Laura Marie Henion - Cops Daughter 3 Grace

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Lachesis Publishing
www.lachesispublishing.com

Copyright 2008 by Laura Marie Henion

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any person or persons, living or dead, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

Her parents danced, holding each other close as the Christmas music filled the air. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas was the name of the song.

Grace peeked through the wooden spindles of the staircase. The green pine garland hugged the wooden banister from top to bottom. Guests filled the house, laughing and having a good time.

The pointed pieces brushed against Grace's shiny locks as she watched the adults enjoying the party. She knew she should be in bed, but the party had been so much fun.

Daddy's friend Nicholas had danced with her, recited The Night Before Christmas and even let her sneak a few sips of the special Christmas eggnog. Then Mommy and Daddy said it was way past her bedtime.

She was nearly nine years old and had every right to stay up later than usual. This was a Christmas party and she was having way too much fun. She had told her parents just that and after minutes of begging and pleading, and a little help from Nicholas, she finally got her way.

Unfortunately, that half hour had passed way too quickly and now Grace had to sneak out of bed to see what she was missing.

The people began to leave, but at least a dozen more still gathered around the fireplace in the living room.

The fire looked bright and inviting. She loved sitting on the rug in front of it and playing with her dolls. She hoped Santa would bring her a new doll this Christmas, one with long brown hair and a pink dress.

The mantle was decorated with entwined red, gold, and green beaded glass garland. Mommy had placed four golden cherubs between the garland and above the mantle, a large, fresh pine wreath hung over the stone-faced wall. Round, gold ornaments covered the wreath and a large green, red, and gold bow hung at the top.

Grace hummed along to the music. Now the sounds of White Christmas filled the air. She watched as Mommy and Daddy danced to the music in front of the Christmas tree with Nicholas and his wife, Leeann.

They giggled and laughed with one another and both Mommy and Daddy held each other close, then kissed.

Grace smiled wide.

More guests gathered their coats from the closet by the front door and prepared to leave. She saw her parents headed that way, so she ducked down low as they passed right by her.

She thought she had gotten away with peeking until a moment later when Daddy came around the corner.

"Grace Elizabeth Martin, what are you still doing up? He made his way up the winding, wooden staircase.

Her father was tall and handsome, like one of her Ken dolls. He wore a pair of black dress pants, a button-down, royal blue shirt, and appeared very happy.

His brown hair was styled nicely and he smiled when she made her pouty face.

"Oh, Daddy, please don't be mad at me. I just wanted to see more of the party and you and Mommy dancing."

Her father pulled Grace into his arms and hugged her. He smiled as Grace's curls brushed against his cheek.

"I'm not mad at you, baby. He kissed her on the cheek. Her daddy hugged her tighter.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him as tight as she could, then inhaled deeply. She loved the cologne he wore, Old Spice, she was sure, and not one of those fancy, stinky perfumes Aunt Delores was always trying to force on him.

He never budged from the traditional cologne and Grace was glad.

"We'd better get you back into bed and fast. You have a big day tomorrow. Your cousins will be at Aunt Delores and as soon as I'm finished wrapping things up at work and get back home, we're going to leave.

"Do you promise to be a good girl for Mommy?"

"I promise, Daddy."

Grace's father took her hand, leading her upstairs and back into her bedroom.

He tickled her softly as he began to tuck her in. Her laughter filled the room. He loved her deeply.

"Daddy ... I love Christmas and I love watching you and Mommy dancing by the Christmas tree. You love Mommy a bunch, huh?"

Her father smiled wide, then kissed Grace on the forehead one more time.

"I love her a bunch and I love you a bunch, Gracy, so don't you ever forget it."

"I love you too, Daddy, goodnight."

"Goodnight, and no more sneaking around. There are policemen downstairs, you know, her father teased and Grace giggled.

"Tell Nicholas goodnight for me, okay, Daddy?"

"No problem."

"Hey, Carl, is our little princess all right? Nicholas asked.

"Oh, yes, the princess is fine and wanted me to be certain to tell you goodnight. Carl followed his wife, Sherry, into the living room.

"Sounds like Grace has a little crush, Sherry said and they all smiled.

"She's adorable and a good kid. You guys are lucky. Nicholas gently pulled Leeann into his arms.

"Now that this place has cleared out ... my newly promoted Lieutenant, we have some news to share with you two. By the way, just because you're a higher rank now, don't let it go to your head and make you think you're better than me, Nicholas teased.

Carl laughed, then he and Sherry held one another as they stood in the living room.

"What news would that be? Carl asked.