Divided Hearts Read Online Free PDF Page A

Langdale, she followed the tree-fringed highway that snaked along the Sunshine Coast, finding herself in a paradise of unspoiled nature, far removed from the big city she’d grown up in. Sheltered by Vancouver Island, the ocean water curving through the Strait of Georgia rippled serenely, lapping against densely wooded shores and sun-drenched beaches, as the brisk sea air carried gulls and cormorants high up against a cloudless sheet of blue sky. Driving with her car window down, Faye allowed the cool, salty breeze to lace through her hair.
    Mid-afternoon she eased her car along the roads of tiny Halfmoon Bay, finding Simon’s log-frame house nestled among Douglas fir trees and overlooking the tranquil bay. A spacious, rustic design, the cedar-sided house featuring large front windows and a broad stone chimney rising above the gabled roof. To Faye is looked idyllic, though Jenna had never mentioned her impression of the place.
    Simon appeared on the broad front deck as Faye pulled into the driveway. He smiled with a trace of relief, as though he hadn’t been entirely convinced she’d show up.
    “Did you have any trouble finding the place?” he asked as Faye stepped out of her car.
    She shook her head, pausing a moment to smooth down her wind-blown hair. “But it was the longest trek I’d care to make alone with a toddler.”
    “She looks relaxed enough.” Simon glanced into the back seat to spy Hannah’s dark head lolling against one shoulder, her mouth puckered open.
    “She wore herself out running me ragged on the ferry,” Faye said, recalling with a roll of her eyes the forty minutes she had spent chasing the excited little girl around the deck, and the exertion it had taken forcing her back into the confines of her car seat.
    “She liked it?”
    “Loved it. I’ll get her out.” Reaching into the car, Faye unbuckled the straps on the child seat and lifted Hannah onto her shoulder. Still clutching her stuffed dog, Hannah snuggled against Faye, her eyes fluttering open.
    “Welcome to Daddy’s house, my love.” Simon stroked the little girl’s back lightly, as she lifted her head. Scrubbing a pudgy hand across her eyes, she peered around, wary of the unfamiliar surroundings yet nonetheless intrigued by the enticing sounds and scents.
    Simon grabbed the pair of overnight bags off the back seat, tilting his head toward the house in invitation. “Come on inside.”
    Following him through the door, Faye gazed around in admiration at the spotless living room, a substantial space with a vaulted ceiling, a wide stone fireplace its focal point. French doors opened out to a patio and sumptuous garden at the back of the house. The furniture, though sparse and functional, had been thoughtfully chosen and arranged for aesthetic appeal. She smiled to herself, picturing the destruction of the room’s symmetry once the place was littered with dolls, plastic push toys and random puzzle pieces—if Hannah were to become a frequent visitor.
    “Is there some place I can change her diaper?” Faye asked.
    “Right this way.”
    Simon led her to a bedroom down the hall, a double bed and dresser occupying the wall by the window. Only after they passed through the door did Faye see the crib and change table on the other side of the room, complete with Winnie the Pooh sheets, extra blankets, a box of diapers, and even a stuffed elephant and giraffe placed neatly on the corner of the mattress. Faye felt a jolt of unease as she approached.
    “Don’t look so anxious. I don’t plan on keeping her,” Simon said, as though Faye’s thoughts showed plainly in her face. “But I do plan on having her here from time to time. She’ll have her own room, but for tonight I thought you’d both be most comfortable sleeping in the same room.”
    “It’s fine,” Faye said, her concern somewhat eased as she set Hannah carefully on the padded change table. “In fact, it was thoughtful of you to do this.”
    “I should learn how to