Country Bride (Country Brides) Read Free

was reminded what a natural beauty she was. She wasn’t made up, in fact she looked like she’d just climbed out of bed, and still the way her hair framed her face…and when she looked up at him, scared for her dog, those gorgeous eyes – he didn’t want to look away.
    “I’m going to grab that medication for you,” he said, heading out to his truck.
    Kristin watched him walk out, realizing she wanted him to stay a little bit longer. She suddenly felt very alone. Sitting on the floor with Molly, she soothed her. Her otter tail wagged at Kristin in a small movement.
    When the doctor walked back in with the tablets, he instructed Kristin how to use them, how often to give her a dose, and reminded her to call him if she got much worse.
    “Yesterday,” she finally said quietly. “I think we got off on the wrong footing. And thank you for your time today.”
    He nodded, “I apologize; I came off harshly. It’s nice to meet you,” his voice softening.
    “While you’re here, can I ask you if you know where I can get some hardware goods?”
    “What do you need it for?”
    “I need to fix the gate out back,” she said.
    “Do you want me to look at it for you?”
    “I don’t want to bother you.”
    “It’s no bother. You have to be handy to live in the outskirts of town, and I’ve gotten good at finding easy fixes for most things over time.”
    She led him to the gate, Molly stumbling behind them, and then falling.
    “Molly,” Kristin ran over, “are you okay?”
    “It’s hard to watch, but just know she’s stumbling from the dizziness. It will get better.”
    She started to tear up, “I thought I might lose her.”
    “I understand, but she should make a full recovery,” he said, trying to offer some optimism.
    Kristin nodded.
    “Let me go look at that gate for you,” he said, going over and checking the fencing. “It looks like it’s out of alignment. I can bring some stuff over and have this fixed for you in no time. I don’t have tools in this truck, but I’ll get this repaired for you this week.”
    “Really? Thank you so much, let me know how much I owe you.”
    “Out here you help your neighbors; it’s how we all get by. It’s what we do.”
    “At least let me offer you something to eat, maybe a drink,” she said, amazed by his kindness. It was unexpected after yesterday’s meeting.
    “A sandwich would be nice, thanks,” he said, heading back inside with her.
    “Oh good, I’m starving too.” Thankfully she’d grabbed some supplies and food before leaving town yesterday.
    Sitting at the table, they made small talk. She thought she wanted solitude, but realizing he’d be leaving soon – Kristin realized how lonely she was. This last year she’d isolated herself after losing Greg, but sitting here talking, it felt nice, and made her realize that while she wanted quiet, company was nice too.
    She looked across the table at the doctor. He spoke with passion about the animals he treated, and shared some of his experiences with her. When he spoke, he drew you in, his voice warm and deep. There was something soothing in his tone, and it lulled her into a sense of security. He was an attractive man, something that was hard to notice yesterday when they got off on the wrong foot.
    She noticed small crinkles at the corners of his eyes when he smiled, and his tanned skin said he worked outside as often as he worked inside. His smile was genuine, and made her want to smile back.
    As Ty spoke, he looked at the girl across from him. She couldn’t be more than thirty, and had the softest skin. He wanted to reach out and touch her cheek, which took him by surprise. Sitting across from the girl he realized that he was attracted to the woman from New Jersey, whether he wanted to admit it or not.
    Finishing up, Ty needed to head out. He had appointments later this afternoon to attend to. Thanking him for his time, and writing a check for the house visit and medication, they parted ways.
    The