by Beth Carter
The dentist chuckled. “Oh, and I need to change the voice mail from Beverly’s screechy, hateful ‘We’re closed permanently’ message to: ‘Happy Holidays, the Fenton Dental Clinic has reopened effective immediately.’” Dr. Fenton retrieved his car keys and glanced at them hopefully. “Do you mind if I cut out early?”
Madison said, “Of course not, boss.” Secretly, she was happy to have alone time with Adam and Betsy.
Adam grinned. “Glad you’re back in business, buddy.”
“You have free dental care for life, Adam. I can never thank you enough.” He turned toward Madison, thanked her for the scrumptious meal, and said he’d contact her soon about the official reopening date. He patted Betsy’s head and marched across the room with renewed vigor.
CHAPTER 25
When Dr. Fenton opened the front door, a blast of frigid air blew inside.
Madison peered outside and noticed more snow had fallen. In fact, a lot of snow. The ground was covered in a powdery, white blanket. “Too bad I don’t have a fireplace. I’ll turn up the heat.”
Betsy ran toward the window and pressed her nose against the pane. Her tiny hands left two perfect, clammy imprints on the glass. She turned to Adam. “Can we make snow angels again?”
Madison said, “Maybe later. Maybe not. Adam hasn’t opened his Christmas gift.”
She sat back on the couch and handed Adam his present. “None of us can top your generosity but here you go. I hope you like it.”
Adam finished his champagne, set the empty glass on the table, and held his present in the air. He turned to Betsy. “Do you know what this is?”
Betsy’s curls bounced as she bobbed her head. “Uh huh.”
Adam continued as he turned the gift in his hands. “It’s round. Is it a pizza?”
Betsy climbed onto Adam’s lap. Between giggles she said, “No, it’s not pizza.”
“Hmm. Is this a tire for my lawnmower?”
Betsy cupped a tiny hand over her mouth. “Mommy wouldn’t give you a tire. She gives good gifts.”
Adam drummed his fingers on the table. “Let me think. What else is round? I know. It’s a bowl.”
“No.” Obviously unable to contain herself one second longer, Betsy shouted, “It’s a pie!”
Adam gasped. “Pie? I love pie. I wonder what kind?”
Betsy shook her head. “I’m not telling.”
Painstakingly untying the ribbon, Adam addressed a wriggling Betsy. “Want to help me unwrap this?”
The little girl reached over and ripped the tissue paper.
Adam stared at the pie. “Pecan. My favorite.” He glanced at Madison. “You remembered.”
Her eyes glistened. “How could I forget? You ordered pecan pie on our first date.” She grinned. “I wish I had more for you.”
Adam set Betsy on the floor, joined Madison on the couch, and placed his arm around her shoulders. “You’re my gift. You and Betsy. That little girl already has me wrapped around her finger.” He stared into Madison’s eyes. “I’m in love with you. I want to be a part of your and Betsy’s lives, if you’ll have me.”
Madison threw her arms around Adam’s neck and buried her face in his neck. Sobbing happy tears, she mumbled, “I love you, too. If I didn’t believe in miracles before, I certainly do now.”
Betsy attempted to wrap her arms around both of them. “Mewwy Cwismas.”
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
To my trusted beta readers, Shirley McCann, Carol Holmes, Amy Grabher, and Allison Twist, thank you for taking the time to read my work and for providing valuable feedback. Also, thanks to Jessica Connolly for her input on the cover.
A big thanks to Sweet 'n Spicy Designs for my fun, fabulous cover art!
As always, a huge thanks to my devoted, loving husband who never seems to mind when I’m engrossed in yet another writing project and forget to cook dinner. You’re the best, babe.
OTHER BOOKS BY THE AUTHOR
Novels & Novellas
THURSDAYS AT COCONUTS
CHAOS AT COCONUTS
(Coming April, 2018)
SLEEPING WITH ELVIS
SANTA BABY
(A novelette in the SIZZLE IN THE SNOW anthology)
MIRACLE ON AISLE TWO
Children’s Picture Books (ages 3-7)
SANTA’S SECRET
SOUR POWER
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE?
THE MISSING KEY
www.bethcarter.com
Beth Carter, Author
After being a bank vice president and a hospital public relations director, Beth Carter shed her suits and heels and waved good-bye to corporate America to pen novels and children’s picture books.
Winner of the 2017 RAVEN Award, 2015 RONE Award, and named Best Debut Author in 2015, Carter writes roller-coaster romance and women’s fiction.
Her debut, THURSDAYS AT COCONUTS, received two coveted awards listed aboved. She also received Favorite Contemporary runner-up in 2017 for SLEEPING WITH ELVIS. The author has a Christmas novelette, SANTA BABY in an eight-author holiday collection, SIZZLE IN THE SNOW. Her first novella is MIRACLE ON AISLE TWO.
Carter’s four children’s picture books include SOUR POWER, WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE?, THE MISSING KEY, AND SANTA’S SECRET.
Additionally, the author has several short stories and poems published in five anthologies. Her six-word memoirs appear in numerous collections alongside famous writers and celebrities. Beth Carter was born and raised in the Midwest. She and her husband divide their time between Missouri and Florida.
Connect with Beth Carter here:
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