A Model Romance (True Love Book 3) Read Free

God, because the summer I’ve had I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy.
    * * *
    My sister, Melanie, is due to have her baby sometime late September. That’s only a couple of weeks away. I think I’ll go out for an extended visit, and offer to help her and Brian. I desperately need to get out of the city for a while. Ever since I returned to New York after their wedding, my life has turned upside down. Maybe a repeat trip will flip it around.
    Melanie couldn’t be more excited that I’m coming. She and I were close growing up, but with my lifestyle and her asshole first husband, we haven’t gotten to see each other very often. I’m thankful that her friend, Katie, helped her see what a jerk her first husband was. Her new husband, Brian, plays for the Chicago Bears and he’s adorable. He reminds me of a big teddy bear. He adores her and her boys, and is so excited for their new baby to arrive. I love being around the two of them, they give me hope for the future. If she can find that kind of love after everything she’s been through with men, there’s a chance for me yet.
    Even though her house is huge, I insist on staying at a hotel. I don’t want to get in the way, especially now when so much is going on. I can always stay at her house if she needs me, but it’s better for everyone if I have my own space. They are still newlyweds, after all. Brian’s been away at training camp, and he’s done well in preseason games so far. He’s had limited playing time, testing out his injured Achilles, but so far he says it feels great. I make my plans to go out in the middle of next week. Since I’m staying an indefinite time, I need to get things in order here before I go.
    I rent a car at the airport, and type their address into the GPS. Glencoe is one the quaintest towns I’ve ever seen. The homes are beautiful, and the little village downtown looks like something from a movie set - far from the madness that is New York. Melanie is waiting on the front porch when I arrive. She looks cute and impossibly large. She waddles down the front steps to greet me.
    “I’m so happy you’re here! Poor Brian, I’ve been wearing him out talking about it. I think he’s thankful to be on the road this week. Here, let me help,” she says as she rocks her swollen body from side to side trying to pick up one of my suitcases. I agreed to stay with her through the weekend while Brian is away.
    “Are you insane? Not only can I carry all of these and you at the same time, if you go into early labor picking up my bags, Brian will never speak to me again!” I laugh as I gently push her hands away from my bags.
    “Oh, I’m not helpless. Everyone keeps treating me like I’ll break, but I’ve been through this three times before. I can carry a damn suitcase!” She huffs. I relent and give her my small carry-on vanity case. She’s as stubborn as they come, and I know better than to argue, and she knows better than to push me too hard, too. I can keep up with her.
    We drop everything in her front foyer and hug. It’s not the easiest thing to do since she’s six inches shorter than me, and twice as round. This feels good. I’ve missed her so much over the years; it feels natural to reconnect this way. My nephews come screaming down the stairs and hug both of us.
    “Aunt Becca! You’re here!” John says first, followed by Matthew and Luke, chiming in about what’s been going on in their lives.
    “Boys, boys, give Aunt Becca a chance to breathe, she just got here. There will be time for everything. First of all, take her bags up to the guest room,” she directs and they fall in line, each grabbing something to take.
    “Wow! I’m impressed. How do you get them to listen like that?”
    “They’ve been wonderful, Bec. They are so happy with Brian being here, and they want to please him. Even when he’s not around, they’ve been listening and behaving like never before. Thank goodness, too. With this one,” she says as she rubs