Read Home in Time for Christmas for Free Online Page A

you and Mark working together?” Mona asked.
    â€œYes.”
    â€œWell, you’re not going to stop doing the book, are you?” her father asked.
    â€œI hope not.”
    Jake came into the room then. Keith’s clothes fit him well, and Melody had to blink, he suddenly looked so right. With his hazel eyes, sandy-brown hair and good bone structure.
    â€œWell, there now, you look more relaxed and comfy,” Mona said. “Jake Mallory, my husband, George. George, this is Melody’s friend from college, Jake Mallory.”
    â€œPleased to meet you, and welcome. So, you’re staying the week?” he asked politely.
    Jake glanced at Melody. “If you’ll have me, sir.”
    â€œWith pleasure, with pleasure,” George Tarleton said, indicating the sofa and returning to his rocking chair.
    â€œCocoa, dear,” Mona said, handing him a cup.
    â€œThank you most kindly,” Jake said.
    Melody looked downward, wincing.
    â€œYou sound almost as if you’re from ye old mother country,” George said lightly, taking a sip of his own cocoa.
    â€œNo, sir. I was born and bred right here, in these parts.”
    â€œIt’s a charming accent,” Mona said.
    â€œThank you,” Jake said. “My folks were born on British soil.”
    â€œThere you go,” George said, knowingly looking at his wife. He wagged a finger in the air. “I am good at discerning the little things in accents, huh, dear?”
    â€œYes, dear, if you say so,” Mona agreed.
    â€œHow strange, though. I’m sure I don’t know your folks,” George said. “We don’t have any English friends—do we?”
    â€œMy parents have been gone many years,” Jake said.
    â€œI’m so sorry!” Mona said.
    â€œThank you,” Jake told her.
    â€œBut where is your home now?” George asked, concerned.
    â€œHe’s living in Boston, Dad!” Melody said, jumping in quickly with the information. She grabbed a cookie and munched it quickly. “Mom, these are delicious. Jake, have a cookie. My mom’s a wonderful baker.”
    â€œThank you,” he said politely. “Wonderful,” he agreed.
    â€œWhere in Boston are you?” George asked.
    Melody couldn’t reply quickly enough—not without spewing sugar cookie over them all.
    â€œI’m right off the Common,” Jake said.
    â€œLovely area, lovely!” George applauded.
    She’d be a nervous, twitching wreck if this went ontoo much longer, Melody decided. She had to get him off alone again. She leaped up. “Would you two mind if we run out before dinner. Um, Jake hasn’t been around here for a while. I was going to take him down to the pond.”
    â€œLovely idea!” Mona said. “I’m not sure if you’ve seen all they’ve been up to by the pond. They have some charming shops, and a little bar—I’m sure you’ll have a nice time. Oh, Keith should be home by supper. I’m planning it for around eight.”
    â€œThat’s great, Mom.”
    â€œWait a minute. It was snowing so much—” George began.
    â€œI think the snow has stopped,” Melody said. Even if there was a nor’easter pounding, she was leaving the house.
    She grabbed Jake’s hand. “Jake, let’s get going so you can see the pond before dinner. Come on, now, please?”
    â€œOf course.” He stood immediately, trying to replace his cup on the tray, a little awkward since she was tugging at his arm. “Thank you so much. This was a truly enjoyable repast.”
    â€œLet’s go!” Melody persisted.
    Her mother was laughing. “Oh, that’s wonderful. You must be a fantastic guide. How absolutely charming. Children, do have fun.”
    â€œThere’s skating—weather permitting,” her father called out.
    â€œOkay, Dad, thanks!”
    Melody managed to grab two parkas from the hooks by the