Read Online Heart's Design: A Contemporary Christian Romance by Joann Durgin - Free Book Online Page A

the sake of some precious family legacy. That’s so old school. Not to be disrespectful of the reputation your father has built, but since Sidney and Bryce are going to carry on the tradition, anyway, I don’t understand why it’d be such a big deal if you tell your dad you want to do something else.”
    Caroline readjusted the pillow and frowned. “I don’t know what else to do. That’s the thing, Paulina. I’ve pretty much been told that I’m to assume my rightful, expected place in the firm and I’ve never even considered doing anything else. I suppose you can’t understand it unless you’re part of it. I know you mean well, and I love and appreciate you for it, but rebelling against Duncan Prescott isn’t an option. From the time I was a teenager and proved I was smart and had the fortitude to withstand the demands of a legal career, the expectations started.”
    Caroline hated how her voice, usually strong and confident, sounded small and defeated in the quiet of the night. In the bed next to them, Caroline heard Kat’s light, rhythmic breathing.
    “Maybe you should have played dumb instead of being smart enough to use words like fortitude.” She heard the humor in her friend’s voice, and appreciated her attempt to lighten the mood.
    “I could have, but this blonde hair”—Caroline wound a long strand around her finger several times—“is all natural.” She’d never thought about coloring her hair. Never thought much about her hair at all. “I’m out to disprove the stereotype that blondes don’t have anything happening between their ears.”
    “You’re too smart to play dumb, anyway. But maybe you should think about finding out for yourself whether or not blondes really have more fun. Seth Barnes really seems into you. I saw the way he watched you earlier today. And then when you were sitting in the living room reading and he walked by with Mrs. Landon.”
    A few minutes passed in silence. Thinking Paulina must have fallen asleep, Caroline finally rolled over onto her side.
    “I’m sorry, Caroline.”
    “For what?” She rolled over again.
    “I didn’t mean to make you sad by bringing up the situation with your parents, law school…the whole thing. I just want to see you happy.”
    Tears sprang to Caroline’s eyes. “I’m not un happy, and I’ve learned to live with it.” She squeezed Paulina’s hand. “Good night.”
    “Good night, my friend.”
    Mrs. Landon was wrong about one thing. She definitely wasn’t carefree. Not at all. And while it was true that wasn’t unhappy, the burden of expectations she carried still threatened to overwhelm her at times.
    If she were a praying person, this would be one of those times.
    Closing her eyes, Caroline willed sleep to come.

 
    Chapter 6
    ~~♥~~
     
    Seth quirked a brow and took a long sip of his black coffee as Beverly bustled around in the kitchen as usual. Same as she’d been doing the last ten minutes. The woman rarely sat down or took a break and usually grabbed bites of food on the run.
    “What happened to my handsome boy who greets me every morning with a smile and a kind word? It’s my Liesel and Paul’s wedding day! A day to rejoice.”
    “Oh, I’m rejoicing.” He gestured to his face. “This is my happy wedding day face. I couldn’t be happier for them, and I’m glad the rehearsal went off without a hitch.”
    Beverly smiled. “Your toast at the dinner was very funny. Paul’s usually so serious, but you always bring out his humor. Well done.”
    “Thanks, but I think you’re already forgetting that I gave you a kiss on the cheek earlier and said good morning.”
    “Yes, you did, but it was half-hearted at best. I can tell when you have something on your mind.” She gave him a quick look. “I’m listening if you want to talk.”
    Seth straightened his shoulders and slowly rotated his neck, massaging it with one hand. He was still a bit sore from his near fall yesterday afternoon. Must have wrenched his