Christmas Wishes...Special Delivery by Mary Manners

high-profile case hits the headlines—you’ll feel the wanderlust, and, just like that”—She yanked off her glove, snapped her fingers to drive the point home—“you’ll be gone again.”
    “You think so?” His gaze lingered a moment while he smoothed a strand of hair from her cheek, let the callused pad of his thumb slide along the length of her jaw to sear her skin. “Well, I suppose we’ll see.” He dropped his hand and turned away. “I’m going to get Rosie. The evergreens are waiting to be claimed. It’s time we had a measure of Christmas cheer around here.”
     
     
     
     

5
    Kaylee skittered about the living room of the guest house like an ant on a hot fudge sundae. Her nerves hummed with every step, and she wasn’t sure if that was the result of too many cups of hot chocolate or the fact that she’d just spent the better part of the day with Riley, and he still stood near…across the cozy living room, to be exact.
    They’d finally coaxed Rosie to sleep and now lights twinkled from a tall, lush Douglas Fir nestled into a corner across from the modest fireplace. It had taken Rosie and Riley, with Kaylee’s input, nearly an hour to select the plush evergreen from Maple Ridge Tree Farm, nestled just south of town. Riley had harvested it himself, bound it to the roof of his Escalade, and hauled it home for them to decorate following dinner with Ruth at the main house.
    Like a family, complete with giggles and wide-eyed wonder from sweet Rosie, rounds of cream-topped hot chocolate and a plate of sugar cookies Ruth had whipped up while the trio tree-hunted. Soft music whispered from the stereo as Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite played. Kaylee could almost see the marzipan dancing around as the nutcracker came to life. For the first time this winter, holiday cheer filled her.
    Today truly marked the beginning of her first Christmas season with a child—with Rosie. That was certainly something to celebrate, and she hoped there would be many more, prayed Rosie would somehow remain together with her, for good.
    “Why so pensive?” Riley’s question drew Kaylee back. She turned as he added a log to the fire and then settled on the couch. He patted the cushion beside him. “You look miles and miles away. Come sit with me.”
    “I was just thinking about what you said earlier…about Cody, and Rosie’s mother.” Kaylee swallowed the lump that leapt to her throat. “What if you’re right? What if one of them—or both—change their mind about wanting her back? What then?”
    “I can help you, Kaylee. I’ve had experience with this type of situation, working at the firm. Let me help you sort through everything to do what’s best for Rosie.”
    Simple words…so much meaning. She turned back toward the tree, let the twinkle of colorful lights and the glitter of tinsel calm her fears. Princess Fluffy curled beneath the lower boughs, nestled in the crimson velvet skirt that Kaylee had purchased on a whim at the mall a few weeks ago. They’d return to the bustling mall again this week—she, Rosie and Riley. Riley had promised Rosie a visit with Santa. The child insisted she had a special request—one that only Santa could fill.
    “First Princess Fluffy, followed by a road trip for a beautiful Christmas tree.” Kaylee’s pulse quickened at the gentleness Riley had shown to Rosie. “Then a promised visit with Santa. You’re a softie when it comes to Rosie’s sweet smile and spirited requests, Riley Harper. But, what might possibly come next?”
    “Her security…your peace of mind.” Riley’s gentle voice coaxed while the twinkling lights and crisp pine scent mesmerized Kaylee to an almost dreamy state. The flicker of fire warmed her cheeks as his fingers searched for hers, twined them together. How had so much time elapsed since they’d last been together, yet Riley’s presence—his touch—felt so natural and right? “The rest of the decorations can wait. Sit with me, Kaylee. Let’s