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

phones ready to record.
    The curtains opened. All the kindergarten students were in the first row. I could see Connor’s eyes scanning the audience. Was he scared? He was singing but he didn’t look happy. When his eyes met mine, his whole face and demeanor lit up.
    “Daddy,” he mouthed and gave me a quick wave close to his chest, trying not to draw attention to himself.
    I melted. Connor filled me with a joy that was indescribable. When I gave him a thumbs up, his smile grew bigger. I was a proud father and so was Matthew. Addy was standing next to Connor, dressed in Christmas PJs, just like everyone else. Everyone cheered and clapped when the song was over. When they cleared the stage for the Christmas story to begin, I shifted my attention to Jenna. We stared into each other’s eyes. Her eyes were glistening with happy tears. I knew how she felt because I was feeling the same way.
    We took loads of pictures and videotaped from the beginning to end, especially when Addy and Connor were singing or had a speaking part. Not only was I a proud father, but a proud uncle. These were the precious moments I wouldn’t give up for anything.

Chapter 8

    Matthew
     
    After the show was over, Max’s family and mine went out to dinner. Max and I took turns calling our parents, but there was no answer. After we went home, I told him I would stop by our parents’ house. When I got there all the lights were out, and I didn’t want to wake them, so I went back home. I texted Max to let him know what had happened. Tomorrow was Saturday. I was sure we would get ahold of them in the morning.
    I wrapped my arms around Becca while her head rested on my chest. I loved to see her head move to the rhythm of my breath. Caressing her back, I said, “I missed you. I feel like I haven’t been home in weeks.”
    “I know,” she sighed. “It’s okay. It’s the busiest time of the year. After tomorrow, I get you all to myself.” She craned her neck to meet my gaze. “Well, not completely to myself. Addy and Mason miss you too. You haven’t read to them in a week.”
    I sighed. “I know. But I’ll make it up to them. After tomorrow night, I’m taking a week off between Christmas and New Year’s. Though I might have to have a phone conference with Thomas. I really hope he gives us good news soon.”
    Becca idly moved her fingers along my chest. “It’s out of your hands, Matt. It’s up to fate. You can’t control everything. Sometimes you just have to let it go.”
    I caressed her hair. “And sometimes, I have to listen to my wife’s wisdom. She reads a lot of books, you know.”
    Becca’s smile widened. “Does she now?”
    I changed the subject, “You know…Addy and Mason won’t really appreciate us until they get married and have kids of their own.”
    Becca lightly dug her fingers into my chest. “Trying to get rid of our kids already, huh?” She laughed.
    I chuckled. “Of course not. Addy isn’t getting married until I tell her she’s ready. I feel sorry for her first date. You know that I’ll be driving them, don’t you?”
    Becca shook her head with a smile. “Oh, Matt. You say that now, but Addy owns your heart. You won’t be able to say no to her.”
    It was so true. Addy was Daddy’s little girl. “I know. She had my heart tonight. I was so proud of her. I can’t believe she remembered all those lines with your help. She’s so smart.”
    “She takes after her daddy,” Becca praised and then changed the subject, “Going back to her dating, I plan to be in the passenger seat beside you. I bet Mason will be sitting in the back, between them.”
    My eyes lit up. “That’s not a bad idea.” I paused. “Listen to us. Not so fast, okay? One day at a time. I want to remember and treasure these moments that are going by too fast. She’s already in kindergarten. Next year she’ll be in first grade, and then next thing we’ll know she’ll be in high school, college—”
    Becca covered my mouth.