Dissolution at Christmastime?

An excerpt for Sample Sunday ...

Sherryn pulled into the driveway, honked the horn, and waited for one of the older kids to appear.

A minute later, Justin came out to help unload the van.

Brandon and Maurice followed him outside and then trailed behind Sherryn, raving about their new games. Their focus shifted once they got into Sherryn's office, and she pulled colorful boxes in different sizes from the shopping bags.

"Christmas decorations!" Brandon yelled. "I love Christmas!"

Maurice's joy evaporated, piquing Sherryn's curiosity. "Don't you like Christmas, Maurice?"

He shrugged. "We never have Christmas in my yard. It always feel like any other day to me."

Sherryn rubbed his head, and then chucked him under the chin. "Well, this year it's going to be different. We're decorating the tree tomorrow, and we Allbrights have a great time during Christmas. Don't we, Brandon?"

"Yes!" he yelled, exposing his gap. Both hands stuck out above his head while he did a funny wiggle.

Sherryn slipped a hand over Maurice's shoulder as they giggled. "This Christmas will be a good one for you," she said.

He chewed a fingernail while hope lit his eyes. "You think so?"

"I know so," she said, bumping him up against her side.

He tugged at her shirt. "Me goin' to get a present too?"

While her insides twisted with sadness, she smiled at him. "All our children get presents, so that's a yes."

"Yes!" It was Maurice's turn to make some odd moves while spinning around the room.

It never ceased to amaze Sherryn how little it took to make him happy.

The boys helped her lay the boxes on the side table next to her desk, chattering non-stop.

With her back to the doorway, she sensed Reece's presence and turned to look at him. He held on to the doorjamb, observing them.

A quick flash of regret forced her to look away from him, and a spasm passed through her chest.

Reece stood in the same place, hesitating as if he wasn't sure he was welcome. In the past, he'd have slid his arms around her, snuggled up close, and pressed a kiss to her neck. Instead, he scratched his scalp while biting his lower lip.

Sympathy and love for him made her throat tight. Reece had more than proven his commitment to both her and their family, despite straying.

It was time to move forward.

The boys' conversation faded in the background. She held Reece's gaze as she approached, hiding nothing from him. Slipping her arms around his waist, she hugged him.

He held her close, and when their lips met in a tentative kiss, a chorus rose behind them. 

"Na-Naaawww!"

Their lips touched again, and the boys went past them making retching sounds.

Reece's lips curved against hers and he kissed her again.

She held the back of his head, and rested her forehead against his. "I've missed you," she said

.

He touched his lips to hers, smiling. "I've missed you more."

He intensified their kiss, and slipped his hands under the tail of her shirt.

"We can't," she murmured.

He groaned against her lips. "I know."

Laughing, she slipped away from him. "Patience is a virtue."

"One I don't have, where you're concerned," he said.

But they both knew his words were far from the truth. He would wait forever if that was how long it took to repair their relationship. He'd also bide his time, waiting for her to work through her anger and disappointment with him.

Knowing she was hurting them both with her foolishness, Sherryn closed her head and let go of the need to keep punishing him. She cupped the sides of his face and met his gaze.

"Reece," she said, "I love you."

Tears washed his eyes and he pulled her into a tight hug.

She laid her head against his chest, wondering how it was possible to tell him she loved him when she hadn't forgiven him.

Dissolution on Amazon. http://amzn.to/1GAQQg4