All I Have Read Free

face. Jake pointed toward a narrow road which was almost overtaken by weeds. The truck dropped into huge potholes, bouncing them up and down.
    "Just to let you know, I have to take you the long way round to get you there, but you're closer to the main house than you think. There's a walking trail that takes no time at all."
    They traveled in silence for a minute and then a whoosh of air escaped Jake's lips. "I'm sorry, Shane. I know I should have warned you about me being remarried and all. Carla's insecure about being the second wife, but I know she'll be more comfortable with you in time."
    "I can see why she'd be insecure," mumbled his father.
    "Dad!" exclaimed Nicholas, turning to glare at him.
    Jake's shook his head. "No your father's right. She's kind of young."
    "Kind of? Jake have you looked at the girl?"
    The road ended. In front of them was a small wooden cabin. Huge maple trees closed in on the building. The appearance of the place brought the discussion of Carla's youth and insecurity to a close. Exiting the truck, Nicholas eyed the house warily.
    Jake said, "I know it doesn't look like much on the outside, but just give it a chance before you decide."
    Shane bounded up the steps, pushed the door open, and walked inside with Nicholas following close behind. A gasp of surprise escaped his father, "Wow!"
    "Like I said, not much on the outside, but it has what counts on the inside. The television is wired for satellite. There's also Internet at the big house if you need it. There are two bedrooms and one bath. Ellie washed all the linens and Carla stocked the cabinets with food. You should have everything you need, but if you think of something else, just let me know. Do you have any questions?"
    Nicholas was in awe.
    After a study of the room, his father said, "The only thing I need to know is what you want me to do to pay for all this and when do you want me to start."
    Jake smiled and grasped Shane's hand. "Don't worry about that. We'll discuss everything in the morning at six sharp." A sigh escaped and Jake added, "I guess I better get back. I'd invite you to the big house, but with Carla being so–"
    Shane shook his head. “Not a problem. Nicholas and I need to rest anyway. We wouldn’t be good company.”
    Jake relaxed and turned at the door. "Shane?"
    "Yeah?"
    "I'm glad you're here."
    ****
    Ellie sat on the porch, cradled a cup of coffee, and waited for her father. Carla was inside fuming. Ignoring her step-mother, Ellie sipped the hot brew and thought about the farm's newest residents. Shane Wiseman was just as she remembered—a huge, muscular man with gentle blue eyes and a calm manner. His son, Nicholas, wasn't much different; he was tall, broad shouldered, and good looking. His skin glowed with a healthy tan and his blond hair, shaved into a military cut, served to highlight his sapphire eyes.
    Her dad had mentioned that Nicholas had left the military recently and now Ellie couldn't stop envisioning him on the battle field. He would stand up for what he believed in, she could feel it. He would run into a burning building, rush into a place rigged to explode, give up his seat on a rescue boat, anything to save another human's life. In fact, the lines etched in his face might be an indication that those things had already happened.
    Sighing, Ellie realized she was romanticizing the man. Perhaps her father was right and she needed to get out more. She was still thinking on that when Jake bounded onto the porch. He leaned against the railing, a smile wrinkling the corners of his eyes.
    "Well, they're settled in. So what do you think?"
    Caught off guard, Ellie swallowed a gulp of coffee too quickly and choked. She covered her mouth as tears streamed down her cheeks. Her father slapped her on the back and tried to stifle a laugh. When she was able to catch her breath, she laughed with him.
    "What are you two laughing about?" Carla asked, as she wandered onto the porch.
    Jake waved a hand. "Nothing important."