Free A Texas Holiday Miracle by Linda Warren

that made things a lot easier.
    “But we will have rules,” Lacey said.
    “You always make rules,” Emma grumbled.
    “Rules,” Lacey stated firmly.
    “’Kay.”
    “I’m going outside to get everything ready.” Gabe laid his cell phone on the table and headed for the garage. “I want it done on the deck were Pepper loves to stay.”
    “I’ll help.” Emma tried to jump from Lacey’s lap, but Lacey held tight.
    Gabe paused in the doorway. “You can watch Pepper while I’m busy.”
    “’Kay.”
    Lacey unbuttoned Emma’s coat. Emma sat on the floor, talking to Pepper. Lacey wondered what message her sister wanted Pepper to take to heaven. It was clear Emma didn’t have closure about their dad’s death. Lacey wasn’t sure she did, either. They were both going through the motions of living. Just like Gabe. Hopefully, today would be a turning point for all of them. And not a step backward.
    Since Gabe’s phone was right there, she decided to use it to call the school about Emma. She didn’t think he’d mind. Gabe was so out of touch that she was surprised he had a cell. She didn’t mean to invade his privacy and it was none of her business, but when she opened the phone she noticed there were twenty-two missed calls from Kate Rebel. Lacey quickly made her call and clicked off.
    Glancing out the back door, she saw him setting up a card table. The coffin was next to it on the deck. He worked thoroughly engrossed, as she’d always seen him do. Who was this woman who was desperately trying to reach him? Again, none of her business.
    “Lacey, why is there only one chair?” Emma asked, getting bored as six-year-olds were known to do.
    “I don’t know.”
    Emma looked at the wall of photos. “Why are there so many pictures?”
    “Gabe likes looking at his son” was the only answer she had.
    “Oh.” Emma turned her attention back to Pepper. “She’s whimpering.”
    “Just stroke her. It helps her relax.”
    The doorbell rang. Lacey opened the back door and said to Gabe, “I think the vet’s here.”
    Gabe came into the house. He wore just a black hoodie, but he didn’t seem to be cold. “I’ll let him in.”
    A young man in his thirties with blond hair and blue eyes followed Gabe into the kitchen. “This is Dr. Morris, and Dr. Morris, this is Lacey and Emma Carroll, my neighbors.”
    They shook hands and Dr. Morris looked at Emma. “So you want to be here today for Pepper?”
    Emma stood up and brushed blond hair from her face. “Pepper is my friend and I want to be here when she goes to heaven.”
    “That’s very brave,” the vet told her, leaning down to Emma’s level. “Do you know what an IV is?”
    “Yes. My daddy had one when he was in the hospital.”
    “Good. I’m going to put an IV in Pepper’s foreleg so I can give her medication that will gently put her to sleep.”
    Emma rubbed her head. “Will it hurt?”
    “No.”
    “Then she’ll go to heaven?”
    “Yes. It doesn’t take long. I’m going to go outside with Gabe and get everything ready, and when it’s time your mother can bring you out.”
    “Lacey’s not my mother. She’s my sister,” Emma quickly corrected him.
    “Oh, sorry.” The vet seemed confused. “You look so much alike.”
    “’Cause we’re sisters,” Emma stated.
    Dr. Morris nodded. “Yes. I know now.”
    Without another word the two men went out onto the deck. Lacey could see them talking, and then Gabe came back into the house. He knelt down by Emma and Pepper.
    “I’m going to take her outside.”
    Emma kissed the dog. “Goodbye, Pepper.”
    Lacey couldn’t believe Emma was taking this so well. Tears burned her eyes, and she feared this might not have the outcome Emma wanted. But she would be here to help her. And Gabe.
    Gabe picked up the dog bed with Pepper in it as if it weighed no more than his phone. She held the door open, and he carried Pepper outside to the table. Their eyes met briefly. All she could see was resignation mixed