Free to Love by Leah Atwood & Susette Williams

Author:Leah Atwood & Susette Williams [Atwood, Leah]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2015-04-05T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SEVEN

Cord rolled out of bed and stretched his arms, his shoulder muscles feeling the relief. All night he’d tossed and turned, berating himself for departing the room so quickly, leaving Josie standing alone. He should have stayed.

He was a coward.

She’d stood there, so pretty and grateful-looking. And she’d kissed his cheek. No one had ever treated him with such affection—he didn’t know what to do with it. So, he’d hurriedly kissed her, something he’d been wanting to do for days, and then ran. He felt things he’d never before for a woman, stirrings in his heart, which were not part of his plan.

What if it turned to love? The thought terrified him, more than facing a charging one ton bull. He liked Josie, probably more than he’d ever liked anyone, but love? No, he couldn’t allow himself to love anyone. Ma claimed she and Pa loved each other, and look where that had gotten them.

Regardless, he couldn’t hide from Josie. For better or worse, she was his wife, and he’d try his best to be a good husband. So far, he wasn’t doing too well. He realized, long after he’d heard her retire to her room, that he never gave her the opportunity to discuss what she’d had on her mind.

After dressing himself, he went into the common area, where he saw Josie at the stove. “Good morning.”

She turned quickly, her eyes wide like she wasn’t expecting him. Why she wouldn’t, he didn’t know, unless he’d given her insecurities by his actions, which he wouldn’t doubt. “Breakfast is simple this morning, fried eggs and leftover bread.”

“That sounds fine.” He edged closer to her. “I’m sorry I left so abruptly last night.”

“Here’s your food.” She thrust a plate his way, not acknowledging his apology.

A rush of fear circulated through his blood. Josie wasn’t acting herself—he’d never seen her standoffish like this. He laid the plate on the table behind him then reached for Josie’s arm. A bead of moisture was almost hidden by her thick lashes, but he didn’t miss it.

His heart constricted. He’d made her cry. See, he wasn’t any good at this love-type stuff. He hadn’t the faintest notion how to make a woman happy. The mirror had been his best effort and somehow, even that had gotten muddled.

“I really am sorry, Josie.”

“There’s nothing to be sorry for. You gave me a lovely gift.” She blinked twice. “Let’s sit down and enjoy our breakfast.”

“Okay.” He sat down on the bench, there were no chairs at the small table. “What did you want to talk about last night? You said there was something you wish to discuss.”

There was clanging noise, followed by a cup of coffee being set beside his plate. Josie took a seat across from him. “I heard back from the orphanage. The telegram came yesterday.”

He finished chewing the bite of his eggs. “What did it say?”

“You must come with me to complete an adoption.” Defeat rang in her words.

That wasn’t the answers he’d hoped for, and it made him feel that much worse.

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