Read Online Lost and Found Family by Leigh Riker - Free Book Online Page A

frown deepened. “The barn must be a powerful reminder for her.”
    Christian cleared his throat. “Grace is a twenty-year-old girl ,” he said. “How could she possibly handle this?”
    â€œWith my help.” A muscle ticked in his jaw. “Except I don’t know how.”
    She could understand his frustration. She’d had no idea that Grace felt guilty, too. How could she make this better?
    â€œI’ve told Christian he should sell that horse,” she said to Rafe. “Maybe that would help, at least.”
    â€œGrace isn’t riding now. She doesn’t have to come to the barn.” Christian’s jaw set. “Selling the General is my decision to make.” He turned to Rafe. “I stopped there the other night. I wanted to talk to you.”
    He smiled faintly. “So that’s why he looked ready to show.”
    â€œYeah, but I’ve neglected him,” Christian said. “Understandable, considering the circumstances, but he needs more care. I know you’ve been riding him for me when you can, but could you do that more often?”
    â€œI’m teaching a lot,” Rafe said. “If I want to spend any time with Grace, which I obviously do, I can’t stay as late as I used to. But I’ll try.” He paused. “Maybe you should consider leasing him to someone.”
    â€œMaybe. I’ll think about it,” Christian said, avoiding Emma’s gaze. If he’d thought she hadn’t noticed the scent of eau de cheval that night on his clothes, he was wrong. “You know, if Grace were still living here, I could talk with her. Try to reassure her. Now, I only see her on Sundays and rarely alone.”
    Rafe clenched his jaw. “I’m all too aware of your opinion about our marriage—and me,” he said. “But whether or not you like it, I’m Grace’s husband. It’s up to me to help her through this. Somehow.”
    â€œFind a way then,” Christian said and headed outside to join Grace. “I’ll give it a shot right now.”
    Rafe watched him go. So much for Emma’s hope that the two men might bond over lasagna, at least for Grace’s well-being. Instead, they were linked by this tragedy—a bond she wished she’d never caused.

CHAPTER SIX
    C HRISTIAN WAS HIS mother’s son in at least one way. He played tennis every Thursday after work, usually with one of the Mallory VPs. But tonight, for the first time in months, it was Chet Berglund’s turn.
    Now that he wasn’t riding, Christian ran on a treadmill or lifted weights at the club most nights. Sitting at a desk all day got him nowhere—except another trip down memory lane—and after Sunday he was still worried about Grace. She hadn’t wanted to talk about the barn. And as for Emma...hard exercise tended to clear his head for a while.
    Unfortunately, tonight’s match hadn’t occupied his mind enough to break the usual cycle. Sweating, he ran a towel over the back of his neck and shook his head. “Sorry, Chet. My game just wasn’t there.”
    Chet put a hand on Christian’s shoulder. They’d been friends before Chet’s barely-under-the-surface competitive streak had taken over. Christian supposed the game had helped to work out some aggression for both of them. “Can’t blame you, man. If I were going through what you are—”
    â€œThe O’Leary mess? I don’t think we’ll ever reach agreement. They expect us to haul freight for nothing. That won’t happen.”
    Chet didn’t take the hint. “I wasn’t talking about the negotiations.” They walked toward the locker room but Christian’s steps dragged. “How’s Emma holding up?” Chet asked, tilting his head to the side in apparent concern.
    â€œAs well as can be expected.” He didn’t want to be probed like a sore tooth, but Chet wasn’t about