We Could Be Amazing Read Online Free

all business. She had thought she’d like reminding him for the rest of their lives, but things hadn’t turned out that way.
    When they arrived in Poulsbo , Kiona took in the Christmas décor. Even without the sun shining and no snow on the ground, there was something magical about Washington State at Christmas time. “I just realized I missed Christmas in the Country.” She’d read up on the event, which happened at the end of November and into the first couple of days of December. Visitors to the island were given a map that detailed all the participating vendors—from people with home-based businesses and entrepreneurs, to artists, authors, and musicians. One could travel from place to place to see historic cottages and farms. Bainbridge Island might not house as many people as the big cities, but there were some charming homes not found in other places, or so she’d read. That wasn’t even mentioning the shopping for unique handmade items.
    “I think you’re better off missing it, at least when it comes to my family home,” Ridge informed her.
    She wrinkled her nose. “What do you mean? I’ve seen your parents’ house. It’s beautiful.
    Ridge chuckled. “Not that. It’s Mom. She gets into it a little too much, proudly giving a speech to every unsuspecting visitor who stumbles onto our property about how far back the Fosters go and how we were one of the founding families.”
    “Yeah, don’t put me down for that,” she snarked. “Were you?”
    He frowned as if not understanding, and then his brow cleared. “I don’t know, but does it matter when it comes to her?”
    “I guess not.” Rarely did she hear him criticize his mother. Ridge often defended her, telling Kiona the woman meant no harm, when anyone with common sense knew she did. The subject remained one of her bones of contention with him even after they split.
    After Ridge parked, Kiona hopped from the car and pulled her coat tighter around her. She turned to get Alex, but Ridge had already begun unbuckling him. Alex jumped to the ground and shouted “Birds,” about to run toward the wharf. Ridge caught him. “Let’s walk up this street first, little buddy.”
    Kiona watched her son to see if he would complain, but he fell into step with Ridge, taking huge steps to match his dad while holding Ridge’s hand. Her heart constricted. Alex had missed his daddy. Guilt about insisting on staying closer to her hometown and her family rocked her not for the first time. She needed to think more about Alex and what he needed.
    Shop windows were trimmed with spray on snow, wreaths or candles, and blinking lights. Beyond were some nativity scenes and Mrs. Claus knitting, waiting for Santa’s return. When Kiona heard music, she searched for the source and found a group of men with assorted instruments playing on the sidewalk. She marveled at one belting out tunes on a real upright piano. The area was known for the artistic type, and this proved it.
    “KeyKey, come here and look at this.”
    Kiona turned at Ridge’s deep voice, and without thinking she took the outstretched hand. She walked with him a few steps to where an artist painted a North Pole scene, complete with Santa in the sky and elves waving him off. With the piles of snow in the foreground, she shivered, but the scene brought warmth as well and a peek at the elven town in the back. Magic seemed infused in every brushstroke, and she sighed.
    “How much?” Ridge asked.
    The artist, a man in worn clothing, an ugly wool hat with earflaps, and gloves that allowed his fingers to be uncovered, looked up startled. “Oh, I wasn’t going to…”
    “Name your price,” Ridge insisted, already fishing for his wallet.
    Kiona frowned. “Ridge, everybody’s not about the money, you know. Let him be. He’s creating something amazing.”
    When Ridge pressed several large bills into the man’s hand, all of a sudden the painting was completed. The artist retrieved a protective sheet from a spot