Miracle In March Read Online Free Page B

‘ Bonjour, mademoiselle .’ He smiled.
    â€˜ Bonjour ,’ Emma replied, her smile widening. ‘I’ve taught a bit of French to first-graders when I worked as a teacher,’ she added.
    â€˜Ahh, wonderful!’ he said. ‘You’ve been to France, no?’
    Her gaze dropped to the floor. ‘One day.’ She handed him the towels, and he went back inside.
    â€˜Thanks again,’ the woman said. ‘I’m needing a few extra lately to roll up and put either side of my body in bed, helps support this lump of a thing!’ She patted her stomach.
    â€˜Not much longer to go?’
    â€˜Seven weeks, though I don’t know how much more I can handle.’ She sighed. ‘My blood pressure isn’t behaving. I’ve been instructed to take it easy and rest until delivery.’
    Emma eyed the pile of books beside her on the table. ‘I take it you’ve got a bit of reading planned to pass the time?’
    â€˜I’ve come prepared.’ She patted the books. ‘But I’m getting a bit bored. I have to keep reminding myself I can’t do what I used to do, and I’ve been told I should take advantage of the peace and quiet now while I have it.’ She gave Emma a curious glance. ‘You got kids?’
    Emma shook her head and glanced away. ‘No. Wasn’t meant to be, I guess.’
    â€˜Oh, there’s still time. You can’t be much older than thirty.’ She smiled.
    â€˜Thanks for the compliment, but I’m thirty-seven.’ Emma smiled back. ‘Is there anything else I can help you with?’
    â€˜Not that I can think of. I’m all set for an adrenaline-filled adventure holiday right here.’ She patted the arms of her chair.
    Emma chuckled. ‘I hope you enjoy your stay. Call reception if you do need anything, or give me a yell if you see me slacking off around the grounds.’ She winked.
    â€˜Ha, will do. Thanks…’ She drew out the word.
    â€˜Emma.’
    â€˜ Emma . Thanks. I’m Lizzie.’ She held out her hand.
    â€˜Nice to meet you.’ They shook hands. Emma stepped off the porch and walked back the way she came, in a much better mood than she’d been on her way to the cabin.
    She approached the playground at the end of the walking track and slowed a little. The colourful structures stuck out amidst the beauty of the natural environment of grass, sand, trees, and flowers. So did the person standing there. James’ arms were folded and his back was to her. He focused on his son playing; not on the climbing equipment, but underneath it. Jackson pressed his finger into the artificial spongy ground that her parents had installed around the playground last year to protect kids from injuries. James was like a military guard, still and strong, ready to intervene and protect his son from any danger that might arise.
    When another child climbed up the equipment, Jackson moved away to another area. Two girls about nine or ten chatted loudly as they swung in circles around the poles holding up the tall cubbyhouse. One of them released a high-pitched laugh and Jackson clapped his hands to his ears and grunted. He moved away again and flapped his hands as though shaking something repulsive from them. Emma stopped, watching him. She knew instantly. She’d seen kids like Jackson before, had worked with them when she was employed as a teacher’s aide and then as a special needs teacher. Her heart filled with warmth at the sight of the sweet little boy who was now smiling to himself and making lulling noises. Then her heart deflated when she realised James had caught sight of her, and she felt for him. Because she knew now, that he had a lot more on his plate than just the history of their sudden breakup.
    * * *
    James knew. He knew Emma was watching Jackson and noticing that he wasn’t like other kids. When she’d caught his eye her face had been softer than before, and