Now and Forever Read Online Free PDF

spear of asparagus from the salad he was making. When she tried to sneak a slice of avocado from another platter, she received a shocking tap on the back of her hand.
    “Ouch!”
    “Gotcha!”
    They laughed out loud. Lorilee doubled over and grasped the kitchen counter for support.
    “We need to laugh more often,” Tanner said, helping her onto a wooden stool. He poured her a glass of water when she was settled and turned to a container on the counter. He measured rice into a cup, which he emptied into a pot on the stove. Next, he picked up an index card and read the ingredients it contained.
    “I remember how we used to howl in laughter all the time when we were kids,” Lorilee said as she rolled the glass between the palms of her hands.
    Tanner stirred the rice.   He looked over his shoulder and smiled at his sister. “Mama and Dad spent most of their time asking ‘What’s so funny?’”
    “I think they thought we were crazy.”
    “No, they knew we were happy.”
    “Just like them.” Lorilee propped both elbows on the counter. She looked out the window over the sink. The sun was slowly setting. Her parents would be snuggled close together on the sofa, watching the evening news at this hour. Undoubtedly, her father would rage against any injustice or misfortune the broadcaster reported until her mother calmed him down with a gentle pat on his arm. Then they would look into each other’s eyes, kiss, and forget the news completely.
    Growing up, she and Tanner had cringed at their parents’ frequent displays of affection. However, their attitudes changed as they matured. “Can you believe Mama and Dad have been married forty years?”
    “And counting,” Tanner added, proudly.   He dragged a stool next to Lorilee’s and sat down.
    “No one believed they’d make it this far, especially our grandparents.”
    “Yeah, that’s because our old man was a bit on the wild side before he fell in love with Mama.”
    “She tamed him all right. I guess true love can change your world.” Lorilee eyed Tanner. “You know, you’re not fooling anyone with all of this,” she said, waving her hand over the delicately prepared meal.
    Tanner sighed and shrugged. “What? Am I supposed to be ashamed?”
    “You tell me.” She ignored Tanner’s frown. “I know you’ve never been willy-nilly with women. You’re no playboy. So, when you decide to spend time with a woman, it’s serious business.” Lorilee crossed her arms.
    “It’s no secret that I’m searching for someone unforgettable. I’m not interested in wham-bam—“
    “Spare me,” Lorilee said curtly. “Listen, we both desire the kind of love Mama and Dad share—sweet and unbreakable. Unfortunately, love like theirs is hard to find. But it’s not impossible.”
    “You bet, sister!” Tanner said, raising his hand in the air.
    “Now you’re making jokes,” Lorilee snapped. “Well, brother , don’t make light of I’m saying, especially when you know I’m right.”
    Tanner folded his arms and cocked his head to the side. “Since you have this love thing figured out, why are you still alone?”
    “Who says I am?” she replied, not meeting his eyes.
    “You mean to tell me you have the audacity to walk around here dishing out advice and prying into my personal life, while keeping yours a mystery?” He shook his head.
    “Something like that.”
    “You’re a riot, doll.” Tanner walked to the sink. He ran warm water on a dishtowel and began wiping down the counters and the stove.
    Lorilee watched him clean the kitchen. “It’s not like I’m in a committed relationship.”
    “Does your man know this?”
    “Of course, we’ve had a thorough discussion. He does his thing and I do mine.”
    “Whatever floats your boat. ”
    The phone rang just as Lorilee was about to elaborate on her perfect arrangement. She stayed seated, while Tanner answered the phone in the living room. His voice was muffled so she couldn’t hear his conversation. She