunlight invaded Chloe’s face. Scrunching her eyes, she reached for the sheet to cover them. Awareness hit at the same instant. Immediately, she looked at Jimmy’s bed. It was empty. Fear filled her chest. Surely he hadn’t run away. He didn’t know anyone in Rosewood.
    Blinking, she focused again and saw his pajamas thrown across the bed. Next to them was his stuffed dog, Elbert. Jimmy wouldn’t have left his treasured friend behind.
    Although reassured, she dressed quickly so she could look for him. Evan Mitchell wouldn’t welcome a curious, roaming child in his house.
    Once downstairs, she headed toward the kitchen, but paused when she heard voices in the dining room. Walking slowly, she approached the group.
    â€œYou must be Chloe,” a gray-haired man boomed in a deep voice. He stood up, keeping Jimmy close to his side.
    â€œI’m Gordon Mitchell, Evan’s father. Sure pleased to have you here.”
    Surreptitiously glancing around, she didn’t see Evan, and relaxed. “Thank you.”
    Thelma poured another mug of coffee and handed it to Chloe. “Morning. How’d you sleep?”
    â€œVery well, thanks. It’s a beautiful room.” She glanced at Gordon. “A beautiful house.”
    â€œToo empty, though.” He patted Jimmy’s shoulder. “Need some young energy to fill it up again.”
    Unwilling to discuss Evan’s refusal in front of Jimmy, Chloe sipped the bracing brew.
    Jimmy knelt down. “Did you see the dog, Chloe?”
    A calm golden retriever seemed delighted by Jimmy’s attention, waving a beautifully plumed tail and pushing his muzzle into Jimmy’s hand.
    â€œI don’t remember seeing him yesterday,” she mused.
    â€œBailey was with me,” Gordon explained. “Hunting. But he pined for Evan the whole time.”
    â€œHe’s Evan’s dog?” Chloe asked in surprise.
    â€œBailey’s usually camped out by Evan’s side, clinging like thistle. Jimmy’s pretty special to have tempted him away.”
    â€œFrench toast this morning.” Thelma winked at Jimmy.
    â€œThought I might find somebody who’d like it.”
    â€œSounds great.” Chloe slipped into a chair. “How did your hunting trip go, Mr. Mitchell?”
    â€œBest part of it is the guys. We tell the same stories we’ve told each other for the last fifty years, and now that we’re getting on, some of ’em even sound new again.” His dark eyes crinkled with kindness.
    Although she could see the resemblance between the two generations of men, Gordon exuded warmth, friendliness. Chloe wanted to relax, but she was still facing a major confrontation.
    The