Merry Kisses (Riverbend Romance 5) Read Online Free PDF

of you two.” Kelly chuckled. “It’s Jesus who gave Mommy and Daddy jobs so that we can give you everything you need... and a few things you want.”
    “That’s what Santa said.” Elena slurped some hot chocolate.
    Sonya’s eyes narrowed. “Santa told you about Jesus?”
    Elena glanced at her mother. “I asked Santa for a baby sister for Christmas, and he said that was God’s job, not his.”
    “That’s because Santa is really Mr. Heath,” put in Sophie. “He can’t give away babies.”
    Kelly laughed. “That was a wise thing to say. He’s right. Babies are not Santa’s jurisdiction.”
    “What’s ju... juris...?”
    Elena stared at her sister. “It means it’s not his job.” She looked at her mom. “But me and Sophie want a sister.”
    “Or maybe twins?” Sophie’s eyes grew round.
    Kelly shook her head, still grinning. “Eat your doughnut and drink your hot chocolate. We need to get home to Daddy soon.”
    Sonya joined the girls in having a bite then found Kelly’s gaze on her.
    “I don’t think you got a chance to answer. Have you met Heath Collins?”
    They were back to this? “We’ve met.”
    Kelly leaned closer. “Isn’t he cute? And so nice.”
    “Are you supposed to notice things like that? You’re married.”
    “He’s not as cute as Ian, of course. I’m loyal, but I’m not blind.” Kelly watched her expectantly.
    “He seems nice enough.”
    Kelly spread her hands on the table. “I hear a but in your voice. But what? You must know something about him that I don’t.”
    “But he’s Santa.” Sonya glanced at the two girls and lowered her voice. “Some hurdles are just too high to get over.” For Dad, at least, if not for her.

CHAPTER 4

    Heath stood at the back of River of Life Church and scanned the people as they prepared for the Sunday morning worship service. Technically he was waiting for his buddy, Corbin, and Corbin’s fiancée, Sarah, but, in reality, he was looking for Sonya.
    He’d been attracted to this congregation when he’d first come to Riverbend. Its vibe was as close to a large city church as he’d found in a small town. The worshipers came in a healthy mix of ages, including a lot of teens, older singles, and young families. Today it seemed there were fewer gray heads than usual, and more women with long brown hair who might or might not be Sonya, at least from the back.
    His heart jumped a beat. There she was on the far side, chatting with Kelly and Ian. The little girls bounced beside Reed Daniels, his guitar slung across his back, and gazed adoringly up at him as the three made their way to the children’s wing.
    Sonya tilted her head back and laughed, though Heath couldn’t hear above the murmur of many conversations. Then her gaze slid past Kelly’s and latched onto his. Her face sobered.
    Kelly turned to see what had caused the change in Sonya’s demeanor and beckoned to Heath with a big grin.
    He could pretend he hadn’t seen the invitation. He didn’t want Sonya uncomfortable. But... why not? She made him uncomfortable — although he rather liked the sensation — so they might as well be even.
    Just do it.
    Heath’s feet obeyed before his brain caught up. He hadn’t seen her since Friday at the mall, and hadn’t realized how empty his eyes had been. Now the vision of her filled his senses. The soft green sweater hugged her curves in a way the giraffe uniform never had. Her long brown hair flowed over her shoulders.  
    He nearly stumbled as unknown, but not entirely unwelcome, emotions slammed into him. He couldn’t just walk up to her, gather her in his arms, and kiss her. Not in church. Not without permission.
    Permission she was unlikely to give by the look on her face. Her brown eyes looked guarded, and those pink lips were definitely not lifted in invitation.
    In one instant, Heath knew he could give up being Santa if that’s what it took to win this woman. There were other ways to make children smile, and he’d find