Taking on Twins by Mollie Campbell

Author:Mollie Campbell
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2017-08-24T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

Independence Day ended with a ball, hosted by Charlie. The twins and other women chattered with excitement all afternoon. But Coralee’s emotions were as volatile as the explosives people were setting off throughout the town. Jake hadn’t returned from the farm, so Coralee offered to watch the children at the party while her sisters danced. Deep down, it was a relief to have a reason to keep to herself during the event.

She hoped Jake’s late return didn’t mean tragedy had struck the Hadleys. On their walk to Charlie’s home, she continued to pray for all three of them. Her thoughts wandered to the moment by the creek that morning when she’d turned to see Jake standing behind her and Charlie. Even hours later, she flushed with guilt. She should never have let Charlie tag along. But he had been adamant that she couldn’t go alone. Coralee had a sneaking suspicion that he had been trying to impress Cat by acting gallant.

Her shoulders slumped when her mind replayed the crushed look on Jake’s face under the willow trees. His attitude while they’d waited out the storm had been hurtful. But after her emotions had time to settle, she realized what the whole episode must have looked like to him.

She only hoped he would be calm enough to listen to and accept her explanation when he came to get the children. As much as his lack of trust hurt her, she would rather try to get along than continue to fight with him.

They arrived at Charlie’s home to find people streaming all around, decked out in their best evening clothes. The house itself was one of the finest in Spring Hill, second only to the mayor’s home. From what she had heard, Charlie had done quite well for himself banking in Mississippi before deciding to seek out adventure by coming west. It certainly would have cost a tidy sum to have enough wood shipped out for the two-story home. Not to mention the number of lovely windows and fancy touches. But of all the places in town, those rich details made it the perfect location for a ball.

Coralee tugged at the lace trim that decorated the peach silk gown she had borrowed from Cat. It had been years since she’d had a reason to dress up and none of her mourning dresses were appropriate, so her sisters had worked together to dress her for the evening. She felt out of place in the lovely gown, leading the twins into Charlie’s backyard where friends and neighbors were gathering. In the midst of the festive atmosphere, Coralee found she wasn’t much in the mood to celebrate.

Charlie greeted guests with a smile, pointing out the tables against the house that were laden with food and drinks. Several musicians were set up nearby and couples were already whirling around a large grassy area that served as a dance floor. Assorted chairs ringed the yard, providing places to stop and rest throughout the night.

Immediately, Cat was whisked away to dance by a local young man.

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