Chistmas Ever After by Elyse Douglas Read Free Book Online Page B

your computer, I appeared on the screen. I sang to you again.”
    Mrs. Wintergreen began to sing “ We wish you a merry Christmas, We wish you a merry Christmas, We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year . Remember?”
    Jennifer felt a prickle of heat shoot up her spine. She stared, alarmed. “Who are you?”
    “I told you.”
    Jennifer’s breath came fast. She swallowed. “That was an electronic Christmas card,” she said, trying to convince herself. “People send those things all the time.”
    “I know. I sent it to you.”
    Jennifer shot up, forgetting she was still wearing ice skates. She wobbled, lost her balance and dropped back down. She studied Mrs. Wintergreen, speechless.
    “I’m offering you a gift, an opportunity, Jennifer. It’s your choice.”
    Jennifer turned away. “What are you talking about? What gift?”
    “Well, I have always been known as the romantic in our family, and I have never apologized for it. Romantic adventures are one of the great joys of life.”
    Jennifer closed her eyes tightly, as if trying to shut Mrs. Wintergreen out. “Really. So, you’re like the matchmaker of the Christmas Spirit family?”
    “No. I don’t match-make, but I can point you in a direction that you wouldn’t normally take, either because you fear it or because you simply don’t know that the opportunity exists. At Christmas, I have the good fortune to offer possibilities to those who are deserving, courageous and adventurous. This year, I have chosen you, Jennifer. I can offer you a wonderful Christmas adventure. But it is entirely your choice. You have to take the necessary steps to have the adventure.”
    Jennifer opened her eyes, avoiding Mrs. Wintergreen’s. “The only adventure I want, Mrs. Wintergreen, is to be able to sleep late on Christmas morning.”
    Mrs. Wintergreen’s face turned severe; her tone, somber and foreboding. “You’re going to be tested soon, my dear. You’ll have to make a choice anyway. I was hoping I could make it a little easier for you.”
    Jennifer crossed her arms, nervous. “What do you mean, tested?”
    Frances stood. “Jennifer, when I look at you, I see a heavy belt of bitterness and anger wrapped around your chest, pulled tightly, constricting your breath, your life and the goodness of your heart.”
    “I feel fine.”
    “You need to move on with your life, Jennifer. If you don’t… if you don’t move on soon, it could be too late. Just like it was too late for Agnes Stanton.”
    Jennifer’s eyes widened in recognition and fear. “What about Mrs. Stanton?”
    “She was offered an opportunity many years ago. I offered it to her, but she refused it. I hope you won’t refuse, Jennifer. The world needs people with good hearts, with open hearts, at Christmas and throughout the entire year.”
    Jennifer stiffened, fists clenched. “My heart is fine just as it is. As for Christmas… It’s just... it’s just a stupid holiday.”
    “You’re lost, Jennifer,” Mrs. Wintergreen said.
    Jennifer bristled. “I’m lost? No, not me, but I lost someone on Christmas—last Christmas Eve—someone who was loving, steady and joyful, who had a good and open heart, someone who would have helped the world and made it a better place. He was killed in a car accident! A pointless and senseless death! That’s the kind of world we live in. The world of random violence, death and loss. Okay, fine, I accept it! Now, leave me alone!”
    Jennifer averted Mrs. Wintergreen’s eyes.
    Mrs. Wintergreen remained still. “Wouldn’t Lance want you to be happy, Jennifer?”
    Jennifer shot her a startled glance. “How do you know his name? I didn’t say his name!”
    “Like I said earlier, Jennifer, I’ve been watching you for a long time.”
    Jennifer shifted, uncomfortably. “I don’t know who you are, Mrs. …, but I’m doing fine. I have a nice place to live and I have a successful business. That’s enough for me.”
    “Is it really,