Corva: The Perfect Bride (The Brides of Paradise Ranch - Sweet Version Book 1) by Farmer Merry

Author:Farmer, Merry [Farmer, Merry]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Published: 2015-12-24T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 7

If the ground opened up and swallowed him whole, it would be doing Franklin a favor. His heart had already dropped to somewhere near his shoes at Bonneville’s threat, not out of fear, but because Bonneville might have a point. Maybe he should consider granting Corva an annulment so that she would be free to marry a man who was worthy of her.

The shock of that thought snapped him out of the gloom he’d mired himself in. Under no circumstances would he ever consider giving Corva up now. She’d looked him square in the eye and given him the dressing down no one—not even Aunt Ginny—had been willing to give him. Heaven help him, he’d had a physical reaction to her scolding that left him eager to get home where he could explore it more. He needed Corva.

But he had no idea what he was supposed to do next.

He finished his lunch in silence, each bite tasting like ash in his mouth. Corva picked at her food beside him. Not a single citizen of Haskell came forward to bother them, though just about everyone looked on with concern. As likely as not, they had overheard the Bonnevilles’ outburst. More likely than not, they agreed that Corva would be better off getting that annulment.

For the second time in several minutes, Franklin had to exert effort to yank himself out of unhelpful thoughts. But after years of knowing that people looked down on him for the mistakes of his past, it was next to impossible to assume the best. Old habits died hard.

“Hawks, put your plates down, kiss your sweethearts goodbye, and meet at the diamond in five minutes for practice,” Mason Montrose called over the heads of the picnickers.

“Bears, we can beat them to it,” a second, strapping man with a wild moustache stood and shouted as well.

“Who’s that?” Corva asked.

It was such a relief to hear the sweet sound of her voice again that Franklin didn’t hesitate before saying, “Keith Frisk. He’s Bonneville’s foreman and captain of his baseball team. Mason is our captain.”

“Oh.” Corva nodded, watching as more than just the two teams of baseball players stood and packed away their feast. “Looks like everyone is moving. Should we go too?”

Franklin winced, longing like a knife in his heart. He’d known this was coming, but he’d tried to ignore it all morning. “I don’t usually stay to watch the game…”

“Apparently, you don’t usually come to church.” Corva arched a brow at him.

Franklin gave up with a sigh. “If you want to watch it, I’ll come with you.”

She answered with a wide smile, hopping up and taking both of their plates. “I’ve never seen an actual baseball game before.” She twisted, searching. “Where should I take these plates?”

“I’ll get them,” Emma Meyers, whisked forward to take both plates, proving that people were keeping an eye on them. “You two hurry over to the diamond.”

An old pain, older than the ache in his legs, gripped Franklin as he reached for his cane and stood.

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