Read Online His Brother's Bride by Denise Hunter - Free Book Online Page A

had she? Was she supposed to let her uncle put her grandmother in the asylum? Dear, gentle Nana? Her stomach twisted. Help me, Lord.
    But even as the words formed in her mind, she snatched them back. There was no easy answer here, no way out of this dilemma. She would just find the gold as quickly as possible; then she could get on with her new life here. Life as Adam’s mother and Cade’s—she couldn’t quite bring herself to say the word. She was not Cade’s wife at all. But in the depths of her heart, she knew she longed to become his wife in every sense of the word.
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    Emily took a sip of the tea Mara had poured her and watched Adam playing with Beth, Mara’s little sister-in-law. Though Beth and Mara weren’t related by blood, it was obvious they shared a mother-daughter bond.
    Mara settled in the swing and dragged a hand across her forehead. For the first time, Emily noticed that her normally peachy skin was blanched.
    â€œAre you feeling peaked?” Emily studied her friend, noticing a bead of sweat roll down her temple even though the summer day was mild. “You seem tired.”
    Mara sent her a private smile, then her gaze swung to Beth who was showing Adam how to balance his marbles on the fence post. “I’m fine really. In fact, I—” Her face reddened. “I am in the family way.” Her smile widened, and her face softened with excitement.
    A baby. Mara would be having a baby. Emily’s heart caught with a mixture of joy and envy. “Oh, Mara, that’s wonderful!” she exclaimed, feeling a prickle of guilt for the part of her that cringed.
    Mara laid a delicate hand on her flat abdomen. “I just told him last week.” She giggled. “He’s so excited. Beth too.”
    Emily took a sip of her tea, wishing for the world she could swipe away the ugly envy she felt. She already had Adam, loved him; why couldn’t that be enough?
    â€œI just can’t get over it sometimes. God has blessed us so much. I feel so undeserving.”
    Emily had heard others talk about the change Mara had experienced when she’d asked Christ to lead her life. She had trouble believing the woman beside her used to be as self-serving and uppity as they said.
    â€œI hope the good Lord blesses us with a whole passel of children.” She laughed. “I know, it’s easy for me to say now. I have yet to experience even one.”
    â€œYou’ll be a wonderful mother. You already are. Look at Beth. She adores you.”
    â€œShe’s a joy, sure enough. I count her as my own.” Her gaze bounced off Emily. “But—I don’t know if I should even say this, it’s probably wrong but. . .”
    â€œWhat is it?” They hadn’t known one another very long, but already, Emily felt close to Mara.
    â€œWell, as much as I love Beth, I’ve longed for a baby of my own.”
    Emily felt her skin prickle with heat. She grabbed Mara’s hand. “Oh, Mara, I’m so relieved to hear someone else voice the same feelings I have.” Her eyes stung with the fervency of her feelings. “I love Adam, I do. But—”
    â€œBut there’s something about carrying your own child, about the thought of seeing a part of you in another being.”
    â€œYes, that’s it exactly. I so long for a child. . . .”
    Mara nodded. “After Clay and I got married, it was all I thought of. After waiting so long for a child, I finally told God I would be content with just Beth. I truly thought I couldn’t have a baby.” Her blue eyes brightened, and Emily thought they must rival the clear sky at the moment. “But look at me now. It’ll happen for you too, Emily, I just know it.”
    Emily felt her jaw go slack then snap back in place. It couldn’t possibly happen for her. Cade had seen to that. Her heart squeezed tight as if gripped by a vise.
    â€œI’m sorry, I didn’t