Cry Of My Heart by Linda Ford

Author:Linda Ford
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2012-09-10T00:00:00+00:00

Seven

“Did you see this?” Rachel waved the newspaper in front of Nicole.

“Haven’t looked at the news.” She sat at her desk in the store, doodling on a slip of paper.

“Come on, girl. Get a grip. You’ve done nothing but moon around here for days. In fact”—Rachel leaned over to peer into Nicole’s eyes—“I’d be inclined to say you were off in some dream world.” She plucked the scrap of paper off the desk. “Ace. Oh ho. So that’s it. Our elusive Nicole Thomas has fallen in love. And with a hard-eyed stranger at that.”

Nicole snatched the paper back. “He’s not a stranger. I’ve known him since I was ten.” What possessed her to scribble his name in the margins?

Rachel perched on the desk. “Nope. It’s love. Not that I blame you. He’s quite the looker.”

“I’m not in love.” She wouldn’t let herself think that. Even if he turned back to God, and she prayed he would, there was still his job to think about. She knew he encountered dangerous situations. Oil well fires, ecoterrorists, jungle fever, and who knew what else. Not the sort of risks she wanted to deal with or subject her family to.

“Nicole, sweetie, it’s me you’re talking to. Your best friend. Do you really think I haven’t noticed the starry look in your eyes lately?” She chuckled. “I always knew you’d fall hard when you fell, but I never thought you’d go for a—well, what can I say? He’s an adventurer. He’ll drag you away from your safe little world. And about time, I’d say.”

Rachel’s words stung. She made it sound as if Nicole lived in a state of denial, locking herself in a padded cell or something. “I’m not about to leave my family, no matter what. I would never do that to them.”

“Uh-huh.” Rachel’s look of resignation was the last straw.

“What’s so interesting in the newspaper?” Conversation closed. End of subject.

Rachel sighed once then flipped the paper open to reveal an article. “That wonderful little woodcarver is selling out.”

Nicole skimmed the article. Only a few lines in the back of the arts and entertainment section buried in a column about what’s new and hot in the local galleries. But if anyone had seen his work, they’d be beating a path to his door. She tapped her finger on the paper. “I’ve always wanted to get more of his work.” She glanced around the store. “If I could buy him out—” Jumping to her feet, she circled the room. “Just picture his wild animal carvings on some shelves against this wall. I could hang Aunt Millie’s linens on a rack over here and move the paintings to the stair wall.” She raced up the steps, mentally measuring the space. “I have to get there before anyone else,” she called over the wooden banister she’d sandpapered and polished inch by inch until it looked as good as the day her grandfather had installed it.

Rachel bounced off the desk and leaned against the banister watching. “I doubt any city dude will find the place.

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