From the Heart

myself.”
    Kasey grinned and threw her arms around him. “Do you know how?”
    “I think I could manage it.”
    “Can you string popcorn?”
    “Can I what?” He was distracted from kissing her hair.
    “String popcorn,” Kasey repeated, linking her hands around his neck. “What I’d really like to do on Christmas Eve is string popcorn for the tree. And I want to get Alison a puppy.”
    “Wait a minute.” Jordan drew her away. “Sometimes it takes me just a minute to catch up.”
    “Just say yes to both and think of the trouble we’ll save. I can’t bear a tree without popcorn strings, Jordan. It’s positively naked. And Alison needs a puppy.”
    “Why?”
    “Why what?”
    Jordan sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger. How did she manage to do this so often? “Why does Alison need a puppy?”
    “Because she wants one, first of all. That’s a good reason.” She smiled at him. “And a puppy would be a companion and a responsibility for her. What do you think about cocker spaniels?”
    Jordan leaned back against the door. “I’m forced to admit I’ve never given them much thought.”
    “Give it a minute, then,” she suggested. “It’s a gentle breed, good with children. A pet is very important in childhood, Jordan. Owning one teaches a variety of valuable—”
    “Wait.” Jordan held up a hand to stop her. “It would be simpler if I just said yes and saved us both a lot of time.”
    “I told you that you were logical.” Kasey smiled, pleased with herself.
    Jordan put his hands on her shoulders. “I also think it’s very thoughtful of you.”
    “So do I,” she said lightly. “I’m a very thoughtful person.”
    “You are,” he said and drew her closer. “Whether you like to hear it or not. You’ve made quite a difference in Alison’s life—and in mine.”
    She couldn’t speak but only laid her head on his chest. I love you both, she thought and shut her eyes tight.
    “Does this mean yes to the popcorn, too?” she asked him. It was so warm in his arms, so secure. It was impossible to believe that one day soon she’d have to leave them.
    “I don’t suppose I could face a naked Christmas tree.”
    She squeezed him. “Thank you.”
    “Now I’ve something to ask you.”
    She tilted her face back to his and smiled. “Your timing’s exceptional,” she decided. “I’m obliged to say yes to almost anything.”
    He kissed her nose. “Perhaps you’ll remember that at a more opportune time, but for now you’ve probably noticed my mother doing quite a bit of sighing because I haven’t attended any of the holiday parties.”
    “As a matter of fact, I have.” Kasey kept her voice light. “I’ve also noticed,” she said, “how expertly you ignore her.”
    “I’ve had a lifetime of practice,” Jordan said dryly. “But there’s a club dance at the end of the week. I should go. Come with me.”
    “Are you asking me for a date, Jordan?”
    “It sounded like it.” He laughed suddenly and shook his head. “Kasey, you make me feel as though I were sixteen. Will you come with me?”
    “I like to dance.” She slid her hands up behind his neck and linked them. “I’d like to dance with you.” She gave him a kiss and let it slowly deepen until she heard his quiet sound of pleasure. “I believe I’ll buy a new dress,” she murmured. “Do you have a favorite color?”
    “Green.” His mouth roamed to her neck. “Like your eyes.”
    She laughed a little and pressed closer. “Jordan, there’s one more thing I should tell you.”
    “ Hmm. What?” His mouth was back on hers.
    “Alison,” Kasey began, accepting the kiss. “When she finished in here, she went to do your room.”
    “Do what?” he murmured, steeped in Kasey’s taste.
    “Your room.”
    “My room?” Jordan drew away a bit to look at her. “My room?” He glanced over her head at the paper chains and cardboard figures. Incredulity spread over his face as he looked back at Kasey. “ My room?”
    “Jordan, you’re repeating yourself.” Kasey laughed as he let out a long breath. Slipping her arms around his waist, she hugged him tightly. “You’re going to love it,” she promised. “You’re getting a foam snowman.”
     
    The next afternoon, Kasey looked on as Alison strummed her guitar. The technique was still clumsy, but she made up for itwith enthusiasm. Kasey thought back to the first time she had watched Alison sit stiffly at the piano, playing