The Perfect Present

Make your heart merry and unwrap these delightful stories of seasonal romance. A CHRISTMAS LAYOVER Rochelle Alers When Navy SEAL Captain Noah Crawford and elementary school teacher Sierra Nelson meet on a plane headed east from San Diego, they're glad to pass the time in friendly conversation. But when a freak storm grounds them, Sierra offers Noah a place to spend the night-with her extended family, all of whom assume they're a couple. And as the holiday spirit infuses every moment they spend together, they both begin to wonder if a relationship is a special gift they didn't expect. THE CHRISTMAS LESSON Cheris Hodges Kayla Matthews isn't looking forward to heading home this Christmas. Divorced and struggling, nothing has turned out the way she expected-including her childhood friend, DeShawn Carter. Now the high school principal, he's also the kind of man she's always dreamed about. But before the holidays are over, Kayla has a chance to reclaim everything she once thought she wanted-or prove to DeShawn that they have a second chance worth celebrating. CHRISTMAS WITH YOU Pamela Yaye Celebrity stylist Maya Malone can't find anything joyous about the season, not since her ex-fiance left her on Christmas Eve. But one look at suave, sexy sports agent Marc Cunningham is almost enough to change her mind. Their instant attraction feels like the best sort of present, except for one very large obstacle-Maya's NFL star big brother, Marc's new client. It will take more than holiday spirit to convince everyone involved that Marc and Maya's connection will make the angels sing.