Christmas in Eternity Springs (38 page)
Read Christmas in Eternity Springs Online
Authors: Emily March
“What's that?”
Jax put his finger beneath her chin and tilted her head up toward him. He stared down into her eyes. “He doesn't want to fly alone. He has to convince Gardenia to stop running and fly beside him, instead. He has to convince Gardenia that her broken wing has mended, too.”
Claire swallowed hard. She darted a glance toward Gardenia with the mended wing, then returned her gaze to Jax's. “How does he do it?”
“Love, of course. Love is the glue that can mend everything. You just have to believe, Claire. Will you believe? In me? In us? Will you fly with me, beside me, wherever life takes us? I give you my word, my solemn promise, that I will never let you fall.”
Tears welled in her eyes. She lifted her hand and cupped his cheek. “I believe you. Oh, Jax. I love you. I believe you. I believe.”
He sealed the promise with a long, heartfelt kiss that wordlessly conveyed his devotion, his commitment, his love. When the kiss finally ended, he continued to hold her, staring down at her with such tenderness that it brought new tears to Claire's eyes.
In an effort to lighten the mood, she quipped, “So, that's the epilogue, hmm? I guess that means that this is the end?
“Oh, no, Miss Christmas. Not at all.” With a roguish grin and wicked twinkle in his eyes, he added, “This is just the beginning.”
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Don't be afraid to turn the next page.
âJAX AND CLAIRE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
“That's a big Christmas tree, Daddy.”
“Yep, Nicholas, it sure is.”
“It's not as good as ours, though. They don't have any bubble lights or tinsel or dog ornaments. What good is a Christmas tree without the Twelve Dogs of Christmas hanging on it?”
“Shush, now, son. Here comes Claire.”
Claire, along with the First Family of the United States, entered the room to an enthusiastic round of applause.
“Look, Daddy. There are the president's dogs. I've seen pictures of them. They're pretty cute. Maybe Santa Claus will bring me a puppy like those dogs.”
“Maybe, but I think Santa leans more toward mutts.”
“I love mutts, too.”
The First Lady stepped up to a podium and welcomed the visitors to the People's House. She gave a quick summary of the scheduled events for the afternoon, spoke of her love of reading, then introduced M. C. Kelley.
Wild applause erupted. Claire smiled her thanks, returned the little wave of a girl in a wheelchair, and when the room finally went silent, she opened a copy of
The Christmas Angel Waiting Room.
“âWhen nighttime falls in the tiny Christmas shop, the angels come out to play. With pretty porcelain faces and brilliant wings unfurled, they shimmer and sail and sing “Glory ⦠Glory ⦠Gloria”!
“âOne wears a gown of glittering gold and turns cartwheels through the air. Another floats, serene in green, with her hands folded in prayer.'”
Jax watched the rapt faces of children and adults alike as Claire brought her characters to life. It was a gift, he thought. Her gift.
She'd certainly brought life back to the Lancasters.
Life. Love. Believing.
If they were ever blessed with a daughter, they'd decided to name her Faith.
As Claire turned to the last page of her book, she lifted her head and their gazes met and held. She recited the last line by memory.
“âAnd Starlina said, “We all will live happily ever after.”'”
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Don't miss these other heartwarming novels in the Eternity Springs series by
New York Times
bestselling author
Reunion Pass
Heartsong Cottage
Available from St. Martin's Paperbacks
And look for the next Eternity Springs novel
A Stardance Summer
Coming Summer 2017
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Also by
Teardrop Lane
Dreamweaver Trail
Miracle Road
Reflection Point
Nightingale Way
Lover's Leap
Mistletoe Mine
Heartache Falls
Hummingbird Lake
Angel's Rest
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Praise for
New York Times
bestselling author
EMILY MARCH
and her beloved Eternity Springs novels â¦
“With passion, romance, and revealing moments that will touch your heart,
Emily March
takes readers on an unhurried journey where past mistakes are redeemed and a more beautiful future is forgedâone miracle at a time.”
â
USA Today
“A brilliant writer you'll love creates a world you'll never want to leave.”
âSusan Mallery,
New York Times
bestselling author
“A heartfelt story of family, community, second chances, and the power of love ⦠Don't miss it!”
âSusan Wiggs,
New York Times
bestselling author
“
Emily March
's stories are heartwrenching and soul-satisfying. For a wonderful read, don't miss a visit to Eternity Springs.”
âLisa Kleypas,
New York Times
bestselling author
“Characters you adore, a world you want to visit, and stories that tug at your heartstrings. Brava,
Emily March
. I love Eternity Springs.”
âChristina Dodd,
New York Times
bestselling author
“A heartwarming tale of courage and redemption ⦠that will have readers cheering.”
â
Publishers Weekly
“Absolutely wonderful â¦
Emily March
is a real pro at breathing life into her stories and making you feel the characters' heartaches and losses as well as the deep love they share.”
â
Fresh Fiction
“For the reader who has plenty of stress in real life and needs to go to a lovely fantasy place of peace ⦠where goodness can triumph and love can prevail. It's a real good place to visit.”
â
RT Book Reviews
“A wonderful holiday ⦠Another great story by a great author.”
â
Romance Junkies
“The characters in the small town of Eternity Springs bring a warmth and humor that make this book so appealing.”
â
Night Owl Reviews
“Sigh-worthy.”
â
Heroes and Heartbreakers
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Emily March
is the
New York Times, Publishers Weekly,
and
USA Today
bestselling author of over thirty novels, including the critically acclaimed Eternity Springs series.
Publishers Weekly
calls March a “master of delightful banter,” and her heartwarming, emotionally charged stories have been named to Best of the Year lists by
Publishers Weekly, Library Journal,
and
Romance Writers of America
.
A graduate of Texas A&M University, Emily is an avid fan of Aggie sports and her recipe for jalapeño relish has made her a tailgating legend.
Visit her at:
www.emilymarch.com
. Or sign up for email updates
here
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Contents
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This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously.
CHRISTMAS IN ETERNITY SPRINGS
Copyright © 2016 by Emily March.
All rights reserved.
For information address St. Martin's Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010.
eISBN: 9781466884939
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St. Martin's Paperbacks edition / October 2016
St. Martin's Paperbacks are published by St. Martin's Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010.