The Next Mrs. Blackthorne (Bitter Creek Book 6)
Page 30
She watched the two couples as they turned for the enthusiastic applause of the congregation, and then her parents were gone, majestic organ music sweeping them down the aisle.
Kate watched them go, knowing that she desperately wanted what they’d finally found. True love. Lasting love. Family and a future. They were what life was all about.
She was very much afraid that happily-ever-after might elude her.
Before her aunt and uncle escaped, Kate kissed and hugged them, too. Then they were flying down the aisle, laughing and happy and looking forward to their future together.
Breed had slipped out a side door, and Kate realized she was alone at the front of the church. And that her work was done. Aside from a little refereeing at the reception, of course.
Kate waited until the church was almost empty before she headed down the aisle herself. She finally had the one thing she’d wished for all her life—a family of her own. Yet she’d never felt so bereft.
She laughed at herself for being maudlin. She focused on being happy for her parents. And for Uncle North and Aunt Jocelyn. Even though she was going to miss them all while they were gone on their honeymoons.
She felt a tap on her shoulder and turned around. It was Breed.
“What can I do for you?” she asked.
“I need a ride to the reception.”
“Sure,” Kate said.
As the two of them walked to Kate’s car, Breed said, “Mom got married again. The guy’s not too keen on me.”
“I’m sure North will give you a place to stay,” Kate said.
“Yeah. When he gets back, I’m sure he will.”
Kate realized her problems were pretty small. So what if she’d had an unfortunate romance. Life moved on. She’d find someone else to love. Meanwhile, someone needed her.
“Tell you what, Breed,” Kate said. “I’ve got a pretty comfortable couch. You’re welcome to use it until North gets home.”
“Thanks, Kate,” Breed said. “I think I will.”
Kate put a hand on the boy’s shoulder. “It’s good to have family, isn’t it?”
“Yeah,” Breed said. “It is.”
Kate realized that Breed’s father, her grandfather King, had come to the church—and left—without acknowledging Breed. Well, she thought. Here’s another crusade. She was good at getting people together. Look how well she’d done with her mother and father.
She glanced at Breed and thought, One of these days I’m going to help you reconcile with your father.
Meanwhile, Breed’s problems gave her something to focus on instead of Jack McKinley. Whom she absolutely, positively never wanted to see again.
“Tell me, Breed,” she said, giving him her full attention. “What would you like to do to pass the time until North comes home?”
Letter to Readers
Dear Faithful Readers,
I’m already at work on the next book in the Bitter Creek series, which continues the saga of Kate Grayhawk and King’s might-be-bastard son Breed. I hope you’ll come along for the ride!
Meanwhile, if you enjoy my ranch novels, watch for my hardcover novel, Texas Brides, part of my popular Hawk’s Way series, available everywhere on September 27.
I always love hearing from you. You can reach me through my web site at www.joanjohnston.com. Be sure to sign up on my mailing list to receive notice of upcoming books.
Take care and happy reading!
Joan Johnston