Miss Kane's Christmas by Caroline Mickelson Read Free Book Online Page B

front of them. She was only four families away from seeing her father. That was enough to keep her tears of frustration at bay. Ben Hanson was too much. She couldn’t take any more of this. And she wasn’t too proud to beg her father to let her go back to the North Pole with him. She couldn’t do any good here.
    She steadfastly refused to turn around despite the fact that Ben was now quarrelling with the woman in line behind them. She felt Patrick slip his hand in hers and squeeze it gently. She squeezed it back. Patrick tugged on her arm. She bent down.
    “Do you want to leave, sweetie?” she asked. Ben’s boorish behavior was so unfair to the children.
    “No, I want to see Santa. But I need to tell you something.”
    “I’m listening, Patrick.”
    “Daddy has trouble being happy. Please don’t be mad at him.”
    Carol stared down at the boy. His wide eyes begged her to understand. She nodded. “I’ll try not to be mad with your father, Patrick. I promise.” She blew out a long breath. This was a promise she needed to keep. Her father was right. Patrick was right. Ben needed her help. “We’ll all help your father learn to love Christmas.”
    Patrick’s wide smile warmed her heart. She took a deep breath and turned back around to placate Ben. One glance at Jolly’s face was all she needed to know that Ben was still going at it. She felt Patrick nudge her forward as yet another lucky family got into see Santa. Three families and counting.
    “Mr. Hanson, I really think it’s time to take a deep breath,” Carol suggested.
    “I think the elf wants Daddy to apologize,” Hillary said.
    “For what?” Ben’s expression was incredulous. “For telling the truth? For denouncing a lie that parents perpetuate for no reason other than to-”
    The appearance of a beefy security guard signaled that Ben’s tirade was coming to an end soon. One way or another. “Ma’am,” he addressed Carol. “I’m going to ask your husband here to step out of line with me.”
    Hillary wasted no time in setting the record straight. “Oh, they’re not married. She’s just moved in with us but my Dad hardly knows her. Isn’t that right, Miss Kane?”
    “Umm….” Carol’s mind raced to find a suitable response. “Technically, that’s true.”
    “So he’s not your husband?” the guard clarified.
    “No, he’s not,” she admitted.
    “Lucky miss,” the woman behind Ben said, drawing a few laughs from the crowd. “I’d suggest you move out while you still can.”
    Ben flushed. “I’m not budging until my kids have a chance to see this Santa fellow.”
    “Look, mister, I’m not letting you get anywhere near the Big Guy.” He reached out for Ben’s good arm but Ben moved aside.
    “Touch me and I’m calling the police.” Ben narrowed his eyes and stared at the guard.
    “Saves me a call,” the guard shot back.
    “Stop, stop, stop…please,” Carol begged. She smiled encouragingly at the guard. “Please let us just see Santa. The children are so excited.” She waited hopefully as he looked at Hillary and then Patrick. Just as she thought, their adorable faces did the trick.
    “Okay, but only because you’re at the front of the line now.” He shook his head and sighed deeply before addressing Ben. “Not another word or I’m escorting you out of here.” He turned to Carol. “I’ll be right over there, Ma’am.” He pointed to a spot a few feet away.
    Carol smiled her thanks. She ushered the children to the front of the line and then put her hand on Ben’s back and gave him a tiny shove forward.
    “We can ask Santa for anything we want?” Patrick asked.
    She nodded and smiled. “Anything. Santa’s a great listener.”
    Hillary and Patrick put their little heads together for a last minute conference. Carol looked up at Ben. To his credit, his expression was sheepish.
    “Don’t get your hopes up, Mr. Hanson,” Carol said. “That was coal worthy behavior back there.”
    He sighed. “Ben. Just