Read Online Love Is More Than Skin Deep (A Hidden Hearts Novel Book 4) by Mary Crawford - Free Book Online Page B

like Doctor Charleston, right? I met Hugh once when he was testifying on a colleague’s case. Even though he was on the other side, his testimony was still very fair and open.”
    I hug one of the pillows from the chair close to me as I answer candidly “Yes, he’s wonderful. He took the time to carefully answer all my questions. It was great. In fact, that’s exactly what I’m saying; everything with your friends has been great. Almost too great, why are they this nice to me? I’m just a random customer in their shop.”
    Mark comes over and squats down beside the chair as he says, “I don’t know about that. I don’t think there’s anything random about you. Call it the teachings of my people, my personal quest in life, the things that being Ketki’s dad taught me—or all of the above, but I don’t believe in random coincidence.”
    “That’s easy for you to say. Your coincidences haven’t worked out quite like mine,” I mutter under my breath  
    Mark shrugs as he retorts, “I don’t know, a fair number of them haven’t been a real picnic. Anyway, as I was saying, I believe that you are in my life for a reason and I am in yours for a purpose. I don’t know what that purpose is. Maybe it’s as simple as somebody to keep Ketki on her toes while she plays video games, or perhaps something much more profound, but we don’t really know. I can’t speak for Rogue and the Ailíns’, but I for one am glad you chose to come into Ink’d Deep.”
    “Mark,” I argue, “I told that quack that I didn’t have a family, but you all have made a big fat liar out of me. I just think it’s weird. My own family doesn’t give a rat’s ass about me — why do you guys care so much?”
    “Something tells me that’s part of the reason that everyone cares so much. I’m almost as new around here as you are, but from what I understand family means a lot to this group. They love deeply and have lost a great deal. If they can help protect you from the evils of the world, what’s the harm in letting them try?”
    “Mark, what if it’s worse than everyone thinks? I don’t want to let everyone into my life only to hurt them later,” I confess as tears gather on my lashes. I’ve been trying to hold back my panic and fear for days. Some days I do better than others, but the reality of it, always starts to creep back in.
    Mark notices the expression on my face and he places his warm hand over my knee and squeezes it lightly as he remarks, “I really believe that you are in excellent hands. Today is going to be the real start of your journey to kick cancer’s butt. I wish I could be there, but since I can’t, I brought you a little something. Hopefully, this will bring happy thoughts.”
    I shake my head as I chide, “Didn’t we talk about this? I’m just a sometime-houseguest who your daughter absolutely annihilates at video games. You don’t have to keep buying me presents.”
    Mark shoves his hand in his pocket in the front of his sweatshirt and removes a box. “Don’t you want to see what it is first?” he teases with a boyish grin as he waves the present in front of my nose.
    “Don’t even try that. That’s how you got me to try on those ridiculously expensive house slippers,” I protest.
    “You love them don’t you?” he counters. “Come on, I promise that this isn’t as expensive as those, and Ketki helped me choose it.”
    It’s like trying to fight the tide in the ocean. He’s unstoppable when he sets his mind to something. Finally, I just stick my hand out to accept the present.  
    “Well, geez if you’re going to pull out the big guns, a girl hardly has any choice but to say yes,” I concede.
    “That’s exactly what I’m saying —” he agrees with a grin. “I’m glad we’re on the same page now.”
    I carefully remove the bow and set it aside and can’t even hide my squeal of approval when I peek inside the box. “It’s a Teddy Bear!”
    Mark looks amused as he replies,