Her Heart's Desire Read Online Free PDF Page B

was my fault I had depression and I believed it. I refuse to go back to who I was years ago. My life is with Jack and my son, but Jack convinced me that I’m strong enough to take care of myself if anything happened to him.” Mel closed her eyes for a moment, and when she opened them again Sara saw the fierce determination blazing there. “You’re not hurting anyone but yourself if you don’t talk to Cade and tell him how you feel.”
    Sara still wasn’t as confident as Mel seemed to be. She felt she needed to explain how good her aunt had been to her. “If it hadn’t been for my aunt, I don’t know how I could have managed. She’d stop by before I went to school. She’d meet me at the bus stop after classes. She helped me with the cleaning and the cooking. I owe her.”
    Melanie huffed. “You owe her your thanks, for God’s sake, not your firstborn or your entire life. If you want to be with two men then that’s something you need to discuss with your husband. Do what makes you happy. You don’t need her permission, Sara.”
    â€œYou don’t think I’m a freak?”
    Melanie waggled her brows. “Hey, if you can have two hot guys like the Dalton brothers by your side for the rest of your life, I say go for it.” She picked up the stack of lottery tickets. “Now, enough of this self-doubt. Help me out here. Would you please add these tickets and see what amount you come up with?”
    Thankful to have something else to think about, Sara took the tickets and flipped on the switch to the calculator. After two attempts the lottery was straightened out and both women left the office. They walked side by side up the aisle.
    â€œHey, Sara, how’s that sexy brother-in-law of yours doin’?” Stacy asked, grinning impishly. “Has he found a girlfriend yet?”
    Sara blinked, caught off guard at the surge of jealousy that stabbed her in the belly. Mel was right. Stacy did have the hots for Reese even though he had to be at least ten years older than her. “He’s fine, Stacy.”
    The bell jingled above the door, signaling a customer. Sara’s aunt stepped inside and regarded her niece with a look of disdain. Sara muffled a groan. “Hi, Aunt Helen.”
    â€œSara, you should have told me that Cade injured his wrist. It’s not proper for Reese to be at your house at all hours of the night.”
    Sara wished the floor would open up and swallow her whole. “Reese is not at the house all hours of the night, and he is my brother-in-law, Aunt Helen.”
    The older woman narrowed her eyes and tilted her head. She straightened and sniffed loudly. “The reputation those two have is way beyond disgusting. Sara, they shared women. Everyone knows it.”
    â€œThat’s right, Aunt Helen, they shared, but not anymore.”
    â€œDo you really think the neighbors care whether or not they’ve stopped? The fact they had the impudence to act out such disgusting behavior in the first place is what will keep them wondering. They’ll spread gossip and ruin my good name simply because I put my life on hold to see that you had a proper upbringing. I would have thought you’d have more respect for me.”
    Sara felt the burn of her temper clear to her toes. Guilt trip time. “I don’t care what other people think and it’s about time you didn’t either.”
    â€œNow wait just a minute, young lady.”
    â€œExcuse me.” Both Helen and Sara turned at the sound of Melanie’s voice. “Sara, why don’t you get that cereal you came for while I speak to your aunt for a minute.”
    Temper stewing, Sara stomped down the breakfast aisle and grabbed a box of cereal. Then she made her way to the coolers and grabbed a gallon of milk. She turned and saw Mel coming toward her. “Is she gone?”
    Mel nodded. “She knows not to call unless it’s an