The Bridal Swap. Karen Kirst

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СКАЧАТЬ Josh flipped the paper over and found the other side blank.

      There was no apology. She’d basically admitted to wedding this man for material gain.

      Francesca’s nonchalant attitude, her utter lack of remorse, stung. Anger boiled up once again, threatening to overwhelm him.

      Once again, he was facing a lonely future.

      In the shade of the back porch, Kate leaned against the wooden railing and stared out at the idyllic scene. Gently rolling fields of green, knee-high stalks waving in the breeze, gave way to rounded mountain peaks rising in all directions in a patchwork display of burnished reds, golds and greens. God’s magnificent handiwork for all to see and savor.

      She was eager to explore, to seek out potential images for her book.

      But first she had to find Josh, as Mary requested. Supper awaited.

      Above the lowing of cattle, she heard the insistent pounding of an ax.

      Following the sound, she strolled across the yard toward the barn, casting a glance inside the shady interior as she passed by the open doors. Dust motes hung suspended in the dim light, the smell of hay and animals reminding her of the stables back home.

      Rounding the corner, she came to an abrupt stop.

      A flash of sunlight on glistening skin, sculpted muscles straining, stretching, Josh handled the ax with ease, slicing through the wood like butter. He’d exchanged his neat suit for a pair of dark denim trousers and sturdy brown work boots. His sleeveless undershirt gave her a clear view of molded shoulders, thick biceps and corded forearms.

      She gulped. Oh, dear.

      Glancing away, she saw the high stacks of kindling by the barn wall. Surely they didn’t need more. Then it struck her. He wasn’t doing this out of necessity. He was venting.

      Compassion for his plight brought moisture to her eyes. She blinked hard. She couldn’t let him see her tears. He’d assume she was feeling pity for him, and she had a feeling he wouldn’t like that.

      When she moved into his line of vision, he wedged the ax into the stump, turned his back and, retrieving his white shirt, shrugged into it. Still working the buttons, he faced her, brows raised in question.

      “Sorry to interrupt,” she ventured. “Your mother sent me to tell you the meal is ready.”

      “Just a minute.”

      She stood by quietly, fingers toying with the lace peeking out of her sleeves as he quickly stacked the wood before joining her. He was a rumpled mess, his short hair mussed and shirt untucked, the sweat-dampened material sticking to his frame. It only added to his appeal.

      “Have my parents kept you entertained this afternoon?”

      “Your parents have been welcoming and friendly.”

      Strangers who were more attentive than her own parents.

      Walking beside him, she sensed the coiled tension in him. Had he read the letter? She wondered what it had said, feared Fran’s words had inflicted further pain. Her sister wasn’t known for her tact.

      He stopped at the pump to clean his hands and douse his face. When he’d wiped off the excess moisture and tucked the cloth into his back pocket, he startled her by taking hold of her hand.

      “What are you—”

      Carefully, he slid her sleeve back, revealing the purple marks marring her pale skin. His eyes darkened. “Matthews did this?”

      The scent of pine clung to him. Kate couldn’t think with him standing so near, his strong, warm hands cradling hers with such tenderness. Back home in Francesca’s room, gazing at his portrait and committing his face to memory, she couldn’t have guessed the impact of his physical presence.

      She dragged in a breath. “I’m fine, really.”

      “Steer clear of him, Kate. He’s unpredictable.”

      It was his first use of her name. She had to admit it sounded good on his lips.

      “Kate?” he prompted impatiently.

      “You don’t have to worry. I won’t go near the man.”

      “Hey, Josh!”

      Two men were headed in their direction. Josh’s brothers?

      Releasing her, he crossed his arms and waited. Their attention didn’t waver from her as they approached. Feeling like a specimen underneath a microscope, she fought the urge to squirm.

      “Kate Morgan, these are my brothers, Nathan and Caleb.”

      Nathan shot a startled glance at Josh, but he quickly masked his confusion. His eyes were kind as he welcomed her. “It’s nice to meet you.” Two years younger than Josh, he was twenty-two.

      Twenty-year-old Caleb scowled and said nothing. Josh had mentioned in his letters that his youngest brother didn’t like to be around people, something to do with a scar he’d gotten from a recent accident. She didn’t see evidence of one, but she noticed he kept his face turned to one side.

      “Where’s Francesca?” Nathan asked.

      Josh stiffened, his voice flat. “She isn’t coming, after all.”

      “Did something happen?” Nathan asked quietly.

      “Yes.” Josh’s voice held an edge. “She decided to marry someone else.” At Caleb’s intake of breath, Josh held up a staying hand. “Kate is her sister. She’s staying with us for the time being.”

      He didn’t seem pleased with the turn of events. And why should he be? Her sister should’ve been standing here meeting his family, not her.

      Mary pushed open the door. “Supper’s ready.”

      She didn’t miss the flash of relief on Josh’s face. No doubt he was growing weary of explaining her presence to everyone.

      * * *

      Sitting at the far end of the table, Josh listened to the ebb and flow of conversation without contributing to it. This was the last place he wanted to be, surrounded by people pretending nothing was wrong. Pretending he hadn’t just been cast off.

      Suppertime in the O’Malley household was typically loud and lively, and tonight was no exception. His father and brothers made sure of that. One glance at Kate Morgan’s mystified expression suggested family dinners at the Morgan estate were a much more sedate affair.

      Her regal bearing and expensive clothing set her apart from everyone else at the table. She’d removed her hat, gloves and jacket. Beneath her brocade vest of matching material, she wore a filmy cream-colored blouse with lace at her neck. The color of her eyes matched the peridot earrings dangling from her ears, the vivid green gems flashing with every turn of her head.

      Watching her, Josh realized he’d been a fool to think Francesca could ever be satisfied with his way of life. The Morgans lived a life СКАЧАТЬ