A Dream of Family by Jill Weatherholt
Author:Jill Weatherholt
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2021-04-10T01:09:45+00:00
* * *
Early the following morning, a strong gust of wind rattled the shutters on Derekâs one-story ranch home, rousting him out of bed. No point wallowing underneath the sheets anyway. Heâd been wide awake for hours, flipping from his back to his stomach.
Derek swung his legs out of the bed and onto the cool pine floor. Duke sprang to his feet from the oversized pillow where he slept in the corner and raced to the edge of the nightstand.
âHey, buddy. Did that wind wake you, too?â Derek scratched the puppyâs head, and the gesture was returned with sloppy wet licks. âHow about we get some coffee and go for a walk?â
Fifteen minutes later, the sun ascended over the mountains dominating the horizon. Shades of red and pink shimmered in the sky. Dawn. A fresh start. His favorite part of the day. Derek pulled in a deep breath as he and Duke walked the trampled path surrounding the ten-acre property. The strong winds from earlier had subsided, leaving behind crisp and cool air. Although Derek had signed a month-to-month lease, he had the option to purchase the house and land if he decided to stay in Whispering Slopes. But why would he? After his parents divorced, heâd vowed to never plant roots or settle down.
âItâs just you and me, right, bud?â Duke was all he needed. The unconditional love from an animal would never disappoint. How could you do that to us, Dad? Mom and I loved you. We put our trust in you. He tried to push the thoughts from his mind. But like a slick oil spill in the blue waters of the Caribbean, his entire upbringing had been tainted with deception. His stomach soured. He dumped his remaining coffee onto the dewy grass. Derek bent down and unhooked the leash. Duke took off toward the split-rail fence, his wet nose to the ground.
Derek ran the events of last night through his mind. Molly had had a good turnout, and hopefully, it would generate a lot of sales. She should have been elated, yet her face had told a different story, like she was mad about something. Sheâd tossed scrutinizing glances while heâd shown Grace the video of her and Duke. Was she envious? Heâd been confused by Annieâs invitation to go on a picnic. But after she explained how Grace came out of her shell around him and Duke, he couldnât say no. She was a delightful little girl. As much as he didnât want to admit it, sheâd gotten into his heart. That couldnât be a good thing, could it? It was the reason heâd made such an abrupt exit last night after Book Buddies. He couldnât get attached to the child. Or to Molly. Heâd only get hurt.
âCome on, Duke,â Derek called out over the cooing mourning dove. âIâve got a town full of people who need their caffeine fix.â
Later, after some time spent with his Bible, Derek was showered, shaved and behind the wheel of his SUV.
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