1225 Christmas Tree Lane Read Online Free PDF

coat.
    â€œHello, hello,” Olivia said. Standing, the two women exchanged hugs.
    â€œSit, please,” Grace said. She took out another mug and filled it with coffee.
    There was a lot of laughter and smiling as they caught up with one another, but then Cecilia grew serious. She turned toward Olivia. “I was out to see Allison this morning.” She bowed her head slightly. “Do…do you ever visit your son’s grave?” she asked in a small voice.
    â€œYes,” Olivia admitted softly. “On Jordan’s birthday, Justine and I put flowers by his headstone.”
    â€œIan and I went this morning and cleaned off her grave. The kids brought her a poinsettia.”
    â€œIt’s still difficult, isn’t it?” Olivia said, reaching across the table to squeeze Cecilia’s hand.
    Grace leaned over to grab a tissue and passed it to the young woman.
    â€œDo you still cry?” Cecilia asked, unmistakable pain in her voice. The loss of her infant daughter was an anguish that might fade but would never disappear. Grace knew that from her own experience, losing Dan.
    â€œYes,” Olivia said. “We don’t forget our children. Ever. We can’t. There’s been a gaping hole in my heart—in my life—ever since we lost Jordan. He was only thirteen….” She cleared her throat. “I’ve chosen to fill that hole with love.”
    â€œI have, too,” Cecilia whispered. “Love for Ian and our other children. Both Aaron and Mia know they had an older sister. On Allison’s birthday last year, Aaron wanted to bake her a cake.”
    â€œDid you?”
    Cecilia nodded. “It never felt right to leave Allison when Ian was transferred. I’m so glad we’re moving back.”
    â€œWe’re glad, too,” Grace told her. Then because shewas afraid they’d all end up weeping, she changed the subject. “So, you’re looking for a house….”
    â€œOh, yes.” Cecilia wiped the tears from her eyes and straightened. “Ian and I want to talk to you about the house on Rosewood Lane.”
    Grace smiled happily. “Well, as I said, my last renters left when their lease expired, and the house is empty. Cliff and I would be delighted to rent it to you.”
    Olivia checked her watch. “Sorry to rush off, but Justine needs me to baby-sit this afternoon.”
    â€œOf course.” Grace stood, too, and hugged her friend. “If I don’t see Charlotte, make sure you thank her for the fruitcake.”
    â€œWill do.”
    â€œSee you Christmas Eve at Noelle’s birthday party, right after church.” She briefly explained, for Cecilia’s benefit, who Noelle was and that she’d been born here at the ranch a year earlier.
    â€œYes, see you then,” Olivia confirmed. She put on her coat and gloves and wished Cecilia a merry Christmas. Grace walked her out, returning to find Cecilia by the back door, looking at her children, who were taking turns on the pony. “About the house,” Cecilia began, moving back to the kitchen table. “Ian and I—”
    A polite knock sounded at the door, but before Gracecould reach it, Ian Randall came inside. “Hello, Grace,” he said warmly. “Cliff said I should go on in. He’s taking the kids into the barn to feed the horses.” Giving an obligatory bark, Beau trotted over to him and Ian crouched down to stroke the sleek, soft head.
    â€œThey’re going to love that,” Cecilia said. “Aaron is such an animal person.” She might as well have said, And so is Ian.
    â€œWould he like a puppy for Christmas?” Grace rushed to ask, knowing how desperate Beth was to find good homes.
    â€œHe’d love one,” Cecilia replied, “but with the move, a puppy—”
    â€œHe can pick one out. They’re at a tree farm owned by Beth Morehouse, a friend of ours. If you get a puppy, Cliff and I