The 12 Brides of Summer Novella Collection #3 by Margaret Brownley & Miralee Ferrell & Pam Hillman

Author:Margaret Brownley & Miralee Ferrell & Pam Hillman [Brownley, Margaret & Ferrell, Miralee & Hillman, Pam]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Shiloh Run Studios
Published: 2014-12-31T16:00:00+00:00

Will sat stunned for a moment at the words that had come out of his mouth. Had he really accused Gracie of being a danger to Laura? The front door opened and closed with a dull thud, breaking him out of his stupor. He bolted from the chair and raced for the door. He jerked it open in time to see Gracie walking swiftly across the area between the house and the tree. What an idiot he’d been. “Gracie! Please, wait.”

She didn’t slow, but her long skirts kept her from running, even though she’d gathered the hem in one hand and held the fabric a few inches above her ankles.

Will cleared the porch in one bound and extended his stride into a full run as he hit the packed dirt. Within a dozen strides he’d caught her. “Gracie, let me explain. I’m sorry.” He touched her shoulder but didn’t grasp it.

She slowed then stopped, but kept her back turned to him. “There’s nothing to explain. I see now why you don’t want me around Laura. Don’t worry, I’ll stay away.”

“No, that’s not it. I didn’t mean to make you feel that way. I was trying to explain why I don’t want her climbing trees or doing things where she might get hurt. She doesn’t understand, but I was hoping you might.”

Gracie pivoted and looked at him. “I do understand. I accept your apology and I’m saddened by your story, but I believe you truly think I’m a bad influence, or the words wouldn’t have come out of your mouth.”

Will wished he could wipe the anguish off her face—wished he could wrap his arms around her and pull her close—but he had no right. “Let me prove it to you. Go on a picnic with Laura and me tomorrow. Come over in the morning, and we’ll do chores for Deborah and Curt, help with the children and fix the family a nice noon meal. Then we can pack something for the three of us and let them rest. How does that sound? We could go to the pond nearby, and Laura can take a fishing pole. She’s been badgering me to teach her to fish, and I’m guessing you’re good at that.” He cocked his head to the side. “Forgiven?”

She bit her lip and simply watched him for several long seconds. She nodded. “All right.” An impish grin softened her face. “And I’ll beat you at catching fish any day of the week.” She sobered. “But just because I’m agreeing to go, it doesn’t mean I believe you’re right in being so protective—or that you’ve shed all thoughts of my bad influence. Don’t worry, I’ll keep my distance and won’t do anything that endangers your niece.”

Will’s spirits sank. When he’d seen Gracie’s sparkling smile peek out, he’d hoped she’d understood his explanation and completely forgiven him, if not moved to a place where she might entertain thoughts of being friends—or even something more.

He couldn’t blame her for holding back—every time she’d softened toward him, it seemed he’d said something to push her away.

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