by Lynne Gentry
“You can’t mope around forever, you know.”
“I’m not moping.”
“I miss Daddy, too.” Maddie tugged her close and kissed her cheek. “Family days like this are especially hard.”
Leona nodded. “Your father couldn’t wait to walk you down the aisle.”
“See, your well-meaning prying is the very reason I must distract you with your own love life,” Maddie said, unthreading her arm. “I’m not going to marry.”
Maddie had made this claim when Leona went to New York to get her settled for residency. Leona prayed time and the distance from the family would bring about a loneliness that would change her mind.
“I understand that giving a serious relationship the energy it deserves would be difficult while you’re pursuing your dreams.” Leona could tell from Maddie’s expression she was fighting a losing battle, but for Maddie’s own good, she had to try. “After you’ve finished your residency, and your life slows down, I suspect you’ll want a family then.”
“Life isn’t going to slow down for me, Momma. Besides, I’m counting on David and Amy to drown you in so many grandchildren that I won’t ever have to jump in.”
For a moment, Leona considered sharing what she knew about Amy’s condition, but Parker walked up and saved her from breaking David’s confidence. “You look so handsome in that tux, Parker.” She elbowed Maddie. “Doesn’t he, Maddie?”
“He cleans up okay,” Maddie said with a begrudging smile.
“Feel kind of like a stuffed sausage.” Parker tugged at his collar. “How’s New York, Maddie?”
“I love it,” Maddie said. “Lots to do.”
“Good thing you’ve got four years to get it all done.”
“Longer if I do a fellowship.”
The flash of disappointment in Parker’s eyes led to an awkward pause. Maddie and Parker had been like brother and sister since middle school. Poking, teasing, they never let the other get by with anything. Not once had either of them ever been at a loss for words...at least they hadn’t until they went off to different colleges and their lives took different paths. Parker loved small towns. Maddie wanted a life in the city. Parker was laid back and low-keyed. Maddie was high strung and adrenaline driven. They knew this about each other. Accepted their relationship for the friendship it was.
So why was Leona feeling the need to say something, anything, to bridge the growing gap? Because she didn’t want her daughter to end up as lonely as she was, that’s why.
Leona pointed to the tiny scar last year’s icy interstate spin-out had left above the young man’s eye. “How’s your head, Parker?”
He caressed the thin, white line like it was a tender badge of honor. “Thanks to Dr. Harper here, I still have half a brain.” He hooked his finger in the knot in his tie and pulled it loose with a sigh of relief. “When do you head back, Maddie?”
“Tomorrow.”
“Trust me to drive you to the airport?”
Maddie hesitated, and in that split second of uncertainty, Leona saw hope.
“You can start by driving her to the reception,” Leona suggested, far too abruptly for the suggestion to be considered subtle.
Maddie’s face clouded. “I thought the family was supposed to ride in Grandmother’s limo.”
“Melvin’s not brought the car around.” Leona pushed her daughter toward Parker. “She won’t mind if you go on ahead.”
“I’ll ride with Parker, if you’ll ride with Saul,” Maddie challenged.
“I’m afraid Mr. Levy has already left,” Leona argued.
“Nope.” Parker pointed at the man getting into a Lexus on the far side of the parking lot. “Want me to flag him down?”
“She does.” Maddie grabbed her mother’s hand and whispered, “If I can’t spend the rest of my life alone, then neither can you.”
***
Are you dying to know if Leona Harper gets into the car with Saul Levy? What about Parker and Maddie? Will they ever admit they’re in love or are they destined to play this cat and mouse game forever?
Make sure you’re signed up at Lynne Gentry’s JOIN THE ADVENTURE newsletter. This occasional update allows you access to exclusive information on releases, contests, and insider tidbits. But my fans also get the secret code to ACT 1 of my audio performance of this story. If you’ve already signed up and received your link to ACT 1, then it’s my pleasure to give you the super-secret link to ACT 2: https://www.dropbox.com/personal?preview=Audio+performance+2.mp3
The final link to ACT 3 is at the back of Dancing Shoes. Read on so you can collect all three acts.
Aren’t the people of Mt. Hope fun? If you enjoyed escaping into the community of Mt. Hope, you’ll be happy to know your adventure doesn’t have to end with SHOES TO FILL.
Buy the third book in the Mt. Hope Southern Adventures series, DANCING SHOES, and keep on laughing with the folks of Mt. Hope. While you’re shopping, go ahead and buy the final book, BABY SHOES to find out how the whole story ends.
Have you read the first book in the series? If not, here’s your opportunity to catch up. You’ll love WALKING SHOES.
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About the Author
Lynne Gentry knew marrying a pastor might change her plans. She didn’t know how ministry would change her life. An author of numerous novels, short stories, and dramatic works, Lynne travels the country as a professional acting coach and inspirational speaker. Because Lynne’s imagination loves to run wild, she also writes in the fantasy/science fiction genre of time travel. You can come along on the adventures she takes into historical worlds at www.lynnegentry.com lives in Dallas with her husband and medical therapy dog. She counts spending time with her two grown children and their families her greatest joy.
Let’s connect on FaceBook @AuthorLynneGentry or via my website, www.lynnegentry.com, so you’ll always be the first to know about new releases.
Thanks for joining the Harper family on this leg of their Mt. Hope Adventure. I hope you’ll take the next leg with Leona and BUY DANCING SHOES available at your favorite retailer.
If you enjoy southern series, you’ll also want to grab the first book in my newest WOMEN OF FOSSIL RIDGE series set in the Texas Hill Country. The story of the Slocum women is an emotionally packed inter-generational tale that will warm your heart.
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