Mistletoe and Holly Read Online Free PDF

of the sloppy-fitting maroon sweater. It almost made her look flat-chested.
    “Taggart, come in.” Her aunt had glanced across the room to identify her visitor. She didn’t believe in shortening a person’s given name, and never abbreviated his. “—Before you let all the cold air in,” she added the admonishment.
    Leslie shifted to one side so he had room to step in and close the door. He didn’t bother to unbutton the charcoal gray wool parka he was wearing, which indicated he didn’t intend to stay long. Leslie had always considered herself to be tall, at five foot six inches in her stockinged feet, but standing beside him, she was conscious of his superior height. The top of her head would just brush his chin, if she were closer. The latter thought sent a small quiver over her spine.
    “I came by to see if Leslie wouldn’t change her mind and come along with us on our search for a Christmas tree.” Tagg stated the reason for his visit, not letting his gaze stray from her face. “I borrowed an old dogsled for you to ride in so you won’t have to worry about falling off Holly’s sled. I even have a couple of old fur blanket robes. They might smell a little musty but they’ll keep you warm.”
    Leslie was slightly stunned at the trouble he’dtaken to insure she’d be comfortable, but none of that altered one salient point. “I don’t think you understand. I don’t believe in chopping down trees just to use them for Christmas decorations.”
    “Are you an ecology nut?” he countered smoothly, a suggestion of a smile showing around the corners of his mouth. He gave no sign that he was deterred by her response.
    “No. Not exactly.” Leslie faltered at the unexpected question. She supported many of the ecology issues, but she wasn’t an extremist or fanatic—or a “nut,” as he put it. “It’s just something I don’t believe in.”
    “No.” His mouth slanted in a crooked and amused line. “I don’t suppose you believe in the Easter Bunny or the Tooth Fairy either.”
    “As a matter of fact, I don’t.” Her reply was unnecessarily sharp, but Tagg Williams didn’t appear to notice.
    “Holly and I would like you to come with us. When I get out the axe, you can look the other way,” he suggested.
    “Really, I don’t—” Leslie started to repeat her refusal, but she was interrupted by her aunt.
    “Forget all that tree business. It will do you good to be outside in the fresh air. It’s just what you need after being cooped up so long,” her aunt insisted ina mildly scolding tone. “Don’t take any more arguments from her, Taggart. She’ll go with you.”
    “Aunt Patsy.” Leslie turned on her aunt, irritated that she had intervened.
    “Now admit it, Leslie. You would enjoy being outside in the wood,” she said in challenge.
    That part of it did sound fun, Leslie had to admit it—if only to herself. She battled for a silent moment with her inner convictions and decided to take advantage of the opportunity to be outdoors. The dogsled was the ideal vehicle to accomplish it so she wouldn’t have to rely on the dubious support of her crutches on ice and snow. Since she had already stated her views regarding so-called Christmas trees, she wasn’t really compromising her position.
    “I’ll come,” she agreed, then added, “—as long as you understand that I think what you’re doing is wrong and a waste of a good tree. So don’t ask me to help you pick one out.”
    “We won’t.” His smiling look gave Leslie the impression that he knew in advance she’d agree to come with them. “While you get your coat and scarf, I’ll start the car and get it warmed up. We’ll be ready to go in five minutes.” He reached for the door to open it. “Don’t change your mind.” It was a warning against second thoughts.
    “I won’t.” Leslie rarely backed off a decision onceshe’d made it. She wasn’t the type to waver or regret impulsive decisions.
    A rush of cold, December air