The Reluctant Groom (Brides of Seattle Book 1) by Kimberly Rose Johnson

Author:Kimberly Rose Johnson [Johnson, Kimberly Rose]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-03-01T06:00:00+00:00

Katie rubbed the rag back and forth over the craft table at the community center until her hand cramped. According to her former caseworker, Cassandra, Katie’s mom was back and wanted to reconnect. Why now, after all these years was her mother interested in a relationship? She wanted to slam the door on the woman who’d rejected her, but curiosity ate at her.

“Can I go play on the basketball court?” Emily asked.

“I can’t see you in there, and I need to work in this room. I’m sorry, but you’ll need to stay in here with me until your ballet class starts.”

Emily’s bottom lip protruded. “I’m bored.”

Katie sighed. What was she supposed to do with a four-year-old? Maybe keeping this job had been a mistake, but it gave her purpose, and she loved the families that frequented the center. She couldn’t give up her time here.

She’d been in a rush on Thursday and hadn’t done her normal thorough cleaning since she had moved that night. Then Friday, she was too worn out from lifting those heavy boxes. Now was her only time to sanitize and make sure she had everything ready to go for the art class she’d lead in another hour. “How would you like to watch a video?”

Emily’s face brightened. “Yes.”

Thankfully, there was a television set with an attached DVD player in this room. This would be one of the few times she’d use the TV to entertain Emily. The center also had a nice selection of G-rated videos. Katie pulled open the drawer holding all the DVDs. “Go ahead and pick out what you want to watch. Then slide it into this slot.”

Emily nodded, and Katie readied the TV so Emily could do the rest on her own. With her soon-to-be niece entertained, time flew, and before she knew it, people began to trickle into the community center. “Emily, your ballet class is starting soon. We need to get you into your leotard and tights. Grab your backpack.”

Emily scrambled to obey. “Hurry, Katie. I don’t like being late.”

Katie chuckled. She’d heard Renee say the same thing many times—like mother, like daughter. Was Katie anything like her mom? It’d been over a decade since she’d last seen her.

Emily tugged on her hand. “Come on.”

“Okay. I’m coming.”

They dashed to the restroom, and ten minutes later, Emily rested a hand on the wooden bar along the mirror. Slow classical music played from an ancient record player, and Emily’s face scrunched in concentration. She looked to be completely engrossed in the class, so Katie returned to the craft room.

“Good afternoon.” She looked from one face to another in her class of eight art students.

“Good afternoon, Miss Katie,” they said in unison.

She explained what they would be drawing and showed an example from her own sketchbook. “If you have questions or need help, I’m here for you.” She walked around the room and offered suggestions here and there.

Ray walked by the window that looked into the craft room and waved as he passed. She waved back.

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