A Wedding in Apple Grove Read Online Free PDF Page B

had she missed that particular fact? In a moment of clarity, she realized it was because she’d been so wrapped up in her own little world, merely existing in between Jimmy’s visits, that she’d kept her emotions hidden—like sorrow and pain—but the downside was she also didn’t experience happiness or joy. Face it: up until today, she’d been a workaholic with an empty life. She had walked a straight path and kept her emotions in check most of the time—except for her temper. She had a hair-trigger temper. She had a feeling that was all about to change.
    When she looked over at Dan, her gaze collided with his and she sensed that he’d been watching her. There was no doubt in her mind that they had a definite spark that could lead to something amazing. She wouldn’t see her on-again, off-again boyfriend for a few more months and, not for the first time, wondered what he did—and who took her place in Jimmy’s life back in the city—during those long months they spent apart. Her stomach clenched as the cold truth slithered into her belly. Maybe it was time she started living. She definitely wanted to get to know Dan Eagan better.
    â€œMelanie Culpepper has the most adorable twin toddlers,” Miss Trudi was saying when Meg dragged her gaze from Dan’s.
    â€œBoys,” Mitch added with a glance in Honey B.’s direction.
    Meg wondered if she was the only one who saw the longing in Honey B.’s eyes or the fire burning in the sheriff’s. Why was the man so hardheaded about courting Honey B.? It was clear to everyone in town that they were perfect for one another. “Melanie owns the Knitting Room,” Meg added. “Our local Internet café. She had to close up her shop when the twins were born, but she’s thinking of starting up a knitting circle during the day and keeping the Internet café going at night.”
    Dan looked skeptical. “My grandmother knits, but my mom doesn’t. Is it that popular around here?”
    He was looking at Meg when he asked, so she answered, “You’d be surprised. There are women everywhere who like to knit or crochet.”
    He shrugged. “I don’t know of any.”
    â€œBut you’re a guy,” Meg said, as if that explained it all.
    Dan’s smile was like a magnet, and a few of the unattached females in town wandered over until they were surrounded by women, the men having stepped back to make room for the swirl of skirts and waft of perfume. She introduced him to women between the ages of eighteen and eighty and stood back and watched the way he chatted and smiled with everyone.
    â€œSmall towns are a lot different than the suburban area where I grew up.”
    â€œI’d love to hear all about it,” Peggy said, tugging on Dan’s arm to draw him away from Meg and toward the empty chairs.
    He didn’t resist, and to Meg’s dismay, she felt the green monster of envy rear her ugly head. She’d just met the man, and although he’d been the one to make the first move, she’d taken it up a notch. But that didn’t explain the feelings swirling around inside of her, other than the fact that so many of her emotions had been bottled up for too long, waiting for a promise from Jimmy that was never coming. It was easier to accept than the reality that she’d fallen hard and fast the moment their eyes met.
    â€œQuite a catch, isn’t he?” Miss Trudi hooked her arm with Meg’s. “Daniel’s a hard worker and honest to the core,” the older woman continued. “You can trust him to keep his word.”
    Meg nodded and said, “He seems to be enjoying himself, getting to know the good people of Apple Grove.”
    Joe Mulcahy walked over carrying a plate with a slice of green cake and cream-colored icing. Meg was laughing as she held out her hand. “Thanks, Pop… it really is green!”
    He shook his head.