The Promise of Provence (Love in Provence Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

felt she was Molly’s rock, there to talk during the many ups and downs of Molly’s disorganized and unhappy life. Molly had lived on the wild side during high school, while Katherine had immersed herself in her studies.
    Andrea was actually more like the sister she never had. They had grown up together. Their fathers had been brothers, and Uncle Andrew had immigrated with Jozsef and Elisabeth. He married a Canadian girl, and the cousins had been born within weeks of each other. Uncle Andrew had moved to Kitchener with his family when Andrea was in first grade, but the two families had maintained the tradition of spending every second Sunday together, alternating homes, which were a quick hour’s drive apart.
    Andrea, her husband, and their three children had lived on a small farm in the Mennonite area outside St. Jacobs, just north of Kitchener, for twenty-five years. Katherine and James visited often, and Katherine in particular had a close relationship with the three grown children. James had never shown a strong affection for any children, although he liked them well enough.
    Katherine felt a hint of relief now. Andrea better than anyone would have a shot at helping her begin to sort through the tangle of emotions.
    “I made some beef-and-veggie potpies this morning and tried a new bread recipe, so I’ll bring dinner. I’ll just go and find Terrence out in the garden and be on my way,” Andrea offered, still sounding grim. “Kat, I don’t know what to say. I’m so sorry. I’m just stunned . . .”
    “Me too, Andie. ‘Stunned’ is the word. I keep bouncing between disbelief, sadness, and rage. I’m glad you’re coming down.”
    “Make sure there’s white wine in that fridge. Lots of it!” Andrea instructed.

    Katherine pulled open a cupboard so the trash container slid out, and she dumped the entire magnificent bouquet of roses into the bag in one swoop—vase, water, and all. As she tied the bag, a cloud of fragrant perfume wafted up, causing her to pause briefly, shocked at her callous behavior. What a shame , she thought. Then she took the bag to the large garbage bin in the garage.
    The phone was ringing as she came back into the kitchen; the display indicated it was Molly. Better get it over with , she told herself.
    “Kat! I’m so glad I caught you!” Molly cut in, halfway through Katherine’s hello. She had a loud, raspy voice that took on the softest tone, almost a whisper, when she taught piano to children, and transformed into a soulful, smoky singing voice when she worked her weekend gigs at the Blue Note.
    “Where the hell have you been, lady? You didn’t answer my call from two days ago! You won’t believe the day I’ve had . . . Oh, crap, sorry I was a tad tardy with the anniversary wishes, but ya know me! Better late than never! Anyhoo, did you have a nice time celebrating your twenty-two years? At the Old Mill, as always! Same as ever?”
    Katherine swallowed hard.
    “Katski, are you there?”
    A sound not unlike a squeak escaped Katherine’s lips as she desperately tried to form a word and not a sob.
    “Ka-ther-ine! What the fuck’s happening? Oh my God, something’s wrong. You’re crying. Tell me you’re okay . . .”
    Sniffing loudly, Katherine gulped and cleared her throat as she began. “Don’t interrupt . . . please. Just let me get through this, okay?”
    Molly had to work at it but managed to remain quiet until Katherine indicated she was through with the details.
    At that point, Molly was uncharacteristically at a loss for words as she blew out a loud burst of air. When she did find her voice, a string of curses exploded. “Un-fucking-believable . . . Oh, Kat, I’m so, so sorry. I’m just leaving for the Note, but I can come over right after the last show. Shit! I wish I could come right now. I just frickin’ can’t believe this!”
    “It’s okay,” Katherine said softly through more tears. “Andrea is on her way and going to stay