The Doctor's Christmas by Marta Perry Read Free Book Online

them,” she murmured. “You wouldn’t want to insult anyone.”
    â€œI can’t eat fourteen pieces of pie unless you want to let out my lab coats.” He slanted a smile at her, apparently not surprised to find her at his elbow. “How about getting me out of this?”
    Suppressing that little flutter his smile provoked, she took a knife and split the piece of pie, sliding part onto a different plate. “Let’s give Dr. Hardesty a little sliver of each kind,” she suggested.
    The pie bakers greeted that with enthusiasm. Evie might be acknowledged as the best cherry pie baker, but no one else intended to be left in the dust. Before Grant escaped from the serving line, they’d managed to add slivers of dried apple, rhubarb, lemon meringue and mincemeat pie.
    Maggie helped herself to coffee, then realized that Grant had headed straight for the table where Joey sat. Her nerves stood at attention.
    By now, all five hundred and three residents of Button Gap knew about the warning Gus had delivered. They were all on the lookout for Mrs. Hadley. Everyone, in other words, but Grant.
    She reached the table quickly. She thought Joeyunderstood how important it was to keep quiet about their mother’s absence, but kids were unpredictable, and it was her job to keep them safe.
    Joey wore a rim of cherry around his mouth. “Sure is good pie,” he said thickly.
    â€œYou better take it easy, or you won’t be able to sleep tonight.” Relieved, Maggie slid into the seat next to Joey. Unfortunately, that put her directly across from Grant.
    His level brows lifted. “Are you talking to Joey or to me?”
    â€œBoth of you.”
    â€œYou’re the one who made me accept all of this,” he protested.
    â€œYou didn’t want to insult anyone, did you?”
    He glanced at the crowded plate. “If it’s that or my arteries, I think I’ll take the arteries.” He took a bite of Evie’s cherry pie, and then gave a sigh of pure pleasure. “Although this might be worth the risk.”
    Their smiles entangled, and her heart rate soared.
    You’re mad at him, remember? she reminded herself, but it didn’t seem to be doing any good. Maybe she’d better concentrate on finishing her dessert and getting the kids home.
    Unfortunately Grant seemed to be eating at the same rate she was. He put his plate on the dish cart right behind her, grabbed his coat while she was getting the kids into theirs and walked out the door when they did.
    â€œIt’s chilly out here.” He buttoned the top button of his jacket.
    She nodded. “Winter comes early in the mountains. We usually have a white Christmas.”
    By Christmas, Nella would be safely home with her children, and one source of Maggie’s concern would be taken care of. By Christmas, Grant would be back in his world, probably forgetting about Button Gap the moment he crossed the county line.
    The kids romped ahead of them. Joey stopped in the middle of the deserted street. He spun in a circle, his arms spread wide. “Snow!” he shouted.
    Maggie looked up. Sure enough, a few lazy flakes drifted down from the dark sky.
    â€œIt is snow.” She felt the feather-light touch of a snowflake on her cheek. “Look!”
    Her foot hit a pothole in the road, and she stumbled. Grant’s arm went around her in an instant, keeping her from falling.
    â€œYou’re as bad as the kids.” His voice was low and teasing in her ear. “Next thing you know you’ll be dancing in the street.”
    â€œIs that so bad?”
    She looked up at him and knew immediately she’d made a mistake. Grant’s face was very close, his eyes warm with laughter instead of cool and judging. His arm felt strong and sure, supporting her.
    The laughter in his eyes stilled, replaced by something questioning, even longing. Nothing moved—no one spoke. The children’s voices were a