A Christmas Worth Billions (Countdown to Christmas Book 4) Read Online Free Page B

head out soon. Another storm is coming through, and traffic is supposed to be pretty nasty.”
    David closed his laptop. “Considering the drive I had to deal with this morning, I’m heading out right now.”
    “Good call.” Peter left to deliver the assignments, and David followed soon after, whistling. He made his way to the garage and adjusted the collar on his coat. If the wind blowing through the garage was any indication, he’d be lucky to get over the bridge before the town shut down from the storm.  He waved at the parking attendant as he pulled out of the garage and onto the snowy road. The weather had been worse than usual, and he was ready for it to be done.
    The traffic was crazy as he made his way out of New York. The roads were still clear, but people were driving aggressively as they weaved through the other cars.
    David’s hands gripped the steering wheel as he headed over the bridge. There were several icy spots, so he went slower than the cars around him. Fear clutched his stomach every time his tires slid even a little bit. By the time he made it to his small town, he was shaking and rattled.
    He pulled into the church and climbed out of his truck. He could have gone home, but he needed to be around people so the nightmares wouldn’t come back. The door to the church creaked open, and he cringed when he heard the organ music inside. He hadn’t realized there was anything going on. He’d just wanted to talk to Reverend Smith about Lily.
    The pews were empty when he walked farther inside, and he sat on the back bench until the music stopped.
    “Ah, David. How long have you been here?” Reverend Smith stood from the organ and made his way toward David.
    “I just got here.” David leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees. “I didn’t know you play the organ.”
    Reverend Smith laughed. “I only knew a few songs, and I make sure no one is around when I play. Is there something I can do for you?”
    Now that David was sitting there, he wasn’t sure he wanted to say anything. “It’s … nothing. I can just come later.”
    “Is something on your mind? I can only help if you ask for it.”
    David hesitated a moment longer. “Do you know anything about Lily? The woman who brought in her tithes when I was here?”
    “What would you like to know about her?” Reverend Smith asked.
    David could feel his face burn. “I just wondered. I keep running into her, and I’m curious.”
    “Ah. Well, she’s lived here her whole life. She has a good heart, and loves her children dearly. I worry about them, but she won’t let me help.” He shook his head. “Is there anything else?”
    “No. That’s all.” David stood up, embarrassed. He couldn’t believe he was even there. “See you in the morning.”
    “See you then. And David? It’s okay that you find her attractive. She’s beautiful, and she could use someone with a gentle heart.” The pastor smiled at him and walked back to the organ.
    David listened to the Christmas melody for a moment before leaving the church. The peace he’d hoped for had come, but his heart was more confused than before he'd talked to the reverend.
    The storm had settled into the valley, and it blanketed the streets as he made his way home. A movement to the side of his vision made him stop quickly. Someone was out in this storm. They were huddled over in a thin coat and continued forward in the snow. He slowed down and pulled over just as the person collapsed to the ground.
    David ran to the person’s side and rolled them over. His stomach dropped. It was Lily. Her lips were purple, and her skin was ice. He looked around frantically for someone to help. He had no idea where she lived.
    “Lily? Hey, Lily.” He picked her up, and the jostling seemed to rouse her. He set her inside the truck, cranked up the heater, and then tried again. “Hey, I want to get you home, but I need to know where you live.”
    Her eyes fluttered open, and she tried to speak.