Daphne might have called her “an orphaned little nobody,” but that name had no truth to it. She’d been born to parents who loved her, despite their youth and poverty. Her father worked hard for them and had been willing to fight for them. Her mother, perhaps a little frustrated and feeling life would pass her by, nonetheless died out of a wish to protect her.
Alicia might have had a miserable childhood in foster care. Instead she’d been adopted by a well-to-do couple who’d sought her out and given her every advantage. Being born was great, but being chosen was every bit as special. So what if her new father went a little overboard in his enthusiasm when a natural child was born to them three years later? He’d loved her in his own way.
And then there was her dear new mother, Caroline, who always looked out for her best interests, to the point of arguing with the husband she adored.
Alicia’s eyes grew misty. She’d been more fortunate than most. Her parents were all gone now, and she had little to do with her so-called sister, but she had Martha and her longtime friends. And she had Jack…her husband.
With his help, she’d met her memories head-on, had triumphed, and now she’d became a member of a large, loving family. The children she and Jack would have would know where they came from and feel part of something. She could practically feel the love as she hugged each person goodbye.
She turned back to look at them all and wave, her hand high as Jack drove away, one hand resting on the back of Lucky’s head. The dog, his upper body resting on the center console, made a whining sound in his throat, indicating contentment.
“Attaboy, Lucky,” she said. “Daphne might think it’s ridiculous to bring you with us on our honeymoon, but I’d never want to drive cross country without you.”
“Good thing he doesn’t get car sick,” Jack quipped. He took his eyes off the road for a second to smile at her. The dark eyes were covered by sunglasses, as were her own, but she knew what expression they held.
Love.
Alicia closed her eyes to enjoy the feel of the wind on her face. That orphaned little nobody had become one lucky woman. She now set off with her new husband and their dog on a cross country trip with three long weeks to see the sights. Jack had been right when he predicted that a great life awaited them.
Her parents would be so happy for her.
All four of them.
He opened the champagne with a loud pop, then poured two glasses’ worth. He raised his glass to her. “Happy birthday, Alicia.”
“Happy birthday, Jack.”
They clicked glasses and sipped, their eyes never leaving each other’s face. “Funny,” she whispered. “All of a sudden I’m not hungry anymore.”
“I am, but not for chocolate cake.” He leaned in close, and she closed her eyes expectantly, only to be surprised when he pressed his lips to her forehead.
He pulled back, looked into her eyes, and leaned forward again, this time diverting at the last minute and kissing her chin. She held her breath as he pulled back twice more, pressing his lips to each of her cheeks. Excitement built up in her like a rapid snowfall. She wanted to scream at him to kiss her….
A LOVE FOR ALL SEASONS
ISBN: 978-1-4268-0138-9
Copyright © 2007 by Bettye Griffin
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