Read The Perfect Christmas for Free Online Page B

away.
    Watching Holly and Jack glance at each other as they sat down, their bodies close, the archbishop beginning his welcome address, Maggie was reminded of Will for a moment. God how she missed being looked at like that.
    Holly leaned over the songbook, her dark hair falling across her face. Jack tenderly tucked it behind her ear. Maggie felt Zoe squeeze her hand again.
    ‘I think I’m going to die, this is like the best job ever; we have the robes and choir and everything.’
    Maggie started to giggle and then couldn’t stop. She gave an enormous snort.
    ‘Shhh!’ said Zoe but it was too late. Holly and Jack looked up and recognition flooded their faces.
    Maggie gave a tiny wave and saw their faces burst into smiles.
    For the rest of the carols, Zoe and Maggie sang loudly and what they lacked in tune, they made up for with spirit.
    And, after the prayers, where Zoe prayed her laptop was in one piece and Maggie asked for Elliot, the crowd slowly drifted away as Big Ben struck midnight across the city.
    ‘Merry Christmas, Maggie Hall,’ said Zoe as she hugged her friend. ‘I’ve had the best night of my life. Thank you for reminding me how to have fun and how an adventure with you is like nothing else.’
    Maggie pulled her friend in close. ‘Merry Christmas Zo. You’re the smartest, most loyal chick, thanks for putting up with my crazy schemes.’
    ‘Hey, those schemes have worked out okay for us so far,’ said Zoe.
    ‘Maggie?’ Holly’s voice interrupted them and Maggie turned to see Jack and Holly holding hands.
    ‘Oh, you two! Merry Christmas!’ exclaimed Maggie.
    ‘You did all of this for us?’ asked Jack, looking in awe at them.
    ‘Yep,’ said Zoe proudly.
    ‘But we’re the ones who are supposed to do things for you,’ said Holly, her eyes bright. ‘That’s our job.’
    Maggie took Holly’s free hand. ‘It’s everyone’s job to do good things for each other, no matter the time of year.’
    ‘Thank you,’ said Jack. Ladies, can I hail a cab for you? Would you like to go back to the hotel?’
    ‘We’re fine thanks, Jack. Please, enjoy your evening,’ smiled Maggie.
    ‘If you’re sure?’ Jack turned to Holly,’ Shall we go?’
    Holly nodded and they started to walk away. Then Holly turned back. ‘I have your coat,’ she said, starting to take it off.
    ‘No, you keep it. Merry Christmas!’ said Maggie. ‘I’m kind of into this robe now, I might wear it all the time.’
    Holly and Zoe laughed.
    ‘I’ll bring it to the hotel tomorrow then,’ said Holly.
    ‘No, I don’t want it, it’s too hot for LA and I’m leaving on Boxing Day. Please, wear it and enjoy it.’
    Holly went back to Jack, who was waiting patiently, and they waved as they left the magnificent building. Maggie and Zoe reluctantly returned their robes, then Maggie signed autographs and posed for pictures with a few choir members.
    ‘You done?’ asked Zoe.
    ‘Yep, let’s go,’ said Maggie. Tiredness washed over her and she pulled on her trench coat.
    ‘Bet you wish you had your coat now, Mrs Claus,’ quipped Zoe as they stepped outside.
    But Maggie looked ahead and saw Holly and Jack by the beautiful Christmas tree outside the Church.
    He was holding her so close, their arms wrapped around each other, their faces were nearly touching.
    ‘Look, Maggie!’ Zoe tugged her sleeve. ‘Your wish came true, it’s snowing.’
    Maggie watched as Holly tipped her face up to Jack and she saw their lips touch.
    ‘It did come true,’ Maggie said aloud. She knew that in the next chapter of her life, she would be alone until she had exactly what she saw in front of her tonight – true love.

Read on for an exclusive extract of Kate Forster’s new novel,
    Picture Perfect
    released in April 2015.

Prologue
    West Virginia
    11 May 1996
    The girl shivered and hugged her new baby closer to her chest. It had been a restless night in the hospital room; and her friend shifting uncomfortably in the hard plastic chair,