A Hickory Ridge Christmas by Dana Corbit Page A

Santa?”
    Hannah paused, waiting for the bite of jealousy to sting. This would be their first Christmas in their own apartment. Hannah had looked forward for months to having this private morning to mark theirmove to independence—just the two of them. But the only thing that struck her was a sense of rightness. Of course, Todd should be there when Rebecca opened Miss Gabrielle, for so many reasons beyond his special gift.
    â€œSure, he can…if he wants to.” After washing her hands, she wiped them on a dish towel and turned back to him. “Todd, would you like to join us for Christmas morning and breakfast before church?”
    He didn’t hesitate. “That sounds great.”
    â€œYou could come to Christmas dinner, too, if you like. It will be at my father’s. His…friend is cooking dinner.”
    â€œThanks, but I’ve already agreed to have dinner with the Westins.”
    â€œOh, you’ll enjoy that. We’ve spent several holidays with the Westins.”
    Her disappointment was as quick as it was bewildering. She turned back to the sink to rinse blue frosting off the beaters. It should have come as no surprise that Andrew and Serena had extended an invitation to Todd. They usually planned a big celebration, inviting all those who might otherwise have a lonely holiday.
    She was disappointed for Rebecca’s sake, she tried to tell herself. It was too difficult to admit that at least part of her frustration had nothing to do with her daughter.
    Over her shoulder, Hannah found herself saying, “Well, maybe you could drop by for dessert then.”
    When Hannah turned back from the counter, Toddhad stood up from the table and was studying her, his eyebrows drawn together. His gaze found hers and held it. So many emotions danced in his eyes, and he seemed willing to bare them all—regret, frustration and hope.
    Rebecca, oblivious to the unspoken conversation, stood up, as well, and slipped her sticky hand into her father’s.
    â€œPlease, Daddy. Please eat dessert with us.”
    Todd glanced down at her and smiled. “For you, sweetheart…anything.”

Chapter Eight
    C hristmas dawned clear but frigid as rare, winter sunshine glinted off ice-covered branches and snow-flocked evergreens. Todd didn’t even mind that he could see his breath inside his car as he drove to the morning festivities at Hannah’s apartment. He hadn’t been this excited for Christmas morning since he was a little boy.
    He had only parked his car by the curb and stepped out into the snow when Rebecca threw open the door.
    â€œMerry Christmas, Daddy. Look, Mommy curled my hair.” She shook her head, sending the cascade of tight blond ringlets flying.
    â€œMerry Christmas. I like your hair.”
    â€œI have a new dress, too.”
    Rebecca spun in the doorway, making the full skirt of the velvety red dress pouf out around her.
    â€œIt’s very pretty.”
    She wrinkled her nose. “It itches.”
    Before his daughter could run out into the snow and launch herself into his arms, fancy dress, black buckle shoes and all, Todd hurried up the steps. Balancing the shopping bag filled with gifts in one arm, he nabbed Rebecca and propped her on his hip.
    Todd pressed his cheek to hers, breathing in the clean, baby shampoo scent that he’d come to associate with his daughter. She looked so sweet and pretty this morning. If only his parents could have come for Christmas. He would have loved to have the chance to introduce his daughter to them today, but part of him was equally glad that it was just the three of them this special Christmas morning.
    â€œWe’ve been waiting all morning for you, Daddy.”
    Todd closed the door, setting the shopping bag aside. “All morning? It’s only seven-thirty.”
    â€œYes, all morning,” Hannah called from down the hall. Her tired voice suggested just how early Rebecca had awakened for