A Mother to Love by Gail Gaymer Martin

Author:Gail Gaymer Martin
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2015-11-11T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

Rick sat at Angie’s kitchen table watching Carly learning to bake cookies. His chest constricted seeing the joy in his little girl’s face and the same reflected in Angie’s. She looked at life with a spirit he’d missed for so many years, and she possessed a deep love for children. Although she rarely talked about her sister’s children, he understood now, learning the two tended to be rude and undisciplined. Spoiled children were difficult to admire. He thanked the Lord for the gift of Carly’s sweet nature.

He couldn’t keep his eyes off Angie’s patient teaching. She lit up the room, and she lit up Carly’s world, too. As soon as Carly knew Angie would be spending time with them, her expression had changed to delight. A little smile permeated her face and wouldn’t fade unless a serious situation broke the spell. In truth, he would never find another woman who gave him and his daughter that kind of joy. But nothing was certain. His longing could end up only a dream and nothing else.

His happiness faded, and he allowed his mind to drag him down. Since he’d talked with Glenda, he’d worried that she would get what she wanted. The thought of her taking Carly to Europe sapped his energy and his joy. Though his attorney assured him he had to sign for the passport, he pictured Glenda manipulating some way to get what she wanted. And if she did, had she been honest with him? Was the trip for only a week or two? Since he’d talked it over with Angie when they’d escaped into his mom’s backyard, his what-ifs hadn’t given him peace.

But peace was what he needed. Pulling his mind to the present, he refocused on the baking lesson and burst into laughter. “Are you two having a flour fight?” He shook his head. Angie had encouraged Carly to measure the flour into a two-cup container. Instead, with her unsteady hands, she’d sprinkled a couple more cups across the counter and onto the floor. “Carly, my girl, you’ve made a mess.”

“Daddy!” Although she’d tried to grin, he realized he’d hurt her feelings.

Angie noticed Carly’s expression too and, as always, tried to save the day. “Look what we did, Carly.” She gave her a hug. “I’ve done this, too. Flour has a mind of its own.”

“Flour doesn’t have a mind, does it?” Carly tilted her head, a thoughtful look on her face.

“No.” She tweaked his daughter’s cheek. “I was teasing.” She eyed the semi-disaster and gave him a head toss. “The broom is in the hall closet. Will you get it for us?”

He rose but couldn’t contain himself. “Where are you going?”

“Going?” She squinted at him. “I...” Her confusion turned to understanding. “Rick, I’m not going anywhere on a broom.”

Carly slammed her floured fists onto her apron-covered sides. “Daddy. Angie is not a witch. She’s a beautiful princess.” She gave Angie’s waist a hug, the flour tracing her handprint.

He winked at her. “I know. Guess what I was doing?”

After studying him a second, she lowered her fists.

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