Long Time Gone (Rough Riders) Read Free Page A

Montana for six years. That’s longer than I went to school around here.”
    “I recognize that disjointed feeling,” Carolyn said softly. “Like you don’t belong here and you don’t belong there.”
    That startled Kimi. Carolyn never said things like that. She always looked on the bright side of everything.
    “But Carson changed that,” Carolyn said.
    “How so?”
    “Now I know exactly where I belong. With him.”
    Kimi reached over and squeezed Carolyn’s knee. “You are such a sap. Are you gonna cry during the wedding ceremony?”
    “Probably.”
    “Then I’ll make sure to tuck some extra tissues into my bra.”
    Carolyn lifted one brow. “Extra? How is that different from how you dress every day?”
    “Hey! I’ve never stuffed my bra!” Kimi cupped her breasts and lifted them up. “No need to. More than a handful is a waste.” She paused thoughtfully. “Or do guys say more than a mouthful is a waste?”
    “Good lord, Kimi.”
    She laughed. “You started it.” She cranked up the radio. By the time the chorus to “California Dreamin’” started they were both singing along. She let her worries float away and embraced these last few days with her sister before both their lives changed.

    ***

    Kimi decided sitting in silence in the sun porch while Carolyn and Aunt Hulda sewed the wedding dress was a far sight better than being berated by her father as he sat in front of the TV.
    No surprise he hadn’t given her a hug when he’d seen her, even when it’d been eight months since she’d been back here. Sometimes she wondered how her mom had gotten pregnant so many times when her father never showed her—or anyone else—the slightest bit of affection.
    Her brothers didn’t say much to her—they mostly steered clear of the uncomfortable situation.
    Carolyn got up early Sunday morning to make the entire family breakfast, even though it was her wedding day. Aunt Hulda huffed about it but didn’t say anything when her nephews scarfed down the food with scarcely a thanks and walked away from the table.
    Kimi shooed Carolyn out of the kitchen, telling her to get ready while she tackled the dishes. She needed a moment alone to get a handle on her anger. This family expected so much from Carolyn—and Kimi when she was here—but gave so little in return.
    One more day. Thankfully she had her date with Cal McKay to look forward to tonight. Part of her had wanted to tell her father about it after he’d started spewing crap about the McKays last night. Part of her had wanted to ask her mother what was wrong with her for saying nothing in defense of her daughter’s future husband. But she knew it’d be a waste of breath. Plus, it’d make things worse for her sister, since Caro believed their mother had stood up to their father, when in actuality, she’d just shut up. Kimi’s responsibility as Carolyn’s maid of honor was to manage the stress and drama so the bride could focus entirely on the happiest day of her life.
    Her brother Thomas walked into the kitchen as she wiped down the last counter. Perfect timing; right when she’d finished.
    He leaned against the wall and studied her.
    “What do you want?” Kimi demanded.
    “Why are you so defensive?”
    “It’s a habit, ingrained from the years I lived here. Besides, you can’t blame me for bein’ suspicious. You never track me down just to talk.”
    “That’s true. And I am sorry about that, Kimi. I guess that’s why I was hoping you’d stick around the rest of the summer. We could talk and stuff.”
    Kimi draped the rag over the edge of the sink and squared off against her brother. “It’s the ‘stuff’ part that bothers me, Thomas.”
    “Why?”
    “Because I’m pissed off that you, Stuart and Marshall manage to do all the household stuff during the rest of the year when Carolyn and I aren’t here. But the second we’re back, you guys turn into Dad.”
    “You calling us lazy?
    “No, I’m calling you selfish.”
    Thomas