Heart of Clay by Shanna Hatfield Read Free Book Online Page A

way to Callan’s favorite
clothing store and quickly surmised the courteous sales woman would
be a great help in finding a gift for his wife. Callan had made
off-handed comments about not being pleased with her appearance. He
thought she looked as amazing now as she had the first day he’d
seen her.
    She still had long legs
that went on forever and a small waist. The only difference he
could see from when they first married was that her curves were
fuller. Maybe I need to tell her I think
she is even more beautiful now than she was as my young
bride. Clay tucked the notion away to
explore later before continuing his shopping.
    With the help of the sales clerk, he chose a
beautiful green silk blouse that would bring out the emerald
sparkle in Callan’s eyes. He hoped she would like it. At least it
would go with all the black she insisted on wearing. He didn’t know
if she’d taken being professional to an unhealthy level or was just
stuck in a rut. Either way, he wished she’d put some color back
into her wardrobe and her life.
    As he sat in the food court, drinking a Dr.
Pepper and ignoring a group of giggling high school girls desperate
to get his attention, he came upon the idea for the perfect gift
for Callan. Eager to get started on it, he dropped his cup into the
trash, gathered his purchases, and returned to Laken’s store. He
needed to make a few more stops before he enlisted his mom’s help
with the project.
    “You look like the cat that ate the canary,”
Laken said as he walked up to the counter. “What’s up?”
    “I just thought of the perfect gift for
Callan and I need to get busy on it,” Clay said, in an obvious
hurry to get out of the mall and onto his idea for Callan’s
gift.
    Laken set the gifts he’d already purchased,
all neatly wrapped and in a fancy bag, on the counter. “Well, are
you going to share the details? Spill the beans, already!”
    Clay grinned at her as he shrugged into his
coat. “Nope. You two are incapable of keeping secrets from each
other.” He picked up his bags and started out of the store. “Thanks
again, Laken. You were a big help. See you Christmas Day.”
    After quick stops at the craft store and the
office supply store, Clay drove out to the ranch.
    He pulled into the drive, excited to tell
his mom about his idea. A blast of warmth hit him in the face as he
walked inside the house, carrying in all his purchases.
    “Mom? Are you home?”
    “In here, Clay,” Bobbi answered from the
kitchen. “I need a taste-tester and your dad is down at the
shop.”
    Clay entered the kitchen to find every
counter surface covered in cookies, cookie dough, and cookie
sheets. After placing his packages on the floor by the table, he
removed his coat, washed his hands, and snatched a gingerbread
cookie off a cookie sheet just out of the oven. Juggling the hot
cookie from one hand to the other and blowing on it, he took a huge
bite. The entire cookie was gone with the next bite.
    He poured a glass full of cold milk, sat at
the counter, and ate another cookie. Bobbi plopped dough onto a
cookie sheet.
    “The cookies pass muster,” Clay said, taking
a sugar cookie and smiling sweetly at his mom.
    “Good to know.” Bobbi shook her head at her
son and his antics. For being such a big man, he often acted like
an ornery little boy. She glanced at him as she dropped cookies on
the sheet and noticed he looked rather pleased with himself. “What
are you up to today?”
    Clay laughed and told Bobbi about forgetting
he didn’t have to work and going shopping instead. “I’ve got an
idea for a great present for Callan, but I need some help with it.
Would you be willing?”
    Bobbi smiled at him then turned to take a
sheet of cookies from the oven. “Sure, honey. Can you come over
tomorrow or do you want me to come to your house?”
    “No, I’ll come here. That way I know Callan
will be surprised.” He shared his ideas for the gift and Bobbi gave
him some good input.
    “Can I leave