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

Colton.”
    “You’re easy to be good to. Do you remember Taryn?”
    “Of course. I’ve often wondered how she’s doing.”
    “I saw her tonight; she was one of the waitresses catering the banquet.”
    “Wow, what are the chances of that?”
    “I didn’t recognize her at first. Who would have thought underneath all that makeup was a pretty girl?”
    “Should I be concerned that you noticed?” she asked teasingly.
    “You have no worries, sweetheart. I’m yours forever.”
    She sighed softly into the phone. “I knew I was going to love you when you kissed my birthmark.”
    “If you were here, I’d do it right now.”
    “My birthmarks will be waiting for you when you get home.”
    His voice lowered. “Speaking of when I get home, don’t make any plans to leave the apartment this weekend.”
    Laurel laughed. “We have to leave on Sunday. It’s our turn in the nursery.”
    He groaned. “All right; but that’s it. I expect to have your undivided attention the rest of the time.”
    “Sounds fine to me.”
    “Good. It’s late, and we both have to be up early. I love you, darling. Don’t ever forget that.”
    * * * *
    Though he missed Laurel, Colton enjoyed listening to the speakers and talking with his peers. He’d always been interested in learning new things and in his profession, he couldn’t afford to be unaware of the latest procedures. He looked around for Jacob, but didn’t see him all day.
    As he wasn’t interested in the entertainment scheduled for the evening, he closed his laptop and headed to his hotel room. Laurel had told him to call her after ten; she was going to something called a “cookie swap” at a friend’s house. He debated going out to eat and then decided he was too tired.
    A quick search of his room revealed the room service menu. Colton picked up the phone and ordered a cheeseburger and fries. Not exactly healthy, but something he hoped the hotel restaurant couldn’t mess up. While he waited for his food, he changed clothes and turned on the television. Flipping through the channels, he found a bowl game.
    A knock at the door brought his attention from the screen. He hoped this interruption was his food. When he swung the door open, Taryn was standing beside a dining cart that he presumed contained his dinner.
    “Hello, again,” he said as he moved aside and waved her in.
    As he reached to take the covered plate off the tray, Taryn slapped at his hand. “I’m supposed to do that.”
    Colton laughed. “Well, hurry up. I’m hungry.”
    After arranging everything on the table, she glanced back in his direction. “Is there anything else you need?”
    “No, I’m good.”
    “When you’re finished, set the tray outside your door.”
    “Okay. Thanks for bringing it.” As they walked toward the door, he stopped suddenly. “Wait a minute, Taryn. I forgot to pay you.”
    He opened up his wallet, took out a twenty dollar bill and handed it to her. “Keep the change.”
    She made no move to take the money. “I can’t accept such a large tip.”
    Smiling gently, he asked, “Why not?”
    Taryn’s face turned red. “You’re doing it because you feel sorry for me.”
    “I’m doing it because I know how hard waitresses work. I used to wait tables at a restaurant when I was in high school.”
    “Thank you, Dr. Samuels.”
    “You called me Colton yesterday.”
    “I didn’t know you were a doctor.” She stopped at the door, and he reached around her to open it.
    “I hope you don’t have to work too late.”
    “I’m done for the night,” she told him.
    “Be careful driving home.”
    A short laugh escaped her. “I will. Goodnight.”
    “Goodbye, Taryn.”
    Colton dismissed Taryn from his mind almost immediately. The hamburger wasn’t the best, but he was too hungry to worry about it. Once the football game was over, he made his call to Laurel. She’d had a great time and was overjoyed that her holiday baking had been taken care of with so little effort. The