Read Online Night Stars and Mourning Doves by Margo Hoornstra - Free Book Online Page A

experience.”
    “We all have scars in life to deal with. Some more visible than others.” For the first time that day her voice waivered before she brought back its strength. “This fall, we’ll have to come back and see the leaves.”
    He paused at the thought of seeing her beyond wedding plans and their in-law family connection. “In the fall.”
    “ There’s the neatest little grocery store down there.” She indicated a country road as they went by. “Best bacon for miles.”
    As their laidback banter continued, for the second time that day he found he was totally at ease and thoroughly enjoying himself. Too soon, the Mercedes rolled to a stop at Sid and Iris Matthews’ house. Across the street a neighbor watering her grass stared. Elyse put the gearshift into park but didn’t shut off the engine.
    He made no move to open his door and get out. “I appreciate the ride.”
    “Any time.”
    If they’d been on an actual date, he might consider trying a kiss. He leaned forward and the seat belt held fast. Clicking it open with as much finesse as he could muster, he wasn’t sure what to do when she kept hers on.
    The idea she’d be leaving him soon kicked in and the urge to touch her before she did was suddenly too strong to ignore. Unaware he’d done it, his palm caressed her shoulder.
    “Thanks again for the ride.”
    Her attention moved to the fingers so very close to her throat but she didn’t pull away. When she glanced up, his gaze joined hers and they smiled. “Along with the friendly advice?” She blew out a breath that glided over his chin. “Both are free.”
    She was the one who didn’t hold on. When her eyes lowered, her head did too and her cheek rubbed across his knuckles. The connection nearly did him in as the strength of too many feelings to process at one time charged around inside.
    “And available any time.” The vibration of her words sent a tingle up his arm as if in search of his heart.
    “Are you sure I wouldn’t abuse the offer?”
    “I’m pretty sure you aren’t the abusive type.” Emotion shone in her eyes, but now he had an idea about its source. “In fact, I’m sure of it.”
    Gaze locked with hers, he cupped her cheek. “It’s nice to know I have a friend.”
    “I’m very good at being that.” She pulled back until his hand dropped away.
    The spell broken, he slid to his side of the car.
    When can I see you again? “What’s next on the wedding agenda?”
    She cleared her throat and looked away. “There’s another shower coming up.”
    “Oh yeah. The twelfth, right?” When she nodded, he went on. “Some friends of our parents are putting on that one.”
    “It’s a barbecue. Very casual.”
    “Should be fun.” She didn’t protest when he clicked open the door. “Well, thanks again for the lift.”
    “Any time.”
    Kicking himself all the way up to the house for being such a wuss, he walked in to find Jay staring out the window. Prepared for all sorts of questions he didn’t have answers to, he decided offense would be a better way to deal than defense.
    “Did you see Miss Elyse brought me home?”
    “Yeah,” Jay replied, his gaze remained on something in the yard.
    “What are you watching?” He knelt beside his son to rest his chin on the back of the couch as they both looked out.
    “Mourning dove.” Jay pointed then added solemnly. “Grandpa says she does want to live here.”
    Eric watched as the bird landed in the grass inches below the window, stepped around in little circles then began to pick at the ground. She stopped to bob her head then lifted it with a length of dried grass in her beak and disappeared into the pine tree by the driveway. Moments later, she was back to peck at the ground.
    “She’s building a nest,” Eric whispered. “Another home.”
    “There’s Grandpa,” Jay exclaimed and pointed.
    Eric looked to the far end of the yard where his father bent down to pick up a length of twig he broke into manageable, bird