Read Online Breathless by Kathryn J. Bain - Free Book Online Page A

It could do.”
    â€œLet’s take a look inside.” Matthew’s father didn’t want to burden his family, but Matthew wasn’t going to rush into a living arrangement, and have his dad not receive the quality of care the man deserved.
    They met with the administrator, Claudia Hugestein, at the front desk. She extended her thin fingers to Matthew’s father. Matthew presumed the tall woman to be in her mid-fifties. Her green eyes gave her no stand-out features, unlike Lydia’s violet eyes which carried in his thoughts day and night. He had only seen her sporadically the last couple of weeks. With each occurrence, his heart would beat out a rhythm he was unfamiliar with. Yet she appeared to avoid him with every close encounter, indicating to him she had little desire to be with him. That was probably a good thing with the secret of her brother’s death hanging between them.
    â€œThis is our game room,” Ms. Hugestein said. Two men glanced up from the cards in their hands and nodded. “Our cook has yet to have a complaint, and she can fix your meal with any special medical requests needed.” The cafeteria carried a slight odor of meatloaf.
    â€œI don’t require anything special,” his dad said.
    Matthew glanced around. Comfort rose when they entered the library and several Bibles stood upright on the bookcase.
    As they rounded the corner toward the large screened-in porch, he felt as if he’d been gabbed by an aroma he’d become all too familiar with. The smell of gardenias enveloped him, causing the thumping in his chest to sound all the way to his ears. It’s bad enough he had Lydia on his mind constantly, but she was all over his senses.
    â€œThis is one of our volunteers,” Ms. Hugestein said. “She comes by once a week to visit with our residents.”
    Matthew’s heart leapt into his throat as he looked into soft blue-violet eyes.
    Â 
    ****
    Â 
    Lydia adjusted the footrests on Ms. Mouldune’s wheelchair when it hit her. Spice, an aroma she dreamt of. She lost her balance and nearly toppled over.
    â€œDarling, is everything all right? You look a bit flushed,” Ms. Mouldune said.
    â€œSomething crossed my mind.” Lydia did her best to calm her voice.
    â€œI hope he was handsome.”
    Ms. Mouldune patted her on her forearm. Lydia felt her cheeks heat.
    â€œThis is one of our volunteers.” Ms. Hugestein stood behind her. “She comes by once a week to visit with our residents.”
    As Ms. Hugestein introduced her, Lydia bid Ms. Mouldune goodbye. Lydia’s throat constricted as she saw two sets of piercing sapphire blue eyes. The older gentleman clearly had to be Matthew’s father.
    Osteoporosis had taken its toll on the older man causing a slouch in his upper body. His shoulders drooped forward, and the hump-like curve of his back told of his age.
    â€œLydia, this is Pastor Matthew Winters and his father, George. Mr. Winters is considering joining our little group here.”
    â€œI’ve already met Matthew. He’s our new minister. However, it’s nice to meet you, Mr. Winters.”
    Lydia shook hands with Matthew’s father. He accepted with frail, silk fingers. He had the same strong jaw as his son, and she imagined years earlier, the same dark hair color. Still attractive, the grayness of the hair and his wrinkles gave him a more distinguished look with his advanced age.
    â€œSon, you better call the funeral parlor.” Mr. Winters chuckled. “I must have died because I’ve met an angel of God’s.”
    â€œDon’t let the persona fool you.” Lydia leaned closer to the older man. “There are horns holding up this halo.”
    â€œYou volunteer here every week?” Mr. Winters smiled.
    â€œI try my best,” Lydia said.
    â€œWhere do I sign up?” He gave her a wink. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a pretty young lady. I