Reclaiming His Past by Karen Kirst

Author:Karen Kirst
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin Enterprises, Australia Pty Ltd
Published: 2016-11-17T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

“I wish we didn’t have to go,” Jessica said. “I wish we could stay for another week.”

Juliana’s eyes were wet. “The time passed too fast.”

The clearing was abuzz with activity. While some families would be staying on, many were packing up and heading home, their wagons jammed full of chestnuts to be sold at market.

Evan came up behind Juliana and, snaking his arms around her middle, nuzzled her cheek. For a brief moment, she closed her eyes and leaned into him, a tiny sigh escaping.

“We’ll plan a visit to Gatlinburg soon,” he promised.

Twisting in his arms, she encircled his neck. “Can we go for Thanksgiving?”

The smile he bestowed on her spoke of deep affection. “For you, I’ll make it happen.”

Jessica darted a glance in Grant’s direction. Waiting beside their wagon at the clearing’s edge, he shifted his stance, his gaze constantly moving about the crowd. With his beard heavier than usual, his good looks had a rough edge to them. He’d been tense and standoffish since breakfast. After their time in the forest and hours of making music together, his attitude stung. She’d replayed those tender moments in his arms a thousand times. It amazed her that an outsider had been the one to dismantle her self-recrimination.

He’s not an outsider anymore, is he? He’s a treasured friend. And I can’t stop wondering what it would be like to be more.

“How about a goodbye hug for your brother-in-law?”

Snapped out of her reverie, she embraced Evan. “We’ll see you next month?”

When Evan committed to something, he followed through. Grant was dependable like that. Honorable. A man worthy of her trust and admiration.

Evan smiled. “Lord willing, we’ll be there.”

Juliana watched her husband lope over to speak to Caleb. Her suddenly troubled expression put Jessica in mind of that odd moment from before. Suspicion surfaced. “What’s wrong?”

Her hand pressed against her heart, she frowned. “He’s keeping secrets, Jess. I can hardly believe it of him.”

“What do you mean?”

“I first noticed something was off about a month ago. He started spending an inordinate amount of time with his cousin, Lucas. They’d talk for hours, and when I asked what they’d discussed, he refused to say.” She frowned, twisting her wedding band about her finger. “Since we’ve been here, he’s been glued to Caleb’s side. I’m worried, Jess. We’ve never hidden our problems from each other.”

Jessica didn’t have sage advice to dispense. Her one serious relationship had been based on lies. “What are you going to do?”

“I’ve given him plenty of time to confess.” Jerking her chin up a notch, she said, “I’m tired of waiting. I’m going to confront him during the trip home. That way, he can’t duck into the barn to fix a tool or come up with an excuse to avoid me. There’ll be no escape.”

Jessica hugged her tight. “I’ll be praying. Just remember, he loves you. Whatever he’s keeping from you, he has good intentions.”

Juliana pressed her lips together. “I’m sure he believes he’s doing the right thing, but secrets have a way of destroying a relationship.

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