Once Upon a Winter's Heart Read Online Free PDF Page A

Emma growled. “And this is an old-fashioned house.”
    â€œYou don’t have to get mad.”
    â€œSorry.” Emma took in a deep breath. “It’s just that I appreciate a little privacy, you know?”
    â€œYes, yes. And don’t worry, I’m not looking.” Saundra giggled as she finished brushing her teeth, acting like this was all just a fun adventure. Finally, after she left, Emma knew the bath had been ruined, but out of pure stubbornness she forced herself to linger. Hopefully her mother would be asleep by the time she finished. But before long the water cooled off and she knew it was time to get out.
    As she dried and pulled on her pajamas she thought about how much her mother and sister were alike. Neither of them seemed to have a self-conscious or insecure bone in their bodies. And why should they? Both were gorgeous petite blue-eyed blondes, the kind of women that most men paused to admire, and the kind that some women felt threatened by. Not that Anne or Saundra had ever used their looks to lure men from their wives, but if they wanted to, it probably wouldn’t be difficult.
    However it wasn’t just their appearances that were alike. The way they thought and acted was very similar too. As a teenager Emma had secretly labeled what her mom and sister had as PS—princess syndrome. As an adult she suspected she hadn’t been too far off. Oh, it wasn’t that she didn’t love them both—she absolutely did. She just didn’t really understand them. She could always relate better to Nona and her old-fashioned Italian ways.
    Emma tiptoed back into the bedroom again. This time she was relieved to see that it was dark in there, and, not wanting to disturb her mother, she was not about to turn on a light. However, remembering how the girls always did a spider check before bedtime—the old house was somewhat inclined to arachnids, especially in the autumn—she was tempted to momentarily flick the switch and search the bed. Instead, she threw back the covers and swept her hand back and forth a few times. Hopefully that would scare anything away.
    â€œWhat are you doing over there?” Saundra asked in the darkness.
    â€œSorry.” Emma slid into the chilly sheets. “Didn’t mean to disturb you.”
    â€œIt’s okay. I can’t sleep anyway.”
    â€œMissing your Sleep Number bed?”
    â€œHmmm…”
    â€œIt’s not too late to change your mind, Mom. You could still go home and sleep in comfort and—”
    â€œI am not going home.”
    â€œFine…whatever.” Emma pulled the covers up to her chin.
    â€œYou don’t know what it’s like being stuck in a bad marriage, Emma.”
    â€œNo…I don’t.” Emma sighed. “Did you guys ever consider marriage counseling?”
    Saundra made a sarcastic laugh. “Can you imagine your father listening to a marriage counselor?”
    Emma considered this. “Maybe.”
    â€œWell, I can’t.”
    There was a long silence and Emma was hoping that her mother was falling asleep, but then she spoke up again.
    â€œWhen I think about being alone in my old age…” Saundra said quietly. “Well, the truth is, it really frightens me. I don’t want to be old and alone, Emma.”
    â€œThen why don’t you work on improving your marriage?” Emma suggested.
    Saundra exhaled loudly.
    â€œI’m serious, Mom. You and Dad have been together all these years and, yeah, I know you’ve had your battles, but it seems like you’ve got a relationship that’s worth investing some energy into. With some work…I can imagine you both growing old together…happily.”
    â€œOh, Emma, I’ve tried and tried. But most of the time it feels like I’m the only one putting any effort into it. Your father is so old-fashioned when it comes to marriage. He thinks everyone should be like Nona and