Read Online Family in His Heart by Gail Gaymer Martin - Free Book Online

good. And with school letting out in a few days, he would have his pick of high school students eager to earn some college money for the summer. She salved her guilt by reminding herself that she’d been clear that if something better came along she’d take it.
    The certainty that Nick had found a housekeeper swept over Rona like a wave in a storm. He was bound to have found someone by now, which meant she needed to find another place to stay, then maybe a new job. She’d gotten a discount at the motel for staying a week, but her week was up and she’d procrastinated in hopes—Hopes. When did she count on her hopes working out?
    “You look thoughtful.”
    Rona looked up and watched Mandy slide into the chair across from her.
    “Wishing I were outside…and in my own place. I need to find a rental.”
    “Want help looking? I know of a studio apartment and I work the late shift tomorrow night. I have the morning.”
    She looked at the younger woman whose warm smile always made her feel liked. “I’d love it.”
    “So tomorrow, then? You’re off, right? And Monday is a holiday.”
    “Bernie said we’re closed on Monday. I’m surprised.” Holidays meant tourists.
    “He gives us Memorial Day because from then on, we’re open. No rest for the wicked, as they say.”
    “So that’s it.” Rona nodded, understanding Bernie’s motivation. “The other thing I really want to know is what to do around here for fun.”
    “Once you get to know the area, you’ll be surprised at all the events going on—quilt shows, the antique boat show, River Rampage, even an Indian powwow. And just wait until the Fourth of July.”
    Rona grinned at her enthusiasm. “There’s the problem. I don’t know the area.”
    Mandy cupped her chin in her hand. “Okay. If you want to have some fun, we could do a little of that tomorrow, too.”
    “I’d love it.”
    Out of the corner of her eye, Rona saw a man’s form approaching, her heart skipped to her throat, then sank. It wasn’t Nick. She’d hoped, because the longer she waited the more she wished that he’d offer her the housekeeping job.
    Mandy turned her head to follow her gaze, then looked back. “Waiting for someone?”
    Rona shook her head.
    Mandy let her question drop. “Ever been to Drummond Island?”
    “No. I’ve never been anywhere but Hessel and Cedarville.”
    “Why don’t you come to church with me in the morning, and then we can take the ferry to the island. We’ll have lunch there. I know a great restaurant. It’ll be fun.”
    Church? The vision billowed over Mandy’s conversation. Rona shrunk beneath her offer. “How about getting together after church?”
    Mandy shrugged. “Sure, and maybe we could check out the studio I mentioned.”
    “It’s a date.”
    Mandy slid from the chair. “I’d better get back. I’m not on break like you are.” She grinned and vanished.
    It’s a date. That’s something Rona hadn’t had in a long time with anyone. She looked out the window, drawn by the view and the sunshine. An SUV passed the inn, and her pulse quickened. Nick. She craned her neck to follow the vehicle until it turned the corner and headed toward the pier. Maybe he’d walk back and have dinner.
    With her gaze riveted to the road, Rona waited until too much time had passed and her hope sank.
    She lowered her head, disappointed in herself. She’d allowed fanciful thoughts to puncture reality. She’d lived in the real world long enough to know that dreams didn’t come true.
    Still she wished they did.

Chapter Five
    N ick sat in his SUV on the Drummond Island ferry and gazed through the window at the limestone quarry with its powdery white trail leading away from the shore to Humps Road. He shifted in the seat and rested his head against the neck support.
    After church, Gary had asked to spend the day with Amy’s family. Amy, he’d learned, was the girl who’d been glued to Gary’s side; Nick spoke to the girl’s mother—with Gary’s