Read Online Indomitable Spirit by Bernadette Marie - Free Book Online Page B

office in the corner.”
    Jacob nodded and walked away. Kym stood with her back to John. “Is your hand okay?”
    “Fine.”
    “Never embarrass me like that again.”
    “Never what?”
    She spun around and those green eyes had lost any attractiveness to them. “You are a married man with four beautiful children. How dare you make a move on me.”
    John was sure the top of his head was going to blow right off. How dare he? How dare…oh, she’d been moving in for that kiss. And married? Well hell yeah he’d been married. That’s where he got those lovely kids. John took a breath to argue with her, but she turned and left the room.
    Oh, the woman infuriated him. To hell with the water heater. She could suffer when it rusted out the bottom and flooded the damn school. To hell with her and her misfit feelings.
    John closed his utility knife and shoved it into his pocket. He walked to the back door, turned the lock and let himself out, slamming the door behind him. He’d walk around the damn school and wait for his kids out front. If she made him feel that unwelcome then he’d just stay away.
     
     

Chapter Eight
     
    Kym had managed to avoid her grandfather all evening by training until after he’d gone to bed.
    Now, trying to climb out of her car, she realized how much she’d trained. Her body was sore and the newly fallen snow had brought with it a bitter cold she’d long ago had forgotten existed, but she’d felt it blow in off the ocean during New York winters.
    The sun was peeking over the mountain and the valley was filled with a magnificent orange glow. She’d hoped she wasn’t too early for Malory, but looking at the parking lot there had been many customers already.
    She opened the door of the bakery and the scents filled her nose. It was a happy place, she thought.
    “Good morning, Kym.” Malory smiled, but it was certainly forced.
    “Good morning.”
    “You’re earlier than usual.”
    “I was looking for some friendly conversation and was hoping you wouldn’t be too busy.”
    Malory turned and reached for a mug up on a shelf. It wasn’t a usual mug that she’d use for customers. She filled it with coffee and pushed it across the counter. “Let’s sit. I’ll have a small break in customers for a bit.”
    Kym took the mug and walked to the table. Malory carried with her a small plate of muffin pieces and a cup of water. She waddled more than usual today.
    “Here, mismatched muffins.” She set the plate between them and then managed to sit down. “There’s always a few that break apart. That’s what we eat for breakfast.”
    “Thank you,” Kym said as she took a small piece of what looked like chocolate. “This is good. I may have to take a whole one back to grandfather.”
    “Maggie, my mother-in-law, said he came by her place yesterday and sat with the men and played chess. She usually has to kick them out of the restaurant when she closes. But she said your grandfather was very gracious. He thanked her, shook her hand, and left her a generous tip.”
    Kym felt her cheeks tighten from her wide smile. “That would be him. He doesn’t take anyone or any moment for granted.”
    Malory winced and her hand came to her side.
    Kym’s reaction was to jump and help, but Malory’s calmness over the situation had her easing back in her seat.
    “Are you okay?”
    “Contraction. I’ve had a few, but we’re still a few weeks away.”
    “Is that normal?”
    “So I’ve been told,” Malory said as she reached for her class of water and took a sip through a straw. “Oh, Mr. Wills is here.” She adjusted in her seat and winced again.
    “I’ll help him. You tell me what to do.” Kym stood up and walked around the counter.
    The cold air came in with Mr. Wills and Kym shivered.
    “Hello, Mr. Wills,” Malory said from her seat. “Did you order this cold?”
    “Not me. If I could have a beach on the side of that lake that stayed eighty degrees all year long I’d have one.”
    Malory