Free The Christmas Vow by Shanna Hatfield Page A

of the intruder’s distress to give him a hard shove out the door. She locked it behind him then stood at the window, watching as the cat raised a paw and clawed a deep scratch across Mr. Nivens’ chin. Crabby jumped down and pranced through the snow toward the back of the house.
    With a look of shock and anger on his face, the man swiped at the blood dripping down his chin, shook his fist toward the house, and stomped off.
    Relieved he’d gone, Tia sank onto the sofa, trying to gain control of her shaking limbs.
    Stunned that Cedric would hire a thug to do his dirty work, she tried to think of the best course of action.
    Perhaps she should pack a bag and steal away in the night to protect her son. She had a few friends in Pendleton that might help her. Maybe it would be best to head south to California, toward a warmer climate.
    Lost in her worries, she jumped to her feet as Toby tried to open the door.
    “Toby, no! Don’t open the door!” She rushed to his side and dropped to her knees, pulling him into her arms.
    “But, Mama, Mr. Adam’s out there.” Toby pointed to the door as another knock sounded. “I want to tell him about Crabby climbing all over that man.”
    Tia stood, still holding Toby, and unlocked the door. Adam took one look at her and stepped inside, placing a hand on her arm as he closed the door. “What’s wrong, Tia? What’s happened?”
    She gave Adam a cautionary glance then rested her cheek against Toby’s forehead. “I think you might need to check on Crabby, sweetheart. Why don’t you get your boots and coat and go outside? Just long enough to check on the kitty. And make sure you stay where I can see you.”
    “Okay, Mama.” Toby started squirming before she set him down and raced into the kitchen. In no time, the sound of the kitchen door opening and closing carried back to where Adam and Tia stood by the front door.
    “You’re shaking like a leaf, Tia. What’s wrong?” Adam took her hand in his and led her to the kitchen. He eased her down into a chair where she could watch Toby in the backyard while he pulled the kettle toward the front of the stove to heat the water for tea.
    Tia needed something to steady her nerves yet he doubted she had anything stronger than coffee in the house.
    “What happened?” Mindful of her agitated state, Adam took her favorite mug from the cupboard and located the tea and sugar.
    “Toby’s grandfather sent a man here to take him back to Portland, by force. If it wasn’t for that crazy cat, he might have done it, too.”
    “Was he a stocky, short man in a gray coat with shredded trousers?” Adam asked as he leaned against the counter.
    “Yes. Did you see him?” Tia started to rise when Toby disappeared from her sight then sat down when he ran into full view.
    “Sure did. He was holding a handkerchief to his chin and dripping blood down the street, muttering curses with every step.” Adam’s look held shock and a hint of amazed wonder. Dimples popped out in his cheeks as he snickered. “The cat did that to him?”
    Despite the fear threatening to swamp her, Tia grinned. “Yes. Crabby took offense to his plan and let him know we wouldn’t go down without a fight.”
    Chuckles rumbled out of Adam as the kettle whistled. He made a cup of tea and set it in front of Tia.
    “What are you going to do?” He hunkered down beside her, placing a warm hand on her shoulder and giving it a gentle squeeze.
    “I don’t know, but I won’t allow that awful man to take my son.” Tia sipped the tea, sweetened just the way she liked. Surprised Adam remembered, she glanced down and realized he’d handed her the mug she always favored.
    “I’m going to work on the roof for a while and keep an eye on Toby. You just sit here and try to relax. I don’t think the judge’s man will return today, at least not if he knows what’s good for him.” Adam stood and walked over to the back door. “Don’t worry, Tia. We’ll figure something out.”
    Soon