Two Hearts for Christmast by Lisa Y. Watson Read Free Book Online

didn’t.”  Her mother replied.  
    Wanting to be in the mix, Robin reached out for his sister.  “Layshee, up.”
    “ Okay, Robby.”  Lacey picked her brother up and kissed him.  “Did you see me, too?”
    He nodded.
    Finally, Lacey turned to her mother and said, “Mom, where’s Dad?”
    Yvette gazed at Christopher’s parents before she said, “I’m sorry, Lacey.  Your dad had to work late.  He got caught up in traffic, and just couldn’t make it before your play started.  He called, though and said he was so sorry not to be here for your special night.”
    Lacey nodded.  The disappointment was obvious, but she shrugged.  “We’ve got another play at Easter.”
    “ And of course he’ll make that one,” Margaret said, emphatically.
    “ Who’s hungry?” Anthony asked, guiding the group out the door.  “If I remember correctly, a certain Academy Award winner said she wanted Macaroni Grill.”
    “ Do you mind if we just get take-out instead?  I’m kind of tired.”
    “ Sure honey,” Yvette said quickly.  “Whatever you want.  It’s your night.”
    Lacey headed toward the entrance, and everyone followed behind.  
    “ Why don’t you three head straight home, and Margaret and I will bring dinner.”
    Yvette hugged him.  “Thanks, Tony.  We’ll see you soon.”
    She got the kids in the car, and strapped in.  Lacey was overly quiet, so Yvette didn’t push conversation.  Instead, she turned on one of Lacey’s favorite radio stations and headed home.  When they walked in, Adelaide was in the family room.  A big bouquet of flowers and balloons were on the coffee table.
    “ What’s this for?” Lacey asked when she came in.
    “ Why for you, of course.  I know your performance was fantastic, and I wanted you to know how special you are.”
    Lacey hugged her great-aunt.  “Thanks, Aunt Adelaide.”
    Adelaide looked over at Yvette and frowned.  Yvette said, “Christopher didn’t make it.”
    “ Oh, my.  I’m so sorry, Lacey.  I’m sure your father tried desperately to get there on time.  You know he’d only miss it if something very important came up.”
    “ What’s more important than my play?” Lacey muttered.  “I’m going to go put my pajamas on,” she told them.  “I’ll be back.”  Lacey walked out of the room and up the stairs.
       Yvette took Robin’s hat and coat off and put them in the hall closet.
    “ What happened?” Aunt Adelaide inquired.
    “ I wish I knew.  Christopher said he would make it in time, and he didn’t show up.  I haven’t tried to call him since earlier.  Lacey is crushed, Addie.  She immediately noticed her dad wasn’t there, and you could see the disappointment on her face.  I feel so bad for her.  It was a really important night, and Christopher blew it.”
    She was so mad at her husband, she couldn’t see straight.  A part of her was concerned as well.  He hadn’t called, and he wasn’t home, yet.  It was almost eight thirty.  She took Robin upstairs to put on his pajamas.  By the time she returned, her in-laws had arrived with Thai food and had laid it out on the table.  Lacey was back and eating her dinner.
    Yvette sat Robin in his chair, and warmed up his dinner.  She sat down and fed him.  Everyone was trying to engage Lacey in conversation and cheer her up.  It wasn’t working.  Suddenly, Christopher came through the front door.  He was carrying a huge stuffed penguin and a box of chocolates.
    “ Daddy,” Robin gushed.  He was the only one that excited.
    “ Hey little man,” he replied to his son.  Christopher went straight to Lacey and knelt in front of her chair.  “Hey, munchkin.”
    She looked at him sadly.  “Hi, Dad.”
    “ I’m so sorry I missed your play.  I feel awful that I wasn’t there to see your first lead role.”
    Lacey nodded.  “What happened?  Why are you so late?”
    “ I had a big problem with one of the buildings I’m working on at the farm.”
    When his