Read Online Mistletoe in Maine by Ginny Baird - Free Book Online Page B

trembling smile. “You too.”
    She broke down sobbing again, and Paul placed his arms around her. “It’s all right. Everything will be all right.”
    She threw her head back and cried. “You’re such a nice man!”
    He pulled her to him, lightly patting her back. “I like you too.”
    She collected herself and pushed back. “Really? But I’m such a mess!”
    He shot her a tilted smile, knowing when he said it, it was true. “I like your kind of mess.”
    She dabbed her cheeks with more tissues. “I really have been the worst sort of guest, haven’t I?”
    “Actually, you’ve been the best guest. Certainly the most memorable—and entertaining—one I’ve had in a long time.”
    “Oh gosh, Paul. I apologize. I don’t know why I got so emotional.”
    “That was emotional?” he asked, lightly teasing.
    “I’ve just been working so hard to keep everything together for such a long time…”
     “Listen, Carol, no one is made of steel. Nobody can be expected to keep everything together at all times.”
    Dark lashes fanned wide as she stared at him, more beautiful and bewitching than ever. Paul couldn’t bear to see tears in her eyes and knew just the right remedy for her sadness. All she needed was a little fresh air.
    “Carol,” he said, “I’d like to show you something this afternoon.”
    “What?”
    “The town.”
    “But the kids and I have seen it.”
    “Not my way, you haven’t.”
    “What’s your way?”
    He found himself beaming from ear to ear. “I’d like to surprise you.”
    “Just me?”
    “If you don’t mind.” By the way she gazed at him, his heart hoped that she didn’t.
    “What time?” she asked, a little breathless.
    “Meet me on the porch at five?”
     
    The kitchen door swung open, and Beth entered. She caught a glimpse of Carol in Paul’s arms and started to back away. “It seems now’s not a good time.”
    “No, wait!” he called as Carol quickly collected herself and broke away.
    “I’m just going to go upstairs and clean up,” Carol said with a shy smile. “I guess I’ll be seeing you later?”
    “Right,” he said, looking from one woman to another. Paul ran a hand through his hair, feeling in the middle of a big mess. Beth’s blue eyes were opened wide, taking in the situation. Who knew what she thought, walking in on them? Paul hadn’t even had enough time to process his and Carol’s interaction himself. All he’d known was that when he’d put his arms around her, it had seemed the right thing to do. He’d been so driven to help her, he wasn’t sure he could have stopped himself if he’d tried. And when she’d looked at him with those trusting dark eyes, he’d longed to find ways to comfort her further. He had the perfect outing in mind, one that would make her feel special, because special was what she was. Quirks and all, he thought, eyeing the empty tissue box beside him.
    Beth held the door back for Carol as she exited the kitchen, then stared at Paul. “I was hoping we could talk,” she said softly.
    “Of course,” Paul said with a nod. “Pull up a stool. Can I get you some coffee? Wine?”
    “Wine sounds good,” she said, coming over and settling in at the counter.
    “I think I’ll join you,” he said, pouring them each a hearty glass. What a day this had been. First, he’d had the confrontation with Daniel. Zach had surprised him with his wedding plans next. Then, suddenly, before he could stop it, his heart had apparently jumped all over itself, flip-flopping like a wild fish on a line, just at the thought of holding Carol. Paul only hoped things weren’t about to get more complicated. From the look in Beth’s pale blue eyes, he wasn’t sure.
    “I was just looking for an excuse to talk,” she said. “It’s always so busy around here, it’s hard to catch you alone.”
    As if to punctuate that, Daniel breezed in the side door, toting grocery bags. Amy wasn’t far behind him and shut the door firmly against the