Always in Her Heart Read Free Page B

affected by the accusation. “We’re family,” he repeated. “As you said, you’re the outsider.”
    He tensed, but before he could say something he’d regret, Annie straightened.
    â€œI’m Becca’s sister. I’m the one she wanted to takecare of her child.” The fire was back in Annie’s eyes. “I won’t let her down.”
    That fire seemed to bank Link’s fury. Frank’s attempt to take the child had wakened Annie to the danger they faced. That would work to his advantage in convincing her.
    â€œI think a sister trumps a cousin, Frank. Maybe you and Julia better leave. You’re not going to get what you want here.”
    â€œChoosing sides, are you? Maybe you should reconsider, Annie. We can give Marcy a real family. You want what’s best for her, don’t you?”
    â€œI’m what’s best for her.” Her mouth set with a stubbornness he could have told Frank wouldn’t be moved.
    Maybe Frank recognized that fact. He shrugged, then gestured Julia toward the door. “Fine. We’ll see you in court, then. I think you’ll find Judge Carstairs will recognize the value of what we have to offer that little girl.”
    They swept out. He felt Annie sag with relief when the door closed. Then, as if she realized she was leaning against him, she took a step away.
    â€œDown,” Marcy said loudly, and Annie gave a weak laugh as she set the toddler on her feet.
    â€œShe was so still the whole time they were here. She must have sensed how scared I was.” She met his eyes gravely. “Thank you, Link.”
    â€œI hate to say I told you so, but I did. Now do you understand?”
    Annie’s brown eyes clouded, and she crossed her arms protectively over her chest. “You were right about the Lesters.”
    â€œAnd I was right about what we have to do.” Didn’t she realize that? “If you want to keep that child, this is the only solution, and the sooner we do it the better. The Lesters are probably consulting their attorney as we speak. There’ll be a hearing, and we’d better go into it married if we’re going to have a chance.”
    â€œWe have to see an attorney.”
    â€œAnnie—”
    Anger flared in her eyes, but behind it he saw vulnerability. “I’m not going off half-cocked, so you might as well get used to the idea. We see a lawyer first. Then—” She seemed to take a breath. “Well, then we’ll see what’s best.”
    He could say he already knew what was best, but he suspected that wasn’t going to sway her. “I’ll call Chet Longly. He’s the lawyer the firm uses. Will he do, or do you want to find someone yourself?”
    â€œHe’ll do.” She shivered.
    He nodded, picking up the phone. At least she seemed to accept that he was irrevocably involved in this. For once, she couldn’t avoid him.
    And that was just as well, because one way or another, he intended to marry her.

Chapter Two
    A nnie held the baby on her lap as she sat next to Link in the attorney’s office the next morning, watching as every avenue of escape was blocked to her. Each word Chet Longly spoke seemed to make marriage to Link loom more inexorably.
    She gazed past the attorney, trying to ease the sense of things closing in on her. His office, like every other important thing in the small town, faced the town square. Two days ago the flag at its center had hung at half-staff, in mourning for the funerals of two prominent citizens. Today the banner snapped in a brisk September breeze, colors bright in the sunshine.
    Marcy wiggled, restless after a half hour’s worth of adult conversation. Holding one arm around the baby’s rounded middle, Annie reached into the diaper bag and pulled out one of the soft toys she’d tossedin before leaving the house. Maybe that would occupy Marcy for a moment at least.
    Becca’s next-door