Child of Grace (Love Inspired) Read Online Free PDF Page A

biceps.
    Not that his biceps were on display today. Instead of a chest-hugging T-shirt and shorts, he was wearing a sport coat with a subtle herringbone pattern, tan slacks and spit-and-polished dress shoes. He looked professional. Reputable. Honorable.
    And as stunned as she was.
    “Kelsey Anderson?”
    She opened her mouth to respond.
    Nothing came out.
    No surprise there. It was hard enough to breathe, let alone speak, with the man towering over her. Making her feel small. Vulnerable. Powerless.
    “Well…good morning! We don’t often have gentlemen venture into our establishments.”
    At Dorothy’s cheerful welcome, the man turned. Giving Kelsey a chance to catch her breath.
    Thank You, Lord!
    Her shop mate was still hidden from Kelsey’s view by the man’s tall form, but her words registered loud and clear. “Dorothy Martin. I own Tea for Two.” A hand shot out to gesture toward the other side of the shop. “You must be the army captain Kelsey told me about. I was just making a tea and scones delivery to my lovely neighbor. She must be in the back. I’ll be happy to get her…”
    Kelsey gripped the arms of her chair and struggled to her feet. At the squeak of her chair, Dorothy peeked around the visitor.
    “Oh. There you are, my dear. Did I interrupt a conversation?”
    “No. I just arrived. And I’m afraid I startled Ms. Anderson.” The army doctor moved toward her and extended his hand. “Luke Turner.”
    Kelsey inched closer, wiping her palm on her slacks before she placed her fingers in his. As their hands connected, he flicked a quick glance down.
    “The burn seems to be healing well.”
    Dorothy tipped her head and set the tea and scones on the counter. “You two have met before?”
    Kelsey tugged her hand free and took a step back. “Yes. Captain—Doctor—Turner is the new neighbor I mentioned to you.” She tried to keep her inflection neutral, but Dorothy’s sharp look told her the other woman had picked up her nervousness.
    The slight narrowing of Luke Turner’s eyes told her he had, too.
    “My goodness!” Dorothy’s hand fluttered to her chest. “What an odd coincidence!” She motioned toward the snack she’d delivered and raised an eyebrow at Kelsey. “If you’d like to talk in the tearoom, I could bring a pot out for you to share.”
    Kelsey thanked her with her eyes. The closer she was to her dear friend, the safer she’d feel.
    “That would be lovely. Thank you, Dorothy.” She inclined her head toward the other half of the shop and addressed Luke. “It will be more comfortable to have our discussion over there.”
    As she grabbed a pen and notebook off her desk, he surveyed the sturdy chairs around the table in the corner where she held classes. In truth, they would better suit his tall frame. He’d be more comfortable here . But much to her relief, he followed her to the other side without comment.
    “You two go right ahead with your business while I put on a pot of tea.” Dorothy deposited Kelsey’s scones and china cup on a table for two, brushed a miniscule speck off the pristine white cloth, and hurried toward the kitchen.
    Pulling out one of the dainty chairs, Luke held it while Kelsey sat. Then he took the one on the opposite side of the table. The furniture seemed undersized to his large frame, and Kelsey felt foolish for insisting they move their discussion to this side of the shop.
    Best to dive in so he could be on his way as quickly as possible.
    “Reverend Howard was very enthusiastic about your project when he called.” She tried for a conversational tone, but her voice came out sounding stiff.
    Luke regarded her across the snowy expanse of linen, the expression in his dark brown eyes unreadable. “Before we get to that, may I ask you a question?”
    A caution bell rang in her mind. “About what?”
    “About why I make you nervous.”
    She swallowed. “You don’t make me nervous.”
    Arching his eyebrows, he inspected the plate in front of