Claiming the Single Mom's Heart by Glynna Kaye

Author:Glynna Kaye
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2016-07-30T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

Sunshine’s breath caught as she looked across the crowded patio—and right into Grady Hunter’s eyes.

More handsome than ever, he stood looking at her with an intensity every bit as potent as what she remembered from last night. Despite the many times she’d replayed those moments in her mind, wondering if it might have been a dream, maybe she hadn’t made it up?

Which meant it was all the more important to steer clear of him this evening. She’d given it considerable thought—and prayer—and concluded she had no business falling for a Hunter. Her history and that of his family were too intermingled, went too far back. When the time came that she could finally prove her suspicions against Grady’s ancestors, she didn’t want a romantic entanglement holding her back from claiming what rightfully belonged to her and her daughter.

With considerable effort, she broke eye contact and strode purposefully into the midst of the gathering just as Elaine Hunter joined her guests. For a moment Sunshine thought she’d restyled her sandy-brown, previously shoulder-length hair, then immediately realized the sassy new cut was a wig. She’d heard a few days ago that not too long into chemo, Elaine had courageously had her head shaved in anticipation of losing her hair. She’d started chemo barely a month ago and had lost weight. Nothing drastic, but the fullness had left her face. She was looking better, though, than Sunshine would have expected from what Grady had told her about how sick his mother had been.

This image of a still somewhat plucky Elaine should dispel any hopes Irvin Baydlin had of discrediting her with voters.

But before Sunshine could make her way through the crowd to thank her hostess for the invitation, Irvin suddenly appeared at Elaine’s side. Obviously fawning over her from the looks of it. But surely he didn’t believe Grady hadn’t shared the snide remarks he’d made about her at the parent-teacher meeting. Then again, maybe Grady hadn’t, for fear of distressing his mother and Irvin was betting on that.

Looking around for other familiar faces, she spied Delaney talking to an older woman—Josephine Hunter—and edged her way in their direction.

Delaney’s smile brightened as she saw her. “Grandma Jo, have you met Sunshine Carston?” She quickly made introductions.

“I’m delighted you could join us this evening, Sunshine,” the older woman acknowledged. “It’s long been a family tradition to gather town council candidates for a relaxing, nonpolitically focused evening. A chance to get to know one another and each other’s families on an informal basis.”

Was that no-politicking comment intended as a reminder to a newcomer who’d barged her way into the town’s affairs?

“I appreciate the invitation.” Although she attempted to stay focused on the immediate conversation, her radar couldn’t help but note Grady moving among the guests, heading to where Mr. Baydlin remained glued to Elaine’s side.

A protector by nature. That was Grady through and through.

Her stomach fluttered as again she recalled how he’d prevented her from falling last night. Held her gently but securely.

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