Excerpt of IT HAPPENED ONE CHRISTMAS

"What?" He couldn't help returning her smile. Maybe with the change of subject he could find something, anything, to explain what was going on. Anything but believe angels existed.

"A Christmas tree. I haven't had one in decades. I adore Christmas trees."

"Decades? You're barely old enough. But if you're determined, although the store had a big clearance sale on Christmas decorations and sold out, I think the employees had a tree in the cafeteria—" "No. I want my own. Maybe Leonard . . . " She craned her head to look around the office. "Leonard hasn't returned. Oh, well. It was just an idea."

Nat shrugged, then, seeing her sad expression offered, "There's a ficus tree in the outer office."

"Oh, good. Let's take a look at it." Daphne flew to the door and Nat followed closely behind. She stopped in front of the tree. "It doesn't look much like a Christmas tree."

"It was your idea to have one." Nat headed back to his office.

"Wait! With the right decorations and in the right setting, I'm sure it'll be perfect.

Thanks for suggesting it."

He gave her a small smile then grimaced when it hit him. "The right setting?"

She touched his arm, then pointed. "Your office next to the conference table, of course."

"Of course that's what you want." He sighed.

Wanting to reward him somehow, Daphne flashed him her most winning grin. She was bound and determined to decorate this tree, hoping it would help rebuild what he'd lost with Constance.

He bent down to pick it up. His face turned red. "What is it with women and impossible tasks?"

"If you push, I'll pull." Daphne gripped one edge of the Indian motif pot and dragged with all her might. Nat pushed and within moments, the tree was situated in exactly the perfect location.

"We're a good team. Thanks," she said. Nat looked embarrassed and returned to hide behind his desk. The chicken.