Linda Ford Read Online Free PDF Page A

would find healing for whatever made them so fearful and kept them away from each other.
    Joey ate a bowl of soup, played with the toys for a few minutes, then crawled into Buck’s lap and closed his eyes.
    Kathleen watched the play of emotions on Buck’s face—worry, love, hope. He lifted his eyes to hers and allowed her to see the depth of his feelings. They caught at her heart. Then he ducked his head, pressing his cheek to Joey’s black hair.
    Emotion clogged Kathleen’s throat. This kind of love awed her. Filled her heart with yearning.
    She drew in a shaking breath, wondering at the lightness of the air she sucked in, which did little to relieve her need for oxygen.
    Lilly slept in Rosie’s arms. Young Mattie whined.
    “I need to put the little ones down for their nap.” Rosie pushed to her feet. “Come along, Junior. Time for you to have a sleep.”
    “Mama, I want to play with Joey.”
    Buck looked at his son. “I don’t think Joey feels much like playing at the moment. When you wake up he’ll likely be ready.”
    Rosie took the children to the bedroom to settle them.
    Kathleen expected Buck to do the same with Joey, but he stayed seated. She forced herself to remain still, though she longed to jump to her feet and pace the room. A crack in the wooden table caught her attention and she ran a fingernail along it.
    “Is he asleep?” Buck whispered.
    She looked. “I would say so.”
    “Then I’ll put him down now.” He shifted the boy and carried him to the bed, covered him carefully, smoothed his hair from his forehead…all ordinary things, yet watching him made her heart ache.
    He stepped back, watched his son a moment, then tiptoed from the room and pulled the door part way shut. “I didn’t want to put him down until he fell asleep. Seems like the least I can give him is lots of assurance of safety.” He returned to the chair he occupied previously and rubbed his hand across his face. “I fear I am an inadequate parent, but I’m all the poor little guy has.”
    Such hope and desperation filled his voice, she couldn’t bear it. “From what I’ve seen, you are an excellent father. The way he adores you is proof enough.”
    Brown eyes met hers, brimming with hunger and longing. “Do you think so?”
    He loved the boy deeply and wasn’t afraid to show it. The knowledge of such love—human love—gave her the feeling she missed something vital in her life. She feared it would show in her eyes but lacked the strength to tear her gaze away. “I know so.”
    A slow, intense smile filled his face. “I perceive you are a most generous person in every way.”
    It was her turn to be surprised. “How nice of you to say so.” But how could he know? He’d only just met her.
    His chuckle tingled along her nerves like music rushing up her veins. “You’re thinking I couldn’t possibly know, seeing as we’ve only met. But yet, I think I am correct.” He leaned closer drawing her into an intimate invisible circle including only the two of them, excluding everyone and everything else. “I know you’ve gone out of your way to make friends with Rosie, and I’m certain it’s more than what most women in your group of friends consider ordinary.”
    She tried to pull her thoughts into order, but all she could think was he admired her for doing somethingthat had indeed brought criticism from others, even beyond her parents.
    “You know, I haven’t given God much consideration or due in a long time. Since…well, never mind that. But from the moment I stepped through that door—” He tipped his head in the general direction. “I’ve thought of Him several times. I think it is due to you.”
    “How can that be?”
    “You bring God’s presence into the house.”
    “I—” She didn’t know how to answer. “If so, then I am happy to hear it.”
    His soft smile thanked her. “If only more people were like you.” He sat back. “Maybe you can help me.”
    “I will if I can.” Perhaps he