An Angel for the Tree

By Shelli Rosewarne

Daniel is a modern day Scrooge, but when a beautiful angel shows up on his doorstep can he believe in a Christmas miracle?

Daniel Everett is having a bad day. Firstly, it’s almost Christmas and he’s convinced Scrooge had the right idea in the first place, secondly his latest nanny has left him to cope alone with his five year old daughter – and quite frankly he would rather deal with several cut-throat mergers before breakfast than one small child.

When the beautiful Laurel shows up on his doorstep she’s a gift from heaven – literally! Unbeknown to him, Laurel is a real life angel and his carefully ordered life is about to be turned upside down as she’s determined to help Daniel feel again and to reconnect with his daughter.

What neither of them bank on is the sparks that fly between them.

As Laurel starts to thaw Daniel’s icy exterior, can he learn to trust again and start to believe in the impossible – and can they ever overcome the obstacles of coming from two separate worlds?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Shelli Rosewarne
• Release date: Dec 15, 2015
• ISBN: 9781519997159

Book preview

Chapter One

Laurel stood in the middle of the snowy street. Crowds of people jostled and pushed each other along, yet they parted around her, some glancing over at her with perplexed looks while others looked right through her. She wore a thick winter coat for appearances, but she hadn't bothered buttoning it. The snow would melt before it touched her anyway. Right now she was frowning as her gaze intently followed the figure of a tall, broad shouldered man making his way through the crowds.

This man parted the crowds in a different way, as though people realized from the set mouth and the loping stride that it was move or be moved. In fact, if someone was too slow to move in time he seemed to relish jostling past them with muttered curses about the bloody season. When a group of carollers started singing just ahead of him, the look he shot at them made one of the women actually shriek and draw back.

Laurel followed him, keeping pacing easily down the busy street, and paused as he entered a toy store. She watched through the window as for the first time he looked slightly bemused, inspecting various large dolls, before abruptly shrugging and picking up one with dark curling hair and thick-lashed eyes. He emerged back into the snow, juggling the large package and cursing some more at Santa’s elves from the grotto down the street before stalking through the center to the car park.

The woman paused, tilting her head and a disturbance in the air next to her dissolved into the form of a tall, blond haired man wearing a long robe.

Jeremiah. She bowed her head respectfully towards him. Jeremiah was senior to her in rank, but more then that he had always been loyal and supportive when she needed it. She knew he didn't approve of what she was doing, so the fact that he had shown up anyway proved that more then ever.

You have not rethought things then?

She shook her head. This would not have been offered to me if it was impossible.

Nothing is impossible, as we know more than most, but this man is perhaps one of the closest cases I’ve seen. He has no compassion left, no goodwill. Do not waste your time on him, Laurel.

Laurel gazed thoughtfully in the direction the man had disappeared in. There is still hope for him, I can feel it. He cares for the child.

Jeremiah snorted, thinly veiled disbelief in both his voice and expression. He barely sees the child. He farms her off on anyone who can take her. He doesn't want her.

He wants her. He simply has no idea what to do with her, and that is what I am here for. Laurel's voice was firm now and her companion shrugged in defeat.

Fine, if you are decided, so be it. I take it you have a plan.

Now, that is what I'm still working on. Care to give me a hand?

The man nodded and both figures suddenly disappeared, a soft flurry of snow rising up to hide any signs of their passing.

***

Daniel Everett shoved the packages into the back seat of his car and gave a sigh of relief as he slid behind the wheel into the soft leather seat. Now, just to get out of the chaos of the town centre and back home and he might be able to actually get some work done today. God, if he had to listen to another cheesy Christmas carol or see any more tacky Christmas decorations he was going to lose it. People expecting you to be full of cheer—God knows they couldn't be bothered with it the rest of the year. At least he was consistent! Deep in thought, he jumped slightly when his phone went off, and cursing he shut the engine off and dug in his pocket.

Everett. His tone was brisk.

Mr Everett? This is Julie from Rosalyn Childminder Services.

Oh crap, this couldn't be good. His chest constricted as a wave of panic swept over him.

Is my daughter okay?

She's fine, Mr Everett. Unfortunately Sarah has had to leave us rather unexpectedly, and due to the time of year we don't have an immediate replacement for you.

What do you mean you don't have a replacement? I pay you a ridiculous amount of money to ensure you can find replacements.

The woman's tone was brisk and unbending. "I do apologise for the inconvenience, Mr Everett, but we have no one for at least