Mistletoe Bachelors Read Online Free PDF Page A

brother-in-law.” Scott shook Cole’s hand and slapped him on
the back. “He’s the only reason we agreed to do this. Good to see you.”
Madison watched the familiar exchange between the two, and her eyes drifted back to the
photograph of Melissa. The two could be twins.
Scott took Emma from him and set her back on the floor.
“Dad, now that Uncle Cole is here, can we eat the cookies we baked?” Amelia tugged on her
father’s shirt.
“It’s only nine o’clock in the morning. Isn’t that too early for cookies?” Scott smiled at his
daughter.
Amelia looked disappointment.
“It’s never too early for a cookie.” Cole winked at Scott. He turned to Madison. “You eat
cookies for breakfast all the time don’t you?”
Amelia’s eyes were hopeful as she looked between the adults.
“All the time.” Madison nodded and smiled.
Scott shrugged and shook his head. “Okay then. I guess I’ve been outvoted. Let’s go into the
kitchen.” He led the way.
Emma trailed behind and slid her hand into Madison’s. She gestured for her to come closer.
Madison bent lower. “Yeah?”
“I’ve already eaten three.” The little girl giggled.
* * * *
    Madison’s arms ached under the weight of the nine-foot pine tree box as she danced from
one foot to the other outside the local children’s hospital. Every year the Thompson family set up
a Christmas tree for the children too sick to go home for the holidays. She blew the tassel from
her elf hat out of her eyes and waited for the automatic door to open. This assignment was
already turning out to be more hands on than she’d anticipated. So much for just observing. She
caught a glimpse of herself in the glass door as they entered and sighed. Samantha would be
proud. The green velvet elf hat the Thompson family insisted she wear looked ridiculous. No one
had taken her protests seriously, and she’d even been forced to wear the matching hat. The
ligaments in her forearm felt like they were about to tear, and her fingers were slipping from the
corner of the box. She wondered how she’d gotten stuck carrying this heavy thing anyhow. Where was Cole? She hadn’t seen him since they arrived in the parking lot. “Are we planning to
put this down soon?” She called over the top of the box to Scott.
“A little further. We set up in the main cafeteria.” Scott wasn’t struggling under the weight.
    “This way, Madison.” Emma pointed the way down the hall. She skipped down the tiled
hallway.
“Okay,” she mumbled, straining to make it the extra remaining steps to the cafeteria.
“Here is fine.” Scott gestured for her to put her side down.
She placed her end on the floor with a thud and stepped back, rubbing her throbbing arms.
She would be sore tomorrow. She glanced around the cafeteria. Cole was nowhere in sight. Typical man. Never around when there was work to do.
The young girls unloaded bags of decorations onto the cafeteria tables, and Madison took a
seat to catch her breath.
She removed her elf hat and shook her long dark hair. Damn that thing was warm.
“You better put your hat back on before Santa gets here.” Amelia warned as she untangled a
set of colored lights.
“It’s a little early for San…” The words died on Madison’s lips as the sound of Ho Ho Ho came bellowing down the hallway followed by squeals and giggles from the children.
Emma’s eyes widened. “Too late he’s here!” Her mouth fell open in awe as she stared at the
cafeteria entrance.
Madison turned. Her eyes met Santa’s, and he winked. Oh my God! Cole? Dressed in red
velvet with a white fur trim and beard, fake belly and black shiny boots he was almost
unrecognizable.
“Quick Madison, put this on before he sees you.” Amelia handed her the hat.
Madison sighed and put the hat back on. Instant heat. Cole must be sweating in that full suit. Scott fastened the tree in the stand and waved at Santa.
“Okay everyone, it looks like the tree is all set. Let’s grab some