The Christmas Tree Guy (41 page)

Making her way back to the bedroom she shared with her husband, Mallory revived the sleeping tablet and
located
the rail website, where she
searched
for the next available train from Oban to Leeds. She would have a couple of hours to shower, get ready, and travel to the station. Plenty of time under normal circumstances, but the roads were treacherous at the moment after the latest heavy snowfall. She glanced out the bedroom window over the front garden. A blanket of white covered everything except for the Atlantic Ocean where it flowed in its icy glory just a few hundred yards in front of the little cottage. Glancing up to the right, she smiled as her gaze settled on the pretty arched bridge. Flakes of snow had gathered in the dents and striations of the stonework, creating a vista worthy of any Christmas card.

The bridge over the Atlantic had been the location of so many memories for her; some wonderful and some still painful. But her heart had no intention of allowing her to live elsewhere. She was still drawn to the place after all these years, and no matter how long she was away from it—whether a week, a weekend, or just a day—she still felt the pangs of homesickness. The sense of relief when returning home and crossing the bridge toward the cottage still resonated deep within her.

As she stood watching a fresh batch of snowflakes flutter to the ground, Greg walked into the room. She turned to face him as he carefully carried two steaming mugs, a look of concentration on his face. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee accompanied him.

“There ya go, gorgeous. That should help clear away the wee cobwebs,” he said as he held the mug toward her. His broad Scottish accent still made her tingle.

She smiled. “Thanks. I’m all sorted. The train leaves at eight. Do you think you could drive me to Oban if we ask Christine to look after the girls?” Driving in adverse weather conditions had terrified her since losing Sam, and Greg was far more experienced at driving than she was.

He crossed the room, placed his cup on the nightstand, and took her face in his palms. “I wouldn’t have it any other way. I don’t want you driving in this weather. You’re too precious. And the Landy will cope with the roads now that the snow tyres are fitted.” He leaned in and kissed her lips gently and she melted into him. He pulled away and tapped her nose with his finger. “Now you drink your coffee, get showered, and I’ll go light a fire. I’ll give Chrissy a call and see if she’ll come over ASAP.” He gazed down at her, a combination of adoration and worry in his eyes. “It’ll all be fine, you know. I can just… feel it.”

“I hope you’re right,” she replied with a wavering voice. Knowing that Josie had suffered a previous miscarriage and how that had affected her friends so deeply played on her mind. They’d been through enough already. She wasn’t sure how they would get through this if it happened at such a late stage in the pregnancy.

Other Titles from 5 Prince Publishing

www.5princebooks.com

~~~

Lessons From a Two Year Old
Pete Abela

On Orders of the Commandant
Mark Williams

The Calling
Jim Hanley

The Merger
Bernadette Marie

Braving the Darkness
Melynda Price

How to Have a Happy Marriage
Lindsay Harper

The Three Mrs. Monroes- Vivian
Bernadette Marie

A Gift For Chloe-
Susan Lohrer

The Three Mrs. Monroes- Penelope
Bernadette Marie

Bridge of Hope
Lisa Hobman

The Painted Room
Pete Abela

The Three Mrs. Monroes- Amelia
Bernadette Marie

Lilac Lane
Ann Swann

Crisis of Serenity
Denise Moncrief

The Porcelain Child
Jessica Dall

The Acceptance
Bernadette Marie

Serpent Priestess of the Annunaki
Katrina Sisowath

The Letter Drawer
Sarah Galloway

Aspen Creek Box Set 1
Bernadette Marie

How to Have an Amicable Divorce
Lindsay Harper

The Ice Goddess
Hannelore Moore

Indomitable Spirit
Bernadette Marie

A Heart Forever Wild
Sara Barnard

Desperado
Sara Barnard

The Copper Witch
Jessica Dall

Home Run
Bernadette Marie

Blissful Tragedy
Amy L Gale

How to Have an Affair
Lindsay Harper

The Soul of Jesus
Doug Simpson

The Girl before Eve
Lisa J Hobman

Courting Darkness
Melynda Price

Owned By the Ocean
Christine Steendam

Sullivan’s Way
Wilhelmina Stolen

Rebekah’s Quilt
Sara Barnard

Unforgiving Plains
Christine Steendam

Love Songs
Bernadette Marie

Little Spoon
Sara Barnard

The End
Denise Moncrief

On Thin Ice
Bernadette Marie

Through the Glass
Lisa J. Hobman

Indiscretion
Tonya Lampley

The Elvis Presley I Knew
Robert C. Cantwell

Finding Hope
Bernadette Marie

Over the Edge
Susan Lohrer

Encore
Bernadette Marie

Matchmakers
Bernadette Marie

Rocky Road
Susan Lohrer

Stutter Creek
Ann Swann

Lost and Found
Bernadette Marie

A Heart at Home
Sara Barnard

Soul Connection
Doug Simpson

Bridge Over the Atlantic
Lisa Hobman

Unexpected Admirer
Bernadette Marie

Jaded
M.J. Kane

Shades of Darkness
Melynda Price

Heart like an Ocean
Christine Steendam

Crisis of Identity
Denise Moncrief

A Heart Broken
Sara Barnard

Soul Mind
Doug Simpson

Chunky Sugars
Sara Barnard

Fatal Jealousy
Christina OW

Center Stage
Bernadette Marie

Soul Rescue
Doug Simpson

Soul Awakening
Doug Simpson

First Kiss
Bernadette Marie

A Heart Not Easily Broken
MJ Kane

All for Love
Ann Swann

Opposite Attraction
Bernadette Marie

A Heart on Hold
Sara Barnard

Petals
Rebekah Roberts

A Second Chance
Bernadette Marie

Star Bright
Christina OW

Until Darkness Comes
Melynda Price

Candy Kisses
Bernadette Marie

Cart before the Horse
Bernadette Marie

The Executive Decision
Bernadette Marie