A Perfect Bride For Christmas Read Online Free PDF Page A

a pig.”
    “Now, Michaela, that’s not a nice thing to say.”
    Zoe gave her a stern frown.
    “It’s true.”
    How did she explain to a four-year-old that the word fat could be offensive? She patted Michaela’s shoulder. “It might be true, but there are better ways to tell Macy she needs to curb her appetite.”
    “Oh my!” Cherri Jones, her live-in nanny raced
    inside, panting as she tried to catch her breath. A large bag filled her arms. “I’m sorry. The bag with 23
    Dyann Love Barr

    all the spoils of war fell out of my hand, and the next thing I knew, they were through the door.” She
    placed the plastic sack containing apples, art
    projects, and a half-gallon jug of organic apple cider, on the counter.
    Amelia stood in the middle of the shop with a
    funny look on her face.
    Zoe frowned. It was obvious Alex had told his
    mother about their quickie marriage and
    annulment? The girls looked so much like Alex it would be impossible to keep them under wraps for long. “Ladies, is that the way to behave when Cherri needs help? You should’ve waited and helped her pick up your things.”
    All of them glanced over at Cherri with looks of contrition on their identical faces. “We’re sorry, Cherri.” Michaela went over to Cherri. She placed her check against Cherri’s hand. As the ringleader and spokesman of the terrible trio, she stood
    straight. “We’ll pick up our toys. You won’t have to tell us.” Zoe’s little warrior dared her sisters to complain.
    The other two nodded in agreement.
    “And no dessert tonight,” Macy added.
    “That’s ‘cause you already had three donuts,”
    Mia groused.
    “No one gets dessert.” Zoe shook her head and
    gave Amelia an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry.”
    “Don’t be.” She slid her arms into the sleeves of her coat. “I remember those days very well. My boys were so close together they might as well have been triplets.” She inclined her head toward the girls.
    “They are triplets aren’t they?”
    “Yes.”
    “How old?”
    “They’re a little over four years.” Zoe resisted the urge to shoo Amelia out of the door. The woman 24
    A Perfect Bride for Christmas

    was a sharp cookie, and Zoe couldn’t afford for her to connect the dots—at least not yet. “I didn’t realize you had children.”
    “Is that relevant to my employment?” She hadn’t meant to sound aloof, but the less Amelia had to do with the children, the better—at least until the girl’s paternity became important. After all, in every way, they were James Bennett’s children. Even in his last days, he held them close, made videos for them to have as they grew older. His heart condition might have sapped his strength, but it didn’t stop his love.
    “No, no, of course not. They’re delightful. I
    hadn’t realized you’d married so soon after…well, after.” Amelia fished around for information without bringing up Alex’s name.
    Zoe didn’t intend to nibble. “I went to work for James immediately after I resigned. I already had the job lined up. We had a whirlwind romance and all that.” She placed her hand on Amelia’s arm and walked her to the door. “It has been wonderful
    seeing you again.”
    “And you. I’ll call you as soon as I have more
    information about the number of guests and so on.”
    “Great, I look forward to it.”
    Amelia took one last look at the triplets. “Goodbye, for now.”
    The bell on the door signaled Amelia’s
    departure, and Zoe leaned against the barrier,
    feeling the afternoon chill through the wood and glass. Heat raced through her cheeks. She ought to do the prudent thing—nix the deal and direct
    Amelia to another caterer. But she could do this.
    Alex be damned. Amelia King held a lot of sway, and if Zoe did well on the reception, it could kick her business into high gear.
    James left them very well off, but Zoe liked to work. If she didn’t keep busy, she’d be tempted to compensate with food. That wouldn’t happen