TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY Page 16

  "As mayor, I pulled some strings with the county authorities. They consented to let us give her a trial run. They even consented to deliver her here and honored my unusual request that the nurse slip out the back door when she saw us coming. If we decide we like her, we can go down to the courthouse tomorrow and fill out all the necessary documents."

  Ria's face was wet with tears of joy. "You mean she's … she's …"

  "Ours." He handed the baby to her. "Merry Christmas, my love."

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