Marrying Kate Read Free Page A

looked into a pair of green eyes so like Jen’s and saw the smile on Bry’s face, the twin of Steven’s.
    "I’ve missed you guys!" Jared’s throat was tight with emotion as he pulled the three close for another hug. "How’re you doing, Amelia Bedelia?" Jared gave his oldest niece a kiss on the nose. "And Bryan, my man, you’ve grown!" He gave his nephew a high five before turning to the little pixie hovering at his elbow. "How’s my sweeter than chocolate Candy?"
    "I’m fine, Unca Jared." Candy’s green eyes sparkled and her black curls danced. "Did ya bring us anything?"
    "But of course! A special gift for each of you but first I need to say hi to Dani." Jared straightened and walked over to the high chair. He sat down on the chair next to it and smiled at his chubby little niece. She couldn’t be much more than a year.
    "Hi, Dani-girl." He leaned forward to give her a kiss but Dani shrieked, big tears spilling from her green eyes. "Hey, I’m not going to hurt you."
    "It’s okay." Kate came and lifted Dani from the high chair. "For the past couple of months she’s been a little reluctant to go to people she doesn’t know. She’ll get over it pretty quick. Just give her a little time."
    Jared stared up at Kate and wondered how the kids had fared with her after having Jen for a mom. Kate always seemed so cool and reserved, not at all like her sister. Even her appearance was the exact opposite of Jen’s. Jen had been tall and all womanly curves while Kate was of average height and on the thin side. Jen’s black hair had been a riot of curls that she’d passed on to her children. He’d never seen Kate’s hair down but nothing could hide the average brown color. Jen’s eyes had been a snapping green while Kate’s were a pale gray. He would never have mistaken them for sisters or rather, half-sisters, since they only shared a father.
    Jared stood and shifted his gaze from Kate to Dani. She watched him, her eyes sparkling like leaves wet with dew in the morning light. He smiled at her but she just pressed her head against Kate’s shoulder and regarded him thoughtfully. He couldn’t help feeling sad that she would never know her parents the way the other three had. Jen and Steve would just be people in photographs and videos. She’d have to learn about them through the memories of others.
    "Okay you three, you’d better eat a bit more before the bus comes." Kate slipped Dani back into the high chair.
    "Do we have to?" Bry groaned as he slid back into his chair. "I’m not really that hungry. Today is hot lunch day so I’ll eat then."
    Kate stood silently behind an empty chair. It surprised Jared to see hurt sweep across her face. It vanished so quickly that he was sure that he had imagined it , but he wasn’t imagining the way her hands tightly clenched the back of the chair.
    "Okay, just make sure you eat everything they give you." Kate scooped up the plates of untouched pancakes and swiftly dumped them into the garbage. "Go get your stuff together. Maybe your uncle will walk you out to the bus today."
    "Will you, Uncle Jared?" Amelia asked.
    "I’d love to." Jared stood and went to get the jacket he’d slipped off when he’d first come into the house. Kate, with Dani propped on one hip, helped the kids get into their jackets and rounded up backpacks. She gave them each a hug and a kiss and sent them out into the brisk morning air with Jared.
    Jared returned to the house ten minutes later. He’d promised the kids their surprises when they got home that afternoon and then watched as the bus carried them away.
    The house was quiet when he got back except for Dani’s chattering and banging.
    "Okay, sweetie, let’s see if you’ll eat this today," Kate said as Jared walked into the kitchen. She glanced up. "Do you want some breakfast? There’s cereal in the first cupboard or eggs and bacon if you want to fry them up yourself."
    Jared was grateful she hadn’t offered him pancakes. As he went about