A Christmas Prayer: An Autistic Child, a Father's Love, a Woman's Heart (Christmas Romance) Read Online Free PDF Page A

into the filter and hit start. Within seconds, the kitchen filled with aromatic delight.
    “So you’re buying this place to get back to nature?”
    “I enjoy simple things like the sound of rain on the rooftop and blowing dandelions to the wind. Ever make a snow angel, Alexis?”
    “No. My parents and I lived in Florida until I finished high school. They moved to Jasper Falls while I was in college and I moved to LA after I graduated. I visited on holidays, never for very long. So I haven’t been around snow much until I moved here.”
    “Pity you’ve never made them. Follow me.”
    How much following would she have to do? This was a huge house. Ethan led the way to a back door. “I think there’s enough fresh snow.”
    He stepped outside and Alexis fell into step as commanded. She didn’t expect he’d push her, albeit gently. She landed on her back, and Ethan plopped next to her. “Like this.” He waved his arms up and down. “Your turn.”
    If necessary, she’d make an igloo to amuse His Highness. She supposed even Queen Elizabeth had her peculiar pastimes. Alexis had to admit the silliness appealed to her inner child, too long neglected. She unsuccessfully resisted the giggle wanting to explode. “This is fun.”
    “See? Simple Things . The name of the song I’m working on now.”
    “When will it be out?”
    “Soon. Would you like to hear what I have so far?”
    “A preview? You bet.”
    He led her back inside into the den. Her wet, red satin blouse clung to her skin. Ethan picked up his guitar. His upper torso moved in harmony with the rhythm. Raised on classical music, for her, country’s appeal escaped logic. What magic made her feet tap to Ethan’s melodic baritone?
    “Have you ever walked a mountain trail upon the virgin snow or watched a sunset from a craggy mound …”
    The words spoke of nature and the beauty of God’s earth.
    “Do you ever pray while you walk, Alexis?”
    “I don’t have time to take strolls. I take care of my—”
    “I know.”
    “You know?”
    “Max checked up on you before agreeing to the interview. I know you’re taking care of your kid brother. I applaud you.”
    “Look, Mr. Jacobs—”
    “Ethan.”
    “Ethan.” Why did his smile compete with the glory of heaven? “My personal life is not why I’m here.”
    “It isn’t?”
    This man knew far too much about her. “Kyle?”
    “Yes … he’s already asked me if I’d meet with your little brother. Gib’s his name, I believe? I figured since you were coming today, we could talk about it after the interview.”
    Alexis shivered. Ethan didn’t bother to ask. He retrieved a hand-woven blanket, Navaho design, and wrapped it over her shoulders. She took out her iPad to take notes. “Okay to begin?”
    She shivered again.
    “You’re more soaked than a cat after a bath. I should have realized how thin your blouse was before I pushed you into the snow. I can at least get you a dry shirt to put on. Help yourself to some coffee while I go get one of Max’s. Cups are in the cupboard on the left.”
    She followed Ethan back into the kitchen until he disappeared up a flight of steps.
    She enjoyed tagging behind him, and her own song popped into her head …
    I’ve only just met you, yet I’ll follow you anywhere …
    Oh … good grief!
    Like … he’s got a hundred girlfriends and you’ve got zilch time for  romance, Alexis.
    She took down two cups and filled them to the brim, wrapping her hands around the white porcelain mug. Simple dishes too?
    Ethan returned holding out a man’s white Oxford shirt, neatly starched.
    “Oh … I thought Max was short for Maxine … a girlfriend maybe.”
    “No. Max is my manager. He travels with me a lot. We only fight like we’re a couple. I gave him a few days off. Man doesn’t know how to kick up his feet and relax. Makes me nervous the way he paces around looking for things to do.” Ethan pointed toward a hallway off the kitchen. “There’s a bathroom