Desperado: Deep in the Heart, Book 2 Read Online Free PDF Page B

a braid, tied with a pink bow.
    “You think that because you’re my uncle. You don’t understand.”
    Her voice was so despondent that Cody felt he had to try again. “Explain it to me slowly, so maybe I can catch on.”
    “Well, for one thing, I have no reason to wear a bra. I have nothing to put in one, which is really a drag.”
    Cody could feel heat creeping along the back of his neck. “I…can understand you feeling that way.”
    “I’m the only girl in my class who doesn’t. And I’m not allowed to stay out past ten, like the other kids. Tonight, they’re all going over to Livvy’s after the fair closes.”
    And I have to go home with my uncle, like a baby. Cody clearly caught the underlying message now. No doubt Mary was experiencing the same struggle most of her friends were, but his heart ached for her. Would nothing in life be simple for this child who was so close to his heart?
    “You know,” he said after a moment, “I was the smallest kid in the class. Your father used to have to whip up on kids who were being mean to me.”
    “Really?”
    He had her full attention. “I was ugly, you know.”
    “Oh, no, Uncle Cody. You’re the most handsome man in the world.”
    Grinning at Mary’s innocent reverence, Cody laughed. “Next time you come over, ask Grandma to dig out some of my old school pictures. Check out the size of my ears.”
    “You had big ears?”
    “Yep. It’s a sign of greatness,” he told her, “but try telling that to a schoolroom full of kids using your ears for spitball targets.”
    “Oh, Uncle Cody! I’m so sorry!”
    He pulled into Annie’s driveway and shut off the truck. “Life isn’t all fun and games, ladybug. I got over it.”
    “How come you don’t have big ears now?”
    “I grew into ’em.” He pointed at her to get out of the truck. “And you’ll grow out of your awkward stage, too.”
    Sooner rather than later, he hoped. In the meantime, he wondered if Annie needed to know that her daughter was suffering the pangs of adolescence a mite heavily. Didn’t have anything to put in a bra, indeed. He was out in left field with that one. “You know, Mary, your mom will talk to you about all this stuff that’s got you twisted up.”
    “Oh, no, Uncle Cody.” She shook her head adamantly. “I couldn’t. Mom’s always busy with Zach.” A guilty expression crossed her face. “I mean, I’m glad they’re married. I love Zach. But I do have to share Mom now, and it’s just different.” She looked at her shoes sadly for a moment. “She’s been crying a lot lately, when she thinks I don’t know.”
    “Crying?” Cody couldn’t help the feeling of alarm that raced through him.
    “Well, her and Zach don’t think I know, but Mom cries at the drop of a hat these days. One time, he said he didn’t think it was gonna rain, and Mom fell all to pieces. Took him about fifteen minutes to make her feel better.” Mary met his worried gaze. “Course, it didn’t need to rain after that. Mom damn near washed out the house with her tears.”
    “Don’t say damn, Mary. Your mom’ll think I’ve been cussing around you.”
    “You have, Uncle Cody.”
    “I know.” He pushed the door open. “I try real hard not to, though. So keep your mouth clean so she doesn’t cry, okay?”
    “Good idea.”
    They walked into the house together. Zach and Annie sat in the kitchen, eating a late-night snack.
    “Have a good time?” Annie asked, kissing her daughter on the cheek.
    “Yes. Thanks for letting me go with you, Uncle Cody.” Mary turned to leave the kitchen, but Annie gently caught her arm.
    “There’s something Zach and I want to tell you. Both of you.”
    Annie’s eyes glowed with happiness. No tears there now. Relief filled Cody. Whatever Mary had witnessed, it had passed, and he was glad for that. He couldn’t bear the thought that Annie was unhappy.
    “Zach and I are going to have a baby!”
    Cody’s jaw dropped. Mary stared at her mother in dismay.