I'll Be Home for Christmas Read Online Free PDF

She had beautiful eyes with thick lashes. And they were her own, unlike Helen’s.
    â€œI’ve been so busy scrambling to make a go of it, I haven’t had the time to dwell on anything. I guess I’m sort of an optimist, but then I’m a pessimist, too, at times. What will be will be. How about some pie? I can warm it up. More coffee?”
    â€œSure to everything. This is nice. I haven’t sat in a kitchen…since…I left home. We always ate in the kitchen growing up.”
    â€œSo did we. Are you married?”
    â€œNo. Why do you ask? Do you have designs on me?”
    â€œNo. I just want to make sure Rosie’s pups get a good home. Who’s going to take care of them when you work?”
    â€œI already figured that out. I’m going to hire a sitter. I’ll have her cook chicken gizzards and livers for them. My mother used to cook for Bessie. She loved it. You’re very pretty, Dr. Evans. Why aren’t you married?”
    â€œDo you think that’s any of your business, Mr. King?”
    â€œAs the owner of those dogs, of which I’m taking four, I should know what kind of person you are, marital status included. Well?”
    â€œI was engaged, not that it’s any of your business. I wanted to come back here; he didn’t. He wanted to work in a ritzy area; I didn’t. He was in it for the money. I wasn’t. I don’t know, maybe he was the smart one.”
    â€œNo, you were the smart one,” Peter said quietly. “It’s rare that the heart and mind work in sync. When it does happen, you know it’s right.”
    â€œYour turn.”
    Peter shrugged. “I run my grandmother’s business. She tells me I’m good at it. She’s the only family I have left, and she’s up in years. I always…take…introduce her to the women I, ah, date. I value her opinion. So far she hasn’t approved of anyone I’ve dated. That’s okay; she was on the money every single time. Guess I just haven’t met the right girl. Or, maybe I’m meant for bachelorhood. Would you like to go out to dinner with me to celebrate our deal?”
    â€œUnder other circumstances, I’d say yes, but I have too much to do. I also want to keep my eye on Rosie and the pups. If you like, you can come for dinner tomorrow.”
    â€œI’ll be here. I’ll bring in the towels and blankets and shovel you out before I leave.”
    â€œI’ll help you. Thanks.”
    It was one o’clock in the morning when Andi leaned on her shovel, exhaustion showing in every line of her face. “I’m going to sleep like a baby tonight,” she panted.
    â€œYeah, me, too. Tell me, what’s it like when you operate on one of the animals, like you did tonight?”
    â€œAwesome. When I saw those pups and when I stitched up Rosie, all the hard years, all the backbreaking work, it was worth every hour of it. Guess you don’t get that feeling when you label Raspberry Cheese Louise on your lipsticks.”
    Suddenly she was in the snow, the giant towering over her. She stretched out her foot, caught him on the ankle and pulled him down in an undignified heap. He kissed her, his mouth as cold and frosty as her own. It was the sweetest kiss of her life. She said so, grinning from ear to ear.
    â€œSweet?” he asked.
    â€œUh-huh.”
    â€œDidn’t make you want to tear your clothes off, huh?”
    â€œYou must be kidding. I never do that on a first date.”
    â€œThis isn’t a date.” He leered at her.
    â€œI don’t do that on pre-dates either. I don’t even know you.”
    â€œI’ll let my hair down tomorrow, and you can really get to know me.”
    â€œDon’t go getting any ideas that I’m easy. And, don’t think you’re parading me in front of your grandmother either.”
    â€œGod forbid.”
    â€œGood night, Mr. King. You can call me