Once Upon a Christmas Read Online Free PDF Page B

enough of your own. He picked up the packages. “Let’s see your computer.”
    She led him down a stair lined with what he assumed were family photos interspersed with more art shots and lots of Harley. Harley sleeping, Harley running toward her through a field of California poppies, Harley looking up from nose digging, his muzzle covered in dirt, Harley as a puppy wearing reindeer ears at Christmas and a woebe-gone expression.
    Matty and Harley both followed behind them.
    Blythe pointed to the newer computer on a desk against the far wall. On one wall, sliding glass doors led the way out to the backyard and two computers sat on a table off to the right. A drafting table took up space in the middle of a room with one corner set up with easel and paints, and another with framing supplies of a mat cutter, clamps and a miter box. Tools hung on the wall above it.
    “You’re a jack of all trades?”
    “Yeah, and master of none.”
    “Doesn’t look that way to me.”
    “I’ll turn on the computer. Now that someone is here who understands it better than I, it will probably work just fine.”
    “Please.” He shook his head, raising very expressive eyebrows to go along with the slightly sarcastic word.
    “Don’t you know that mechanical and technical things always behave for one in the know? Like cars for a mechanic?’
    Thane rolled his eyes and removed a tool kit from his jacket pocket before removing said jacket and hanging it on the back of a chair. How like a woman to anthropomorphize even a computer. “They are nothing but a box, chips and circuits.”
    “Frequently run by gremlins who delight in messing around with said circuits and chips. Not a lot they can do with the box. But keyboards and a mouse, that’s another gremlin family, I’m sure.”
    He shrugged and pushed the power button. Nothing. “Guess it really is down.”
    “Not that I like to say I told you so, but…”
    “Have you ever taken a computer apart?”
    “Once, when I added more memory.”
    He pulled out the tower and began to unplug cables, whistling a tune under his breath.
    “Would you mind if I go work on the other one?”
    “Uh, of course not. Just stay close so I can ask you questions if I need to.”
    “Dinner will be ready anytime we are.”
    He nodded and removed the first of the screws. As usual when confronted with a failed computer, he lost all track of time and space, rebuilding the insides, and putting it back together. “These the installation disks?”
    “Those to your right, yes.”
    “Okay.”
    After a bit, he asked her more questions about how she wanted programs installed, and when she came to stand behind him, the light fragrance of her perfume reminded him of summer days and citrus drinks.
    “I can do the rest.”
    “If I do this, can you get further ahead on the other?”
    “Well, yes.”
    “Good, then let me help.” He looked over his shoulder. “If you don’t mind.”
    “Mind?” She shook her head. “Why would I mind? I just hate to take advantage of you.” Her cheeks flushed pink when she realized what she’d said.
    He kept his chuckle inside.
    “I mean.” It was her turn to roll her eyes. “Oh good grief…” Her cheeks deepened in hue. “I think I better go check on our dinner.” She fled up the stairs, both dogs jumping up to follow her.
    Thane watched her go, chuckled and turned back to the computer. After all, he had to earn his dinner. The old saw, sing for his supper, drifted through his mind. Now that would take away anyone’s appetite. Shower singing was his forte. Matty often howled along with him.
    While he heard Blythe come back down the stairs, he kept his focus on the work he was doing. About half an hour later, he nodded and whooshed out a breath. “You want to come check this?”
    “Really? You’re done?”
    “Hope so.” He stood and motioned her to the chair. “Try it and see.” He stood behind her after she sat and watched her nimble fingers dance over the keys,