Courting Katarina Read Online Free PDF Page A

ivy-covered gazebo and pulled Katarina inside.
    “Oh, a gazebo. Can you say ga-ze-bo?” Katarina’s smile was warm and enthusiastic.
    “Ga-ze-bro,” Ricky repeated confidently.
    Katarina praised his efforts. “Very good. Come here and try out the porch swing with me.” She sat down and pulled her nephew onto the seat beside her.
    Alex sat next to them and rested his arm on the back of the bench, wishing suddenly that they were alone. The thought surprised him. Katarina was attractive, and also spoken for. Even if she wasn’t, with his life up in the air, he was in no position to set his sights on any woman.
    His loneliness had nothing to do with Katarina, or coming home to help his brother run his constructioncompany. Katarina wasn’t just some woman he’d like to see a few times. They were practically related. He didn’t need to complicate things. It would only make it that much more awkward to be around each other. After all, they were bound to be invited to the same family gatherings in the future.
    He listened to Ricky and Katarina joking around. She had a contagious laugh, and the two fed off each other. Though the sound brought a smile to his lips, Alex was struck with an uncommon feeling of regret.
    Adam bellowed over the crowd, “Burgers are ready.”
    Alex touched Katarina’s shoulder. “You two ready for a bite?” Her contagious giggles came to an immediate stop, while Ricky’s continued.
    “I’m not hungry, but thanks, anyway. You two can go ahead without me.” She pushed herself from the swing and went across the gazebo to the window on the other side.
    Uncertain what had startled her so, Alex suggested Ricky help him fix his plate.
    As she watched Alex lift Ricky to his shoulders, Katarina’s mind drifted. How easy it had been to let the mood of the day carry her away with the relaxing sway of the swing, the soft voice of her sister’s brother-in-law and the coziness of sharing a gazebo with a handsome man and an equally adorable child.
    Just watching Alex, she had no doubts he’d make a wonderful father. Why hadn’t he married? Heseemed nice, considerate, and his looks certainly wouldn’t stand in the way.
    “Katarina?” Alex looked right at her.
    She blinked, suddenly aware that she’d been staring. “What?” Why in the world was she daydreaming about Alex MacIntyre? A take-charge man didn’t fit into her plans.
    Ricky dangled over Alex’s shoulder like a sack of flour, squealing with delight. “I’m going to take Ricky to meet everyone. You sure you don’t want to come?”
    She tipped her head toward the window and shook her head. “I think I’ll just wait here. You two seem to be doing fine.”
    Alex swung Ricky to the ground. A smile teased Alex’s lips. “No hiding out allowed. After all, you’re part of the family, too.” Then they were gone.
    She watched as Alex and Ricky hugged Alex’s mother. Ricky met his twin aunts, Elizabeth and Susan, their husbands and Susan’s children, then devoured his supper.
    A while later, Katarina ventured back to the group seated at the picnic table. Alex pulled up another chair and discreetly tested it before allowing Katarina to sit. She blushed, surprised that no one else seemed to notice what he’d done. He brought her a tall glass of lemonade, then sat next to her.
    For the second time that day she wondered whyAlex was paying her so much attention. Probably nothing, she decided. He’s just being nice .
    “Hi, Katarina. I’m Susan, Kevin’s sister. It was so hectic at the wedding, I don’t think we were ever formally introduced.”
    “Hello again.” Katarina noted the tactful way Susan avoided mentioning her embarrassing fall. Maybe it could be put behind them after all.
    “My brother tells me you’re a doll maker. I’m guessing it’s an incredible coincidence that you are the Kat in Kat’s Kreations, right?”
    “As a matter of fact, I am. You know my work?”
    “I adore them. What else do you