Jodie's Song Read Online Free PDF

again? Relationships and solid friendships like those offered by Kevin and Kaci would be welcome.
    Embracing that recognition left Jodie willing to be a bit more open than usual. “My sister and her family are relocating to south Texas in a few weeks, so I moved back to help take care of my father. He’s faced some health issues. That’s what matters to me beyond anything else.”
    Kaci moved ahead, and Kevin’s attention zeroed in on Jodie. He stepped close and her breath caught. From time to time, as they strolled and spied interesting displays, he would touch her arm, or set a guiding hand against her back. For the duration of their flower buying expedition, he stayed near, but he wasn’t obtrusive. Savoring the warm and comforting aspects of his presence, Jodie gave herself a firm reminder not to let wistful longings run rampant.
    They added a selection of yellow tea roses, white hyacinth, bluebonnets, and white petunias to their cart. While she helped Kaci and Kevin arrange their chosen flats and pots, Jodie couldn’t resist the urge to bury her nose in a trio of hyacinth. “What a beautiful scent and they look so healthy and strong.”
    Kaci perched her hands on her hips, smiling wide as she studied the selections. “Absolutely. The grounds are going to look fantastic for the wedding.”
    At that point, Jodie happened to meet Kevin’s eyes and the affection in his smile made her senses flutter.
    After saying goodbye to Kaci, Jodie and Kevin returned to Heart’s Haven. They unloaded their gardening supplies in a storage shed next to the community center. Kevin shoulder-hauled the heavy sacks of soil and fertilizer while Jodie carefully positioned their flower selections. A musky, damp aroma blended with that of the blooms, and dust debris sparkled through the air, swirling through a band of sunlight that poured through a cloudy window. She wondered at the way Kevin lingered over their task. At length he cleared his throat and focused his attention on a couple packages of gardening gloves he unwrapped and placed in readiness on a nearby workbench.
    “I don’t know if you’ve noticed the way the greenway trail borders the complex,” he began. Jodie shook her head, waiting. “I’ve always loved the way it skirts the edge of the Angelina Forest, and it’s a great place to walk and unwind, especially in the spring. I run there from time to time.”
    “I’m a runner as well. That sounds wonderful.”
    “Would you like to take a walk with me and check it out?” He shrugged, brushing some dirt from his jeans. “If today isn’t good, maybe we could take a run together at some point.”
    A future. Friendship. Connection. Expectation danced into her heart. Clouds had just begun to roll slowly across the sky; a gentle, balmy wind had picked up steadily during the past half hour. “I’d love that.” She followed him outside, watching him close and padlock the door. “If we set out now, we’ll probably have just enough time to beat the rain.”
    He grinned. “Late afternoon storms being a fact of life in Texas during the spring.”
    “Definitely.”
    They followed a cobbled path that led to the chattering trees and pine-scented beauty of the forest edge. There was no forced conversation, no awkward tension, just peaceful contentment.
    Which Jodie craved more than water.
    “So your sister. She’s moving?”
    That’s right—she hadn’t mentioned that fact when they shared pie the other day. “Yes, Tracee has been watching after Dad for quite a while now but her husband’s job is leading them to Corpus Christi.”
    Kevin’s brows pulled. He inched a bit closer; their shoulders brushed while they meandered. “Jodie, I admire you.”
    She swallowed, and blinked. “Huh?”
    “You really don’t see it, do you?”
    “See what?” Befuddled by his comment, Jodie watched a trio of squirrels scamper into an excited chase through a low section of underbrush.
    Kevin swung his hand and caught hers on the