Read Online Golden Vows by Karen Toller Whittenburg - Free Book Online

on in the front room and make yourself comfortable. I’ll get you something to drink.”
    “Hello, Martha.” Amanda pointedly addressed the sturdy back bustling away in the direction of the kitchen, but Martha paid no heed. With a wry lift of her brow, Amanda did as she was bid and relaxed in the comforting coolness.
    “Whatever possessed you to walk in the first place?” Martha entered the room at the same brisk pace and presented Amanda with a modified version of a mint julep.
    Accepting the sun-brewed tea laced with cider and a sprig of mint, Amanda smiled a thank-you. She accepted the fussing in the same spirit, knowing that if she had chosen to drive, Martha would have scolded her for not getting enough exercise. Martha was a mother hen in search of a chick, and at the moment Amanda happened to be the chick closest at hand.
    “Feel better?” Martha asked as she eased herself onto the edge of the Boston rocker.
    “I feel fine,” Amanda stated firmly. “I felt fine when I arrived on your doorstep. It’s only a short walk, Martha, and it’s only a little humid outside. You worry too much.”
    Her wrinkled cheeks creased with a smile. “I worry about you cooped up in that house with wallpaper samples and fabric scraps. You need to get out, Amanda. Meet people. Find out what’s going on in the world.”
    Amanda swirled the glass in her hand until ice cubes clinked musically. She could feel a lecture hiding behind that bland smile; Martha was ever on the alert for her opportunity. “I do get out, Martha. I’m here. And I spent the entire day in Annapolis—meeting people. In fact I have a job beginning first thing in the morning.”
    “A job? You mean you’re going to work?”
    “I’m afraid so,” Amanda said with a teasing laugh. “No more goofing off for me and no more free interior decorating for you. Tomorrow I join the eight-to-five rank and file. Well, actually, it will be nine to three. I’ll be working for Susanna Williamson at her child-care center. Imagine me with a group of rowdy preschoolers! Lucky I took some college hours in early childhood education, wasn’t it?” Amanda stopped to sip at her drink, hoping Martha wouldn’t notice the breathy uncertainty in her voice, but knowing she couldn’t help but notice.
    “Children?” The word came cautiously, accompanied by a watchful green gaze. “Is that the sort of work you want to do, Amanda?”
    Straightforward, Amanda thought. No “Do you think that’s wise?” or “Can you handle it?” or “How can you be around children every day and not be constantly remembering and regretting?” None of the questions she had asked herself again and again.
    Just a concerned look and a straightforward question. That was Martha’s way and Amanda knew she wouldn’t get by with a yes or no answer.
    “I think it is,” Amanda said. “At first I wasn’t sure, but after I visited the center and looked around, I decided to give it a try.” She paused to glance away from the perceptive gaze. “I love children, Martha, and I can’t spend my entire life avoiding them just because I might feel uncomfortable at times.”
    She didn’t attempt any further explanation. How could she explain? How could she tell anyone else the curious pleasure she had felt when she walked into the center today? No one else would understand her motives; her longing to love and enjoy the delights of children without risking her still tender emotions. Perhaps it was selfish, but surely no one could be hurt if she shared a moment of childish wonder or stole an innocent smile....
    “What?” Amanda snapped to attention at the mention of the name.
    Martha assumed a knowing frown. “I said what is Dane going to think?”
    The odd tightening of her throat returned unexpectedly and Amanda swallowed hard to dislodge it. “I doubt that he’ll be interested enough to think anything.”
    “Would you be interested if you heard that he’d sold out and was going to work for