The Wishing Tree by Cheryl Pierson Read Free Book Online

wrapping—"
    "We forgot paper!"
    "Last minute shopping, too," Pete went on, "including paper … and tape. I've got scissors around the house somewhere."
    "And food – oh, Pete – what about Christmas dinner?"
    He just laughed. "Pizza looks pretty good when you think about what we have to do tomorrow."
    "Maybe tonight we can put up our tree again," Miguel ventured tentatively.
    "We'll see—" Ria sad.
    But Pete couldn't have turned Miguel's wish down. To the boy, nothing was more important than the tree.
    * * * * *
    They tried three stores before they found one with the right kind of lights for the tree. It had been worth it to see Miguel's bright smile. The first order of business had been to re-decorate the tree, as soon as they got home.
    Pete hadn't had a tree in his house since he'd bought it four years ago. There had been no reason, it seemed. Now, it was the focal point of the entire house. Pete had to agree with Miguel, it was even more beauti-fuller here than it had been before. Pete suspected a big part of that was because there would be no more worry about having to protect it from Julio's destruction – a heavy weight for a young boy to carry.
    Although they agree to relax this evening, Pete knew Maria – she wouldn't truly be able to take it easy until the necessities were handled.
    They'd grabbed some wrapping paper, tape, and bows when they'd bought the lights and ornaments. A smile touched his lips as he remembered the thrill of pleasure on Ria's face as she'd picked out the rolls of paper, tags, and ribbon. He doubted she could have been any more pleased than she had been at that very moment.
    "I can't wait to get started wrapping!" She’d given him a spontaneous hug as she put the paper in their basket.
    Pete heard the door click shut down the hallway followed by Ria's footsteps. She smiled as she came into the living room.
    "He's all tucked in and almost asleep already."
    "What did he think?" Pete asked. "Did he like the room?"
    She sat down beside him on the couch. "He loves it."
    "We'll need to get some new furniture eventually," he said thoughtfully. "I never really cared that much since that was a spare room, but—"
    She turned and framed his face with her hands. "He doesn't mind. With a little paint on the walls and a place for that new Batman car, it will be perfect for him." She leaned forward, her lips brushing his lightly.
    "I … poured us some wine," he said. "We can build a fire if you want."
    She shook her head. "Let's go to bed."
    The way she said it made his heart race.
    "Ria—" He started to tell her they could wait. That he didn't want her to feel pressured – but why was he protesting something he wanted so much? What was he worried about? He wanted her every bit as much as she wanted him.
    She stood up and put her hand out to him. " Tonight's the night ."
    Pete 's lips quirked. " Ain't nobody gonna stop us now… "
    "Rod Stewart."
    Pete rose, taking her had. "Aren't you a little young to be a Rod Stewart fan?" he teased.
    She laughed. "I love all the oldies. I don't even listen to anything after the eighties. My favorites are the sixties and seventies music."
    "A woman after my own heart."
    They'd reached the bedroom, and Ria turned to face him, stepping into his arms. "Oh, I plan to have that heart of yours, Pete Cochran … lock, stock, and barrel."
    She began to unbutton his shirt, her fingers brushing his skin. He sucked in his breath, letting it out very slowly. She reached up to kiss him gently. "Make love to me, Pete."
    " Miguel was right about that tree," he said raggedly.
    Ria pushed the shirt off his shoulders, her dark eyes gleaming. "I have to agree with him – it is full of wishes."
    * * * * *
    Could there be anything better than waking up beside Pete Cochran?
    Ria's lips curved before she opened her eyes. She snuggled closer to him, and his arm tightened around her.
    He was awake, too. She wondered what his thoughts were … hoped they mirrored her own. She opened