SNOW KISSED CHRISTMAS: Sweet Historical Romance Novella--Short Read Read Online Free

the back door. He came back shaking his head. “Blizzard out there, can’t see even to the barn. William, Anna, you and the Zaichiks will stay here with us tonight.” He walked over and tousled Thomas’s dark hair. “Father Christmas, he will have to come here, ya?”
    Anna saw the horrified expression on her son’s face. He looked over at his father. “But we can go home still, can’t we, dada? We need to go home, so Santa will find us.”
    William had also gone to the door and checked. He shook his head. “Nay, we cann’ae, laddie. We’d no make it even to the hill, it’s too risky. T’is a blizzard out there and no mistake.””
    “But how will Santa know we’re here?” Thomas’s voice quavered, and Anna knew he was on the verge of tears. She felt her own eyes well up in sympathy.
    It was Sophie who calmed her brother. “Santa will leave our things under our tree at home, and we’ll find them when we go home. We don’t have to be in our own house for Santa to come, do we, Mummy?”
    “No, of course not,” Anna assured her. “He knows where you live. And the storm will likely be over by morning, but even if its not, the gifts will be there waiting for you both.” She’d send William on ahead, to make sure.
    Thomas nodded, still doubtful, but comforted.
    After that, there was the bustle of clearing the table, washing and drying the dishes. Sophie helped the women in the kitchen, and Peter started a game with Thomas that involved crawling around on the living room carpet, in and around the furniture.
    “Lilya,” Anna said, bent over the sink, scrubbing a stubborn pot, “I’m so sorry for the extra work, all of us having to stay.”
    “Nyet!” The word was explosive, and Anna looked up, surprised. Lilya grabbed her arm and pulled her into a huge hug, ignoring the soapsuds clinging to Anna’s hands.
    “Nyet, no, never say sorry for such a gift.” Lilya’s eyes were wet again, but this time it wasn’t sorrow. “To have you with us on this special night, such a gift for Stevie and me.” She released Anna and bustled around, putting wood on the stove, filling the big enamel coffee pot with water and grounds. “We will now have cookies and coffee and something to warm us. I will show you where you will all sleep, we will have big breakfast in the morning.”
    She was radiating excitement and pleasure, and Anna realized that she truly meant it, that having them there was some kind of gift for Lilya. Anna still felt sorry they couldn’t get home, but Lilya made her feel so welcome she relaxed some.
    When the kitchen was tidy and the coffee was perked, they joined the men in the living room. Steve and William had taken the extra leaves out of the dining table, and now it was round and small, sitting off to one side. Lilya served coffee and round spicy cookies. Steve poured vodka into tiny glasses for the men. There was huckleberry juice for Thomas and Sophie.
    “Will ye no dance for us, sister?” William pulled his mouth organ from his suit pocket. He began to play Golden Slippers, and Sophie shucked off her shoes and danced, hair flying, arms over her head. She had a natural rhythm, and a grace and style that took Anna’s breath away.
    Peter slipped away and re-appeared with a violin, which he tucked under his chin and played with amazing flair. He obviously had talent. The music drowned out the sound of the howling wind, and Thomas joined his sister dancing, making up in energy what he lacked in elegance.
    Anna and Lilya clapped, and William and Peter went from one song to another, Strike Up The Band, A Bird In A Gilded Cage, and then, by silent mutual consent, they played Deck The Hall and God Rest You Merry Gentlemen, then Hark The Herald Angels Sing.
    The dancing was over. Thomas was yawning, and Sophie’s eyes looked heavy. Anna took them out to the bathroom, where Steve had stoked the small stove so it was warm and there was hot water. They used the toilet and then Anna washed their