Investment of the Heart by Linda LaRoque

Author:Linda LaRoque [LaRoque, Linda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Romance
Publisher: LG Smith Books
Published: 2016-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER NINE

Elise drove Ruth’s Ford Taurus into the circular drive in front of the Porter home. She could see how Caitlyn might be spoiled growing up in a place like this. The house was a large southern plantation style with four massive columns supporting the balcony above. Black shutters framed the windows and four sets of French doors led out onto the front porch. The porch ran the width of the house and held an array of white wicker lawn furniture. Ferns in hanging baskets hung above the porch rail broke the starkness of the wide expanse of white. Scarlet O’Hara would look right at home relaxing on the veranda.

Before climbing the front steps, she gazed toward the barns and other ranch buildings located to the right, about the length of a football field from the house. Someone had spotted the car and walked toward her. They must have recognized the car as Ruth’s. Caitlyn recognized her about the time she recognized the figure as Caitlyn. The break in her stride was slight. Elise waited on the front walk until Caitlyn reached her.

“Can I help you?” Caitlyn’s face was neutral, giving no hint to her thoughts. Though her clothes were dusty and sweaty from working in the barn, she was beautiful.

“Hello, Caitlyn. I’m sorry to pop in with no warning, but I was afraid if I called, I’d lose my courage.” Caitlyn’s eyes showed surprise at her confession. “Can we talk a minute?”

Caitlyn studied her a minute. “About what? Is everyone okay at the Coles’?”

“Yes. They’re all fine.”

“Then I can’t imagine what we’d have to talk about.”

“Caitlyn. Don’t be rude and keep your guest standing in the hot sun. Bring her up here for a glass of lemonade.”

It was easy to see what Caitlyn would look like in twenty-five to thirty years. Dressed in jeans and sleeveless blouse, Mrs. Porter was slim and pretty. Dark hair, similar to Caitlyn’s, was beginning to gray. Rather than detracting from her appearance, the subtle streaks accented her dark blue eyes.

“Mom, she’s leaving.” The look she gave Elise said, “Get lost.”

“I’d enjoy some lemonade, Mrs. Porter.” Elise ignored Caitlyn’s glare and started toward the porch steps. Caitlyn removed her hat and used it to knock some of the dust off her clothes before walking up the steps. Her boots left an echo reminding Elise of her anger.

“Mom, this is Elise Barron, Justin’s fiancé. Elise, my mother, Shelia Porter.”

Elise held her hand out to Mrs. Porter who didn’t seem at all shocked to learn her identity. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Porter.”

The older woman took her hand, studied her a minute and then smiled. “You too, Elise.”

She poured two glasses of lemonade and handed one to each of them. “Now you two sit down and visit. I’ve got work to do in the house. Elise, give Ruth my love.”

“Yes, ma’am, I will.”

Caitlyn waited to make sure her mother was out of earshot. “Now, what do you want to talk to me about? Please don’t ask me to be a bridesmaid.

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