Hunter's Bride and A Mother's Wish Read Online Free PDF Page A

never altered by an iota. She told it the way her mother had told it to her, and her mother before that.
    Sammy leaned close. “Tell what happened to them, Gran.”
    Gran stroked his cheek. “You know that part of the story—He opened his eyes, took one look at her and knew he’d love her forever. He was the first Caldwell on the island, and he married her and started a family, and we’ve been here ever since.”
    â€œAnd the dolphin.”
    â€œHe carved for her a dolphin out of a piece of cypress washed up by the storm. They put it in the little wedding chapel, and folks said every couple who married under the gaze of the dolphin would have a blessed union. And so they have.”
    Chloe’s throat was so tight she couldn’t possibly speak. It was plain silly, to be so moved by an old story that probably didn’t have much truth left in it. But she was. They all were, even Luke. She could read it in his intent gaze.
    â€œIs the dolphin still there? I’d like to see it.”
    Luke must be aware of the strained quality of the silence that met his question. Here was the ending to the story no one wanted to tell.
    â€œChloe’s dolphin is gone,” Gran said softly. “Stolen one night by someone—no one knows who.” Her wrinkled hand cupped Sammy’s cheek. “But the story still lives.”
    Chloe’s father stood, the chair rocking behind him. With a muttered excuse, he walked inside, favoring his bad leg as he did when he was tired.
    His departure was a signal. David stood, stretched and held out his hand to Sammy. “Come on, guy. Time you were in bed.”
    â€œBut—”
    He swept Sammy along, stilling his protest. “Best get some sleep. I need you to help me take Chloe and Luke dolphin watching tomorrow, okay?”
    Gran smiled. “Seems to me Chloe and Luke could stand a bit of time away from family.” Her hands fluttered in a shooing motion. “Go on, now. Take your gal out for a walk in the moonlight.”
    Fortunately, it had gotten dark enough that no one would be able to see her flush. “Gran, we don’t need to take a walk.”
    But Luke had already risen and was holding out his hand to her. “Come on, Chloe. Do what your grandmother says.”
    Apparently she didn’t have a choice. She stood, evading his hand, and started down the three steps to the walk. But by the time she reached the bottom, his hand had closed over hers. It was warm and firm, and the pressure of his fingers told her that if she tried to pull away, he wouldn’t let her.
    Shells crunched underfoot, then boards echoed as they walked onto the dock. Moonlight traced a silvery sheen on the water. The mainland was a dark shadow on the horizon, pierced by pinpoints of light. They came to a stop at the end of the dock and leaned on the railing.
    Chloe cleared her throat. This was amazingly hard. “I’m sorry about that. Gran has certain expectations about what she’d call ‘courting couples.’ I should have warned you.”
    He turned toward her. She couldn’t be sure of his expression in the soft darkness, but she thought he was amused.
    â€œIt doesn’t matter, Chloe. She’s right, this is a beautiful moonlit night. I don’t mind taking a walk with you to fulfill her expectations.”
    It was the kind of phrase he’d use in reference to a business deal, and the language didn’t mesh with the gentle murmur of waves against the dock and the cry of a night heron. He didn’t fit here, and maybe she didn’t, either, any longer. The thought made her shiver.
    â€œYou’re cold.”
    Luke ran his hands down her arms, warming them, sending a thousand conflicting messages along her skin and straight to her heart.
    â€œWe should go in.” But she didn’t want to. She wanted to stay here with him.
    â€œThat would disappoint your gran.” His voice teased.