Linda Ford Read Free Page A

nearest town. No one knew the dead family. No one knew Joey. He didn’t know of any family but his ma and pa. The sheriff made inquiries. But nothing. Iasked the preacher what I should do and he said, why not adopt him? So I did.”
    The way he grinned gave Kathleen an emptiness, as if her life lacked something. She tried valiantly to dismiss the feeling. After all, what could her life be lacking? Her parents provided her with everything she needed. She had been at finishing school getting a privileged education until her mother’s illness required she return home to help care for her. As soon as her mother felt better, she’d return to the Eastern college. She hadn’t been there long enough to make friends, but when she got back she would. God willing, she’d find a friend who would remain loyal throughout their years at college.
    Above and beyond that, she had a living relationship with God. Had never doubted His love and care. Still, had she ever done anything half as noble as Buck had? Had she ever loved anyone like Buck loved Joey? Had she ever been loved like that? Yes, her parents loved her, she had no doubt, but it seemed their love carried heavy expectations.
    Buck watched her. His eyes revealed understanding. Warmth.
    As if he read her thoughts.
    She ducked her head, amazed at how foolish she proved to be. Until this moment she considered herself a commonsense person who didn’t think or act rashly.
    “Buck my papa.” Joey sounded so proud, Kathleen’s throat tightened.
    She dare not look at Buck again, afraid of the wayher emotions clogged her heart. Instead, she glanced at Rosie. When she saw the same glisten of tears in her eyes she felt in her own, she sniffed.
    “Yes, I am. And you’re my son. Forever and always.”
    Kathleen couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t think beyond the stuffiness in her nose. Never before had she known such open affection between a man and his son…his adopted son, though she guessed he wouldn’t acknowledge any distinction. He seemed such a decent man.
    Rosie blew her nose on a hankie. “You’re a good man, Buck, but it doesn’t change anything.”
    Kathleen couldn’t imagine why Rosie was so fearful.
    “I’m well aware of it. I’m only here until Joey is better.”
    At that moment, Joey’s head nodded. Buck caught him before he planted his face in the bowl of soup. He lifted the boy, tossed his coat on the floor in the corner and was about to put Joey there.
    Kathleen gave Rosie a hard look. “Are you going to let him sleep on the floor? The boy is sick. Besides—” she lowered her voice “—don’t you think he’s been through enough?”
    Rosie lifted her hands in a sign of defeat. “I give up. Buck, use the room past the stove. It’s our bedroom, but I can’t bring myself to sleep there with Bill gone.”
    Buck jerked to full attention. “He’s gone? Howlong ago?” He shifted his gaze to the children who played in the doorway.
    “He left a few weeks ago to work in a logging camp. We came here expecting a job but it fell through. We can’t live in the camp so Bill left us here.” She glanced about. “This is a nice, solid little house.”
    Buck let out a noisy gust. “I thought you meant he was gone…gone for good, as in…well, you know.”
    Rosie grinned widely. “If you could see the look on your face…” She tipped her head back and looked pleased with herself. “I have to admit I enjoyed that. Sort of evens us up for you showing up at my door.”
    Kathleen couldn’t read the look the two exchanged. Sharing a secret. She felt she intruded into their lives without invitation. She envied them their obvious affection. She wondered if they realized how blessed they were to have each other and their children.
    “Consider us even, then. I’m happy to let you do so.” Buck shouldered his way into the room. A cold draft blasted through the kitchen.
    Junior waited until Buck was out of sight. “Mama, do we have to stay here forever?”
    Rosie