A Bride Worth Waiting For Read Free Page B

in his company the better. In order to keep from being rude she had no choice but to talk to him.
    “No, but enough to get me by for now.” She reached into her purse and opened one of her bags of Peanut M&M’s. She held the bag out to Cole. “Would you like some?”
    “Uh, no thanks. It’s almost dinner time are you going to eat M&M’s now?” He looked at her kind of funny and Bethany knew he wouldn’t understand her fetish for Peanut M&M’s when she was nervous and he definitely made her nervous. He’d probably just think she was strange.
    “Just a couple.” She smiled. Before Cole had a chance to say anything more the guests started arriving. There were quite a few guests already checked in Bethany noticed. She was surprised at the number that would be staying through Thanksgiving. When she had talked to Gram earlier, she had told Bethany that several more families with children would be checking in this weekend. From the looks of things every room would be filled. This was their first winter season and she was thrilled for her grandparents that the lodge was doing so well.
    * * * * * *
    Cole discreetly observed Bethany as she interacted with the guests during dinner. Her beautiful brown eyes lit up when she talked about nursing, it was obvious she loved her profession and working with people. She’d be a good nurse, he’d experienced a bit of her expertise on the plane and the guests related to her well.
    “Bethany, since we don’t start working until next week, would you be free to go on a snowmobile ride with me tomorrow afternoon?” Cole asked softly.
    “Thank you for the offer, Cole but I can’t tomorrow. I plan to spend the day getting unpacked and organized.”
    “Okay, maybe later in the week then.” He smiled and reached for the bowl of food coming his way. The lodge served family style, so each dish was passed around. It was like having a home cooked meal in your own kitchen. He liked the idea it was a warm setting and gave everyone a chance to get to know each other.
    Cole had the feeling Bethany was avoiding him. She obviously hadn’t recognized his name so that wasn’t the reason. He wondered if it was him or men in general. He’d bide his time and ask her out again; maybe she really was going to be tied up all day tomorrow.
    He finished his dinner and picked up his fiddle. The Langston’s had asked him if he’d play a couple of numbers after dinner to entertain the guests. He unfastened the case and lifted his pride and joy from it. This fiddle had belonged to his grandfather; he gave it to Cole a year ago when Cole’s grandmother gave his grandfather the one he’d been eying, for Christmas. This was a beautiful fiddle and it meant the world to Cole that his grandfather had chosen to give Cole his prized possession.
    * * * * * *
    Bethany listened as Cole played the fiddle he wasn’t just good he was exceptional. It was obvious he loved to play, he felt the music, became a part of it. She really enjoyed hearing him play. The other guests did too if their applause was any indication. He came back and sat down next to her.
    “That was incredible, Cole. I’ve heard a lot of fiddle players but never have I heard one play the way you just did. You’re very talented.” She didn’t want to be impressed, she wanted to get this man out of her head and forget about him. Fat chance there was in that when her heart seemed to beat twice as fast as it should every time she ran into him, which would now be on a daily basis. Well, she couldn’t be dishonest he was good so she’d given him a compliment and that was that.
    “Thank you, Bethany. I enjoy it, but the talent comes from the Lord. I’m just the instrument he’s chosen to play His music.” He smiled and placed his fiddle back into its case carefully and snapped it closed. “I think I’m going to call it a night. I’ll see all of you in the morning. “
    “Good night Cole,” Bethany watched as he walked toward the elevator.