One Tough Christmas Cookie - Lucy McConnell Page 0,87

of a problem that the family can’t take care of it.”

Caleb rose to standing and then rose to his full height. “Sorry, Mom, but you’re wrong.”

“Caleb,” she scolded, darting her eyes to Doc and telling Caleb to be more sensitive to his feelings.

Caleb shook his head. “This isn’t something the family can fix. But I can.” He strode to the door. “I’m going after Faith, and I’m not coming back unless I have her in the truck.”

“See!” Doc pointed at him. “That’s the kind of love God wanted me to have.”

“Love?” Caleb jerked back as if Doc had punched him.

Mom’s face softened. “Yes, love.”

“It’s … I’m … huh?” He scratched his head. He hadn’t told Faith he loved her.

“Caleb.” Mom smiled knowingly. “It’s Christmas Eve. You’re supposed to be Santa in the parade tonight. You’ve been looking forward to this for years.”

She was right. He’d hoped one day to take over for Dad, but the old man held on to the job as long as his aching back would let him. “It doesn’t matter. I should have gone after Faith last night, but I didn’t, and I need to go right now. Nothing matters except getting to her.”

“That’s what love is,” Mom insisted.

Caleb glanced at Doc, who nodded slowly. “I’ve been a fool, but even I can tell you’re head over heels for my girl. Get outta here.” He shoved his hands through the air as if pushing Caleb out the door. “And if you get the chance, tell her I’m an old fool who wishes he was a better man.”

Caleb pushed his hat lower on his head and nodded. He glanced at the clock. It was early, but he’d have to hurry if he was going to bring Faith back before Christmas. He broke into a run, his boots pounding against the floor.

Chapter 35

Faith

Christmas Eve

Faith held the fluffy white cat to her chest as she made her way out of the observation room and to the waiting area, where Fluffy’s owner waited to be reunited with her beloved pet. The cat had been hit by a car and sustained a broken leg. Faith was able to set and cast the leg—in bright pink.

“Fluffy!” Taylor cried, and she rushed across the waiting room to Faith. “She looks sad.” Her fingers brushed the cast and she started to cry.

Faith glanced at Taylor’s mom before speaking to the little girl. “Fluffy’s going to be okay,” she tried to reassure her. “The cast doesn’t hurt, and she can even walk with it if she feels like it.”

Taylor sniffed. “I asked Santa to make her better. I wrote the letter and mailed it last night. Brady says Santa isn’t real, and I told him he was and that Fluffy would come home and he’d see.” She burst into a fresh wave of tears and buried her face in her mom’s legs.

Faith shifted so Fluffy was under one arm. “Hey, hey.” She spoke low and soothing. “Santa is real.” She briefly closed her eyes, unable to believe that she knew the truth about Santa Claus. And the truth would provide a foundation to build upon. Those were Caleb’s encouraging words. “Look. Fluffy is going home with you for Christmas. Just like Santa would want her to. In fact, I’m sure he has something special in his sack for Fluffy.”

Taylor peeked out at her. “He never brought Fluffy a present before.”

“Well, Fluffy’s never had a cast before. Santa would want her to feel better soon.”

Taylor sniffed and glanced up at her mom, who nodded her head. “I’ll bet he has something really special,” she agreed as she handed over Fluffy’s carrying case.

Faith placed it on the floor and put Fluffy inside. “Now, he needs lots of love and you have to let him sleep as much as he wants too, okay?”

Taylor nodded.

“Okay, and don’t forget to put a couple carrots or some oatmeal cookies out for the reindeer tonight. They work hard too.” Faith stood up and found Caleb standing in the doorway, his eyes full of love and his hat in his hands.

“I won’t.” Taylor took the carrier, and her mom helped her steady it. Faith snagged a cat toy off the display and tucked it into the mom’s purse. Mom winked over her shoulder, and they were off, leaving Faith alone with Caleb.

He shook his head. “You just told her to feed the reindeer.”

Faith lifted a shoulder as she spun around to organize the papers on the receptionist desk. Since it was Christmas Eve,