Special Delivery (A Valentine's Short Story) Read Online Free Page A

left.”
    Her eyes darted sideways, then back to the
oncoming truck that was gaining on them. On the opposite side of
the highway, cars were flying by fast. “But there’s no room, we’ll
crash into those—”
    “Tammy,” Logan instructed firmly. “Do what he
says.”
    Hands trembling and arms shaking, Tammy drove
the SUV off the road. The shoulder was narrow, and their right
front tire slid into a ditch. They all pitched forward with a jolt.
Luke instinctively cupped Jocelyn’s head with his hand to protect
her. Tears streaked the child’s face, but she’d finally stopped
crying and was sucking in gasps of air.
    Seconds later, the semi roared by at
breakneck speed, kicking up an icy splatter.
    He hadn’t even seen them.
    “Man,” Logan said between rapid breaths.
“That was close.”
    Tammy was silent, tears streaming down her
cheeks. Logan lifted his glove to dry them. “It’s okay. We’re going
to be okay.”
    Tammy stammered, her lips quaking, “I’m
sorry. So sorry. I shouldn’t have swerved to — ”
    “Shh, shhh…” Logan told her. “Everything’s
all right. Luke and I will get us out of this.” Then, much to
Luke’s relief, he added, “Then afterwards, I’m driving.”
     
     

Chapter Nine
     
    Amanda heard a car door open and glanced out
the front window. It was a florist’s truck, of all things. It was
after five o’clock and awfully late for a delivery. Then Amanda
reminded herself it was Valentine’s Day. All the flower shops in
town had likely been working overtime trying to deliver their
overabundance of orders, particularly in this inclement weather.
She thought she heard footfalls on the path crunching through the
snow and ambled toward the door to open it. A tall deliveryman
stood there dusted in white and holding the most gorgeous
arrangement of roses before him. “Flowers for the lady of the
house.” Amanda’s heart bounded. That voice sounded just
like — ”
    The man slowly lowered the vase in his hands,
exposing that unbelievably handsome and familiar face. “Hello,
baby,” Luke said. “Happy Valentine’s Day.”
    Her heart caught in her throat and tears
filled her eyes. Could this be a dream?
    Over Luke’s shoulder, she spied the flower
deliveryman climbing back in his truck, as the light blue SUV
parked behind it slowly pulled away. Luke smiled at her, and dark
eyes twinkled. “I told the flower guy I’d take it from there.” He
shrugged toward the drive, then stepped inside and shut the door.
“I hope you don’t mind the personal delivery.”
    “Oh, Luke!”
    Luke set the flowers on a table, and Amanda
leapt into his arms. Despite the fact that his coat was freezing
cold and sopping wet, she squeezed him to her. She didn’t care if
he was Frosty the Snowman himself. She never wanted to let him go.
This was Luke. Her Luke. And by some Valentine’s miracle,
he’d made it home! “We’re expecting another one.”
    He pulled back to look at her. “What?”
    “The baby,” she said a bit breathlessly.
“It’s coming.”
    Luke took in her overcoat, then his gaze
travelled to her bag by the door.” His face glowed brightly. “You
mean?”
    Amanda nodded, still weeping. How could this
be? He was here! “But how did you…? I thought…?”
    “We got an early shore leave. Time off for
good behavior.” He shot her a wink, and Amanda’s pulse fluttered,
just as it had that very first day.
    Another car door popped open outdoors, then
footfalls raced up the front steps. “That’s Katie,” Amanda told
him, opening the door.
    Katie entered the house, then fell back in
surprise. “Luke! Well, I’ll be! Isn’t this a Valentine’s
treat?”
    “The very best,” Amanda said, drying her
eyes. Suddenly, another shock of pain hit her. “Argh!” she cried,
gripping her belly.
    “Looks like we’d better get going.” Luke
briefly stepped outside to haul in the duffle he’d left on the
porch. “Katie?”
    She looked uncertainly from one to the