Christmas With The Johanns: The Destination Series

By LEA MARTIN

Enjoy a cozy Christmas with the Johann Family. The entire family is there to join the fun! 

• Language: English
• Publisher: LEA MARTIN
• Release date: Jun 14, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215766590

Book preview

One

Janelle sat at the kitchen table with her family, flipping through the Black Friday circulars, as the evening ended. Sebastian and Melody, the twins, marked their wish lists in marker on the toy advertisements. I enjoyed today. I’m glad that most of the big kids could make it to join us for Thanksgiving.

Bobby looked up from the electronics store flyer. You know what would be more fun? If everyone visited us for Christmas.

Janelle glanced at him and laughed. Everyone? What about your project at work?

He smiled. This is my last assignment, and I’m retired forever. I’ll change my phone number if I have to.

Yeah, I’ve heard that one before.

Bobby clucked his tongue. Well, they are paying me almost double my usual salary, plus a commission on the receipts this time. He retired when the twins were born, but his employer recalled him for special projects from time to time.

Well, it’s almost bedtime. Then we’ll call the other kids. It’s not too late.

Sebastian set his marker down. I’m not tired, he said as he yawned.

Janelle scooped him up out of the toddler table. The way you said that, means you are.

Sebastian leaned his head on her shoulder. Carry me?

She laughed. It must be backwards day, because you’re saying one thing and acting another way. She took him upstairs and washed the marker off his hands and face, then put a Pull-Up on him. I washed your hero bed sheets. They’re still nice and warm. I’ll read a story when Melody is ready, too.

Bobby stood in the doorway, watching, with Melody on his hip. His mind drifted away for just a moment, remembering when he had the same routine with his older girls.

Janelle looked up at him from her bedside chair. A little help, please?

Yes. Don’t mind me. I’ll get Mel here ready.

The kids had adjoining rooms, with a bathroom in between. Bobby cleaned up his daughter and lay her down on the large pink castle canopy bed in her room. Night, princess. Sweet dreams, love.

Nigh’-nigh,’ Daddy. Love you, Daddy.

Love you too, sweetheart. Let’s say a brief prayer together. Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray to the Lord my soul to keep. Thy love guides me throughout the night and wakes me with the morning light. Amen.

He then shut the door halfway, and turned on the bathroom night light, then said the same thing to Sebastian in his room. What story should I read, kiddos? Neither kid answered. They went down pretty easily tonight. Only some gentle breathing could be heard from Sebastian.

Janelle smiled. A little too easy. I imagine they might not be down for the night.

They walked to their room across the hall. Bobby took his cell phone out of his shirt pocket. Let’s make some calls. He placed a call to the first contact on his list, his daughter, Amanda, but got her voicemail. Hey, you’ve reached Amanda. I can’t get to my phone right now; leave a message and I’ll get back to you when I can. Hey Amanda, it’s Dad. I’m calling to see if you’re free to come home for Christmas. Love you. I’ll talk to you soon.

Let’s try the other kids.

Good deal, Bobby said, as he called everyone. "So far, it might be a washout. Junior didn’t know if he’ll be