My Stubborn Heart Read Online Free PDF Page A

a year and a half ago.
    Losing him had made Kate more determined than ever to bring Gran here before it was too late, to embark on something new and promising together, and to fulfill Gran’s lifelong dream of restoring her beloved Chapel Bluff.
    â€œAnd Peg,” Velma continued, “might complain about William, but that man has loved her since the day they met our junior year at Westfield High. He spoils her rotten and just about lives to make her happy. If she wants to go on a cruise to Alaska, that’s exactly where he’ll end up taking her.”
    Peg glanced at Kate. “I’m still tired of picking up his dirty socks.”
    Just then footsteps sounded and they all looked up as Matt filled the dining room doorway.
    Goose bumps slid down the back of Kate’s neck and all the way along her arms. She’d spent time chatting with him again this morning. It had gone about as poorly as their conversation yesterday. She’d tried to be warm and charming, but she’d felt the whole time like she was annoying him royally.
    He didn’t so much as raise an eyebrow at the sight of the four of them in their enormous hats.
    â€œMatt!” Gran exclaimed. “Please join us. It’ll only take me a second to get you a cup.”
    â€œNo, thank you, though. I came to tell you that I’m finished for the day, Mrs. Donovan.”
    â€œBeverly, please.”
    â€œBeverly. I’ll be back in the morning.”
    â€œI’m going to fry chicken tonight. Would you like to join us for dinner?”
    â€œThanks for the offer. I can’t tonight.” He nodded to them, turned, and left.
    The four ladies listened until the front door closed and his truck engine turned over. Velma leaned forward. “Now, I have told you about Matt Jarreau, haven’t I?”
    Kate shook her head.
    â€œTell us what?” Gran asked.
    â€œI didn’t tell you about his history, Beverly? That time on the phone when I recommended him to you?”
    â€œNo, I don’t believe so,” Gran answered.
    â€œYou’ve heard of him, though? Our local celebrity?”
    Celebrity? Unease trickled through Kate. “No,” she said slowly. “All we know is that he grew up down the hill from here and that he knew Great-Grandma and Grandpa.”
    â€œGood gracious! They don’t know who he is, Peg.”
    â€œI’m as surprised as you are.”
    â€œMatt Jarreau,” Velma said, looking at them gravely, as if imparting a momentous secret, “is famous. Certainly the most famous person ever to come out of Redbud, Pennsylvania.”
    â€œFamous for what?” Kate asked. Drywall?
    â€œHockey. He was a great hockey player for the New York Barons in the . . . what’s the name of that professional league?” she asked Peg.
    â€œThe NHL.”
    â€œRight, the NHL. When he was with the Barons, they won two of those . . .” She shook her fingers impatiently. “The big trophy?”
    â€œThe Stanley Cup,” Peg supplied.
    â€œAnd he was their leading score person the times they won it. Their star.” Velma leaned back, looking pleased with herself, and took a triumphant sip of tea.
    Kate just stared at her, frozen with surprise. Their contractor was a hockey legend?
    â€œWhat happened?” Gran asked. “Why isn’t he playing anymore?”
    â€œWell, that’s the sad part,” Peg said. “About five years ago he married a former Miss America. Beautiful girl named Beth Andrews.”
    â€œIt was about ten years ago that she won Miss America,” Velma added. “Any chance you remember the tall, gorgeous blonde who did the ballet act?”
    Kate and Gran shook their heads.
    â€œHad hair down to here?” Velma indicated the middle of her back. “Lovely, lovely girl. And sweet, too.”
    â€œWait, wait, wait,” Kate said. “You’re telling me that he married an actual Miss