Second Chances. Valerie Hansen

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СКАЧАТЬ he didn’t actually live around here! Imagining him as an active member of her church was probably nothing more than emotional regression, she reasoned, wishful thinking left over from her youth.

      Taking a shaky breath, Belinda decided that was exactly what was happening. At eighteen, she’d hoped and prayed that Paul would join her father’s church, settle down and become a productive member of the community, someone she could introduce to everyone, including her dad, without feeling she had to make excuses.

      Now, all that had changed. She had matured. Her father had died. Whether or not Paul Randall had truly bettered himself was no longer her concern. If he hadn’t returned to Serenity she might never even have thought of him again.

      Her conscience immediately disagreed, forming a stern but silent, Ha! Focusing on the stained-glass window behind the preacher, she escaped into silent prayer.

      Oh, Father, forgive me. You’ve blessed me so much. Why can’t I be satisfied and thankful and not want things that are bad for me? Sighing, she added, Things like Paul Randall.

      As if the timing were preordained, the congregation began to sing a second hymn. There was no way Belinda could fight the emotional impact that Paul’s impressive voice had on her, so she gave up trying. Closing her eyes, she drank in the deep vibrations the way the thirsty Ozark hills soaked up the first spring rains.

      When she finally opened her eyes, Sam was staring at her as if she’d just committed an unpardonable sin.

      In a way, she agreed with him.

      Paul decided to linger in the parking lot outside the church and lay in wait for Belinda and Sam after the service concluded. When he’d chosen a seat behind them he’d convinced himself he was only doing it to force Belinda to introduce him to Sam. That was partially true. He did want to meet the doctor for the first time on a social level so he could size him up better.

      What Paul hadn’t anticipated, however, was how being so close to Belinda for a whole hour would affect him. Or how his thoughts would wander and his perception intensify whenever he looked her way.

      He noticed she was wearing her hair shorter these days. It lay smoother and curved under gently, just touching her shoulders, with the sides tucked behind her ears. Delicate pearl earrings reflected the shimmering blue of her dress. The color was like sunlight reflecting on rippling water. It reminded him of the summer days they’d walked along the banks of the Strawberry River, holding hands and stealing kisses. At that time, he’d assumed they were simply seeking privacy, which was just fine with him. The more chances he could get to kiss her, to hold her, the better. In retrospect, he supposed Belinda had wanted to go to private places like that because she’d been ashamed to be seen in public with him.

      And speaking of public, Paul mused, she and her boyfriend had just come out of the church and were headed his way. He purposely stepped forward to block their path. When Belinda looked at him their eyes met. Held. Paul called upon his battle-seasoned courtroom smile. “Good morning, Ms. Carnes.”

      Cheeks reddening, she mumbled, “Good morning.”

      He continued to smile amiably. “Aren’t you going to introduce me to your friend?”

      Why not? Maybe then Paul would believe she and Sam were a steady couple and leave her alone, like she’d asked. Belinda managed to tear her gaze from Paul’s long enough to look over her shoulder at Sam. “Dr. Sam Barryman, Paul Randall.”

      Paul was the first to reach out. “Pleased to meet you.” He wondered for a long moment if the doctor was going to refuse to shake his hand.

      “Same here,” Sam finally said, grasping his hand firmly, briefly. “You’re that lawyer, aren’t you? I’d heard you were in town.”

      Paul chuckled. “I imagine everybody has. Word travels pretty fast around here. Actually, I came to advise my aunts on the sale of their property.” Striking a deliberately casual pose, he shrugged. “But I guess you know that, too.” When Sam didn’t comment, he went on. “Folks tell me you’ve managed to make a place for yourself in Serenity. That’s not an easy thing to do. Congratulations.”

      “Thanks.” Sam slid his arm around Belinda’s waist and urged her away. “Well, nice to have met you, Randall.”

      “Same here.” A cynical smile lifted one corner of Paul’s mouth. Now that he’d met the doctor, he had the advantage, which was how he liked it. Sam Barryman was a smooth operator. Everything about him looked good—his professional demeanor, his expensive suit, his perfectly styled hair…the home-town girl he was courting. But something about him wasn’t quite right. When Paul had looked into his eyes he’d seen a brief flash of wariness that didn’t belong there, assuming the man was as honest as his reputation implied.

      Thoughtful, Paul watched him hurry Belinda away. For a guy who had nothing to hide, good old Sam sure was in a rush to leave. Maybe it was time to press him a little harder and see how he reacted. He started after the retreating couple.

      Belinda disengaged herself from Sam’s possessive grasp as they approached his car. “What’s the matter with you?”

      “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

      She saw him glance toward the church, so she did the same. Her heart skipped a beat. Paul was rapidly following them! Could Sam be getting jealous, just like Gramma Eloise had predicted? It sure seemed like it. And by the way, where was Eloise? She rarely missed a Sunday service.

      Paul slowed as he approached. “Whew. I didn’t realize how muggy it was out here.” He shed his suit jacket and loosened his tie as he smiled at Belinda. “I meant to tell you, that dress looks great on you. It reminds me of summer days like today.”

      Since Sam was standing so close, it was easier to relax and casually accept the compliment. “Thanks. It’s a favorite of mine.”

      “I can see why.”

      Behind her, Sam opened the car door. “Belinda?”

      “Sorry,” Paul said quickly. “Don’t let me keep you. We can always arrange a time to get together later and talk.”

      Belinda couldn’t believe his arrogance! She’d innocently acknowledged one comment about her dress and he immediately assumed that was all it took to win her over. What conceit! She stiffened defensively. “I told you before, Paul. I don’t think you and I should have anything more to do with each other.”

      He nodded. “I’m afraid you misunderstood me. I meant that Dr. Barryman and I needed to have a private talk. I suppose it is inevitable that I’ll bump into you again, though. This is a pretty small town.” The corners of his mouth lifted in a smug-looking smile. “Tell you what. I promise to do everything I can to avoid you. How’s that sound?”

      “Wonderful.” Feeling like an idiot, Belinda shaded her eyes and focused her attention on Sam. “Okay. What’s going on here? Why does Paul want to talk to you in private? I’m starting to feel like I’ve come in halfway through a complicated movie and can’t make sense out of the plot.”

      She saw the doctor set his jaw stubbornly, so she turned back to Paul. “Well? I’m waiting. Which one of you is going to fill me in?”

      “I have no objection,” Paul said, maintaining his casual air. “It has to do with the sale of the Whitaker estate.”

      “Why СКАЧАТЬ