This Holiday Magic Read Online Free PDF Page B

“Mrs. Ivers, is there someone upstairs?”
    â€œSomeone, yes. Aneka is upstairs, asleep in her room,” Mrs. Ivers said, looking at Tyson curiously.
    As she climbed, Janelle glanced behind her and saw Tyson watching her. She quickened her pace. She wanted to get her things and get out—and away from Tyson—as soon as possible.
    She continued down the hall, opened the already-slightly-open door wider, stepped inside and looked around. A dim light shone from a lamp on a night table beside the large king-size bed; the drapes were open, allowing moonlight to beam in, giving the room a warm, cozy glow. Just as the living room downstairs, it was fully furnished and beautifully decorated with stunning furniture that wasn’t hers.
    She spotted her bags on a cozy love seat in the alcove beneath the bay window. Grabbing one of the handles, she pulled it to the floor. As soon as she did, it tumbled open and a mass of clothing fell to her feet. She knelt and began stuffing things back inside.
    â€œHere, let me help you.”
    She stiffened, hearing Tyson’s voice as he knelt beside her. He picked up her hair dryer, curling iron and several pieces of intimate apparel.
    â€œI have it,” she said, quickly taking everything from him and zipping the suitcase up again.
    He stood and reached down his open hand to her. She stared at his hand without responding. “I won’t bite you, Janelle. I promise.” She took a deep breath and took his hand and stood.
    A few seconds passed, her hand still in his. They stood toe to toe, staring at each other in the muted darkness. Neither spoke; Janelle didn’t even dare to breathe. For the first time that evening there was a silent moment of peace between them.
    â€œYou’re wrong,” he said softly, answering her earlier question. “I’ll take these downstairs.” She nodded and followed, and then she stopped when movement in the bed caught her eye. He set the bags down, then walked over to lean down at the side of the bed. Janelle watched his movements. That was when she saw the tiny figure snuggled beneath the covers, holding tight to the bride doll Janelle had brought back from Africa. She walked over and stood near.
    â€œDaddy...” The little girl moaned softly and reached out to him.
    â€œShh, I’m here. Go back to sleep,” he whispered, giving her a hug and a kiss on her forehead.
    After tucking the covers over the child, Tyson straightened and smiled. Janelle instantly saw the unconditional love he had for his daughter in his eyes. It was heartwarming to see.
    â€œThat’s not her doll,” Tyson said, turning to Janelle.
    â€œNo, it’s not. It’s mine.”
    â€œIt’s beautiful.”
    â€œIt’s a handcrafted Ndebele bride doll. A friend of mine gave it to me before I left. It represents a bride on her wedding day. It’s supposed to be a blessing for a happy, healthy family and future.”
    â€œIt looks expensive.”
    â€œI don’t know about that, but it’s sentimental. It was in the side pocket of my luggage. I guess Aneka found it. That would explain why the suitcases were open.”
    He sighed heavily while shaking his head. “I’m sorry. She’s in a curious stage right now—she’s into everything.” He reached down to retrieve the doll, but Aneka’s little fingers gripped it tightly as she rolled to the side.
    Janelle touched his arm. “No, don’t take it away from her,” she whispered. “I’ll get it another time.”
    â€œAre you sure?”
    â€œYes, of course.”
    â€œThank you. I’ll get it back to you. I promise.”
    â€œNo problem,” she said softly, then paused. “She is beautiful.”
    He smiled proudly. “Yes, she is, and she’s a handful.”
    â€œI bet. How old is she? Four?” Janelle ventured.
    â€œAlmost. She’ll be four years old next month. But,