Read Online Buried (Twisted Cedars Mysteries Book 1) by C. J. Carmichael - Free Book Online Page A
Authors: C. J. Carmichael
Tags: General Fiction
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“About six months.”
“Is it serious?”
She seemed surprised he would ask that. He was surprised, too.
“I-I’m not sure.”
He set the boxes on the table by his laptop. It was just past twelve. “Okay if I leave these here for an hour or so? I think it’s time I had a little talk with my sister.”
chapter seven
jamie stared at the Excel spreadsheet on her computer screen. Two years ago she’d graduated to her own office at Howard & Mason and she loved it. She always worked best when it was quiet, but this morning, even with her door closed, she couldn’t concentrate. Damn that brother of hers. She’d never been able to understand him. Mom said Dougal took after their father, as if that explained everything. Maybe it did, but Jamie wouldn’t know since she’d never met her dad. According to her Mom, he had left before she was born, before he even knew his wife was pregnant again. Even though everyone was always telling her she was better off without him, she couldn’t help wondering if things would have worked out differently if he’d known about her. Maybe he would have tried harder to reform. Somehow won her mother back, and been a better man.
It would have made a big difference to have had a father. Not just for her, but especially for Dougal.
She sighed. She needed to focus on her work, not stew about her personal life, but it was difficult. Besides worrying about Dougal—and trying to figure out why he was such an idiot—there was the wedding. Her mother had brought home discarded magazines from the homes she cleaned, and Jamie had mooned over the occasional Bride issues that came her way. She loved the pretty dresses, the flowers, the lovely place settings. Of course what really mattered was becoming Kyle’s wife. But planning this wedding had been a thrill.
Tonight was the final fitting at Stella’s for her bridal gown and Cory’s flower girl dress. Then on Saturday, Stella and a few friends were taking her out on the town. Jamie grabbed her to-do list and added ‘phone florist’ to order a boutonniere for her brother. She also needed to let the caterer know they’d need an extra place setting for the dinner. Annoying to have to make these last minute adjustments. But even though she was currently pissed off with her brother, she was glad he’d be available to walk her down the aisle.
Jamie tried again to concentrate on the trial balance in front of her. Instead, her mind drifted, this time to Kyle’s suggestion she quit her job. It had been sweet of him to make the offer, but she loved her work. Not only that, she was used to earning her own money and couldn’t imagine being dependent on someone else in that way.
At noon, Jamie took the lunch she’d packed that morning, and decided to eat outside to enjoy the beautiful day. As she left her office, she waved at Bonny who was busy talking on the phone at the reception desk. Heading for the beach, she crossed the highway, then passed the Tourist Information Office. Several vehicles were parked in the lot today and she noted the different license plates as she walked by: Missouri, British Columbia, Washington.
Inside the bureau a map of the world was mounted on the wall—visitors were encouraged to stick pins on their home states or countries. Jamie loved the idea that her small town could draw visitors from all over the world, from as far away as the Middle East, and Australia. But she had little urge to travel. This was her place, and she’d always known it.
Jamie left the path, shoes now sinking into the dunes. The weather was perfect—she hoped it would hold until next weekend. So often spring and even summer days on the coast of Oregon were windy, cool and damp, but she still wouldn’t consider living anywhere else.
She stepped over a clump of bull kelp to reach a large chunk of driftwood, molded by water and time into the perfect perch for sitting and enjoying the view. Once settled she scanned the ocean, on the
“Is it serious?”
She seemed surprised he would ask that. He was surprised, too.
“I-I’m not sure.”
He set the boxes on the table by his laptop. It was just past twelve. “Okay if I leave these here for an hour or so? I think it’s time I had a little talk with my sister.”
chapter seven
jamie stared at the Excel spreadsheet on her computer screen. Two years ago she’d graduated to her own office at Howard & Mason and she loved it. She always worked best when it was quiet, but this morning, even with her door closed, she couldn’t concentrate. Damn that brother of hers. She’d never been able to understand him. Mom said Dougal took after their father, as if that explained everything. Maybe it did, but Jamie wouldn’t know since she’d never met her dad. According to her Mom, he had left before she was born, before he even knew his wife was pregnant again. Even though everyone was always telling her she was better off without him, she couldn’t help wondering if things would have worked out differently if he’d known about her. Maybe he would have tried harder to reform. Somehow won her mother back, and been a better man.
It would have made a big difference to have had a father. Not just for her, but especially for Dougal.
She sighed. She needed to focus on her work, not stew about her personal life, but it was difficult. Besides worrying about Dougal—and trying to figure out why he was such an idiot—there was the wedding. Her mother had brought home discarded magazines from the homes she cleaned, and Jamie had mooned over the occasional Bride issues that came her way. She loved the pretty dresses, the flowers, the lovely place settings. Of course what really mattered was becoming Kyle’s wife. But planning this wedding had been a thrill.
Tonight was the final fitting at Stella’s for her bridal gown and Cory’s flower girl dress. Then on Saturday, Stella and a few friends were taking her out on the town. Jamie grabbed her to-do list and added ‘phone florist’ to order a boutonniere for her brother. She also needed to let the caterer know they’d need an extra place setting for the dinner. Annoying to have to make these last minute adjustments. But even though she was currently pissed off with her brother, she was glad he’d be available to walk her down the aisle.
Jamie tried again to concentrate on the trial balance in front of her. Instead, her mind drifted, this time to Kyle’s suggestion she quit her job. It had been sweet of him to make the offer, but she loved her work. Not only that, she was used to earning her own money and couldn’t imagine being dependent on someone else in that way.
At noon, Jamie took the lunch she’d packed that morning, and decided to eat outside to enjoy the beautiful day. As she left her office, she waved at Bonny who was busy talking on the phone at the reception desk. Heading for the beach, she crossed the highway, then passed the Tourist Information Office. Several vehicles were parked in the lot today and she noted the different license plates as she walked by: Missouri, British Columbia, Washington.
Inside the bureau a map of the world was mounted on the wall—visitors were encouraged to stick pins on their home states or countries. Jamie loved the idea that her small town could draw visitors from all over the world, from as far away as the Middle East, and Australia. But she had little urge to travel. This was her place, and she’d always known it.
Jamie left the path, shoes now sinking into the dunes. The weather was perfect—she hoped it would hold until next weekend. So often spring and even summer days on the coast of Oregon were windy, cool and damp, but she still wouldn’t consider living anywhere else.
She stepped over a clump of bull kelp to reach a large chunk of driftwood, molded by water and time into the perfect perch for sitting and enjoying the view. Once settled she scanned the ocean, on the
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