Because of the Baby Read Online Free PDF Page B

lodge was their future, and if she’d give him another chance he’d prove he could make a success of it.
    Matt was going after her. When he found her, he’d convince her they’d both be fools to throw away the love they shared.
    He was tired of pretending he didn’t care, tired of pretending he didn’t miss her. His life was on course now, and once she was back everything would be perfect.
    All he had to do now was explain that to Karen.
    â€œHas she left yet?” he demanded of Duke.
    â€œKaren?”
    â€œWho else do you think I’m asking about?”
    Duke checked his watch. “My guess is John’s about to take off. You’d better hurry if you want to catch her.”
    Matt didn’t need any further incentive. He slapped some money on the counter, grabbed his coat and ran out the door. The mobile unit that housed the Midnight Sons office was close by, and he sprinted the distance.
    He saw John Henderson heading in the same direction and noticed the Baron 55 sitting on the gravel runway, ready to depart for the flight to Fairbanks.
    Both men reached the door to the office at the same time. “I need a few minutes alone with Karen,” Matt said. He blocked John’s way.
    The pilot began to complain bitterly that this was messingup his schedule, but Matt didn’t care. “Listen.” Matt pulled a five-dollar bill out of his pocket. “Go have a cup of Ben’s coffee and give me ten minutes with Karen. That’s all I’m asking.”
    John stared at the money, then scratched his head. “All right, all right, but make it fast, will you? I’m on a schedule.” He turned away mumbling, waving away Matt’s profuse thanks. “Ten minutes,” he called over his shoulder. “Not a second more.”
    Matt waited until he’d composed his thoughts before walking inside to confront his ex-wife. Karen sat on a worn vinyl couch, staring at the floor. She glanced up when he stepped into the waiting area, and her eyes widened when she saw who it was.
    â€œWhat are you doing here?” she asked, jerking herself upright. She shrank back from him, almost as if she was afraid.
    â€œWe need to talk,” he said gently.
    â€œNo, we don’t. Everything’s already been said. It’s over. It was over a long time ago.”
    â€œLast night says otherwise.”
    She shook her head. “Last night was a big mistake. Please, Matt, just let me go. I don’t want to talk about what happened. It didn’t change anything.”
    â€œI think it did.” He eased his way toward her. Grabbing a chair, he turned it around and straddled it. “I’d been thinking about buying the lodge for a while. I saw it shortly after the fire, and I’d forgotten about it till Lanni came up here. I finally made a deal with the O’Halloran brothers. I’ve spent nine months now, working fifteen-hour days, doing everything I can to get it ready for the summer tourist trade.”
    â€œMatt, listen—”
    â€œLet me finish,” he pleaded. “I’m telling you about the lodge because I consider it our future.”
    Karen squeezed her eyes shut.
    â€œI realize you’ve heard those words before, but this time it’s true. This isn’t just another one of my ideas. I sank the entire trust fund my grandmother left me into this venture. I’m so far out on a limb I could pick fruit. I’m giving this my best shot, Karen. I’m risking everything for us.”
    â€œThere is no us,” she reminded him in a whisper.
    â€œBut there should be! If last night proved anything, it’s that we belong together. We always have. Come back to me, Karen. You want promises? I’ll give you promises. You want reassurances? Fine, you’ve got them. Everything will be different. We’ll start over again—”
    Tears rolled down her face as Karen leaned forward and brought her fingers