Patchwork Family by Judy Christenberry Read Free Book Online

sigh, her eyes slowly closing.
    Molly picked up one of Sara’s favorite books and opened the page.
    “Will that nice man carry me again?”
    Molly’s head jerked up. “The doctor?”
    “No, the man who carried me up here. It was kind of like having a daddy, wasn’t it, Mommy? Daddies carry their little kids, don’t they?”
    Molly struggled to hide the pain that assailed her. “Yes, daddies carry their little kids, sweetie. But Mr. Spencer isn’t a daddy. He was just being helpful.”
    She hadn’t even realized Sara had been awake enough to know Quinn Spencer had carried her. She certainly didn’t want her daughter thinking of Quinn Spencer as a father image. While the man couldn’t be much worse than Christopher, he probably wasn’t much better, either.
    Playboys never were.
    Halfway through the book, Sara was sound asleep.
    After dropping a soft kiss on Sara’s forehead, Molly put away the book and tiptoed from the room.
    Just as she reached the hallway leading to the kitchen, the phone rang. With a gasp, she raced through the kitchen door to grab the phone before it could ring again and awaken Sara.
    “Hello?” she answered, her breath shortened.
    “Molly? I mean, Mrs. Blake? Is everything all right?”
    Quinn Spencer. He probably thought she was going to fall apart again. She took a deep breath. “Everything’s fine. I didn’t want the phone to awaken Sara. She just went down for her nap.”
    “How is she doing? Is she better?”
    He actually sounded concerned. She decided it was part of his routine, charm any female within a hundred yards. But she wasn’t susceptible.
    “She’s much better, thank you.”
    “Good. Have you taken her to your doctor?”
    “We have an appointment for Wednesday afternoon.”
    “Ah. That’s wise.”
    “Yes. Thank you for calling to check on her.”
    Before she could hang up the phone, he spoke again. “Wait! I came by Friday morning to tell you I talked to the mayor about your problem. He said he felt sure the zoning change Ursula is protesting will probably pass. All the councilors are in favor of your business.”
    “Oh! Oh, thank you, Mr. Spencer. I appreciate your assistance.”
    “Don’t hang up. I have an idea that might improve your situation.”
    “You do?”
    “You needn’t sound so incredulous, Mrs. Blake,” he muttered.
    “I apologize,” she said hurriedly. “What idea?”
    “I thought you should have an open house, invite your neighbors, the town leaders, anyone else with power, to see the changes you’ve made. I can remember how that house looked when Christopher’smother lived there. You’ve made a lot of difference. I think your neighbors would be impressed.”
    Molly was stunned. “I hadn’t thought of that. Do you really think it would help?”
    “Yes, I do. And invite Ursula.”
    “What?” She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Invite that woman into her home?
    “Let her see what you’ve done. It probably won’t change her mind, but you never know.”
    Molly swallowed, her mouth suddenly dry. “I’ll think about what you’ve said, Mr. Spencer. And thank you for calling me to give me your favorable report.”
    “You’re welcome. And tell Sara I’m glad she’s feeling better.”
    “Yes, thank you.”
    She hung up the phone, relieved that her future looked hopeful. But she was also disturbed. She’d just lied to the man.
    She had no intention of saying anything to Sara on his behalf.
     
    “Y OU STILL HAVEN’T TOLD US your plan,” Lydia protested on the next Friday afternoon. “It’s going to be Christmas before you know it.”
    “What’s wrong with Christmas?” Martha asked. “You got something against it?”
    “Of course not! But I was hoping Molly and little Sara might not have to be alone then. It’s difficult to spend Christmas without any family.”
    “Even I can’t act that fast,” Martha muttered.
    “I guess you’re right,” Lydia agreed, her shoulders sagging. “I was hoping for too