The Sheriff's Christmas Twins Read Online Free PDF

the chair, his fingers rubbing circles on the worn tabletop.
    Allison wanted to ask if his view of God had changed. While Shane had believed in Him as Creator, he hadn’t been able to accept His unconditional love. She struggled to find the right words, and the moment was lost.
    â€œThe weeks leading up to it are not special, magical or even particularly pleasant,” he said.
    â€œThe season is about family and friends, counting your blessings and loving your neighbors.”
    â€œCharity should be year-round,” he countered.
    â€œI agree. I serve on a church committee that provides for the poor throughout the year. I’ve witnessed how this season magnifies their lack, however. We have to be diligent to make Christmas extra special, especially for the children.”
    For a split second, his mouth softened and yearning surged in the azure depths. “Where were people like you when I was a boy?”
    Her breath hitched at the glimpse of unexpected vulnerability. He recovered himself all too quickly, face shuttering as he tossed his napkin atop his plate.
    â€œI’ll give you a tour of the town so you’ll be comfortable navigating it on your own.” Pushing to his feet, he stared down at her. “I can’t ignore my duties while we wait for George to arrive.”
    Pricked by his words, she arched a brow. “I don’t require constant supervision. I am capable of entertaining myself.”
    â€œBut not cooking for yourself.”
    She stood and spread her arms wide. “So teach me.”
    His head jerked back. “You’re not serious.”
    â€œWe don’t truly know how long my brother will be delayed,” she said, sweetly. “If the café’s food is as mediocre as you say it is, it would be to my benefit to learn the basics.”
    He put a hand out as if to ward her off. “Allison—”
    Pounding on the door startled her. Unruffled, Shane pivoted and strode to pull it open without bothering to inquire who was on the other side.
    â€œBen.”
    Hovering in the doorway connecting the dining room to the living room, Allison studied the visitor. A couple of inches shorter than Shane, the attractive, auburn-haired man was broader in the chest and shoulders, his legs like tree trunks. His skin was tan and freckled from the sun, his eyes green like sea glass that sometimes washed up on Norfolk’s beaches.
    â€œSorry to interrupt,” he said with a slight grimace. “I heard you had a lady friend in town.” His gaze sought out the room behind Shane, flaring when it encountered her. He nodded in greeting.
    Shane turned sideways. A draft of cold air traveled through the room, ruffling her skirts. “Ben MacGregor, meet Allison Ashworth.”
    Swiping his hat off and pressing it against his chest, he sketched a bow. “How do you do, ma’am?”
    â€œFine, sir. And you?”
    â€œI’d say my day just got brighter now that you’re in it.” His grin was downright roguish.
    She laughed at his outrageousness.
    Shane’s upper lip curled. “Ben’s the resident flirt. He’s also my one and only deputy. Did you need something in particular?”
    The deputy didn’t bother denying Shane’s claim, she noticed. His eyes still twinkling, he addressed his boss. “Another fight’s broken out over on the Oakley spread. Figured you’d want to ride along with me.” He held a gun belt aloft.
    â€œYou figured right.” Taking it from him, Shane fastened the tooled-leather strip around his waist. “Sorry I can’t stay and help you clean up,” he told her, his head bent to his task. “I’ll come later to deliver the supplies.”
    Her attention snagged on the menacing-looking pistol on his hip. The pearl handle was worn smooth, the barrel long and skinny.
    â€œI’ve never held a gun.”
    Both men stared at her.
    â€œCan I go with