Courting Holly Read Online Free PDF Page A

been married at my age now,” Holly added. She leaned back against the bales of hay. The fresh-cut scent reminded her of the harvest. “Even if I somehow muster the courage to survive the next days, I think we might want to consider planning a trip to Venice. The idea of floating down the canals with a gondolier guiding us through the water streets sounds heavenly.”
    Bryce leaned back on the hay. “Yes, it does. I would be happy to take you to Venice, under one condition.”
    “What’s that?”
    “You go as my wife.”
    Holly’s eyes widened. Bryce couldn’t believe he’d said the words out loud. He wouldn’t take them back. “Holly, I asked your father to court you a couple years ago after I returned from college. He asked me to wait until you were twenty-one. This is why I haven’t been around much the past couple of years. I knew that if I spent any amount of time speaking with you, I would blurt out my desires.”
    Holly smiled. Her eyes lit with excitement. “I am honored, and I would court you, even possibly marry you if my mother hadn’t just passed away. I need time, Bryce.”
    “I know, and I won’t ask again until you tell me you are ready to answer the question, or you tell me to find another wife.”
    Holly’s eyes widened. He pressed his finger to her lips. “Relax, Holly. I am not proposing marriage just yet.” He winked.
    “You understand me well.”
    “Shall we return and put those poor folks out of their misery?”
    “Yes. But truthfully, I’d rather have them squirm for a bit longer.”
    “They all know you. Emmett will, in time. You are quick to anger, yet let it go as easily as it flares up.”
    “True.”
    Bryce stood and offered his assistance.
    “Shall we tell them we are engaged?” Holly teased.
    “Not until I have had a chance to kiss you. Seems we have never gotten around to trying that.”
    Holly turned and faced him. She closed her eyes and leaned into him.
    He placed his hands firmly on her shoulders and eased her away from him. “No, Holly, I will not kiss you tonight. When I kiss you it will be when there is no question in either of our minds. Tonight you are reacting from the loss of your mother, the confusion of meeting a father you never knew existed...not a love or desire for me.”
    She opened her eyes and focused. “Thank you. I will need your strength. Forgive me. I am questioning God and His decisions.”
    He led her back to the house. “Understandable. However, I shall pray for you.”
    “Thank you, Bryce. I don’t believe I could make it through all of this without you.”
    “I am honored. Shall we?” He held the door open for them to enter the great hall. Inside the sitting room they found their parents mourning the loss of Allison and worried about the turn of events that had impacted Holly. He pulled a straw of hay from Holly’s hair.
    John Graham narrowed his gaze on Bryce. Bryce wanted to pull at the collar of his shirt and give his neck more breathable space.
    “Forgive my outburst,” Holly offered. She turned to Emmett Landers. “And forgive me. I have not read your letter yet.”
    “I understand. It has not been easy for me, either, but I have made a life for myself, and have a wife, and you have some additional brothers and sisters, as well. Mr. Jarvis has a packet of letters that were to be given to you on your twenty-first birthday but, given the circumstances, you may have them as soon as you are up to reading them.” Emmett Landers stood. “I shall depart for the evening. I will find a room in one of the hotels and send word as to where you can find me. I would enjoy a visit with you at some point, but only when you are ready. But know that I cannot stay long. I shall be in Savannah for two days. Lloyd and I have some business to attend to, as well.”
    “You are welcome to stay here, Emmett,” John offered. Holly knew the gesture had to be difficult, but he was a good man. “There is plenty of room.”
    “Holly?” Emmett