I Still Do Read Online Free PDF Page B

shown on her face, because Ty nudged her with his elbow. “I heard from Jamie that you and Will were old friends—”
    â€œSummer friends. Until we were seventeen.”
    â€œThen I wonder if you know what happened when he was eighteen.”
    She glanced up. “What? What happened?”
    His voice lowered. “Their parents died. After that, Will raised them all. Alone. For all intents and purposes, he’s been a parent for the last thirteen years.”
    A parent for the last thirteen years.
    Oh. Oh, Will. Her throat tightened. “Until Betsy graduated.”
    â€œYep. He was in Vegas last week—the first real vacation he’s ever had. He’s been waiting all this time to finally become a bachelor.”
    The words sank in slowly, settling like rocks into the muddy bottom of a stream. Well, she’d wanted to know more about him, hadn’t she?

Chapter Three
    E mily decided she had to get away. She needed some peace, some time, some distance to process what she’d just learned.
    He’s been waiting all this time to finally become a bachelor.
    She backed away without any of those gathered around the TV noticing, and only turned as she heard clattering from the kitchen. With a quick movement, she ducked around the corner to find Jamie putting away leftovers.
    â€œI wanted to say thank you,” Emily said, sketching a wave. “I should probably be heading home.”
    â€œWe’re going to have dancing. And I haven’t set out dessert yet,” Jamie protested. “Your cake looks delicious.”
    â€œI hope you enjoy it. But I…I have an early day at the library tomorrow.”
    The other woman made a face. “We scared you away.”
    â€œNo!” Will’s family hadn’t scared her. “You’re all very nice.”
    â€œWe’re loud.”
    â€œBut in a nice way.” Emily smiled. “Really. But I do have work tomorrow.”
    A child’s cry warbled into the room, and Jamie cast a glance at the baby monitor on the counter. “Uh-oh. Polly wasn’t quite ready to go down.”
    â€œYou check on her and I’ll let myself out,” Emily said. “Thanks again.”
    After another hug, Jamie disappeared and Emily had her chance to make a getaway. When she saw that Will was still absorbed in the video, she decided to make it a silent, unannounced retreat by letting herself out through the side gate in the backyard.
    The dancing had already started on the large deck. Dusk was descending, and the railing was strung with lights in the shape of hula dancers. As she passed one of the other women—Chelsea? Ann?—the small dancing partner that was propped on her hip held out his chubby arms to Emily.
    â€œYou now,” little Todd said.
    She halted. “What?”
    He repeated the words, his body angling toward Emily. “You now.”
    Her eyes met those of his spurned partner. The other woman grinned. “He likes to spread his love around. What can I say? That’s a guy for you, isn’t it?”
    And what could Emily do but take hold of the toddler? As she swayed to the slow beat of a country song, the boy’s smile could have melted steel. She shook her head. “Did your Uncle Will teach you your way with women?”
    But before he could answer, his Uncle Will was there, lifting his nephew away from her to set him on his feet. “Your mom’s looking for you.”
    The boy scowled. “Unc—”
    Will held up a hand, halting further protest. “Cake.”
    Short legs churned in their hurry to get to the kitchen.
    Emily had to laugh. “You’re good at that.”
    â€œPractice.”
    She nodded. “Right.” And that reminded her she’d been on her way out because the bachelor before her had earned his freedom. She took a step back.
    â€œYou wouldn’t happen to be running away from me again, would you?”
    â€œOf course