Coveting Love (Jessica Crawford) Read Online Free PDF Page A

had left her. She poured her soul into making sure Jessica had the best opportunities available to her. She didn’t mean to put her on the spot in regards to finding a husband. She just did not want to see her end up alone, as she was.
    She heaved a sigh of relief as she caught sight of her daughter’s bright red Mustang coming down the road. It had been so long since their last visit together, and Sarah had missed her daughter terribly. She smiled as she remembered that visit. She had been feeling under the weather and Jessica had insisted on administering to her needs. She had even tried her hand at cooking a meal, much to Sarah’s horror.
    As the car drew closer, Sarah could see that Jessica was not alone. She guessed Amy had decided to tag along. Sarah was fond of Amy. She knew Amy reciprocated the affection. She had taken Amy under her wing after her own mother had died in an automobile accident, when Amy and Jessica were in college.
    She ran to meet the car as it swung into the driveway. She noticed Mrs. Cooper standing at the picture window in her living room and waved to her. Embarrassed at being caught snooping, Mrs. Cooper let the draperies go, and quickly fled from the window. Mrs. Cooper was the resident busybody of the neighborhood, but having this reputation did not seem to stop her from spying.
    Jessica jumped out of the car and ran into her mother’s waiting arms.
    “ Mom!” she cried, throwing herself into her arms and hugging her tightly, as if she were a child welcoming her mother home after a long absence. “It’s so wonderful to be home.” She turned and gestured toward Amy. “Look who I managed to talk into coming along.”
    Sarah opened her arms to Amy, who flew into them. “I’m so happy to see you again, Amy. It has been so long since you visited. I’ve missed you,” she scolded.
    Amy smiled apologetically. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to ignore you. I was just now able to find the time to get away. My father was sick not too long ago; I had to fly home to check on him,” she explained.
    “ Yes, Jessie told me about your father’s illness. I was so sorry to hear about it. I hope he’s better now.”
    “ Much better,” Amy assured her
    “ Actually,” Jessica cut in, “I had to drag Amy here this weekend. She thought she would be a bother, but I told her you wouldn’t mind.”
    After Jessica had left John that afternoon, she sought out Amy and attempted to persuade her to join them, but Amy was determined she would only be a hindrance to the trip. Refusing to accept no for an answer, Jessica had persisted, until finally Amy had surrendered.
    Amy cast her friend an impatient glance, but Jessica just grinned back at her. Sarah placed her arms around both girls’ shoulders and led them into the house.
    They had only just reached the doorstep when they remembered their luggage. Laughing, they ran back to the car for it. Amy admitted Jessica had been right. This little reprieve was just the thing she needed. She was smiling when they rejoined Sarah.
    Sarah frowned when she saw Jessica carrying her laptop computer. “I thought you were here to enjoy yourself this weekend.”
    “ I’m sorry. I promise I’ll try to relax as much as possible, but something came up at the last minute. I need to try to get a little work done.” She smiled apologetically, looking every bit as sorry as she felt.
    Sarah shrugged. “I suppose a girl has to make a living. Now, if you found yourself a husband you could take some of that burden off yourself and have a little fun in your life.”
    Jessica rolled her eyes. “I have you and Amy, and lots of other friends, and I have plenty of fun in my life.”
    If there were any issues that strained the mother and daughter’s relationship, it would be Sarah’s determination to find Jessica a husband. Sarah felt that Jessica ought to be married. If Jessica weren’t going to take the time to find a husband for herself, then Sarah would find one for her.