Finding the Way Back (Book 1 in the Forgiving Hearts Trilogy) Read Free

next to the maid of honor, but she didn’t tell me your name.”
    “I’m Laurel Mills; it’s nice to finally meet you.”
    He grinned wryly as he stirred cream into his coffee. “I wonder if Juliet will ever forgive me for missing the rehearsal.”
    “After tomorrow, she won’t be worrying about such trivial things.”
    He laughed in agreement. Like his voice, his laugh was warm and infectious. “I can’t say that I blame her. Getting married must rank near the top of the best things in life.”
    “Are you speaking from experience?”
    “No, but I’m looking forward to it.”
    “Phillip told me you drove from Charleston. I live there, too.”
    “Really? I’ve been doing a residency in orthopedics there. I’m originally from Hilton Head.”
    Before she could ask any more questions, their food arrived. As she ate and conversed with the other members of the bridal party, Laurel found herself listening for Colton’s voice. He didn’t talk as much as the others, but when he did, it was with a level of interest she found appealing. She kept thinking he would be an easy person to confide and put your trust in – an admirable trait in general and one very advantageous for his chosen occupation.
    Just as she was wondering if Phillip would be giving her a ride back to Juliet’s house, Colton spoke close to her ear. “I don’t know about you, but I’m suddenly wide awake. Would you like to take a drive? I promise to have you back to wherever you’re staying by midnight.”
    “I’d love to. I need to tell Juliet not to expect me for a while.”
    When she came to her feet, Colton hid his surprise. As he watched her navigate a path through the groups of people, he laughed inwardly. What had he put down on that silly “wish list” at his brother’s bachelor party? Blonde hair, blue eyes, nice figure, and oh, yeah, long legs. He couldn’t have described Laurel more accurately if he’d had her picture in front of him when he wrote the list. The ironic thing was the list was pure fiction. Colton had no particular preferences when it came to what a woman looked like.
    * * * *
    When she finally worked her way through the circle of family surrounding Juliet, Laurel found her friend making preparations to leave.
    “Jacob and I are going to see his grandmother. She wasn’t able to come tonight. So if you want to go somewhere with Phillip, there’s nothing stopping you.”
    Laurel chuckled. “I’m actually going for a drive with Colton.”
    Juliet made a face. “Why do you want to do that?”
    “Because he asked me.”
    “Can’t you get out of it? Phillip’s more your type.”
    “Stop being mysterious, Juliet. Is there something I should know about Colton? Does he have a wife and ten children hidden away somewhere?”
    “In order to have a wife, you have to make an effort to date. I don’t think he’s been out with a woman in years. When Jacob asked him why, he said there isn’t anyone he’s interested in.”
    “What’s wrong with that? Maybe he’s particular about who he spends time with.”
    “There’s something wrong when a man with his kind of looks can’t find someone to date.”
    “So you admit he’s nice looking.”
    Juliet rolled her eyes. “You’re missing the point, but I can see I’m wasting my time. Go ahead; take your drive with Colton. I can assure you nothing will happen. He probably doesn’t even remember how to kiss a girl.”
    “That’s just as well; I don’t kiss on the first date. See you later.”
    Laurel made her way back to Colton. He turned in her direction with a faint smile. “Everything okay?”
    “Yes, I received permission to go.”
    His smile grew. “That’s a relief. Let’s get out of here.” He escorted her to a dark gray convertible waiting all alone at the rear of the parking lot. “I’m sorry for the long walk; I should have picked you up at the entrance.”
    “It was probably crowded when you arrived.”
    He shook his head. “Actually, it