Once Upon a Winter's Heart by Melody Carlson Read Free Book Online

Brothers Big Sisters. Not just for the funds it’ll raise, but for the public awareness too.” Lane smiled at Emma. “You’ll come, won’t you?”
    â€œSure, why not.”
    â€œI considered postponing it when Poppi died,” Anne told her. “But we’d already done all the advertising and it would be so expensive to start over.”
    â€œOh, I’m sure Poppi would understand. He never liked wasting money either. And I know how costly an ad campaign can be. In fact, I wish I’d known about your fundraiser sooner; I might’ve been able to help.”
    â€œEmma works for a marketing firm in Seattle,” Anne told Lane.
    â€œI used to work for one,” Emma clarified. “I quit.”
    Anne’s fine brows arched. “You quit?”
    Emma nodded. “I’m going to stick around and help with Nona for a while.”
    â€œBut your career…you gave it up?” Anne looked truly concerned.
    â€œIt was time for a change,” Emma explained. “The firm had some problems. I’m really glad to be done with them.”
    â€œNothing wrong with getting a fresh start,” Lane said optimistically. “That’s what I did when I took the KidsPlay job here three years ago. A complete change for me, but I’ve never regretted it. Never looked back.”
    â€œReally?” Emma felt hopeful.
    â€œLane used to work for a big software company in Seattle.”
    â€œOh…” Emma nodded. “I hear that can get old fast.”
    He chuckled. “Yeah…it did.”
    â€œWell, if you need any other marketing help for KidsPlay or Big Brothers Big Sisters, just let me know. I’d be happy to help out.”
    He grinned. “I will definitely keep that in mind.”
    Anne stood and, reaching for Lane’s hand, tugged him to his feet. “Now before you actually sneak out without saying goodbye, there’s someone I really want you to meet.” She winked at Emma. “You don’t mind if I take him away, do you?”
    Emma laughed. “I wouldn’t dream of trying to stop you.” She watched as Anne, chatting amicably, gracefully guided Lane back into the mainstream of the house. Emma still didn’t quite know how Anne did it. Socially skilled, that girl could maneuver her way into and out of almost any situation with total ease and comfort. Emma had not been blessed with those particular skills. And the truth was, she didn’t really care either. Flitting around with all the guests today had been exhausting. And schmoozing had always made Emma want to pull her hair out. Anne could have it.
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    It wasn’t until the last of the guests were leaving that Emma realized she was alone in the house with her two silently feuding parents. The widow friends had taken Nona home earlier, and now Emma needed to figure out a way to escape herself.
    â€œI don’t have my car here,” she reminded her mom as they were putting the kitchen back to order. “And I’d like to get back to check on Nona. So, if you don’t mind finishing up without me, I’ll just walk.”
    â€œWalk?” Saundra frowned.
    â€œYeah. It’s barely a mile and I could really use the exercise.”
    â€œBut it’s so cold out.”
    â€œIt’s okay. I have my coat and hat and gloves.” Emma pointed out a foot. “And these boots are good for walking.”
    â€œBut I’ll be ready to go pretty soon.”
    â€œI really want to walk, Mom.” Emma kissed her mom’s cheek. “See you later.” Emma left the kitchen and went out to where her dad was straightening things up in the living room. “I’m going now,” she told him. “I don’t want Nona to be home alone for too long.”
    â€œThanks for helping out today.” Her dad hugged her. “I think Poppi would’ve liked how things went, don’t you?”
    â€œAbsolutely. And