The Wishing Tree Read Online Free PDF Page A

didn't know how bad." She moved closer, as if Pete's embrace could keep her safe as she remembered. "He drove to the country and—" She broke off.
    Pete breathed a deep sigh. "You don't have to say any more," he whispered, wishing he could do something, say something to take away her pain.
    " Miguel – he is a good boy. He deserves so much better than the father he had. I'm glad he never knew him. It just seemed better to make something up when he began to ask questions."
    "You've done a great job with him," Pete said. There was so much more he wanted to say, but it was too soon. So much had happened in this one day that it seemed unreal. And he didn't want to rush into anything – especially not something this important.
    Yet, how could he not? Maria Sanchez was a beautiful woman who was obviously attracted to him. Proud and strong, she'd made her own way in the world for her and her son. It sure as hell hadn't been an easy path for her either, from the sound of things.
    He felt himself drifting as sleep began to steal over him. He could get used to this … falling asleep with Ria in his arms every night.
    "Sleep, now," he heard her say softly. "I'll be right here, if you need me."

Chapter Six
    The next morning, Pete awoke to the smell of pancakes and bacon. He could hear Miguel and Ria in the kitchen together, their talk and laughter brought a smile to his lips.
    He sat up slowly, his ribs giving a painful twinge, but not nearly as bad as he expected.
    He glanced in the dresser mirror. Ria had washed most of the blood from his face and neck, but he couldn't wait to get a shower. He'd have to go back to his place for that, where there were clean clothes to be had. He quickly raked his hair down with his fingers, then opened the bedroom door.
    "Good morning," Ria said as he came into the dining room. She set a mug of coffee on the table. "Black, or do you want cream and sugar?"
    "Black," Pete answered, pulling out a chair. "And thank you."
    "Mama says I can't drink coffee until I'm older," Miguel reported. "But I have milk. It builds strong bones."
    "Your mama's right," Pete responded. He winked at Ria as she gave him a smile. " He sounds like a commercial."
    She laughed, setting a plate of cut-up pancakes in front of Miguel. "I've said that myself. He remembers everything."
    "Not everything, Mama. I forgot to make my wish this morning on the wishing tree." He took a bite. "But I'll do it after breakfast."
    Ria gave him a quizzical look, and put a plate of food in front of Pete. "The wishing tree?"
    "Uh-huh. That's what I call it. Our tree we decorated last night. 'Cause I wished for it, and we got it. Then I wished for blinky lights and we got those. But – I don't believe you only get three wishes. I think our tree is full of wishes!"
    Ria sat down and cut into her pancakes, and Pete knew she was trying to come up with some way of telling Miguel not to get his hopes up. She didn't have money for presents.
    "I'm going to wish for a Batman car after breakfast."
    "You know, Miguel, we don't get everything we wish for," she said.
    He laid his fork down and solemnly looked at her. "I'm still going to wish for a Batman car. It might come true."
    "That's a great idea," Pete said. "Batman was always my favorite, too."
    Ria shot him a look.
    "If you don't try, it certainly can't happen," he said. "Not all wishes come true, but some do – and how can they ever have a chance if you don't wish for them in the first place?"
    Ria nodded. "I guess that's true. We have to take chances on things, don't we?"
    Pete smiled at her cryptic words. "Some things turn out better than we ever could've hoped for."
    * * * * *
    After breakfast, they piled into Pete's truck and headed for his house. Though Ria insisted they'd be fine staying at the apartment, Pete couldn't shake the memories of the way Julio had looked last night – like a rabid animal, snarling, angry, and ready to hurt whatever got in his way ... including his own sister and