A Christmas Rescue
Page 17
“I can’t tell you how happy that makes me.” He steps aside and points to the table. “Did you want to open your gift?”
“Sure.” I go over to the table and open the package. It’s a gingerbread house kit, and it’s as perfect as everything else.
“I wanted to get you something that represented your dream of owning a life-size gingerbread house.”
I feel like I’m about to dissolve into a mass of glittery happiness. “How do you know exactly the right things to do and say?”
His eyes twinkle. “Just luck, I guess. I thought we could also build a snowman before the sun gets too high in the sky. I have a feeling this fake snow will be melted in an hour.”
I laugh. “I love it all. Thank you, Xave. I never thought I could have a happy Christmas on the other side of the world, especially in this crazy heat, but I think it’s my favorite one so far.”
“Good. So, I thought we’d invite your grandmother and Taara to join us for breakfast. I know Sheila is about to explode over there.”
I turn around and see her bouncing up and down impatiently.
“You can come over now,” Xave calls out.
She hurries toward me and wraps me up in an awkward one-armed hug. “Are you staying?”
“I am.”
“One more successful couple to my credit. Not to mention, it takes a little pressure off of me. I didn’t want to make you feel obligated, but I was really hoping you would stick around.”
I take a seat and help myself to a piece of toast. “I’m happy to remain here as long as you need me. Maybe even longer. You might regret being so welcoming.”
Taara arrives a few minutes later. She sits down next to me and whispers in my ear. “I was wrong about the platonic thing. Xave must be very, very into you because I’ve never seen him do anything like this for anyone.”
I’m smiling so much, I feel like my face might split in half.
“Oh, and I forgot to tell you something else,” Xave says.
“I don’t think my heart can take any more surprises,” I joke.
“This is a good one, I promise. I was talking to my friend Penny the other day. She coaches a young women’s soccer team in town, and she was at the fundraiser the other night. She was really impressed by the event and wanted to know who helped me organize it. When I told her it was you, she asked for your number immediately. Apparently, she wants to talk about hiring you for an event she’s planning next month.”
My eyes widen. “You’re kidding.”
“I’m not. And it sounded like her club has some money to pay for your services.”
“She wants me even though I passed out halfway through the event?”
“She didn’t know that, but I’m not sure most event planners stay until the end of their functions anyway. She loved the décor and the raffle, and when I told her you helped with social media and raised a bunch of money before the night even began, she was hooked.”
So much has happened in the past half hour that I can’t quite process it all. But this feels right. Here in Australia, I have a loving family in Sheila, a good friend in Taara, and what could potentially grow into a pretty special connection with Xave. And now he’s telling me I might have a way to earn money here too?
While I will miss the States, I think I’m ready to move on and find my way here.
“I don’t know how I got so lucky, but thank you. All three of you. I can’t wait to settle in and really get to know this part of the world.”
My grandmother squeezes my hand. “You deserve it, honey. I’m really glad you’re sticking around. At this rate, I might even get to see my great-grandkids…”
“Grandma!” I blush and quickly sneak a glance at Xave. He doesn’t seem remotely freaked out and winks at me.
“OK, OK. Enough of this sappiness,” Taara cuts in. “We’ve all established that we love Hannah and we’re excited she’s staying in town for the foreseeable future. I think we should move on to more pressing topics like what the plan is for the rest of the day.”
I shoot her a grateful smile and tune out while Grandma and Xave talk about preparations for lunch.
This is what life is all about. Good food, good people, and being on a path that feels meaningful.
I am exactly where I should be.
The End
We’re so excited to share A Christmas Rescue with you, and we thank you for taking the time to read it. Reviews are one of the greatest tools we have to introduce it to new readers. We hope you’ll share yours on Amazon or on the review site of your choice.
Thank you!
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Thank you so much to Diane, for agreeing to do this crazy project with me. It all started when I moved to an acreage and told her of the numerous animals that wandered into my house uninvited, and Diane thought it sounded like the basis of an entertaining story. It’s been a fun process, and I’ve gained a better understanding of how another writer works, and what I’m capable of achieving—but also, what I need to work on to improve as a writer. You’re awesome!
Thank you to Brooke for being the first official reader, and for your very helpful feedback as always.
And thank you to Carina and Sophie for giving your unique insight into the book, too.
❅ ❅ ❅
You have these gut feelings when you come across certain people online. I just knew Kirsty was someone I wanted to get to know better. She has proven to be more than a great friend; she motivates me, offers amazing insights to lift my writing to the next level, and has created one gorgeous cover after another for my books. Working together on this book was the best kind of challenge in that it elevated both the experience of writing and the results. Thank you, Kirsty!
I am grateful for my wonderful team of readers whose constant enthusiasm for my books makes me push ahead.
And, as always, I thank Kevin for riding along with me!
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Kirsty McManus was born in Sydney, Australia and moved to Queensland when she was 14. When she was 25, she lived in Japan for a year with her partner Kesh and worked as an English teacher. This was the inspiration behind her debut novel, Zen Queen. She also spent a year in Canada and then settled back down on the Sunshine Coast in 2008. She now writes almost full time, designs the occasional website, and looks after her two little boys. Visit Kirsty's website and sign up for advance notice of new books, freebies, and specials!
Diane Michaels is a harpist and author. She balances her fondness for ice cream with her enjoyment of working out and walking through the woods. When she is not spying on the world from behind her harp to collect ideas for her next book, she and her husband make up stories and songs about and for their miniature poodle, Lola. Visit Diane's website to receive a free book.
ALSO BY…
Kirsty McManus:
Mind Reader
I Thought It Was You
1996
1997
MultiDate
Lightweight
Perfume Therapy
Saved by the Celebutante
Zen Queen
Visit Kirsty's website and sign up for advance notice of new books, freebies, and specials!
Diane Michaels:
Splitting Heirs
Last Resort
Ellen the Harpist
Ellen at Sea
Ellen the Bride
Pet Peeves
King & Queen of the Bouncy Castle
King & Queen of the Roller Derby
King & Queen of the Bowling Alley
King & Queen of the Poker Game
King & Queen of the Carnival
Watching the Grass Grow
From Here Comes the Bride to There Go the Grooms
Visit Diane's website to receive a free book.
enter>