Coming Home to Love (Lakeside Porch Series Book 2) Read Online Free PDF

response would be, “Oh, are you meeting Justin?” A sweatshirt under the pashmina would have to do.
    Justin stood at the door to Joel’s hospital room and watched his nephew. The pain showed on Joel’s face as he slept. That was what he got for refusing narcotics to ease the discomfort of a skull fracture and broken bones. As a sober alcoholic, Joel was determined to use as few drugs as possible through this recovery.
    Maybe Joel wasn’t asleep; maybe he was just doing one of those Celtic meditations he was so fond of. Justin rather hoped so, hoped Joel felt relief from the pain when he slept.
    Joel’s devotion to all things Celtic came from his grandmother Bridey. Looks aside, Joel had little in common with the Tompkins or the Cushmans. Unlike his WASP ancestors on both sides, Joel Tompkins Cushman seemed to be ninety-percent good Irish stock, as resilient as the best of them, with the warmest of hearts.
    “Is that your stealth mode?” Joel asked, his eyes still closed. Justin stood smiling until Joel caved, opened his eyes and said, “Good to see you, Uncle.”
    “Back at you.”
    “Found any women yet?”
    “As a matter of fact—”
    “It took you three days longer than I thought. No, you can’t have her.”
    “Have who?”
    “Gianessa.”
    “We’ll talk,” Justin demurred.
    “We won’t. It’s not negotiable.”
    Is Joel interested in her? Involved with her? He shook off the thought, certain that Joel was devoted to his fiancée, Manda.
    “What else is on your agenda, Justin?”
    “Why do you think I have an agenda?”
    “Because you’re in stealth mode,” Joel answered with a chuckle. “You stood at the door a long time, studying me, sizing me up for something.”
    “I was standing respectfully.” Justin blustered comically. “Merely debating whether to wake you or go downstairs for a cuppa.”
    “Stop, it hurts.” Joel laughed, holding his ribs with his good hand.
    Justin pulled up a chair and placed his hand on Joel’s good arm. “I’m glad to see you haven’t lost your sense of humor. What can I do? What can I get you?”
    Joel’s gaze was fixed on Justin’s hand on his arm. “That’s all I need. I’m so relieved you’re here. Tell me you weren’t joking about staying in Tompkins Falls for a decade or so.”
    “Well, no, I wasn’t joking, but I’m finding it damned disorienting. That’s my agenda, in fact. I don’t seem to know who I am here.”
    Justin studied his nephew’s face, so much like his own.
    “It was like that for me when I came back to town eight years ago. Do you remember how much I whined about living down my old reputation as a wild child?”
    “I don’t recall you whining. I was very proud that you opened the inn and furious that you got engaged to that frigid rich bitch Lorraine.”
    “Now, now,” Joel said, his voice playful, “Lorraine was not frigid.”
    “But you’re not denying the rest, are you?” Justin laughed.
    “She had her moments.”
    “She had you wrapped around her finger, the one with the three carat diamond on it.”
    “She did.”
    “So I was right to protest your engagement?”
    “You were right. Are you going to tell me not to marry Manda?”
    “Nothing of the kind. I’d make her mine if she weren’t already betrothed to the best friend I have in the world.”
    Joel beamed. “So what’s my best friend doing about getting the sapphire ring into my hand so I can put it on her finger?”
    Justin stood up and patted his pockets. All of them. Several times. Joel smiled indulgently at the little drama.
    “Ah!” Justin said at last and drew out the blue Tiffany box with the white ribbon. He fussed with the squashed bow, making it perky again. “It’s a mystery to me why she accepted your proposal without a ring.”
    “It was the world’s worst proposal, believe me. I owe her a much better one. This will go a long way.” Joel took the box Justin offered, set it on his chest and shook Justin’s hand. “Thank you.