The Perfect Someday (A standalone novel ~ Book three in The Mathews Family) by Beverly Preston Page A

wait to meet them over Christmas.
    Ever yone gathered at Tom and Tess’s cabin slope-side in Colorado for the holidays. This marked the second year they spent together as a new family. Tracy’s brother, John, greeted her at the front door with a baby cocooned in a plush blanket.
    The familiar scents of pine and burning firewood e scaped through the open door into the cool mountain air. Her lashes drifted shut drawing a deep breath through her nose. A grin dusted across the cold pinch on her cheeks and her shoulders lifted in a small shrug. “Man it smells good.”
    “You look like you’re making an air freshener commercial.” John chuckled, wrapping his brawny free arm around her shoulder.
    Tracy hugged her brother, cautious not to squish the baby. Making their way inside the resort-like cabin, she kicked out of her boots, ditched her luggage and took off her jacket. Rising to her tiptoes, she peeked beneath the cozy blanket so not to disturb. “Oh my gosh. I can’t believe how big they’re getting already.”
    “This is Richard.” A proud , familiar smile lit up her brother’s face. John’s grin bore the same relaxed pleasing characteristics their father was known for.
    Memories tugged at her heart. “You looked just like dad there for a minute.”
    John grinned. “The boys look like him too.”
    “He’s so cute.” Taking a closer examination, she nodded with a chortle. “And so chubby.”
    “They’ve already gained a few pounds.”
    “Really?”
    “Umm hmm. That’s because their mommy takes such good care of them.” John winked at his wife Shayla as she approached.
    Shayla showed off Thomas with a prideful grin. She reached for Tracy’s hand dangling at her side, giving a quick squeeze. “Glad you’re finally here. Merry Christmas,” she said softly.
    The women’s gaze caught between them in a tender remembrance, bringing an instant tingling sensation to Tracy’s nose. She nodded clearing the sentiment forming in her throat. “It is a very Merry Christmas this year.”
    None of them needed to say another word in order to remember the value of life brought with every new day. John and Shayla met and fell in love at Tess and Tom’s wedding. Shayla also happened to be Tom’s niece and personal assistant. Last year, a few days after Christmas, John and Shayla were washed down the mountain in an avalanche while snowboarding.  They almost died. The threads now bonding their family would be forever stronger.
    Tracy lifted her palms to the fire, taking off the chill. “Now, give me a baby,” she demanded playfully.
    Babies have a way of filling even the emptiest hearts with love. Tracy eased into the rich brown leather rocking chair, coddling Richard in her arms. Tucking her feet beneath her, she glided back and forth, curiously inspecting his tiny features. John hovered over them, coasting his palm over the baby’s delicate head and silky dark hair.
    “It’s so quiet. Where is everybody?”
    “We’re the only ones home. Everyone is skiing and snowboarding. Benny, Lisa and their kids should be here soon.”
    Shayla joined her, sitting in the matching rocking chair. Tom insisted on buying two of everything, tricking out the cabin and his house in Malibu with the best of the best in baby merchandise. Tom never had children of his own, and he thought of Shayla more like a daughter than his niece. She endured a horrible upbringing at the hands of Tom’s brother. Tom took Shayla in right after she graduated high school, put her through college and gave her a great job.
    “I’ m surprised mom let go of the boys long enough to go skiing.”
    Shayla and John glanced at each other and laughed. Her brother shook his head. “It’s not mom who never wants to put them down, it’s Tom.”
    “No it’s not Tom. It’s Papa, remember,” Shayla corrected in a sweet laugh making bright faces at Thomas.
    Tracy’s excessive and prolonged state of gloominess left her exhausted. Fatigue hit like a