"I understand because I have as well. But he's my stepson, and I thought he should know what's going on. Besides, I'll need his help with decisions I have to make about the farm."
"Has he...has he texted you back?"
Kelly nodded. "He appreciated that I told him about my surgery. Said he hoped to come by some time."
"That was all?" His seeming callousness created a surge of anger. His stepmother was in the hospital and all he could offer was the 'hope' of a visit.
She fought down her frustration, knowing it wouldn't help when, or rather, if, Cam came.
She didn't hold out much hope. Since he left all those years ago, she alternated between not thinking about him at all, then wondering what he was up to, then becoming angry as he crossed her thoughts. Cam only texted Greg once in a while those first few months. But after that, nothing. Greg never mentioned it, but Dodie knew Cam's silence bothered him.
"Did he say when he was coming?"
"Just that he would be here as soon as he could." Kelly shook her head sadly. "I tried so hard with that boy. I know I made mistakes, but I just wish we were closer." She looked tired, and Dodie couldn't stop a flare of anger with Cam. She knew his side of the story. The frustrated son who struggled with his stepmother. Dodie took his side at the time. Understood his pain.
But after they broke up, she got to hear another angle. Got to hear how hard Kelly tried to be a mother to a rebellious young man. Especially after his father died, and it plunged him into a deep grief. She had tried to comfort and encourage him, but he rebuffed her at every turn.
Dodie brushed thoughts of Cam aside. The last few months she felt as if she had finally regained her balance after being tossed about by Greg's death. She didn't need any distractions. Right now, her focus was her mother-in-law and her needs.
"Of course you did," Dodie assured her. "You don't need to feel guilty about that."
Kelly took her hand, closing it between hers. "I hope so. Maybe him coming here might help things."
“I should go. You look tired.” Dodie got up and brushed a kiss over her forehead. "Did you want me to get you anything before I leave?" she asked. "A magazine or a book?"
"No. I'm fine." Another hint of a smile. "Though next time you come, you could bring me some treats from Adele's bakery."
"I'll see what I can bring," she said, giving her a gentle smile.
She knew she should go, but for some reason she was loathe to leave.
Just a few more minutes, she told herself. Then she would leave. Once Kelly was asleep.
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Other Series
I have many other books for you to enjoy. Check them out here.
LOVE IN MILLARS CROSSING
#1 A Family’s Christmas
#2 A Family’s Blessing
#3 A Family’s Hope
#4 A Family’s Promise (Coming soon)
MILLARS CROSSING ROMANCE
#1 COUNTRY ROMANCE
#2 COUNTRY COURTSHIP
#3 COUNTRY PROPOSAL
#4 COUNTRY WEDDING
FAMILY BONDS
#1 SEEKING HOME
A rancher who suffered a tragic loss. A single mother on the edge. Can these two find the courage to face a romantic new beginning?
#2 CHOOSING HOME
If you like emergency room drama, second chances, and quaint small-town settings, then you’ll adore this romance.
#3 COMING HOME
He thought she chose a hotel over him. She thought he loved money more than her. Years later, can they fill the emptiness in their hearts?
#4 FINDING HOME
She’s hiding a terrible truth. He’s trying to overcome his scandalous history. Together, forgiveness might give them a second chance.
FAMILY TIES
Four siblings trying to finding their way back to family and faith
A COWBOY’S REUNION
He’s still reeling from the breakup. She’s ashamed of what she did. Can a chance reunion mend the fence, or are some hearts forever broken? If you like second chance stories, buried passions, and big country settings, then you’ll love this emotional novel.
“I enjoyed this book and had trouble putting it down and had to finish it. If the rest of this series is this great, I look forward to reading more books by Carolyne Aarsen.” Karen Semones - Amazon Review
THE COWBOY’S FAMILY
She's desperate. He's loyal. Will a dark lie hold them back from finding love on the ranch? If you like determined heroines, charming cowboys, and family dramas, then you’ll love this heartfelt novel.
“What a wonderful series! The first book is Cowboy's Reunion. Tricia's story begins in that book. Emotional stories with wonderful characters. Looking forward to the rest of the books in this series.” Jutzie - Amazon reviewer
TAMING THE COWBOY
A saddle bronc trying to prove himself worthy to a father who never loved him. A wedding planner whose ex-fiancee was too busy chasing his own dreams to think of hers. Two people, completely wrong for each other who yet need each other in ways they never realized. Can they let go of their own plans to find a way to heal together?
“This is the third book in the series and I have loved them all. . . . can't wait to see what happens with the last sibling.” - Amazon reviewer
THE COWBOY’S RETURN
The final book in the Family Ties Series:
He enlisted in the military, leaving his one true love behind.
She gave herself to a lesser man and paid a terrible price.
In their hometown of Rockyview, they can choose to come together or say a final goodbye...
'This author did an amazing job of turning heartache into happiness with realism and inspirational feeling.” Marlene - Amazon Reviewer
SWEETHEARTS OF SWEET CREEK
Come back to faith and love
#1 HOMECOMING
Be swept away by this sweet romance of a woman's search for belonging and second chances and the rugged rancher who helps her heal.
#2 - HER HEARTS PROMISE
When the man she once loved reveals a hidden truth about the past, Nadine has to choose between justice and love.
#3 - CLOSE TO HIS HEART
Can love triumph over tragedy?
#4 - DIVIDED HEARTS
To embrace a second chance at love, they'll need to discover the truths of the past and the possibilities of the future…
#5 - A HERO AT HEART
If you like rekindled chemistry, family drama, and small, beautiful towns, then you’ll love this story of heart and heroism.
#6 - A MOTHER’S HEART
If you like matchmaking daughters, heartfelt stories of mending broken homes, and fixer-upper romance, then this story of second chances is just right for you.
HOLMES CROSSING SERIES
The Only Best Place is the first book in the Holmes Crossing Series.
#1 THE ONLY BEST PLACE
One mistake jeopardized their relationship. Will surrendering her dreams to save their marriage destroy her?
#2 ALL IN ONE PLACE
She has sass, spunk and a haunting secret.
#3 THIS PLACE
Her secret could destroy their second chance at love
#4 A SILENCE IN THE HEART
Can a little boy, an injured kitten and a concerned vet with his own past pain, break down the walls of Tracy’s heart?
#5 ANY MAN OF MINE
Living with three brothers has made Danielle tired of guys and cowboys. She wants a man. But is she making the right choice?
#6 A PLACE IN HER HEART
Her new boss shattered her dreams and now she has to work with him. But his vision for the magazine she loves puts them at odds. Can they find a way to work togeth
er or will his past bitterness blind him to future love.
Contents
Reader Group
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Epilogue
Reader Group
Other Series
A Family's Hope: A Sweet Romance (Love in Millars Crossing Book 3) Page 19
