by Vivian Wood
She paused for a moment before continuing.
“And Gavin. I liked that girl you danced with. Her father asked me for your information, so I think you’ll be hearing from them soon.”
Gavin looked surprised, but he merely nodded.
“All done?” Pa asked, reaching out to pat Ma’s hand.
“Dismissed,” she sighed.
Everyone rose and brought their plates to the kitchen, following a ritual as old as Luke could remember. When the dishwasher was loaded and the skillet seasoned and the dining room floor swept, they all headed their separate ways.
Luke found Ma once more, ready to say goodbye. She was sitting in the sun room, working furiously at a needlepoint.
“I suppose you’re going to leave now, despite my advice,” she said.
“I am,” Luke said.
“Aubrey Rose Umbridge is a sensitive soul, just like her mother was. You’d better tread lightly with her, Luke,” Ma admonished.
“You know her family?” Luke asked, taken aback.
“I know a lot of things,” Ma said. Luke recognized her mood, and knew he wasn’t getting any useful information from her just now.
“Alright, Ma,” Luke said, leaning in and kissing her cheek. She accepted it in silence, her expression pensive.
“You know,” she said at last. “It would be easier for you if you waited a while, until she’s not angry anymore. She’s just like her mother, I bet.”
Luke tried to find the words to explain.
“I’ve waited a long time, Ma. I can’t wait for anything else, not anymore.”
Ma looked up at him, sympathy flashing in her blue-green eyes.
“Alright then, you go on ahead. I hope it works out for you, darlin’,” she said.
“Thanks Ma. I’ll call you,” Luke promised.
“Yeah, yeah,” she said, shooing him away with one hand.
Luke turned and headed out to his car, wondering what the next step might be. He didn’t know where, when, or how he would track her down, but he knew he would. He had to.
“Aubrey Rose Umbridge, here I come,” he uttered. With that, Luke just climbed in his car and headed South.
To Be Continued…
Not so fast! These white-hot Alpha bears have only just begun to thrill you. Luke’s Obsession, the first full-length book in the Red Lodge Bears series, available now on Amazon! Turn to the next page for a glimpse of Luke and Aubrey’s story. To get the latest release news, free stories, and more, don’t forget to sign up for Vivian’s newsletter!
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