Read Online Luke’s Runaway Bride by Kate Bridges - Free Book Online Page A

twinkling. “When I saw you ride up, your dress was blowin’ in the wind and I thought you were my mama.”
    Luke’s laughter gave way to sudden concern, and his heart constricted at the boy’s next words: “You think she’ll be comin’ back to visit me soon, Luke? You think if someone tells Mama I lost my other front tooth, she’ll want to come see me then?”
    Luke’s throat tightened. He squatted in the dirt, at eye level with the five-year-old. How many times had he explained to the boy that his mama wasn’t coming back? “Oh, Adam.”
    The horse snorted and Luke glanced up. Jenny was studying the two of them with a baffled expression.
    “Adam’s mother passed away four weeks ago,” Luke murmured.
    Her mouth opened in dismay.
    “Remember, Adam?” Luke cupped the boy’s narrow shoulder with his large callused palm. “Remember, your mama’s in heaven?”
    The boy shrugged. Pulling away from Luke, he clamped his mouth tight, glanced down at his stick and started tracing circles in the cracked earth.
    Luke worried most when the boy got quiet like this. He wished he could erase Adam’s pain, but there didn’t seem to be much he could do. Suddenly remembering Jenny was watching them, he straightened to full height, towering over her.
    Her face mellowed, all soft curves and dewy lips. “I’m sorry…. How difficult for Adam. Does he have a father?”
    Luke’s gut clenched. “His father doesn’t live around here. I’m…I’m trying to contact him.”
    He wasn’t about to discuss the problem in front of Adam. Luke was glad now he hadn’t mentioned Daniel’s name to the boy. Until Luke knew for certain what Daniel intended on doing, it was best not to raise the boy’s hopes. Maria hadn’t told Adam much about his father, either. She’d made him sound like an adventurer, a man who’d gone off to seek a fortune for his family. If things went the way Luke planned, the boy’s life would be settled soon.
    And now that Jenny had met Adam, first chance Luke got with her alone, he’d tell her the truth.
    She swallowed. “Why did you bring me here?”
    “You need to meet some people.” He motioned to the house. “Daniel’s relatives.”
    She stepped back in dismay. “Daniel’s relatives?” Her gaze shot to the house. “I didn’t know he had living family.” Flushed, she glanced back at Luke. “It doesn’t matter. What I’d like to do is leave.”
    “After you meet them, I promise you will. They’re nice folks.” He held his breath and waited for her reply. It was up to her now, what direction he’d take from here.
    She lifted her chin. “Tell me one good reason why I shouldn’t holler bloody murder right now.”
    “Because you might be sorry later. You might embarrass yourself in front of Daniel’s relations.” He inclined his head. His voice was low. “Take a look at the boy. He won’t hurt you. You’re not in danger. And as of now, I’m giving you back your freedom.”
    She frowned in confusion. “I’m free to go?”
    He nodded. His decision came as a surprise to himself, but it seemed like the right thing to do to gain her trust.
    “And Olivia?”
    “She’ll be free to go as well.”
    They both peered at Adam. He was hopping in the dirt, jumping over the circles he’d drawn. He found a toad to chase and, for the moment, seemed to forget about his troubles.
    Walking a few steps closer, Luke nudged him. “This time I forgot my manners. Adam, I’d like to introduce you to Miss Jenny.”
    Luke turned and watched her rigid stance, her stone wall of protection, crumble. “Pleased to meet you, Adam.”
    Luke knew it wasn’t in her to be cruel to a child, and the tightness in his chest subsided. For the moment, she was distracted by the boy, and maybe the thought of meeting Daniel’s family. Her future family.
    Slowly, the boy shook her hand. “Ma’am.” He turned and, with a shy smile that he was trying to hide, whispered something inaudible into Luke’s knees.
    “No