Yuletide Hearts Read Online Free

explained, “Numbers-wise. I knew your father was experienced, and his friend Buck, but to have a third person.” He raised his shoulders in a half shrug. “That’s clutch in roofing. And Jim Slaughter will help, too, so that makes five of us.”
    â€œSix, actually.”
    Matt turned back toward Hank.
    â€œTom Baldwin might be on in years, but he’s a solid roofer. I know that firsthand.”
    â€œExcellent.” Matt swept Callie another quick smile, just quick enough to make her want to shift forward.
    Therefore she pulled back. “Except I haven’t said yes.”
    â€œThat’s true.” Matt stood, his shoulders filling the tan T-shirt beneath a frayed brown-plaid hooded flannel, the plain clothes adding to his hard-edged charm. “Here’s my number.” He handed her a business card, reached across and shook her father’s hand, his frank gaze understanding. “Can you let me know by tonight?”
    â€œOf course.” Hank stood and walked Matt outside. “Let me talk to Buck and see if he’s available. Tom, too.”
    â€œAnd, sir…” Matt hesitated, then turned, his eyes sweeping Hank, then the subdivision across the road. “I know this is difficult,” he began.
    Hank cut him off. “Things happen for a reason, son. Always did, always will. I can’t pretend I wasn’t disappointed by my run of bad luck, especially because it affected more than me.”
    Callie knew he’d shifted his gaze her way, but she kept her eyes down, not ready to rush this decision, although seeing Matt’s grin on a regular basis wouldn’t be a hardship. No, she’d definitely go to delightful. Maybe even delicious. But seriously off limits.
    Like you’re all that much to look at in hoodies and jeans with a tool belt strapped around your waist? Step back into reality, honey. Been there, done that. Bad ending all around.
    â€œBut I’ve wound ’round God’s paths all my life,” Hank went on, “the ups and downs, the back-and-forths, and we’ve always come out okay in the end.”
    â€œGood philosophy,” Matt noted. He moved across the side porch, then down the steps. “I’ll look forward to hearing from you.”
    â€œI’ll call,” Hank promised.
    Callie stared at her coffee, not wanting it, not wanting to be broke, not wanting to work for the attractive guy across the street who seemed bent on getting them involved in his success while facing their loss.
    â€œIt’s a good opportunity, Cal.” Hank laid a hand on her shoulder, his gentle grip understanding.
    â€œThe location’s convenient.”
    â€œYes.”
    She sighed and stared out the window, seeing nothing. “And the money’s good.”
    â€œAnd welcome.”
    â€œI’ll say.” She paused, drummed her fingers along the table top, then slanted her eyes to his. “I know we have to say yes, Dad.”
    He winced, then shrugged, understanding her mixed feelings.
    â€œBut I have to recount the reasons why before I do it.”
    â€œLike bills to pay?”
    â€œFor one.” She nodded toward the school bus lumbering down the road. “I spent my Christmas budget on school clothes and supplies for Jake. He grew so much this summer that nothing fit, so I had to totally re-outfit him.”
    â€œAnd my little stash went toward truck engine repairs.”
    Two relatively minor things had dissolved their meager savings. Callie hated that, but then gave herself an internal smack upside the head.
    Jake was strong, healthy and athletic, a good boy who loved traipsing off to a fishing hole, who behaved himself in school and accepted the necessary extra tutoring with little argument. He knew his way around a hammer and saw, a Marek trait tried and true, and wasn’t afraid to don a hard hat and be a crew gopher.
    Her father’s health had returned with his colostomy, and if