Bride in Training by Gail Gaymer Martin

Author:Gail Gaymer Martin
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Steeple Hill
Published: 2010-02-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

Although Martin had offered to pick her up, Emily thought it was silly and refused his offer. She couldn’t get accustomed to his polite manners, although she liked them. He treated her like a woman who deserved respect. She struggled with that.

Emily searched her clothing for something to wear. She wanted to wear something casual, but most of those outfits she wore at work. The best thing about the new job with Rusty was she often slept in the owner’s house, and she enjoyed the larger income it brought in from her once-a-day walks with the dogs. The new job had started out a catastrophe, but Rusty and she had become friendly, although she couldn’t forget those bared teeth. Hopefully with the extra income from this job, she could shop for a few new outfits.

Finally she selected a pair of black pants with a black and white knit top. Then to make herself feel more spring-like, she pulled out the yellow blazer she’d purchased to wear at Steph’s wedding with her new dress. After brushing color on her cheeks and brightening her mouth with lipstick, she slipped on the jacket and left, her pulse zinging with anticipation of spending the day with Martin and his mother. A family. The image heightened her excitement. As always, the fear of being hurt never left her mind.

As Emily drove down Martin’s street, her hands fidgeted against the steering wheel, and when she pulled into his driveway, her anxiety grew. She sat a moment to calm herself. In the window, she spotted Nessie jumping off and on the seat, and when she opened her door, she could hear her high-pitched barks coming through the window.

The unseasonably warm weather touched her senses. Growth and newness sprouted around her, and somewhere inside a hope needled her to join nature and grow too. She grinned, watching Nessie’s animated greeting. Honesty. She knew the dog loved her. The feeling was mutual.

By the time she reached the door, Martin stood there waiting for her. His gaze swept over her as a grin stole to his face. “You look amazing. You look like spring.”

A flush warmed her cheeks. “Thanks.”

He pushed open the door, and she stepped into the cool foyer. Air conditioning. She had one in her bedroom window and another in the living room. Neither was effective. But this was a new day, and Martin had become a friend. His eyes sparkled with welcome, and she felt at home for once. He’d worn jeans again with a maroon knit pullover, and the color highlighted his dark hair and a faint shadow of whiskers added to his classic good looks. She drew in a breath, amazed she was standing in his foyer.

When Emily strode forward, her gaze swept the living room, looking for his mother. She started to ask when she heard his mother’s voice from the family room.

“It’s Emily, Mom.” Martin grinned at her. “She’s been waiting for you. I think she looked forward to your coming more than staying here for the weekend.

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