by Annie Jones
“I know you.” He pulled her close. “I know that yellow is your favorite color. I know you like your coffee with one spoon of sugar and a lot of creamer, but not real cream. I know you love your daughter, and I know that I love her, too. I know that you always cry over happy endings.”
She nodded, and tears were streaming down her cheeks. “That part is definitely true.”
“I know that I would like the chance to get to know you better, and for you to know me. I also know that next year, I’d like to help decorate your tree again, but I kind of hope that by next Christmas it will be our tree.”
“I think I might like that, too.”
The parade was marching past, and she could see the dancers in the distance.
“I think I might like to kiss you again,” Chad whispered in her ear. “I even have mistletoe.”
His hand slid into his coat pocket, and he lifted a green sprig into the air. She started to comment, but before she could, he lowered his head and kissed her. Isabelle closed her eyes as he held her close.
“Chad, I love you, too.” She leaned against him as her daughter came into sight, dancing to “Silent Night.”
He held her close to his side, and they watched Lizzie, together. Together. Isabelle loved that word, because it meant no longer being alone.
Dear Reader
Welcome to Christmas in Gibson, Missouri. I grew up in rural Missouri, and Gibson is every small town that I know. Church, family and tradition are a big part of these communities. It is so easy to get rushed along with the business of Christmas shopping and preparations. For that reason it’s important to find those traditions that keep us grounded and help us to focus on what Christmas really means to us and to our families.
I hope you enjoy Chad and Isabelle’s Christmas story.
Merry Christmas!
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
Isabelle didn’t expect to find Chad on her doorstep. How would this surprise challenge her faith and her own thoughts about her future?
Isabelle has taught Lizzie to find God in the unexpected things. Is Chad showing up just coincidence, one of those things that happens? Or could it be God’s plan, bringing a family together?
The people of Gibson have traditions such as the turning on of the Christmas lights and the ceremony in the fire station. How do those things help them to focus on Christmas?
Isabelle learned that she doesn’t have to be perfect. God loves her, faults and all. How did that change her life?
Chad learned that faith made him stronger. How do you think he came to that realization?
In life we tend to want to go back to what is comfortable rather than taking a chance on something new. Chad almost reenlists. What pushed him to make that decision, and why was it the wrong thing to do?
ISBN: 978-1-4268-4345-7
BLESSINGS OF THE SEASON
Copyright © 2009 by Harlequin Books S.A.
The publisher acknowledges the copyright holders of the individual works as follows:
THE HOLIDAY HUSBAND
Copyright © 2009 by Luanne Jones
THE CHRISTMAS LETTER
Copyright © 2009 by Brenda Minton
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