Page 25 of With All My Heart, Joy

He closed out of YouTube suddenly. Maybe ending this behind-the-scenes stalking was also in order. He could have learned enough about Joy with fewer videos, but he’d been sucked in by her charm. She wasn’t only a beautiful young woman on the exterior. She was beautiful and genuine on the inside. And that was rare these days. She would make a man very happy one day.

His heart protested the thought, and he sat up fast, sliding one foot to the ground.

That man would not be him. Joy was his client. He wouldnotfall for a client again. He’d escaped without consequences last time. Career consequences, that is. The consequences to his life had been catastrophic, and he lived them out every day since—in a sweet girl he’d named Paisley.

Anything beyond counseling Joy Halverson was off the table. So far off the table it was out the door, down the road, and in another county. As in, not happening. Hemustremember that.

Besides, his Christmas card exchange with JJ Hall, for however long it lasted, was enough for him. It had to be.

* * * * *

“Please stop, Paisley.” Isaac passed another tissue to the backseat, dangling it in the air before letting go. It floated out of sight in the rearview mirror. Paisley would rather sob her heart out into her hands. She’d been crying nonstop since they left Grand Rapids.

“Grandma and Grandpa are coming for Christmas. That’s in three and a half weeks.” He never called Trevor “Dad,” but he’d taught Paisley to call his stepfather “Grandpa.” Paisley adored him, having no idea of the possible complexities of human relationships. One day she would, though. One day when he told her about her mother.

“I not want to leave!” Her voice came at a yell, and Isaac swerved on the snow-packed road. He tightened his grip on the steering wheel.

“We have a rule about raising your voice in the car. Remember?”

Silence was her only reply.

“I’m sorry, sweetheart. I know you like being at Grandma’s house—”

“I love Aunt Rosie!”

“And it’s hard to leave your aunt. But we live in Silver Lake City. I have to work tomorrow.”

When he managed a fast glance over his shoulder, Paisley’s head was raised, her bottom lip in a two-inch pout, but she was no longer crying. Isaac wanted to hang his head in despair. He did his best with Paisley, truly he did. No one could fault him for trying to provide her with the best life he knew how. But he was only one person, and he was a man. What Paisley really needed was a mother. But if her own biological mother hadn’t wanted her, what womanwould?

Maybe JJ Hall.Maybe.

Getting home to a reply from her on his snow-dusted porch, encased in a card sporting a tranquil Christmas cottage, was exactly what his battered, burdened soul needed.

Dear Zak,

It’s weird, isn’t it, writing letters to a total stranger? But so freeing. I’m enjoying this also. I’m glad you wrote back again. I wasn’t sure you would!

Favorite season? Can’t narrow it down to one. I love fall and winter because I adore Christmas and all that comes with it. I love a lot of colors, but pink and black are two of my favorites, especially together. My whole family is quite musical. The DNA trail mostly skipped me, but I’m known to sing loudly in church. I listen to music all the time, so you ask the impossible. I can’t tell you one favorite. It would take ten cards to tell you all my favorites.

I don’t know a lot about Down syndrome, but it sounds like Paisley won the Dad jackpot. It’s clear you’d move mountains for her. If she likes makeup and OJ, I have no doubt we would be fast friends. Does she attend school with all of her classmates or does she have a special education classroom? I’ve heard that can make a big difference. Does she have friends and playmates? I wish I’d had more of that growing up. I’m so glad she found something from Taylors to make her happy. Every girl needs some sparkles now and then, myself included.

I work in public relations. It’s a lot of marketing. Not much else to say about it. What about you? Have you lived in Silver Lake City all your life? I’m born and bred here. Most of my family lives here, too. Is your mom coming for Christmas? Grand Rapids isn’t so far away.

I hope you had a blessed Thanksgiving. One of the things I am thankful for this season is our fun letter exchange. I had no idea when I snatched an envelope floating by me in the breeze that it would lead to this. I’m so glad I picked it up.

God bless!

With all my heart,

JJ

P.S. I have brownish-blond hair and brown eyes. In case you were curious. What about you?

Isaac reached for a pen before he’d even taken his coat off. He couldn’t write back fast enough.

Chapter Seven

Dear JJ,

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