AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“It really is.” He glanced at Hannah. “Will anyone see these back here? I thought it was all happening out front.”
“It is.” She smiled at him and then put her hand on Ava’s shoulder. “Uncle Jacob wanted to do these ones specially for you.”
Ava clapped her hands together. “I love Uncle Jacob!”
Hannah glanced at him with a worried expression, but Grady smiled. He didn’t need any exclusive claim on his niece’s love. As far as he was concerned, the more people she loved – and who loved her, the better her world would be.
“I think I love him, too,” he said with a grin.
Hannah laughed. “Come on, then. I think we should go in and tell him.”
As she led them up the steps, Grady’s heart hammered. He hadn’t used the L word with many people in his life. He knew it was too soon, but he had a sneaking suspicion that he was already in love with Hannah.
~ ~ ~
Hannah loved the way Grady kept hold of her hand as they wandered through the crowds of people. Jacob had done an amazing job – or more like he’d had people do an amazing job. The whole estate looked as though Christmas had arrived in full force. The evergreens that lined the driveway were decorated with spirals of plain white lights. They looked very tasteful, just as she’d expect from him. But she’d guess that he’d taken some advice – and let someone who knew kids take over – when it came to the house and the grounds. The whole place was lit up with multi-colored, flashing lights. There were reindeer and a sleigh on the roof of the house. Christmas elves sat on the gables. A family of snowmen stood in the courtyard in front of the house.
There were Santas dotted around here and there, and they each had a sack at their feet, filled with little wrapped gifts for children to take.
Hannah had to wonder about the wisdom of that as a little boy ran past them, his arms full of gifts.
“Are you having a good time?”
She looked up at Grady. “I’m loving this. Are you?”
He nodded happily. “What about you, Ava?”
Ava nodded eagerly. “This is the best Christmas ever! Oh, look! There’s Miss Taylor!”
Hannah looked where she was pointing and spotted Ava’s teacher. She’d chatted with her each time she’d gone to collect Ava from school.
“Can we go say hi?”
“Sure.” Grady raised his eyebrows at Hannah. “Is that okay with you?”
“I’d love to.”
Ava raced ahead, and Hannah loved the way Becca greeted her with a warm smile. She seemed to really care – about Ava and about all the other kids. They’d only chatted briefly, but Hannah liked her.
She smiled at them when they reached her. “Hi. Ava told me that she’s going to be helping to light the tree. That’s so exciting. I had to come and watch.”
Ava grinned at her. “Thank you for coming.” She looked around. “Who did you come with?”
Becca’s smile didn’t waver, but Hannah guessed that the question made her uncomfortable. “I’m here by myself.”
Hannah was curious to see Grady put a hand on her shoulder. It looked as though he knew why she was alone.
“Aww, thanks, Becca. Do you want to come and meet some friends? I know you’ve met Molly from the restaurant, but there’s a whole gang of them, too.”
Becca shook her head. “I’m fine, thanks. Don’t go feeling sorry for me. I came to watch Ava do her thing, and I’m glad I’m here.”
Hannah guessed that she wasn’t as comfortable by herself as she was making out. But she knew better than to ask or to try and force her into anything.
“I was just going to get myself a hot chocolate. I’m sure I’ll catch up with you later.” She looked down at Ava. “I’ll be watching you. You’re going to do great!”
“Thanks, Miss Taylor. I’ll come and find you afterwards.”
“Okay.” She gave them a wave as she walked away toward the brightly lit trailer that was serving hot chocolate and Christmas cookies.
