One Silent Night (Romeo Family Romance #9) - Jennifer Youngblood Page 0,7

perched her hand on her hip, her tone going sassy. “Honey, anyone who looks like you in a bikini has a right to have their picture prominently displayed.”

“That was pre-Aiden. I wouldn’t be caught dead parading around in a bikini now.”

Birdie gave her an admiring look. “Trust me, you’re still as beautiful as ever.”

“Thank you,” Noelle murmured in surprise. “I look just like you and mom.” Noelle had Birdie’s same body type. She was five-seven and thin, but not skinny. Her blonde hair fell a little below her shoulders. Her eyes were green like Birdie’s, whereas Noelle’s mom had hazel eyes.

“Yes, you do look like me.” Birdie touched her hair. “I take it as the highest compliment when people ask if you’re my daughter.”

A wave of tenderness rose in Noelle’s chest. She couldn’t fight back the tears that moistened her eyes. “I hope you know how much I appreciate everything that you’re doing for me and Aiden.” Her throat clogged as she coughed. “If it weren’t for you, I don’t know that I would’ve had the courage to leave Kyle and start over again.”

Birdie gave her a perceptive look. “You’re a lot stronger than you think. Keep trusting in the feelings that you’ve had. The Lord will continue to lead you along, until the path becomes clear.”

A tear dribbled down Noelle’s cheek as she wiped it away. “I wish I had your faith and optimism,” she said gruffly.

“You do,” Birdie said with such certainty that it spoke a sliver of peace to Noelle’s soul. “So, what do we want to make for dinner?” Birdie asked, her voice taking an upward lilt.

A loud crash came from the living room. Noelle ran that direction with Birdie close on her heels. Noelle stopped in her tracks, her eyes flying open wide when she saw the Christmas tree toppled on its side, ornaments littering the floor. “Aiden,” she exclaimed, “what did you do?” Panic raced through her. Birdie’s beautiful tree!

He thrust out his lower lip. It trembled as he spoke. “I was trying to get a candy cane, but it was stuck. The tree fell!” he exclaimed.

Hearing the giggle from behind, Noelle turned. A second later, Birdie burst out laughing. Something broke loose inside of Noelle as the mirth took over. Noelle and Birdie laughed until they cried. It felt good to release the stress.

A few minutes later, Birdie mopped her eyes. “Aiden, you are a marvel. You remind me of my boys when they were little.” She looked at Noelle. “Did I ever tell you about the time that Jaxson set the tree on fire?”

Noelle’s jaw fell. “Huh? No, I haven’t heard that one.” Aiden was such a handful that Noelle couldn’t begin to imagine what it must’ve been like for Birdie with her six children, five of them boys.

Birdie nodded. “Yep, he decided to put candles on the tree because he’d seen it in an old Christmas movie that we watched as a family.”

Noelle sniggered as she glanced at the tree. “I guess it could be worse.” She appreciated Birdie trying to make her feel better about the situation.

“Is Santa still gonna come and see me?” Aiden asked, his little voice coated with worry.

“If you’ll be very good from here on out, he’ll come,” Birdie assured him.

Aiden’s dark eyes danced with such excitement that it warmed Noelle’s heart. He was a good kid. It was just a confusing time for him right now. Noelle needed to be more patient, show him extra love.

“Can we leave Santa cookies?” Aiden asked eagerly.

“Yep, and we’ll leave a carrot for Rudolph,” Birdie answered.

Noelle looked at the tree as she took in a deep breath. “Well, I guess we should get this mess cleaned up so we can make dinner.” She felt the heaviness of the situation descend over her. She was exhausted, but she had to push herself through the weariness. After she got Aiden fed, bathed, and in the bed, she could decompress. A sudden thought occurred to her. She’d not even thought to check if Aiden had homework. He probably did.

“I have a better idea.” Birdie gave Noelle an astute look. “Let’s get the tree picked up, and then we’ll go and get some pizza and ice cream.”

“Yay!” Aiden clapped, jumping up and down.

“Thank you.” Noelle flashed Birdie a grateful smile.

“One step at a time,” Birdie winked. “You’ve got this.”

Noelle could only hope her aunt was right.

3

The cacophony of female voices filling the salon with a bubbly chatter was soothing to Noelle as she