Read Online Finding the Way Back (Book 1 in the Forgiving Hearts Trilogy) by Erin Landy - Free Book Online Page A

conference began. In his room, he hastily changed into a suit, grabbed the bag holding his laptop and strode out the door.
    During the banquet that followed the introductory speeches, he spied a familiar face in the crowd. He walked over and slapped Jacob on the shoulder. “I didn’t know you were going to be here.”
    “Colton! Good to see you. You’re a long way from Charleston.”
    “I had to find out what all the fuss is about with this new rotator-cuff surgical technique.”
    Jacob nodded. “That’s the only thing that could drag me away from Orlando in December.”
    “Did Juliet come with you?”
    “She was going to, but Lily got an ear infection.”
    “I’m sorry to hear that. Laurel has her pictures all over our refrigerator. Your daughter didn’t get her good looks from you.”
    “I couldn’t be more relieved. Juliet is planning a huge party for Lily’s first birthday. She’s hoping you and Laurel can come.”
    “If it’s at all possible, we’ll be there.”
    “When are you going to jump in and start a family?”
    Colton’s smile grew. “It’s only been a little over a year, Jacob. I consider myself to still be on my honeymoon.”
    Jacob laughed as he glanced at his watch. “I’ve got to go pick up my partner at the airport. Are you staying for the entire conference?”
    “If I can stand to be away from Laurel that long.”
    “I know the feeling. It gets even harder to leave when you have a child. See you tomorrow.”
    Colton made his way back to the table where he’d left his bag. Everyone was gone except two physicians still enjoying a lively discussion. A member of the catering staff approached and offered to refill their drinks. Thinking he could use some coffee before going to his room, Colton absently handed the young woman his cup.
    “You’re Colton, right?”
    He glanced up in surprise. “Yes, I am.” For a moment, he was at a loss and then he smiled. “I hardly recognized you, Taryn. How are you?”
    “Right now, I’m dead on my feet. I’ve been working since nine this morning.”
    “I didn’t realize you were from Nashville.”
    She grimaced. “It’s not where I want to be, either. My parents own a farm not far from here. How’s Laurel?”
    “She’s great; we got married last year.”
    “I’ll never forget how nice she was to me. When you talk to her, tell her I said hello.”
    “I’ll do that.”
    “Well, I better get moving. I’m not supposed to stand around talking. It was nice seeing you again.” With a tired smile, she walked away.
    * * * *
    Colton left the banquet hall not long after that encounter. Once in his room, he shrugged out of his jacket, loosened his tie and stretched out on the bed to call Laurel. She answered so quickly he knew she’d been waiting to hear from him.
    “How’s the most beautiful woman in the world?”
    “Missing my husband. I never thought I would be one of those possessive type women, but I’ve been jealous of everyone in Nashville because they’re with you and I’m not.”
    He laughed. “You don’t have a jealous bone in your body. How did the rehearsal for the play go?”
    “Terrible. I had kids forgetting lines, dropping things, and bumping into each other. It was as if they’d forgotten everything we’ve been doing for the last three months.”
    “I think it’s a good thing in the theatrical world to have a bad rehearsal before the big performance.”
    “I hope you’re right or we’re in trouble.”
    “Have you talked to Juliet lately?”
    “Not in few weeks. Why?”
    “I ran into Jacob tonight – he’s here for the conference, too. He was telling me about Lily’s birthday party.”
    “I told Juliet we probably wouldn’t be able to make it. That’s a long drive for a weekend.”
    “No, it’s not. How many times does a little girl have a first birthday? We should go.”
    “What if you’re on call?”
    “I’ll swap weekends with someone else.”
    “You’re too good to me,