Wounded Grace Read Online Free PDF Page A

gently patted her hand.
    “After all the guests leave and I straighten up a bit, I’m going to drive to the drug store and pick up a test for you.”
    “A test?” Pia’s puzzled expression lasted only a fraction of a second, then her eyes widened. “Oh…” The word escaped her in a little breath. “You mean the test.”
    Before Madison could answer, the younger woman shook her head. “I couldn’t be—” She stopped abruptly and what color she had left in her face drained completely. Madison could almost see her counting the days, and then sudden realization hit Pia. Her eyes closed. One hand dropped and slid over her tummy protectively.
    When she finally looked up at Madison and Zoe, tears tipped the edges of her eyelashes.
    “Our God is so mercifully good,” she murmured, just above a whisper. “If it’s a little boy…” Emotion overwhelmed her.
    “You’ll name him Andy,” Zoe finished for her.
    Tears cascaded down the cheeks of all three women as they held hands and praised God for His infinite mercy.
    After a while, Madison rose to her feet. She’d very carefully placed boxes of tissue throughout the house. Now she held one out to Zoe and Pia.
    Pia closed her eyes again and eased back in the chair.
    Zoe rose to her feet. “It might be a good idea if you lie down for a while. Come on. I’ll walk you to your cottage.”
    She held out a hand, which Pia gratefully took as she rose.
    “You’ll let David know where we are?” Zoe asked over her shoulder.
    “Of course,” Madison promised. The words froze on her lips as Lance closed the door after the two women. She didn’t even try to repress a groan as he came toward her.
     
    ****
     
    Lance saw Madison tense the minute she saw him. He didn’t blame her. He felt the same way. He’d been avoiding her all day. But he’d seen the quiet exchange between the three women, and he had some concerns—concerns Madison might be able to answer.
    Face to face with her, he took a moment to gather his thoughts. He wasn’t prepared for how lovely she looked, so fragile. Her skin was like alabaster against the black neckline of her simple dress. There was nothing to the outfit. Short sleeves, straight, ending just above a well-shaped knee. Simple. But somehow, with her caramel hair and eyes, and that lovely porcelain white skin, Madison made it look elegant.
    “I—” Lance needed to get his gaze off those shapely legs so he could think straight. He looked up, but it didn’t help. Her unique eyes glistened with leftover tears above a nose that was slightly red from crying. On another woman, it would have been unattractive, but Madison’s pink nose made her seem softer, gentler, more compassionate. He cleared his throat.
    “I don’t want to pry but…well, David’s been concerned about Pia. He said she’s not been well, but when he described her symptoms…”
    “You recognized them for what they were.”
    Lance nodded in relief. “Yes. I was hoping that was the gist of your conversation just now.”
    Madison nodded. “Pia’s gone home to rest and absorb the new information.”
    “Good. That’s good.” He slid his hands into his pockets, suddenly feeling awkward. “I didn’t really think it was my place to call David’s attention to Pia’s possible condition. That’s her job.”
    Madison gave another curt nod. He could tell she was anxious to call an end to their conversation so he would go on about his business. But something kept Lance rooted to the spot. In the other room, Viv came into view and greeted another young couple with two small children, obviously more former residents of Heart’s Haven.
    “She seems to be holding up well.” Lance shook his head. “I would have thought she’d be worn out by now. So many people! But she just keeps talking, and listening to each and every one as if they’re her very own children.”
    “They are. Hers and Mr. Hart’s.”
    Her words struck deep into Lance’s heart with their simple but