Ever After at Sweetheart Ranch Read Online Free PDF Page A

Elk’s Crest? Maybe that was his problem. He needed his kisses more regular.
    He glanced at his grandma’s Audi sedan, where she was still waiting, her stare out the passenger window quite pointed.
    â€œWill,” Lyndsay said, “is everything okay with Mr. and Mrs. Acker?”
    â€œSure, they’re doing as well as can be expected, right?” When their only child is dead. It had been sixteen years since her death, but he’d never forget the anguish, disbelief, and horror. He was long used to the tight cramp that clenched his chest whenever he thought of Brittany, and his own part in her poor parents’ suffering.
    â€œGotta go,” he said, trying not to sound stiff and realizing he was failing. “See ya, Lyndsay.”
    He gave a brief wave as he turned away, but he hadn’t met her eyes again. She seemed to be looking too deeply into his soul.
    His grandma was doing the same thing, but for different reasons, and he let his expression turn cocky as he slid behind the wheel.
    â€œHey, Grandma, can’t believe you’re letting me drive your prized Audi.”
    â€œYou’re not sixteen anymore, William. You drive a swather across a hay field. I believe you’ve proved you can be trusted.”
    â€œGee, thanks.” He tossed her another smile as he started the car and pulled away from Silver Creek Park.
    â€œThat was Lyndsay De Luca you were talking with after the Ackers.”
    â€œYep.”
    â€œShe is quite the gifted teacher. And very smart to be able to teach mathematics to budding teenagers.”
    He glanced at her with curiosity. “So I’ve heard.”
    â€œShe cares about the children, too. I understand she’s an advisor to the 4-­H club.”
    â€œGrandma, if you’re such an admirer, why don’t you hire her at the inn?”
    She shot him a sharp look. “You are quite out of sorts, young man. One might think you have a problem with her.”
    â€œI don’t have a problem except that she seemed to be eavesdropping on my conversation with the Ackers.” He gritted his teeth. Damn, why had he mentioned that?
    â€œLyndsay is too well raised to be eavesdropping. Which means you felt uneasy being overheard and cast your doubts onto her. Why is that?”
    He sighed. “That’s ridiculous, Grandma. I’m friends with the Ackers. I’ve known them ever since high school.” Ever since Brittany had innocently decided he’d be the perfect boyfriend.
    â€œAnd since their daughter’s death, you’ve been a good friend to them,” she said quietly.
    There was gentle understanding in his grandma’s voice, tough as nails though she was.
    â€œOf course I have. It’s the least I’ve been able to do after what they suffered.”
    â€œAnd you suffered, too, in your own way.”
    â€œWe all did,” he said woodenly. “When a classmate dies . . .”
    With long practice, he pushed the memories aside, resurrected his smile, and pulled into a parking spot on Main Street, right in front of Just Desserts.
    â€œGreat parking spot, Grandma. I didn’t even need to drop you off. Do you know what kind of ice cream you want?”
    She frowned at him from beneath the brim of her sweeping hat. “Very well, William, I will consider the subject closed for now. I do believe a vanilla cone sounds lovely.”
    â€œVanilla?” he scoffed. “That’s pretty boring. I like the one with chocolate-­covered cone pieces in it. Nuts, too. Now let’s get in line before we have to wait all night.”
    â€œPerhaps I can move the line along by intimidating a child or two with a good long stare.”
    He snorted. “Their parents, too.”
    He grinned at her, and she gave him a slow, wicked smile in return.
    L yndsay had converted the back bedroom into an office in her three-­bedroom ranch. Her desk was L-­shaped in a corner, with plenty of