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

to be deterred, and Christian wondered if his wife, one of Emma’s former friends, had put him up to this. He didn’t want to lose his temper and tell Chet it was none of their business. “How’s Merry?”
    Chet grinned. “Expecting,” he announced, all but puffing out his chest. “If the office grapevine hasn’t told you, this will be our third. She’s queasy right now but that will pass. Usually does.” He added a little man-to-man laugh.
    Christian had missed a step. “Great. Congratulations.”
    â€œAfter two girls, two weddings to pay for someday, I’m hoping for a boy this time to carry on the family name.” Chet poked Christian in the ribs. “Sure wish I had a business to hand on like Lanier. But then, I don’t have your family prob—” Chet broke off.
    Christian fought the urge to punch him. Did Emma hear this kind of stuff every day? When Merry had said she wouldn’t have time for their friendship, that it was too difficult being around her, Emma had come home in pieces.
    He wanted to wipe that smug grin off Chet’s face on Emma’s behalf, if not his own.
    His stomach in knots, he opened his locker. “You know, after Emma and I lost our son , I expected certain things. I knew that everyone would come to his funeral and try to comfort us. I knew there’d be so many flowers, baskets and fruit arrangements we’d hardly be able to get down the aisle in the church or through our own house.” He took a breath. “I wasn’t even surprised when the whole day was a cold rain. Funeral weather. I expected support, understanding of how devastating that loss was—still is—but you know something else?”
    â€œListen, I understand, but I’ve got to go.” Chet started toward the showers until Christian stopped him.
    â€œI’m not finished. And the least you can do is listen. What I didn’t expect—what I’ll never get over—is people like you. Not everyone,” he said, keeping his voice low, “but a few who can’t keep from all but shouting ‘better you than me.’ As if they can ward off trouble in their own lives. I’m glad you and Merry are having another baby but—”
    â€œAnd, honest, we thought Owen was the cutest kid—”
    Christian looked at the floor. “Yeah. He was.” He glanced up and met Chet’s gaze. The smile was gone. Maybe there was even a bit of remorse in his eyes. Or maybe Chet had seen murder in Christian’s gaze. Too late, Christian thought. “Don’t you ever come at me like that again, and rub my face in the tragedy that has all but destroyed my family. Find another tennis partner,” he said, “and at work, keep out of my way.”
    â€œChristian.”
    â€œI mean it. Tell your wife, too. Emma is off-limits.”
    A few other players had turned at their lockers, and their curious gazes homed in on Chet and Christian. With effort he lowered his voice even more until it was almost a whisper.
    â€œYou want to gossip? Find another target.” He jabbed a shaking finger into Chet’s chest. “I’m done. I’m not your friend—and you’re sure as hell not mine.”
    * * *
    â€œD ON ’ T GIVE C HET another thought,” Emma said. “He and Merry are climbers, for one thing. She always did everything she could to get me to endorse her with Frankie. Merry wanted to join her garden group—people your mother has been with since you were small—and she was sure I could persuade Frankie to approve her. Ditto for her book club.”
    â€œSo she was holding a grudge,” he said.
    â€œMaybe. In any case she used our friendship. She does whatever she can to belong to Frankie’s social set.”
    For herself, Emma had discovered soon after the accident that sorrow was a lonely thing. At first she and Christian had tried counseling, but they