Read A Baby for Christmas (Love at The Crossroads) for Free Online Page A

desk, almost tagging an employee.
    “Oh, excuse me, Mrs. Kavanaugh,” the older woman said.
    Candace grinned proudly. “Yes, I am.”
                                                            ***
    On Saturday afternoon before meeting Candace and Julia, Solae stopped by Target to get something special for Lindsay—just because. Of course, she couldn’t leave Ariel out, so Solae purchased a stuffed toy for her.
    With her gifts in hand, she headed to McDonald’s , Candace’s choice for the month’s hangout. When she walked inside, the two sisters-in-law were already there. Candace waved her over.
    “Wow. Is there ever a day when you don’t look good?” Julia teased, standing to scan Solae’s attire before hugging her.
    Casual dress to Solae always meant coordination from shoes to hair. Lately, looking good on the outside helped her to feel good mentally.
    “Hi, Aunt Sollie.” Lindsay ran out of the adjacent play area for a hug. Ariel wobbled behind, expecting the same treatment and Solae didn’t disappoint.
    She handed the girls their gifts before taking a seat next to Candace and across from Julia. Solae enjoyed the sisterhood bond that now included Trent’s wife. It might not be a hair or face makeover or shopping, but girls’ night out meant locking out problems and being carefree for a few hours.
    “You’re going to spoil her,” Julia fussed teasingly.
    “Yeah, I’ve got that rap from this one here.” Solae shrugged and nodded toward Candace. “But when you can’t have your own children, you spoil other folk’s.”
    “I’m sorry—”
    “Julia, I accepted that fate a long time ago. I’m really okay with that.” Lord, help me to accept the fate that no man will ever want me because of that, Solae silently petitioned Jesus. “So…let’s eat.”
    While the two friends chatted, Julia volunteered to walk up to the counter and place their orders. “Who needs shopping to unwind when I can eat a ‘Big Mac’ with friends,” Solae teased.
    “Stop it.” Candace laughed. “I’m just happy to be happy with my sisters. I still haven’t stopped praying for Hershel to come to his senses.”
    “Pray for God’s will. Happiness comes in other blessings besides marriage.” 
    Candace smirked. “When you convince yourself of that, let me know.”
    Julia returned with a tray loaded down with sandwiches, fries, drinks, and two Happy Meals. Solae stood to help her. Once the food was divvied out, Ariel crawled on Julia’s lap as soon as her mother retook her seat, clutching the stuffed toy Solae brought her.
    Bowing their heads, Candace led the blessing. “Jesus, we thank You for this fellowship, fun, and food. Please sanctify our food from all impurities and bless each household represented, and provide for those that are hungry. Thank You, in Jesus’ magnificent name. Amen.”
    They all chuckled when even the baby repeated, “Amen.”
    “Slow down, Lindsay, before you choke, or you won’t play.” Candace watched her daughter bite off her hamburger, once, twice, even a third time without swallowing.
    “Yes, Mommy.”
    Solae smiled as her god-daughter chewed each morsel thoroughly before taking another bite. Ariel played with her toy and French fries while Julia broke off pieces of the chicken nuggets and fed her daughter.
    Once the children were finished, Lindsay took pleasure in assisting Ariel back to the play area. All three took turns keeping an eye on them as they talked about hair products, guessing what the trend would be for the summer, and shopping.
    “I’m considering going for my Master’s degree,” Solae shared.
    “I don’t know what’s been stopping you,” Candace commented.
    Julia congratulated her and added, “I need to finish up my Bachelor’s.”
    The topics continued to bounce around the table. Solae was surprised Royce’s name didn’t come up once, and neither did Hershel’s.
    “You’d be proud of me that I