Summer's Redemption by Dora Hiers

Author:Dora Hiers [Hiers, Dora]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Grace Legacy Publishing LLC
Published: 2020-08-10T16:00:00+00:00

10

Why had she agreed to Everlee’s invitation?

How could she ever survive an entire day watching Trace interact with his son and brothers?

The family she’d always longed for but never truly experienced. The brotherly love and tight bond between siblings, the respect and admiration for their beloved Gramps and his recent bride, Ellie. The fun and laughter, the joy and delight. The wonderful smells of hamburgers and hotdogs sizzling on the grill mingled with the fresh lake scent. Even the friendly chatter didn’t drown out the soothing sound of the waves lapping against the shore.

All too…hard. Painful, even.

After Debbie had put out a plea at their church, the Porters had graciously volunteered to provide a home for her after Frank kicked her out. But the elderly couple had never really loved her as one of their own kids. They’d been kind enough, but also anxious to go ahead with their planned move to Florida. And their two adult children lived their own lives, one in California and the other in New York. Busy climbing the corporate ladder with families of their own, the Porter’s son and daughter, both in their late forties, hadn’t visited much while she’d lived with their parents. Maybe once or twice for each of them. She wouldn’t recognize them if she saw them on the street, so she definitely couldn’t claim them as family.

She couldn’t claim the Tomlinsons as family, either, but the longing to do so came from the deepest part of her spirit. They played hard and loved even harder.

Trace, his younger brother Gentry, and Trip were wrestling in the lake. Their older brother Mannix was working the grill, shooting occasional covert glances at his ex-wife Rowan. Mr. Tomlinson had insisted—again—that she call him Gramps like everyone else, and his wife Ellie was a dear. Judging by all the happy faces surrounding them, it was clear that the company employees appreciated working for the Tomlinsons.

For about the hundredth time since she’d opened her doodle journal, the trio in the lake drew her attention. The wide brim of her hat hid her casual inspection.

The men waded out of the lake, droplets glistening like jewels off their chests and heads. Just as they reached the shore, Trip slashed his foot through the shallow water and sprayed his dad and uncle, but neither man took the bait. Trace only smiled, and love for his son glowed from his tan face. Just then, he glanced in her direction and—

Winked?

So much for hiding under the hat! Had he caught her gawking all afternoon?

Frustrated with herself and her traitorous heart, she snapped the marker case closed and tossed it and the journal to the sand. She flopped over onto her back with a loud huff.

“How’s a person supposed to sleep with all this sighing and groaning going on? The beach is supposed to be relaxing.” Everlee sat upright on the lounge chair next to Bristol’s and tugged a coverup over her swimsuit.

“I’m sorry. Did I wake you?”

“I needed to turn anyway.” Everlee scanned the crowd.

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