Love at Last Read Online Free PDF

snow-covered slope. A scream escaped her lips, and then, with a jolt, the turbulent motion came to a stop against a wall of thick evergreen trees.
       Taking a deep breath, Noelle inhaled the fresh scent of broken pine branches. She wasn’t hurt, thanks to her seatbelt. But the thunderous beating of her heart reminded her all too well that she could have been. Noelle’s legs shook as she opened the car door and stepped out.
       As if the situation wasn’t bad enough, two large dogs, one black and one white, bounded toward her across the snow.
      Generally, she liked dogs. That is, until last week when Jack’s Rottweiler charged and backed her into a serrated gutter along the side of the house. She had thirteen stitches in her leg as a harsh reminder. The pain had passed, but not her newfound fear of charging animals.
       Leaping and bounding closer and closer with each passing second, the two dogs looked as if they were on a mission. Their long pink tongues swung crazily out of their mouths. Where was their owner? Why weren’t they on leashes? Would she now be eaten? 
       Quickly turning around, Noelle’s high heel caught on the lace hem of her gown, tumbling her head first into the freezing white powder. As her only defense, she seized her bridesmaid bouquet and held it out like a lance in an effort to ward off the advancing beasts.
       “They won’t bite,” a smooth, deep voice called from the road.
       And indeed they didn’t. Noelle found herself using the flowers to fend off their playful licks instead. Peering over the dog’s heads, she saw a tall, dark-haired man dressed in black making his way down the steep embankment.
       “Sorry if they scared you,” the man said. “The snow gets them excited.”
       “No, kidding,” Noelle replied.
       “Wrong weather for dress shoes,” he teased, helping her up.
       The man’s bright blue eyes sparkled with amusement, making her feel a far cry from the graceful, young woman who taught ballet.
       “Wrong time of year for a wedding,” she replied, brushing off the snow.
       “I was driving behind you when your car went off the road,” he said with concern. “Are you all right?”
       “Yes.” Noelle glanced up the slope toward his parked vehicle. “Thanks for pulling over. I didn’t see the stretch of ice until it was too late.” She extended her hand. “I’m Noelle Petersen.”
       “Robert Fields,” he said, a sudden gleam dancing in his warm blue eyes. “And these two goofs,” he added, indicating the dogs and ruffling each of their heads, “are Casper and Shadow.”
       For one endless moment, as the affectionate dogs looked up at their master, the same bite of jealousy she had experienced back at the church pinched her stomach. It reminded her of the look that had passed between Russ and Susan. A look of trust and devotion, a look of…
       “Can I give you a ride? I was on my way into town.”
       “Business?” she asked, noticing his stylish, three-piece black suit.
       “No. A social engagement.” He grinned. “I’m supposed to meet someone.”
       “Someone who likes dogs?
       “Yes, I hope so.” Robert laughed. “Actually, I’m dropping Casper and Shadow off at my sister’s house up the road. The power went off at my place, and I don’t want these slobbery pups to freeze while I’m out this evening. It will only be a quick stop, and then I can have you in town within fifteen minutes.”
       Noelle looked at her car and bit her lower lip. If she waited for a tow truck to come, she would miss the reception. But, should she accept a ride from a man she didn’t know?
       “I won’t bite either,” Robert promised.
       It was hard not to smile. “A ride would be great.”

Chapter 4

       Robert whistled to the dogs, and together they trudged up the snowy embankment to his four wheel drive. It was a Suburban. The kind Noelle had always wanted. The kind Jack thought