Read Online Branching Out by Kerstin March - Free Book Online Page A

lace-curtained windows.
    While their wedding day had been something he would never forget, he was inwardly relieved to finally be away from Bayfield. Ryan knew how much Shelby was compromising by marrying into his family in order for them to be together. She was willing to leave her hometown to build a life with him in Chicago. Inwardly, he knew he was falling short by comparison. How could he ever admit to her that on their wedding day he felt the presence of her grandfather more than ever before? And rather than giving Ryan a sense of comfort, the feeling of Olen’s presence had raised the hairs on the back of his neck.
    â€œWhat are you thinking about?” she asked, still watching the scenery pass by.
    â€œThe wedding,” he said, tucking a wisp of fallen hair behind her ear.
    â€œIt was perfect, wasn’t it?”
    Nothing is ever entirely perfect, he thought to himself, wondering how long he should wait before he told her the truth. His fingers gently caressed the skin on her cheek, over her ear, and down to the nape of her neck.
    â€œExcept for my mother, that is,” Shelby said, suddenly sitting up straight. “I keep trying to forget about her and that man—God, what do I call him? Her friend? Boyfriend . . . ?”
    â€œI guess we should just call him Chad, until we know for sure.”
    â€œChad,” she repeated. “Right. I still can’t believe they pulled that stunt on our wedding day. I mean, where did he come from? Who is he? I keep replaying it all in my head. It doesn’t make sense.”
    â€œCome on, Shel, let’s not let it spoil our trip. We’ll have plenty of time to sort it out when we get back home.”
    As much as he wanted to cast thoughts out of his mind that if Shelby ever discovered his actions on that day with Olen—as a winter storm raged around the two men and ultimately took Olen’s life—were far worse than any of Jackie’s wrongdoings. It was devastating enough that, if Shelby had known the truth, Ryan was certain she wouldn’t be with him now.
    â€œThat’s one of the things I love about you—you’re always so sure that things will work out in the end,” she said.
    Ryan held Shelby close while her words hung in the air and the train continued its rhythmic trek up the mountain rails.
    Â 
    â€œWe’re all settled!” Ryan called from the front door of their private alpine chalet, letting the iron latch on the door click solidly behind him. “The porter just brought up our luggage and I know you’re tired, so I went ahead and ordered dinner and wine to be delivered.”
    When she didn’t reply, he assumed she was freshening up after their long travel day, so he picked up one of her travel bags and carried it to her. He made his way through the open living room, with its vibrant red Persian rugs and oversized leather furniture. Above him was a vaulted, exposed-beam ceiling that showcased a broad, A-frame portrait window with a sweeping view of the Matterhorn. He couldn’t help but notice how, set against the backdrop of a lavender evening sky, the mountain’s snowcapped peak resembled a crooked witch’s hat.
    â€œShelby?” he called out again, quieter this time. Ryan proceeded to walk past the fire, which flickered and snapped quietly in a stone hearth, and continued down a wood-paneled corridor that led to the master bedroom.
    â€œIn here . . .” came her voice from the behind the partially opened bedroom door. “I picked up something for you in that little shop by the train station.”
    He gave the door a gentle push and it swung open slowly. Then, seeing his bride, he dropped the bag to the floor.
    Inside the room, there was a tall, four-post bed covered with a white down comforter that looked pillow soft. Upon it, Shelby lay on her side with her head set upon her hand and propped up on one elbow, wearing nothing at all. A flat gold box, tied