Everlasting Love by Bette Ford

Author:Bette Ford
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Getting Shanna settled for the night after meeting Devin’s family wasn’t an easy task. Shanna couldn’t stop talking about her little cousin Kaleea.

When Devin entered the family room with a glass of Chardonnay in each hand, Brynne blurted out, “You told them what I told you in confidence.”

After giving her a glass, he made himself comfortable in one of the leather chairs. He hedged, “What do you mean?”

“Please, you know exactly what I mean.”

“If you are asking if I told my family that you were raped, yes I did. I wanted them to understand why you didn’t tell me about Shanna.”

“I didn’t give you permission to tell anyone. It’s not your secret.”

“And I didn’t realize that you felt that way. Babe, I thought it was important that my family understood what you’d gone through. What is wrong with that?”

“To you, nothing!” Looking away, she abruptly changed the subject. “Your mother was extremely kind. Like the rest of your family, she evidently felt sorry for me.”

“That’s not true. I never meant to hurt your feelings,” Devin persisted. “My family naturally took my side in this, and I didn’t want them resenting you. You’ve been through enough.”

Brynne ignored the comment. “I really like your mom. Like I said, she was very understanding.”

Apparently Devin decided not to push because he said, “My mother is a kind woman, but she’s also protective of her family. I’m not sure what she said to you privately, but whatever it was, she said what was in her heart. Did she say something to upset you?”

“Don’t pretend you don’t know,” she said as she took a sip of wine.

“I don’t. All she told me was that she liked you. So tell me.”

Brynne, busy smoothing her skirt, didn’t see the way his dark eyes stroked her pale brown features and slender throat.

“Well?” he prompted.

“Nothing earth-shattering or upsetting, for that matter. Like I said, she was kind. She wanted me to know how much she and your father appreciated my care of Shanna. And that I’m always welcome in their home, no matter what happens between us. She acknowledged that I had a difficult time, and if I ever need to talk, that I’m welcome to call her. She hoped we can be friends.” Brynne paused before she said, “Your mother was very generous, considering.”

“Considering what?”

“Oh, please. Like you don’t know.”

He leaned back in his chair, casually propping his right leg on his left knee. “Indulge me.”

She folded her arms beneath her full breasts, unwittingly drawing his eyes to their softness. “I kept your daughter away from you and your family. Nothing can make up for that. You’re part of a close, loving family, and Shanna is included in that love because she’s yours.”

“Are you done, Brynne Armstrong? Because I’ve heard about as much of this blame thing you insist on carrying on your shoulders as I can stomach. When are you going to stop beating yourself up about the past? Baby, you did what you felt you had to do to survive.

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