Read Online A Family Homecoming by Laurie Paige - Free Book Online Page A

now, her eyes scanned the horizon, searching for the danger she sensed always around her and Sara. The feeling wouldn’t go away!
    â€œRelax,” Kyle said, suddenly beside her. “You’re as jumpy as a rabbit on opening day of the hunting season.”
    â€œI feel that way.”
    She tried to take a calming breath, but the scent of him caught in her throat. Once she’d loved to bury her face in the groove of his neck and shoulder and inhale the spiciness of his aftershave and the warmth of his skin.
    Once, so very long ago.
    The grief of his absence rose from that nameless place inside her, making her clench her teeth as pain pierced her soul and reminded her again of his leaving her.
    A finger under her chin turned her to face him. “You look so forlorn sometimes,” he murmured, his mouth no more than inches from hers. “Like an orphaned Bambi with no one to turn to.”
    â€œI’ve felt that way, too.” She tried for a light tone, something to ease the tension that sprang between them.
    â€œI’m not going to leave until this whole mess is cleared up. You have my word on it.”
    His voice was deep, solemn, a pledge to her and Sara’s future. She fought an urge to lean into him, to share the burden of their child’s safety, to admit all the many fears she’d faced during the past few weeks. She swallowed, then swallowed again as tears fought a battle with her pride.
    â€œBecause we’re a case?” she finally asked.
    â€œBecause you’re my family.”
    Their eyes locked, his hard and determined, almost angry. She knew the question had been cruel. “I’m sorry,” she managed to say.
    He shook his head. “It doesn’t matter.”
    She heard the resignation in his tone, the knowledge that it was over between them. She saw the bitter despair in his eyes. She didn’t understand it.
    â€œYou really cared about us, why would you stay away for two years?”
    â€œI told you.”
    â€œOur safety.” She shook her head. “A family stays together, works through the problems together.”
    â€œI made a decision based on the information I had at the time. I can’t go back and change it.”
    He met her gaze steadily. Why did his being there make the death of their marriage seem so much harder? How could it have happened when she’d loved him so much?
    â€œDani,” he said softly, suddenly, as if the old loving name were torn out of him.
    For a moment, she saw the same torture in his eyes that she felt inside. She started to open her arms to him and offer him all the comfort she could give, knowing she would find the same in his arms.
    The moment hung suspended between them like a golden thread of promise, tantalizing her with what could have been. Could have been, but wasn’t.
    â€œIt’s too late,” she whispered.
    He stepped back, his face once more controlled, an unreadable map of a place so remote she knew she would never find it. “Yes, I know.” He gave an odd half laugh. “You don’t have to worry. I won’t force myself on you.”
    With that strange remark, he left her and went outside. Through the window she watched as he followed every track in the glistening snow as he surveyed her tiny kingdom. She had never worried about him forcing himself on her. That had never crossed her mind. She went to check on Sara, feeling like the doomed princess in some dark fairy tale that had no happy ending.
    Â 
    â€œThere. That’s it.” Danielle pointed out the driveway leading to the McCallum house.
    Kyle turned in. The headlights of the truck picked out the details of the vehicle already there. He parked behind Shane McBride’s car. Sara unsnapped the seat belt and looked up expectantly, her eyes shining.
    Danielle unfastened the belt and opened the door. Kyle took hers and Sara’s hands as they walked up the snowy sidewalk to the front door. Jenny