Twas The Knight Before Christmas (Something Great Series) by M. Clarke Read Free Book Online

Connor rested his head on his fist and released a long tired breath. “Daddy isn’t coming tonight, is he?”
    “Why would you say that? Of course he is.” I bent down to meet his gaze. His eyes were pooling with tears. “Daddy promised to be there tonight. Don’t you remember what he said last night on the phone?”
    Connor shook his head, covering his ears. Cassie was screaming for attention. Her cry was cut short when Carry picked her up.
    “I’ll distract her,” Carry said and walked away.
    “Thank you,” I said to Carry and looked at Connor. “Oh, sweetheart.” I caressed his hair, feeling guilty for not attending to Cassie. “You were so tired when you spoke to Daddy on the phone. You forgot. But I promise, he’ll be there tonight.”
    I offered him a fist, just like how Max did it. Connor bumped his fist to mine lightly, but not as enthusiastically as he did with Max.
    “That’s a good boy,” I mimicked Max. “I’m going to text Dad to let him know we’re on our way to drop you off at school before I head to work, and then I’m going to get my purse and workbag. So please be finished with your cereal when I get back.”
    Connor’s lips slightly curled into a hint of a smile. “Okay, Mom.”
    Thank God! “Okay.” I nodded and turned to Christopher who had already finished his breakfast and was playing with his toy. I loved my children more than anything in this world, but there were days when I just wished they were a little bit older. I knew each stage had its challenges, and I should cherish them before they flashed before my eyes, but sometimes I just needed Mommy time. I couldn’t wait till Christmas, when we could finally relax and make happy family memories.
     

    Max
     
    It was the first time I didn’t get to hear my children’s voices while I was home. I’d had a late night at work and I had to leave again early in the morning. When I had arrived home, Cassie and Christopher were in Jenna’s bed so I slept in the guest bedroom. I couldn’t wait for the busiest time of the year to be over so I could spend some quality time with my family.
    Jenna had texted me to let me know she was on her way to work. I knew it seemed possessive of me, but I always wanted to know when she was leaving and when she had arrived safely to and from work. Today had gone by so fast, I couldn’t believe it was almost time for me to leave. I had been on conference calls and in meetings all day. I would have to work this weekend, but at least I would have some time to spend with my family. I couldn’t wait to see my little boy on the stage. He had performed at preschool, but this was different. This was kindergarten. He was going to perform like a big boy with other big kids. I knew he was excited. He couldn’t stop talking about it all week, especially since he had a speaking part.
    When the phone rang in my office, I knew it was Thomas. I had emailed everyone not to disturb me since I was waiting to speak to Thomas. He was the last person on my agenda for the day.
    “Thomas. I hope you have good news for me,” I said without greeting him. We’d been talking throughout the day. Sometimes it was in a conference call with Matthew.
    “You know what they’re asking for. I’m just letting you know they haven’t made a decision yet,” Thomas said over the phone.
    “You can tell that bastard of a lawyer we’re not giving his client a penny. He has no case. They’re fishing for anything they can grab on to.” I tried not to sound irate, especially since I was speaking to Thomas. I knew he was working overtime, not just on our case but others as well.
    “I know, Max. Just calm down. As your lawyer, I have to let you know. I’m not saying to give him anything. I agree with you—they have no case. I’ll do anything to make sure this doesn’t go to court or to the press. I’m making your case top priority.”
    I released the long breath I’d been holding. “I know,” I groaned, feeling bad for