Free Wanda E. Brunstetter by Twice Loved Page A

Amy’s eyes, and her lower lip trembled. “Why not? We had fun on Thanksgiving, didn’t we, Uncle Dan?”
    Dan felt immediate regret for his poor choice of words.Leaning over the bed,he took the child’s other hand. “I had a wonderful time on Thanksgiving. It was the best day I’ve had in a long time.”
    “Then why won’t you come for Christmas?” This question came from Bev, whose vivid blue eyes were full of questions.
    He smiled. “Because I’d like to have you and Amy over to my house for Christmas dinner.”
    Bev’s mouth dropped open. “You’re planning to cook the meal?”
    He shrugged. “Sure, why not?”
    Amy giggled. “Can ya make pumpkin pies?”
    Dan grinned then winked at Bev. “Actually, I was hoping you might furnish the pies, but I can roast the turkey and fix the rest of the dinner.”
    Bev’s expression was dubious at first, but she gave him a nod. “It’s a deal.”

    Dan had been rushing around for hours, checking on the bird he’d put in the oven early that morning, peeling and cutting the potatoes and carrots he planned to boil later on and placing presents under the tree. He wanted everything to be perfect for Bev and Amy. Though they might not realize it, they had brought joy into his life, and they deserved to have a special Christmas.
    Satisfied that everything was finally ready, Dan put the potatoes in a kettle of cold water, grabbed his coat and gloves, and headed out the door. It was time to pick up his dinner guests.
    A short time later, he stood in front of Bev’s door, glad she hadn’t refused his offer of a ride. It would have been difficult for her and Amy to catch the bus, what with the child’s ankle still slightly swollen, not to mention the weather, which had recently deepened the snow on the ground.
    When Bev opened the door and smiled at Dan, it nearly took his breath away. She wore a lilac-colored gown with a wide neckline and a skirt that dropped just below her knees. And this time she had on a pair of hose. “You’re beautiful,” he murmured.
    “Thanks. You look pretty handsome yourself.”
    He glanced at his navy-blue slacks and matching blazer. Nothing out of the ordinary, but if she thought he looked handsome, that was all right by him.
    Bev opened the door wider. “Come in and I’ll get our coats and gifts.” Dan stepped into the living room and spotted Amy sitting on the sofa, dressed in a frilly pink dress that matched her flushed cheeks.
    “Hey, cutie. Ready to go?”
    She nodded and grinned up at him. “I can’t wait to give you my present, Uncle Dan.”
    He leaned over and scooped the child into his arms. “And I can’t wait to receive it.”

    “That was a delicious meal,” Bev said, amazed at how well Dan could cook. She was also surprised at the change that had come over him since Amy’s accident. He’d driven Bev to the hospital and stayed with her until they knew Amy was okay. He had taken her home, back to the hospital the next day, and given them a ride to their apartment when Amy was released. Now, as they sat in Dan’s living room inside his cozy brick home on the north end of town, Bev could honestly say she felt joy celebrating this Christmas.
    “I’m glad you enjoyed dinner and equally glad I didn’t burn anything.” Dan nodded at Amy, who sat on the floor in front of the crackling fire he’d built earlier. “How about it, little one? Are you ready to open your presents?”
    Amy scooted closer to the Christmas tree. “Yes!”
    “Okay then. Who wants the first gift?”
    “Me! Me!”
    Dan chuckled and handed Amy a box. “I believe this one’s from your mother.”
    Amy looked at Bev, and she nodded. “Go ahead and open it.”
    The child quickly tore off the wrapping, and when she lifted the lid and removed a delicate bisque doll, she squealed with delight. “She’s beautiful, Mommy! Thank you!”
    “You’re welcome, sweetheart.”
    Amy smiled at Dan. “Can I give Mommy her present from me