Yuletide Hearts by Ruth Logan Herne Page A

now.
    That’s how he got through the Corps. And through the early days of forging his own company. And through the lean times of project start-ups. He should be used to it by now.
    â€œNeed help over here?”
    A new warmth stole over Matt. He turned.
    Callie stood inside the door. She indicated the house across the street with a nod. “Dad and Buck have that one just about done and I figure we’ve got a couple of good hours of daylight left, even with the rain.”
    â€œDid you have lunch?” Matt didn’t remember seeing her leave or eat, so…
    â€œWork first,” she told him, moving inside. “Plenty of time to eat once it gets dark and you stay warmer if you keep moving.”
    A part of Matt respected her stance. Another part wantedto bundle her in a blanket by a cozy fire and make sure she was warm. Fed. Comfortable.
    Red alert. You’ve entered a “no cozy fire” zone. Proceed at your own risk.
    â€œYou’re right.” He headed outside as she moved into the great room area. “Let’s see if we can get this done before Jake gets home.”
    Callie laughed. “He’s spending the night at Cole’s house, so I’d hope so. I figured that worked out well because we can’t put the Christmas lights up in this rain. But maybe tomorrow.”
    Matt wanted to help with that. He wanted to see Christmas through Jake’s eyes, the eyes of a beloved child.
    â€œWe’ll make sure they go up tomorrow, one way or another,” he promised. “I’m not afraid to get wet. As we’re about to witness.”
    â€œThanks, Matt.” She smiled his way and the warmth that flickered when she walked in the door intensified. “I can manage the lights, but it’s easier with two people.”
    â€œYup. Hank and me. You can make supper, or something.”
    She sent him a “get serious” look as she unpackaged a window. “Keep the little woman in the house? Are you kidding me?” She flashed a glance around them. “You get what I do, right? Climbing a ladder to hang Christmas lights is no biggie.”
    â€œEven so.” Matt double checked the window dimensions, snapped his tape shut and raised one shoulder. “It wouldn’t hurt for you to be warm one day out of seven.”
    A spark of pleasure brightened her eyes, but she quenched it pretty quick. Not quick enough, though, and Matt wondered how long it had been since anyone had taken care of Callie. Treated her like a woman. Treasured her.
    Seeing Don must have lit some emotional fire within him, a flicker of flame that better get squelched quick. He needed the Mareks to make his dream happen. They needed him and his paychecks to survive their current situation. No one oneither side could afford to muck this up. So he wouldn’t, plain and simple.
    Although catching her gaze through the rough-cut window opening made him want to rethink his position.
    Time to change the subject. “I figured church first thing. Then a few hours over here. Then Christmas lights and football.”
    Callie laughed out loud. “After the week you’ve put in, I’d call football well-deserved entertainment.”
    He winked in agreement. “Monday’s weather looks clear. We can resume roofing then. And if we get this house enclosed by tomorrow night, we’re better than halfway done.”
    â€œAnd making sweet time.”
    â€œWhich brings me back to tomorrow’s schedule.”
    Callie helped stabilize the window as he lifted it into position from outside. “Yes?”
    â€œYou in an apron.”
    She blushed, shook her head and slid thin wooden shims beneath the frame, eyeing her carpenter’s level.
    â€œWith some kind of great Sunday afternoon meal going,” he continued, raising his voice to be heard through the window and over the rain.
    â€œAn apron?”
    He widened his grin and flicked her outfit a glance. “Saves