Now and Forever 4, The Renovated Heart Read Online Free PDF Page B

her mother apply her make-up.
    “Mom, when can I wear makeup?”
    “Not for a while. You don’t need makeup,
you’re naturally beautiful,” Sarah said, cupping her daughter’s
chin.
    “Mom!” Laura pulled away from her mother’s
grip.
    “Can’t I still kiss my little girl?”
    “I’m not a little girl anymore. I’m going to
be twelve in a month.”
    “Practically a teenager! Growing up too
fast, Laura.”
    “So when can I wear makeup?”
    “How about a little light lipstick when
you’re thirteen?” Sarah said, applying mascara.
    “Thirteen! Everybody else will be wearing
makeup next year,” she wailed.
    “They will look ridiculous. But you won’t.
Sorry, Laura, I’m not budging on this one,” she said, looking at
Laura, who had her mother’s eyes.
    Laura stomped out of her mother’s room,
returning to her room, and slamming the door. Becky was reading a
book to Scottie in the living room when Sarah came out.
    “I didn’t know teenage years began at
eleven…” Sarah sighed.
    “You look amazing, Mrs. Morgan,” Becky
said.
    “Thank you, Becky. Please call me
Sarah.”
    “Can I come with you tonight, Mom?”
    “This is grown-ups only. I’m sorry. You see
Jim all the time.”
    “So do you. No fair.” He folded his arms
across his chest, a frown pasted on his face.
    “Are you jealous?”
    The boy didn’t answer his mother. Becky
quickly began reading again and Scottie turned his attention to
her. Sarah frowned to herself. Scottie is getting attached to
Jim. Is that a good thing? Perhaps not. Dating, I don’t know
what I’m doing.
    The doorbell rang. Sarah answered it. Jim’s
jaw dropped when he saw her. His gaze began at her eyes, then moved
down lingering a bit too long on her breasts, making her
shiver.
    “You look fantastic,” he said. She felt his
eyes burning through her dress.
    Scottie ran over to the door.
    “Can I come with you tonight?” the boy
begged.
    “What did your mother say?” He glanced over
at Sarah who hid her laugh behind her hand.
    “She said it’s just for grown-ups.”
    “Right. But we can do something, just guys,
maybe tomorrow. Okay?”
    “Yeah! Leave the girls at home!” Scottie
said, his eyes lighting up.
    Jim chuckled.
    “Scottie, let’s finish the book.” Becky
waved her hand. Sarah kissed the top of Scottie’s head then called
out to her daughter.
    “Good night, Laura.” She stepped outside,
closing the door behind her.
    “I’m not sure if I’m dating you or Scottie,”
Jim laughed.
    “My boy is sure getting attached to you,”
she said, concern in her voice.
    “I like him, too. He’s a great kid.”
    “Where are we going?”
    “Bon Appetit,” he said, opening the car door
for her.
    It was a warm night but Sarah toted a
lavender shawl in case the restaurant was cold.

Chapter Four
     
     
    “Hey, Jim. Long time, no see,” Don said,
drying glasses behind the bar.
    “Hi, Don. This is Sarah Morgan, Sarah, Don
Rosen.”
    “Your taste is improving,” Don said.
    “Thanks,” Jim said, red rising up his neck,
“can we get a table?”
    “Sure, sure. Sunny!” he called.
    “How many women have you brought here?”
Sarah asked.
    “Just a couple…I guess.” A flush stole up
his neck showing slightly above the collar of his shirt.
    Sunny came forward with two menus under her
arm wearing a big smile. She motioned them to a small table in a
corner. Sunny nodded to Jim, obviously thinking Sarah couldn’t
see.
    “Who are these people, your relatives?”
Sarah whispered to Jim.
    “Just friends…friends who were with me
through hard times,” he said, laughing.
    “You had hard times?”
    “Losing Nancy was the worst.”
    “Sorry, yes, of course.”
    “Didn’t stop there…” he admitted.
    “What else happened?”
    “I had an engagement that…didn’t work
out.”
    “Did you break up with her?”
    “She left me for someone else,” he said,
lowering his gaze to his hands.
    “Stupid woman,” she blurted out. Jim took
her