The Christmas Proposition Read online

  “Mickie.”

  At the sound of her name, Mickie looked up and saw her mom motioning for her.

  “It’s time for family pictures.”

  “Gotta go.” Mickie jumped up and hurried across the room.

  The photographer had just positioned them on the staircase when Fred galloped up, crumbs of cake around his mouth, remnants of the white gauzy bow Mickie had placed around his neck hanging askew. He surveyed the three of them, then plopped down in front of Mickie.

  The photographer paused. “Do you want the dog in the picture?”

  “Please. Please. Let him stay,” Mickie urged.

  “What do you think?” Derek asked Rachel.

  She let her gaze run over him. He looked so hand some in his black tux that Rachel had difficulty keeping her hands to herself. She straightened his tie, then brought a finger to her lips. “Well, he is part of the family.”

  “Yippee,” Mickie squealed.

  Rachel glanced around the room, at the family and friends who’d come to help them celebrate their love, to the daughter who’d brought them together, then side ways at the man she loved more with each passing day. Contentment wrapped around her like a favorite coat. It seemed almost…sinful to be this happy.

  While the photographer fiddled with his camera set tings, Rachel leaned close to her husband’s ear. “I’ve got a proposition for you. Want to round the bases with me tonight?”

  Before he could answer, Mickie leaned back between them. “If you’re playing baseball tonight, count me in.”

  Derek and Rachel exchanged a glance and burst out laughing.

  Mickie gestured like she was pulling a steam engine’s horn. “Woo-hoo. Baseball it is.”

  Rachel laughed so hard tears filled her eyes and slipped down her cheeks.

  Mickie continued to pull the pretend steam engine horn adding a deep chug-a-chug sound.

  Fred’s sleepy eyes brightened and he began to bay.

  The camera flashed.

  “Got it,” the photographer said.

  Rachel wiped the tears from her eyes, trying to catch her breath. “That’ll be one interesting picture.”

  “Not half as interesting as our life together is going to be.” Derek slipped an arm around his wife and grinned. “Batter up?”

  ISBN: 978-1-4268-7607-3

  THE CHRISTMAS PROPOSITION

  Copyright © 2010 by Cynthia Rutledge

  All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of the editorial office, Silhouette Books, 233 Broadway, New York, NY 10279 U.S.A.

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  *Meet Me in Montana

  †RX for Love