Merry Kisses (Riverbend Romance 5) Read Online Free PDF Page B

them.
    “Good to see you, Heath.” Ian’s voice.
    Heath blinked the dream away, and the world widened to include the Tomlinsons and the sanctuary of River of Life Church. “Hi. How are things going?” He smiled at Kelly. “Hi, Kelly. Hi, Sonya.”
    He pulled his gaze back to Ian as quickly as he could manage and caught the knowing grin on the other man’s face.
    The worship team began the musical prelude, reminding folks to find a seat.
    “Why don’t you join us?” Kelly linked an arm through his. “Unless you were waiting for someone else.”
    “I’d love to.” This sounded like a better idea than Corbin and Sarah, whom he hadn’t even seen. Heath turned to Sonya, but she stared past his head. “If you don’t mind?”  
    Twin pink spots rode high on her cheeks when she looked at him. “Whatever you like.”
    If Kelly was matchmaking, she was efficient at it. She already followed Ian into a row near the back, leaving barely enough room for two more.  
    Heath bit back his grin. If Sonya had hoped the Tomlinsons would sit between them, the hope was dashed. “After you.” He rested his hand on the small of Sonya’s back as she passed him, then settled into the seat next to her.
    He could get used to sitting pressed against her, hip to hip, shoulder to shoulder. He closed his eyes and breathed in the lilac essence she wore. Lord? I don’t remember ever feeling this way before. Is Sonya the one?  

    * * *

    Sonya tried to relax. She hadn’t been in church for months and had been really looking forward to lifting her heart in worship, soaking in Pastor Davis’s teaching, and joining in corporate prayer.
    She hadn’t counted on being wedged between Heath, of all people, and Kelly. Her friend hadn’t taken Sonya’s protests to heart the other day. The matchmaking was obviously in full swing, with Heath a willing participant like an adoring but overgrown puppy.
    If only he weren’t Santa.  
    If she’d met him in January, this might not have come up until she had a ring on her finger. Her heart jolted at the thought. Did she really like Heath enough to think things might’ve gone that far? That was silly. They’d just met.
    A sideways glance showed Kelly’s hand curved inside Ian’s, her wedding band nestled against her engagement ring, which sported a diamond between two emeralds, representing the little girls. Had Kelly and Ian had deep discussions about whether or not Santa would play a part in family Christmases before they got married or even engaged?
    Enough. She rose to join the congregation in Joy to the World as the opening song. Now that was what Christmas was all about: celebrating the Lord’s coming.
    “We’ve got one quick announcement before we resume worship. If you’ve got children ages four through eight, please sign them up for the Christmas party. It will be in the fireside room on the afternoon of Monday the twenty-first. Pastor Nick still needs two volunteers who are not parents. We are trying to offer a time when parents can finish up preparations or, better yet, take some quiet time to reflect on the birth of our Savior. Our own Santa Claus, Heath Collins, has a special time planned for the children. Check your bulletin for details.”
    Really, Pastor Davis? Even church isn’t a safe zone? Sonya scrunched her eyes shut, but that didn’t help get away from being pressed against Heath’s side. She should’ve looked harder for a church like the one she’d grown up in after her move. Dad had had some suggestions, but she’d been attracted to the bigger congregation with so many young people.
    Woodenly, she stood with the others as the next carol was announced. I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day . Why couldn’t everything be about the birth of Jesus and the peace offered by His sacrifice?
    Peace that was eluding her now. Please, Lord. Help me stay focused on You . She joined the carol on the second verse. Kelly’s sweet soprano meshed with Ian’s tenor on her right and,