Mistletoe and Magic Read Online Free Page A

called shortly after. She remembered seeing Mitch laid out on the coroner’s table. She’d felt so much anger, she didn’t know whether to cry or spit in his face. Regardless, Jenny had convinced herself Mitch would never have lost control of his bike if it hadn’t been for Mallory’s nagging.
    “Are you okay, Mom?” Lacey asked sitting down on the edge of the sofa. She touched her mother’s arm and watched her. Lacey’s kindness brought tears to Mallory’s eyes, but she held back so her daughter wouldn’t notice. But it was too late; Lacey had noticed and immediately leaned in to hug her. “Just ignore her, Mom. She’s a jerk!”
    “I know she’s angry about your father’s death. I am too. But what I don’t understand is why she’s taking it out on both of us.” Lacey’s lips puckered. Mallory continued. “I don’t know how much more of this I can take.”
    Lacey hugged her tighter. “I’m sorry, Mom. Don’t cry.” Lacey stroked her mother’s hair. “She’s just mad that Dad died.”
    “Me too,” Mallory said, shaking her head in agreement. “I loved your father, Lacey. I begged him not to ride that motorcycle.”
    “I know you did, Mom. So does Jenny. But she’s mad anyway.”
    “Well, she needs to grow up.” Mallory reached for a tissue and blew her nose. After wiping her tears, she stood and walked to the door deciding Lacey didn’t need to hear anything more. Why put her in the middle of a fight that would never be settled. “You can watch television in my bedroom if you want. You weren’t the one to start the fight. There’s no reason for you to be punished.”
    “Thanks, Mom.”
    Mallory picked up the romance novel sitting on the corner of the table and tried to focus on reading, but she was too upset. She thought of Dina’s push to get her married off again. Yeah, that would work out well. Having a man in her life was a very bad idea. Besides, with Jenny’s attitude, she’d have any man who even came close to being in her life heading for the hills. She forced out an exasperated breath and shook her head. Dwelling on something she couldn’t change did her no good. Maybe once the tree was in the house and decorated, things would feel better.
    She turned on the television in the living room and flipped through the channels, settling on a Hallmark movie already in progress but in a commercial break. She couldn’t believe her eyes when she saw the title, A Boyfriend for Christmas . AJ and Miriam immediately came to mind. She snickered. This was all too surreal. Were the gods trying to mess with her head? Chalking it up to coincidence, she walked back to the kitchen and poured herself a glass of wine when she heard Jenny’s voice call out.
    “Mom.”
    “I don’t want to talk to you right now, Jenny. Shut out your light and go to sleep.”
    “Mom,” she repeated sternly, “our Christmas tree is here.”
    “What?” Mallory walked to the window and looked out. Indeed it was, but how could that be? She’d only asked Jesse to tag the tree. Placing her wine down on the corner table, she turned on the outside light so the deliveryman wouldn’t trip over the shrubs and wind up suing her. She already had her share of problems; she didn’t need any more. She opened the door to a fierce blizzard.
    Stepping outside, she greeted the man. “I didn’t know you were going to deliver the tree, Jess.” She walked down the front steps rubbing her arms to keep warm. “But I’m most appreciative.”
    “I’m glad you are,” his deep timbre voice rang out.
    Shocked, she couldn’t believe it. She’d recognize that voice anywhere. “AJ?”
    “In the frozen flesh,” he said. “Where would you like this tree to go?” he stopped and held onto the tree to prevent it from falling.
    “I…I guess, on the porch is okay. I don’t understand,” she said “Why are you delivering my tree? Are you working at the orchard now?”
    “No. I was there at the same time you were when I