One Christmas Knight by Robyn Grady Read Free Book Online

tinsel.
    Damon’s dreamy voice was at her ear. “We make a good team, don’t you think?”
    Filled with emotion, Emma nodded. Really good .
    “We had a tradition in our house,” he said, digging out a packaged box. “Bon bons. Whoever won the most got to hang the star.”
    After unwrapping the box, he offered one end of a giant bon bon. They pulled, it snapped, and ignited powder scent filled the air.
    Emma waved her end at Shelley. “Look, baby. I won!”
    Enjoying the show, Shelley kicked her feet and then sucked her fist while Damon revealed a big gold star.
    Taking the star, Emma checked out the height of the tree and looked around. “I need a chair.”
    “I have a better idea.”
    Damon placed sturdy hands around her waist and effortlessly lifted her high above the ground. Feeling as if she had wings, Emma leaned in and slotted the ornament in place. She patted the hands gripping her ribs.
    “Mission accomplished,” she said.
    As he lowered her down, he angled her around as well, until she her front faced his and their eyes were level. Her socked toes wiggled mid-air and her heartbeat skipped while he held her there, suspended. Grinning, she looped her arms around his neck.
    “The star’s hung,” she said “You can let me go now.”
    “But I don’t want to let you go. In fact, I vote we start another tradition.”
    His body was so hard pressed against hers. With his arms firmly lashed around her back now, Emma felt as if her feet might never touch the ground.
    “So, what’s this new tradition?” she asked.
    “Whoever got to hang the star has to kiss the one who missed out.”
    She made a point of studying the ground. “I don’t appear to have a choice.”
    His expression intensified.
    “Em, you have all the choices in the world.”
    His tone…those words…
    Carefully, deliberately, she filed both sets of fingers up the back of his hair then met her lips with his.
     

Christmas Eve, December 24
     
    The next day, Shelley didn’t want to finish her bottle. She looked drowsy but wouldn’t settle.
    When Damon arrived around eight in the morning, Emma let him know before he’d even come in off the porch. Other than a flash in the depths of his eyes, his expression remained neutral. Calm. She hung his coat as he made a beeline to see the baby.
    “Hey, Shell-Bell,” he said, hovering over her where she lay on the bed. “How you feeling today?”
    The baby blinked slowly then pulled the most adorable pained face and gave a whimper that made Emma’s stomach turn. If she had just one wish, she’d make certain no child suffered. Upset tummies, ear ache, viruses…they would all be banished for good.
    “There’s no rash,” she said.
    “Let’s check her out anyway.”
    Five minutes later, Damon was finished his examination. “Temperature’s a little high again.”
    Emma lifted the swaddled baby into her arms. “I shouldn’t have taken her outside yesterday.”
    “Ten minutes in the middle of the day…the fresh air would’ve done her good.”
    “Are you sure?” Emma shook herself. “Of course you’re sure.” She took a breath, got a grip. “I’m doing it again.” Getting wound up.
    He ran a gentle finger around Shelley’s cheek and asked Emma, “Have you heard from Krystal?”
    “Not today. Not yet.” A chill ran up Emma’s spine. It was early yet, but she was beginning to worry. “Krystal gets distracted. Caught up in things. We’re different like that. I have no desire to jump out of planes or swim with sharks or―”
    “Leave your baby to play make-up with the ex?”
    Emma couldn’t argue. She’d thought the same thing. “I can’t help wondering what kind of father this guy will make.” Emma studied every line of her beautiful niece’s flushed face. “Shelley deserves a good life.”
    “A happy and safe life.”
    A sharp rap on the door made Emma jump. Damon looked at her as if she’d turned white. And, in that instant, she did feel faint. She wasn’t sure