Free A Family for Christmas by Kate Welsh Page A

she and Trent had always discussed their respective days. When she’d pictured them as parents, she’d seen this as the time when she would share the funny things, the heart-tugging things, even the maddening things their children had done during the day. Since leaving Trent, it was the time of the day when she’d missed him the most, and that had never been more true than since the children had come into her life. And now he was back, but not in the way she needed.
    Maggie stood and went to the window facing the carriage house as a damp, late-summer breeze wafted into the room, stirring the gauzy curtains. As she looked into the open window of the carriage house, Maggie saw Trent pace a few times before he threw himself into a chair. Even from across the yard she could see the pent-up tension in his quick jerky movements, but she knew he didn’t want her comfort. She was more than likely the cause of his stress.
    Wrapping her arms about her waist, Maggie leaned her shoulder and head against the window frame. She desperately needed to feel Trent’s arms around her right now to reassure her.
    After several long minutes of deep thought as she stared across the yard and drive, Maggie unconsciously reached out to trace his beloved face, only to encounter the screen beneath her fingertips. She snapped back to reality.
    He’s so close, yet so far away. Lord, I know You have more for us than this. I know I have to wait, but I don’t know how much longer I can do this alone. I need him. Please bring him back to me.
    â€œYou can endure all things through Christ who strengthens you,” a quiet voice called from somewhere inside her. It was the verse that her pastor had given her when he’d called Florida to console her.
    Maggie pursed her lips, and with one more glance at Trent, turned away to face the inevitable. She reluctantly moved toward the bed and climbed in. She had a long day ahead of her tomorrow. She needed her sleep.
    But sleep was a long time in coming. Even when it did, she woke in tears several times during the night tortured by dreams of lost love and the hopeless feeling that she knew came because the pain she must endure was of her own making.
    â€œI want waffles,” Daniel whined. “I don’t like pancakes.”
    â€œYou do, too,” Rachel shouted. “He does, too, Aunt Maggie.”
    â€œDo not!”
    â€œDo, too!” Grace added.
    A high-pitched whistle put an end to the cacophony. Maggie turned toward the noise to find Trentstanding just inside the back door. Seeing him once again clad in rugged attire, formfitting blue jeans and a white T-shirt, her heart raced.
    â€œWho likes pancakes?” he asked, and Rachel and Grace shouted their support.
    Daniel crossed his arms and scowled as an answer. “The mes have it, Aunt Maggie. Today it’s pancakes, one of my personal favorites,” Trent confided to Daniel as he sat down next to him and ruffled his auburn hair. “Maybe the next time she has the time to make a special breakfast like this one, she’ll make waffles. Another of my personal favorites,” Trent added with a grin and a wink to Maggie.
    Maggie’s stomach did a somersault. She turned away, flustered, telling herself it meant nothing that their first meeting had begun with just such a teasing gesture. Because unless something had changed since last night, this day wouldn’t end with dinner, dancing and a good-night kiss on the cheek.
    â€œSo what are your plans for today?” she asked him.
    â€œThe guy who promised to give Mike a hand with the heater called. He’s coming by.”
    â€œThe heater? We don’t need heat. Why don’t you concentrate on putting the front rooms back together? There’s no room to even walk in the family room, and I live in fear that Grace will get past me and into that area.”
    â€œCan’t,” he said around a piece of pancake.
    Rachel’s brown