A Dream to Call My Own Read Online Free PDF

and grief every time Rafe looked at him. Many had been the time he’d wanted to abandon Cubby, but something always held him back. Maybe it was the need to hold on to that little piece of Maryland. Maybe it was the desire to leave something of himself behind and have a say in how the boy became a man.
    “Well, that ain’t exactly worked out the way I’d hoped, neither.” Rafe drank the remaining liquor and got to his feet. There was no sense in remembering the past or even contemplating the future.
    Lacy awoke with a start. Her dreams had turned to nightmares, marked by the storm outside, as well as the one within. She’d dreamed that Gwen had died giving birth to her baby because Lacy couldn’t find the doctor. Then Beth had gone into labor and died, as well. Throwing back the covers, Lacy shivered at the chill of the room. She hurried into a robe Patience had lent her and paced the drafty room. The room seemed to suffocate her, and Lacy longed only for the warmth of the fire and the light of day. She could do nothing about the latter but knew that the fire could still offer her comfort. Of course, leaving her room might force her to encounter Dave.
    She contemplated that for several minutes and felt a moment of disgust as she realized she would love to have his comfort. Pulling back the latch, Lacy paused. She wanted him to be awake. She wanted him to hear her and come to her.
    Without concern about the noise she made, Lacy hurried downstairs and into the front room. She paused at the sight of a man silhouetted against the fire. Dave. She watched him for a moment as he stirred up the flames and put another log on the fire. It was as if she’d known he would be there. He replaced the poker then turned to find her watching him. He didn’t seem any more surprised at her appearance than she had been at his. In fact, when he crossed the distance between them and took her in his arms, it felt like the most natural thing in the world.
    “You’re trembling. Are you cold?”
    She nodded, and he led her to the fire. Without completely letting go of her, Dave positioned Lacy close enough to regain her warmth. She looked up at him. Her fingers ached to touch his face, but Lacy refrained from showing any emotion.
    “You’re still shaking,” he murmured.
    Lacy knew it wasn’t from the cold this time. Time seemed to stand still. Dave’s gaze pierced Lacy’s guarded heart. It was like he could read her thoughts and knew exactly what her feelings were.
    He reached out and put his hand against her cheek. “Lacy, why do you have to make it so tough on yourself? On us?”
    She shook her head, barely able to think rationally. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
    “I think you do.” He pulled her into his arms and covered her mouth with his lips.
    Lacy felt the wind go out from her. She fought against her desire to wrap her arms around Dave’s neck, and lost. His kiss deepened, and Lacy felt him bend her backward ever so slightly. She was lost. Lost to her emotions and his will. She wanted the moment to go on forever.
    Dave’s mouth left her lips and trailed along her cheek and neck. Lacy couldn’t suppress a moan. Something in the back of her mind told her things were out of control—warned her to stop.
    And then with unexpected swiftness, Dave pushed her away and turned. “I’m sorry. I should never have done that.” He crossed the room in long determined strides and was gone. Lacy crumpled to the ground and put her hands to her head.
    “What have I done?”
    Her wanton response caused her cheeks to blaze in embarrassment. Dave would surely hate her now. She’d acted no differently than one of Rafe’s girls. She buried her face against her bent knees.
    “Oh, forgive me, Lord,” she whispered. “Forgive me . . . Dave.”
    Dave Shepard paced his room, uncertain what to do. He certainly couldn’t just go to sleep, as he should have done hours ago. He could still feel Lacy warm and soft in his arms.