Read Online Her Heart's Desire (Sunflower Series Book 1) by Linda Joyce - Free Book Online

the entire the last year, she’d waited
for a repeat performance. It never came. The boy she’d fallen in
love with had grown into a man, and neither boy nor man wanted her.
The strain between them made them barely friends. “Of course, it’s
Lucas Dwyer.”
    Unrequited love was not the glorious thing
poets made it out to be. Over-romanticized drivel. Lucas would
never know how often she painted and watched for his truck to pass
on the road. The sunroom with its walls of windows provided an
exceptional view of the few vehicles coming and going.
    Each week, then each month, since Lucas last
kissed her, her hope dwindled. Just once, she wished he’d stop by
the farm to see about her. Really see her, not check up on the
crop, or do something for her brother.
    Where had the passion and tenderness he’d
given in her most desperate hour disappeared to? His reputation
didn’t include irresponsible behavior. In fact, his actions were
usually the complete opposite. He considered every decision he made
before he acted. But in her case, had he just overreacted to her
tears? Pondering, she refused to accept any conclusion, at least
not a satisfying one. The only good thing after that kiss—she’d
poured her heart into her painting.
    She sighed. Wouldn’t Lucas be surprised if he
knew she’d dreamed of him?
    “I hope he doesn’t pass us. Your new car will
be covered with dust,” Lia said.
    Craig glanced in her direction. She smiled
saccharine-sweet. “After all, this isn’t St. Louis. You’ll have to
drive all the way to town for a carwash.”
    “I’m not worried about the car. I am
wondering about you, though. Amelia, what’s up with you and Lucas?
You’ve been down on him from the moment I got home. He’s family.
The only way we, meaning you and I, could be closer to him is
if...”
    “If what?” she demanded.
    “Nothing.” Craig shook his head. “Let’s not
fight. I’m sure the anxiety of the service is weighing on both of
us.”
    Rising apprehension bit at her nerves. Her
shoulder muscles tightened. If a distraction didn’t happen fast,
she’d lose what remaining composure she possessed. This time, Lucas
wouldn’t be there to comfort her in the middle of a breakdown.
    “Why, I don’t know what you mean, big
brother.” Lia winked an eye repeatedly while bobbling her head and
shrugging one shoulder.
    “Great! Comic relief. Keep that up,” Craig
chuckled. “Dress up like a Zombie. You’ll be a hit at
Halloween.”
    Lia went still. “You know we don’t get
trick-or-treaters out here.”
    “Just several more reasons to be in the city.
Trick-or-treat in your neighborhood. Halloween parties at school
and in the West Bottoms.”
    “Drop it, Craig. You gave me a full calendar
year. I won’t fail. There’s a good crop waiting for harvest. I’ve
got enough boxes to help pay the bills. And, I’ve got some income
from my art work. I’m not going back.”
    Craig heaved out a deep sigh. “You’re
stubborn, just like Dad. Everything might work out this year, but
what about next year, and the year after? Amelia, I’m begging you,
go back to the city and paint. Become a famous artist. Become the
toast of the town. Become teacher of the year, but don’t ruin your
life waiting on corn.”
    “When we get to the cemetery, don’t you dare
let on that we’ve been fighting,” she snapped. “Not in front of
everyone. Mom and Dad would be so embarrassed. It would break Mom’s
heart.”
    “Amelia, you’re breaking mine.”
     
     
     

Chapter 6
     
    Craig scanned the crowd. More than a dozen
people had gathered for the very private graveside memorial. Their
support provided an anchor in his life. Appreciation radiated
through him, reaching into the black Kansas dirt and nurturing the
connection to his family roots. Each person took turns sharing a
lighthearted memory of his parents. To his surprise, Amelia hadn’t
cried, though when she lifted the sunglasses from her face, her
expression of sad