Hero at Large Read Online Free PDF

above his heart. “Dog and I just about froze to death in the truck. I was going to come inside the skating rink to get warm, but I was afraid I looked too disreputable, so I fished around in your purse until I found your address and your keys, and then I drove myself over here.”
    â€œI thought you couldn’t drive.”
    â€œWell, I discovered I could just about wrap my fingers around the wheel.” He waved his cast at her and wiggled his fingers. “And lucky it was my left arm that you broke, because I can shift with my good hand.”
    â€œAnd then you just let yourself in and went to bed?” she sputtered.
    â€œThere wasn’t anyone home. I put Dog in your backyard and went upstairs.”
    â€œIt was just like Goldilocks,” Aunt Edna insisted. “I went upstairs and there he was, sleeping just as peaceful as could be.”
    â€œUntil Edna started screaming.” He raised an eyebrow at Edna. “You’ve got some voice.”
    Edna sniffed indignantly. “Well, what do you think? You think I’m some frail old lady? And if you hadn’t come up with a good explanation I’d  have cracked your skull wide open with my wooden rolling pin.”
    Chris smiled and looked sidewise at Ken. “Don’t doubt it for a minute,” she whispered.
    â€œYou’re obviously closely related.”
    â€œAunt Edna is my mother’s sister and reigning family matriarch.”
    â€œSeventy-five years old, and I’m almost as good as new,” she said proudly. “Now you young folks go into the parlor, and I’ll get us some refreshments.”
    â€œThat won’t be necessary, Aunt Edna. I’m sure Mr. Callahan will be anxious to be on his way.”
    Aunt Edna’s mouth closed with a determined snap. “I won’t hear of it. Anyone can see the man is hungry, and he don’t look like he’s in such a hurry to leave.”
    Ken beamed. “I’d like to stay for refreshments.”
    â€œYou see?” Edna gloated. “I knew he didn’t want to rush off.” She smacked her lips with satisfaction and bustled off to the kitchen.
    Ken smiled. “I like your aunt.”
    Chris glanced up at him. “When my marriage collapsed it was Aunt Edna that put the pieces back together. Her own husband died eleven years ago. When I was in my eighth month, Aunt Edna arrived unannounced and informed me that I needed looking after. I was the only one in my Lamaze class with a sixty-seven-year-old lady for a coach.” Chris shook her head, still amazed at the memory. “She went right through delivery with me. She was wonderful.”
    â€œAnd she’s lived with you ever since?”
    â€œOff and on. She travels from family member to family member. Mostly wherever there’s a disaster. Lately I’ve tried to keep her here because of Lucy. In order for me to make enough money to support us it’s necessary for me to give after-school and evening lessons. If it weren’t for Aunt Edna, I’d have to put Lucy in day care and hire babysitters at night.”
    Ken relaxed onto the couch and patted the spot next to him. “Come sit by me.” The sounds of banging cupboards and clanking dishes drifted in from the kitchen. Ken looked in the direction of the clatter. His mouth twitched and finally gave way to a full-fledged grin.
    â€œWhat’s so funny?”
    â€œI just thought of something your aunt said to me.” He threw his head back and laughed.
    Chris marveled at the quality of his laughter. It was full and rich and deeply masculine and impossible to ignore. She smiled and prodded him. “Well? What did she say?”
    â€œWhen she walked in and found me asleep in  your bed, she let out with this ear-splitting screech—it had me sitting bolt upright before I even  opened my eyes. But then she took a good look at me. I guess she sized me up and figured I was okay,