Crazy Ever After Read Online Free PDF Page A

brows. “Her father just died. She’s probably not herself right now.” Her defense of her daughter, even after how badly Samara had hurt her, made Travis smile. “But she’s here.”
    “Yeah. She is.”
    Dayna’s housekeeper Ava appeared in the French doors. “I’ll take that, hon,” she said, reaching for the tray.
    “Thanks, Ava,” Dayna said.
    “Dinner is ready whenever you are,” Ava added.
    Dayna sighed. “I really don’t feel like eating.”
    “You have to eat,” Ava said, her eyes clouding.
    “Yeah,” Travis said. “And I, for one, am starving.”
    “While you’re eating, I’ll go put fresh sheets on Samara’s bed.” Ava said. “Where is that girl? I haven’t even seen her.” Ava had worked for their family for many years and probably had missed Samara too.
    “I’m right here.” Samara’s voice came from the door.
    All three of them looked over at her. She’d changed from the business suit into a casual sundress in shades of orange and gold that flattered her pale gold skin and fiery hair. Christ, still so gorgeous.
    Ava set down the tray and went over to pull Samara in for a hug. “Sammy,” she murmured. “How are you, hon?”
    “I’m okay.” Samara’s voice came out sounding choked, and she hugged Ava’s plump form back in a tight, heartfelt embrace.
    “It’s been too long, Sammy,” Ava scolded her, drawing back. She shot a glance toward Dayna. “I missed you.” Ava studied her and smiled. “Look at you, all grown up.” Her smile faded. “I’m so sorry about your dad, honey.”
    “Oh, Ava. I’m sorry too.” They hugged again, and Travis’s heart shifted.
    “We’ll talk more later,” Ava said, drawing back.
    Samara gave a teary but still wry smile. “Okay.”
    “You look beautiful, Samara,” Dayna said. “Let’s go eat, shall we?”
    She led the way to the dining room then stood there surveying the formally set table with sparkling crystal, china and gleaming silver. She paused. “I don’t want to eat in here tonight,” she said. “I’m sorry, Ava. Can we eat in the breakfast room?”
    “Of course. I should have thought of that, with it being just the three of you. You’ve all eaten in the breakfast room so many times.” Ava quickly picked up dishes of food and whisked them back into the kitchen.
    Samara picked up a place setting—a plate, cutlery and a water goblet—and followed Ava. Travis did the same. “Thanks,” Dayna said. “Sorry about this.”
    “God, Dayna, don’t apologize,” Travis said. “There was a time when I ate here more often than I ate at my own home. I can help out.” He didn’t want to even think about how much he’d missed being in their home, being a part of their family. Except he really wasn’t part of their family, as he’d painfully learned.
    She nodded and gave him a sad little smile.
    In a few moments they were settled in the small alcove off the kitchen with cheery yellow walls and painted white furniture. A wall of windows looked out onto the patio and the yard beyond, clay pots overflowing with colorful flowers and greenery. The house faced south so the breakfast room received light almost all day long. Now the sun was lower in the sky, and the rich light made the flowers glow and cast long shadows across the patio and lawn.
    Uncharacteristically quiet, Samara pulled out a chair and sat down, unfolding her napkin. Fatigue drew down her mouth and eyes. She must be wiped. She was putting up a good front, but this had to be killing her. She and her father had been close, despite living so far apart these last years. Even with the tension between him and Parker, and Parker’s reluctance to talk to Travis about his daughter, Travis knew Parker had kept in frequent contact with her after she’d left Portland. Parker had been so worried about her when she’d been traveling in Central America that year after high school, he’d gone to meet up with her in Brazil and in Matagalpa. When she’d started college