Snowflake Bride by Jillian Hart

Author:Jillian Hart
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2011-09-09T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

In three-part harmony, the last note of “O Come All Ye Faithful” ended, and Reverend Hadly congratulated them. “Well done, everyone. Have a safe journey home. We will see you all next time.”

Finally. Lorenzo closed his song book, squared his shoulders and searched the crowd. He heard her before he saw her.

“I can’t wait to get home.” Her dulcet voice somehow lifted quietly to him above all the din in the room. So dear to him, he couldn’t think of a more beautiful sound. The tussle of the crowd at the front pew, where the carolers deposited their books, faded into silence as he watched her sweep down the aisle, encircled by her friends.

Did she like the gift he’d left for her? It hadn’t been easy to slip it into her coat pocket unnoticed. She had to know that it was from him, but she hadn’t glanced at him through the last half of practice. She didn’t turn to offer him a smile now.

“I’m worried about Pa,” Ruby said. “I hope he warmed up the supper I left for him. When he’s troubled, he tends to forget to eat.”

Dazzled, he watched the fall of lamplight as it swept over her, danced in her light hair and worshiped the ivory splendor of her face. He had it bad for her. No use denying it. But at least he knew what stood in his way. Ruby’s duty to her family came first. He understood and admired it. His heart tugged him along, taking him forward, toward her. It was as if he had no say.

Not that he minded.

“Lorenzo?” His name came from a far-off distance. He blinked, shook his head, only to see James walking beside him, looking puzzled. “Is everything all right?”

“Sure. Sorry. My mind was somewhere else.”

“I can tell.”

Ruby might always be at the center of his thoughts, so he would have to learn how to live with it. “What were you saying?”

“Listening to Narcissa talk, you two are going to the ball together. True or not true? I thought you weren’t interested in her like that.” James grinned, full of trouble. “Hey, don’t scowl. I came to warn you.”

“Me, too.” Luken caught up to them grinning. “I heard it from Narcissa myself.”

“I’m not bowing to family pressure this year.” It took all his effort to keep from searching for Ruby in the dispersing crowd. Ruby, who’d stolen his heart. “I’m not taking Narcissa. End of story.”

“That’s what I thought, but it’s good to hear.” Luken blew out the breath he’d been holding. “I don’t want to go after someone you’re interested in—”

“I’ve never been interested in Narcissa.”

“Well, I am.” Luken grinned again.

“Who are you kidding? You’re never going to beau her.” James shook his head. “She is out of your reach.”

“Still, it wouldn’t hurt to try to win her. You never know.” Luken squared his shoulders, maybe hiding the pain of unrequited love.

Lorenzo knew exactly how that felt. Needing to see her, he snatched his coat off the wall peg and shrugged into it, heading toward the door.

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