Winter of Redemption by Linda Goodnight Page A

Christmas, stiff, embarrassed and probably hurt. Sophie did not like to see anyone hurt, and she had the awful need to make him feel better. He was a fine man. She had nothing against him. But he wasn’t…Kade.
    Oh, dear. How had Kade McKendrick invaded her life with such rapid ease?
    â€œYour classroom looks festive,” Biff said just as Mercy Me kicked into “Winter Wonderland.”
    â€œThank you. The kids and I enjoy it.” She fiddled with the straps on her purse, hoping he’d leave before her internal fixer said something she’d regret. All the while, her head whirled with thoughts of Kade. What if they were seeing each other? How would she feel about that?
    â€œThe new boy is doing all right, I suppose?” Biff asked, apparently in no rush to leave. Or maybe he, too, wanted to mend fences and part on a positive note.
    Davey, carefully cutting a paper snowflake the way she’d taught him, seemed oblivious to the adult conversation. She was glad. This whole scenario was embarrassing enough as it was.
    â€œVery well. He’s a nice child. A little sad at times, though that’s to be expected given his strange circumstances,” she said. “He’s no trouble at all, and I think my class of natural mother hens is exactly the right group for him.”
    â€œThis arrangement in your classroom is only temporary until he’s tested and placed.”
    She tilted her head in agreement. They’d discussed Davey’s placement in detail. Why did he feel the need to beat a dead horse?
    â€œBy then, he’ll be more comfortable, I’m sure. Or we’ll have found his family.” She refused to consider that he might have no family, as Kade seemed to think.
    â€œThe special-needs director suggested he see an ear, nose and throat doctor.”
    â€œI’ll pass that information on to his social worker,” she said. “The holidays may interfere with appointments until after the New Year.”
    â€œUnderstandable.” Biff studied Davey with professional concern. “He’s certainly an interesting case.”
    Davey wasn’t a case to her. He was a helpless, vulnerable little boy who’d stolen her heart the moment she’d seen him clutching a day-old hamburger.
    â€œSpeaking of holidays, Sophie, I know you’re heavily involved in the upcoming community events as well as spending time with Davey. Are you sure you have time for the cookie project this year?”
    A little warning bell jingled. “Are there still complaints?”
    â€œI’m afraid so.”
    She bit back a frustrated groan and tried to joke. “Maybe if I baked this Scrooge a batch of cookies?”
    â€œProbably wouldn’t hurt.” Biff allowed a smile. “I should let you get home. Your father left an hour ago.”
    Sophie relaxed at his friendlier tone. Somehow she’d managed to soothe his ruffled ego, and for that she was thankful. “That’s because I’ve already decorated Dad’s classroom.” She picked up a stack of papers and her handbag. “Are you ready, Davey? Sheba’s probably missing you a lot by now.”
    The little boy bolted upright with an eager nod.
    Sophie came out from behind her desk and clicked off the CD player.
    â€œSheba is Kade’s dog,” she explained to Biff. “Davey’s crazy about her.”
    â€œA boy and a dog are a match made in heaven.” The principal touched her elbow. “I’ll walk you to your car.”
    At the risk of completely alienating her principal, she didn’t argue. After all, he was walking her to the car, not asking her to marry him.
    They were almost to the door when a golden dog streaked inside the classroom followed by a lean, athletic form. Sophie didn’t have a thing to feel guilty about, but with Biff’s fingers tight on her elbow and Kade glaring like the grim reaper, she blushed anyway.
    * * *
    â€œExcuse me,