A Holiday Proposal Read Online Free Page A

for more food. She had to get a grip. Sure, Matthew was incredibly good-looking, sweet and kind, but the whole purpose of bringing Todd along was to get her mom to stop matchmaking. She didn’t want a man in her life distracting her. And Matthew was definitely a distraction.

Chapter 3
    M atthew bowed his head as Mr. Miller blessed the food. After the amen, Mr. Miller looked up and said, “Let’s eat. I’m starving.”
    The table came to life as food passed from one hand to the next. Matthew took a moment to check out the room. Holly’s parents had a nice place. Soft yellow walls held photos of Holly and Jessica along with an oversize mirror. A little old-fashioned for him, but it made the smallish room feel larger.
    Pleasant conversation flowed between April and Jessica. Ava sat to Matthew’s left with Todd on his right. The man couldn’t stop talking about how he’d helped someone who couldn’t walk due to an injury take his first step, then he went on to boast about some other accomplishment. Evidently Todd had a high opinion of himself and was hung up talking about work.
    A foot nailed Matthew’s shin and he jumped. His gaze slammed into that of Holly, who sat across from him.
    Holly’s eyes widened, and she mouthed sorry . A second later Todd jumped and glared across the table. Holly sent him a look, and if Matthew had to guess, she was signaling Todd to be quiet.
    Tempted to applaud, Matthew instead focused on cutting his meat then looked at Holly. “What have you been up to since high school?” He took a bite of the perfectly cooked roast.
    A pretty pink blush covered her cheeks. “I worked for a couple of years then went to college. Did a little traveling, too, which was fun, but for the most part it’s been work and school. I actually haven’t been back in town long, just since this past winter.”
    He did the math and realized she’d come back about the same time he’d opened his bakery. No wonder they’d never run into each other—he’d spent almost every waking minute working. But that was about to change. April and Ava were visiting and he planned for time away from the business. It might not be the best time to be pulling back his hours, but he had complete faith in his small staff. “I’m sure your family is glad you returned to Leavenworth. I’m not much of a traveler and have to live vicariously though others. Where have you gone?”
    She set her fork down and paused a moment. “Well, most of the time they were just road trips to places here in Washington, but once a friend and I took the train over to Seattle and went on a cruise to Alaska.”
    “Now that’s something I’d like to do.”
    Her face lit and her green eyes sparkled. “You should go there. It’s so beautiful. The glaciers were breathtaking. Someday I want to return.”
    “Yes, our Holly enjoys traveling.” Mrs. Miller beamed a smile his way. “But we’re happy she’s finally finished school and settled into a real job.” She looked pointedly at Todd. “So, how did you and Holly meet?”
    Todd told the story of how she’d gotten lost at the hospital.
    Holly kept her gaze on her plate, clearly embarrassed by the retelling.
    “Holly has always been directionally challenged.” Jessica shot everyone a smile, then pushed back her chair and stood. Her husband followed and grasped her hand between his. “We have an announcement to make.” She paused and looked around the table, demanding everyone’s attention. “We’re pregnant!”
    Holly gasped. The shock on her face mixed with something akin to anger...no, frustration. But why?
    Mrs. Miller screamed and jumped from her seat. She pulled the couple into her arms.
    “Congratulations! I’m going to be a grandma. Wait until I tell Evelyn. She will be so jealous. Oh, Jessica, I’m so pleased. You’ve made me the happiest mother on the planet.”
    Matthew watched Holly sink low in her chair and tried to catch her eye, but she stared at her plate. Why wasn’t