Free Quinn's Christmas Wish by Lawna Mackie Page A

exclaimed in excitement.
    “It’s amazing!” she joined in with enthusiasm.
    “How did he do all this?”
    “I don’t know, Quinn, maybe you’ll have to ask him that question,” she responded sitting on the bed.
    Quinn yawned.
    “Do you think you can sleep here?” she asked.
    He nodded his head in acknowledgement. “Especially if you stay with me for awhile.”
    She pulled back the sheets. It was like Samuel planned on having company. Quinn removed his pants but left his shirt on and crawled under the covers. Amanda curled up beside him and pulled a blanket up over them both.
    “Mom, I really hope we find Jazira. She’s hurt.”
    “I know, sweetie. It’s all pretty hard for me to believe. I wish you’d told me,” she said rubbing his head.
    “Would you have believed me?”
    Amanda kissed his cheek. “You’re too smart for your britches!”
    “You’ll like her,” he said sleepily. “Maybe she will be here for Christmas.”
    Her heart broke for him. It was the first time she’d heard him mention anything about the Christmas season since Walter’s death over a year ago.
    “That would be nice. I’m sure Samuel will be able to find her.” Amanda closed her eyes and prayed. If what made her son happy was a talking she-wolf, Amanda would do whatever it took to save it.
    Soon she drifted off to sleep, dreaming of a white Christmas, ribbons and bows, and Quinn with this pet wolf all curled up beside the fire singing Christmas carols.
    ∗ ∗ ∗

Chapter Eleven
    Amanda awoke to the smell of brewing coffee. Her eyes sprang open, the strangeness of the room reminding her where she’d slept. Quinn’s body didn’t lie beside her. She pushed the covers aside, prepared to search for him. The sound of his laughter put her at ease.
    Ruffled clothing wound around her body. She did her best to straighten them. Her hair must look a fright, but she exited the room to find out what was making her son laugh.
    The smell of coffee beckoned to her as she walked quietly down the hall. Sitting at the table and laughing were her son and Samuel. For a brief moment, she debated whether or not to interrupt them.
    Both of them stopped and looked her direction.
    Samuel rose and pulled a chair out for her.
    “Sorry Mom, I hope I didn’t wake you up,” Quinn said.
    She ran a hand over her hair hoping it wasn’t sticking up. “I have to say, I enjoyed waking to your laughter.”
    “Amanda, would you like a cup of coffee?” Samuel asked.
    People didn’t typically serve her she served them. Uncomfortable with the situation, she headed toward him to help herself.
    Samuel held up his hand to stop her. “No. Sit please. I can bring it to you.”
    Now she really felt out of place. She never slept in and never got served. Her cheeks heated. “I’m sorry I overslept.”
    “Mom, you were really tired. You even snored.” Quinn laughed.
    “I did?” She crossed her arms on the table and buried her head.
    The two males snickered…at her expense.
    “Guess what Samuel and I are doing today,” Quinn said.
    “Looking for Jazira I suspect,” she replied.
    “Yes, we are going to look for Jazira, but we’re also going to find a Christmas tree.”
    Amanda swallowed hard, almost overcome by tears that threatened to spill down her cheeks. She never thought she’d see that sparkle in Quinn’s eyes again.
    Samuel set the cup down in front of her. Her gaze caught his. He winked and her heart melted.
    “You could come along if you like,” Quinn stated.
    A cough cleared her throat. “Heaven’s no! Somebody’s got to feed you both,” she croaked.
    “The pantry’s heavily stocked, Amanda, and I’m sure you’ll find the ice box adequately supplied as well,” Samuel answered.
    “I have no doubts.”
    Smiles disappeared with his next statement as he pointed to the gun cabinet. “I’m guessing you can use a rifle?” he asked before continuing. “Ellis and his men may very well come up this way and not just them, but