Read Online Always in Her Heart by Marta Perry - Free Book Online Page A

between us didn’t measure in the balance with what you thought you owed them.
    She couldn’t say that, of course. But she couldn’t help thinking that perhaps Davis’s parents had used Link’s sense of obligation to put a burden on him that wasn’t rightfully his.
    Link’s fingers closed around hers. “They were kind to me, and Davis was my best friend. I’d have done anything for him then.” His fingers tightened. “And I’d do anything now for that little girl, because she’s Davis’s child. You know you can trust me on that, don’t you?”
    Trust. He’d put his finger right on the root of her uncertainty.
    â€œI know you’ll do all you can for Marcy because of Davis,” she said carefully. He’d let her down before, but this time they were on the same side, weren’t they? “I’d like to think you can love her for herself, too.”
    He stared down at their clasped hands, and his shuttered face hid his thoughts. “I love her,” he said. “The reason doesn’t matter. I’ll keep her inheritance safe, no matter what the cost.”
    â€œI believe you.” It was almost like a vow.
    He looked at her suddenly, and his face was very close to hers. Their hands, clasped atop Davis’s picture, seemed to bind them together.
    â€œWe’re going to do this, Annie. Don’t doubt it.”
    His voice was very soft, but she had the sense she’d be able to hear him even if he just thought the words.
    â€œI know.”
    He was so close that the slightest movement would bring his face against hers. For a second she thought he’d move, thought he’d lay his cheek close against hers and fold his arms around her. She didn’t—she couldn’t—
    Then he was drawing back, closing the album, putting cool space between them. His head was turned away, and she couldn’t see his expression.
    Just as well. She leaned back, trying to still her chaotic thoughts. Link had shown her depths within himself, had touched her at a level she didn’t want to expose. What had happened to the guard she kept around her emotions? What would happen if she let him get too close again?

Chapter Five
    L eaving Marcy in the church nursery on Sunday morning had been harder than Annie had expected. She’d felt as if she were leaving part of herself behind, and the fact that Marcy had happily toddled over to the toy box hadn’t really helped. She still hadn’t wanted to leave her.
    Overprotective? Probably.
    Annie sat erect in the pew next to Link. She tried to concentrate on the Psalm reading, tried not to feel as if every person in the sanctuary watched them, but her effort was useless. The back of her neck prickled with the effect of those stares.
    Naturally people were curious. Lakeview was a small town, where everyone knew everyone else. When two prominent citizens died and a custody battle started over their young child, people would wonder, especially when they heard about her sudden marriage to Link.
    Frank and Julia were members here, although Becca had said they seldom attended. Still, that might be another reason why the Lesters would garner support.
    She glanced at Link, sitting quietly next to her in the heavy walnut pew where Davis’s family had sat for generations. Everything about the church—the stone exterior in the same style and material as the courthouse, the massive pews and pulpit, the soaring Gothic arches—proclaimed that this church had served the people of God in this place for a hundred years and would do so for a hundred more. Even the stained-glass windows with their memorial plaques for congregants long dead announced stability and tradition, reminding her that she didn’t belong in Lakeview.
    If Link felt out of place or disliked the stares of the congregation, it didn’t show. He looked up at the rose window above the pulpit, apparently listening