Read Merry's Christmas: Two Book Set (Amish) for Free Online

escaping the awe Merry felt of what wealth can provide, the personal touches were what captured her attention most. There on an end table was a family photo. She could tell it had been taken years ago, both from the way the kids had all grown since and the fact that a comely brunette stood beside Mr. Bell, his arm around her shoulders.
    Merry lifted the frame for a closer look, and the surrounding photos dominoed, clattering onto the tabletop.  Merry did her best to quickly regroup as Daniel’s mother, Joan, entered from the kitchen, drying her hands with a tea towel.
    “Oops. Sorry,” Merry said, her face reddening.
    Joan smiled warmly. “No worries. I always do the same thing myself. I think it’s rigged that way.” Joan stepped in to help Merry with the photos, not an ounce of pretense in her voice.
    “That’s his wife?” Merry inquired. “I mean, it was?”
    Joan gazed at the photo fondly. “Amanda, yes. Lovely, wasn’t she?”
    Merry nodded as Joan set the photo back into its place.
    “I’m Joan. Mother, slash grandmother, slash chief cook and bottle-washer.” Joan offered her hand, which Merry readily shook.
    “I’m Merry. M-E-R-R-Y.”
    “Yes, Daniel told me.”
    “Oh, Daniel,” Merry repeated. “Right. I heard that was his first name.”
    Joan chuckled. “What, does he have you calling him Mr. Bell?”
    “I just did,” Merry demurred. “Out of respect and all.”
    “Well, out of respect for my age-sensitivity issues, do you think you could call me Joan?”
    Merry smiled broadly, liking Joan immediately. She followed her on an impromptu tour of the downstairs, taking in the layout. Down the hall, Joan led Merry into a nicely furnished study.
    “So, this will be your work area. By day.”
    Merry took in the handsomely decorated space. “Wow...very, uh, manly.”
    “Yes, it’s Daniel’s,” Joan added. “Not that he’s ever home to use it. Works too hard if you ask me.” Joan pulled a small key ring out of a bowl on the desk. “Here’s your key—door and deadbolt.” She handed it to Merry. “Use line three on the phone. The phone book is in the lower left drawer. Upper right is yours for stowing Christmas secrets. The children know it’s off limits, but check it mornings in case Daniel leaves a communiqué.”
    Merry opened the Christmas drawer. It was empty, but for a single envelope with “Miss Merry Hopper” penned on it.
    Joan stepped back toward the door. “Well, I hate to abandon you, but I’d better scoot. I teach pottery at a little shop around the corner. Number two on speed dial, anytime you need me.”
    “Two. Got it,” Merry assured. She looked around happily. “Is it way too soon to start loving this job?”
    Joan smiled warmly. “I’d say you’re just in time. And who knows? This could turn into quite the little sleigh ride after all.”
    As Joan left, an idea suddenly popped into Merry’s head. She sat down in Daniel’s swivel desk chair and jotted down a note: Sleigh Ride . Happily, Merry spun around in Daniel’s chair. This, she convinced herself, was going to be good.
     

 
     
     
     
    four

     
     
    M erry sank into an overstuffed chair, across from Daniel’s desk at Strong Bank & Trust, unabashedly amazed. How different it felt to be there than it had on her original visit just two days prior. She was actually getting to know someone there now, and that someone had hired her for the job of her dreams. It wasn’t that she felt entitled to be there. In fact, she knew this job was far from what she’d ever deserved. What it felt like was that a brightly wrapped gift had dropped into her lap—straight out of heaven—and she was just starting to untie the ribbon.
    Daniel drew up an expense account notebook as Merry watched, still pinching herself. Gone was the desperation of having to apply for a loan. Gone was the abject terror of not being able to pay her December rent or to put food in Rudy’s belly. She was beginning to live out a Christmas