Read Online SEAL Of My Heart by Sharon Hamilton - Free Book Online

their mother even though she knew her sister would tell on her if it was really important, or if she was pressured. Kate needed sisterly advice and Gretchen’s level head.
    Gretchen must have sensed something, too, because she turned down her music and laid down her knife. Of course. All she’d ever had to do was look at Gretchen and she’d know something wasn’t right.
    “Were you nervous before you married Tony? I mean, so nervous you considered…”
    “Breaking it off?”
    It sounded so harsh, so permanent when Gretchen said it. “Well, not exactly.” Kate avoided eye contact even though Gretchen was watching her closely while she moved around the kitchen, not taking her eyes off her face. Then when their gaze met, Kate’s tears welled up again.
    “Ahh, sweetie,” Gretchen said as she darted around the counter to hug her. “What’s happened?”
    Kate brushed the tears away with her palms, and then the backs of her hands, but the torrent wouldn’t stop. Gretchen’s gentle hug while she rubbed the tops of her shoulders just made the tears flow faster. Finally she pulled away from her sister’s embrace and took a deep breath. “I’m just having huge second thoughts. I don’t know why I didn’t think about all these things sooner. I’m thinking I’m not ready. I mean…” she peered at her canvas slip-ons. “Did you question your decision to marry Tony? Really question it?” After she said the last sentence she had the nerve to meet Gretchen’s concerned stare.
    She saw how her sister studied her, looking for a crack in the veneer, something she could point out that would make her realize she was being foolish, something that would instantly change her attitude on the subject. She was hoping for some word of advice that would put it all into perspective so she could laugh at herself and move on with her plans.
    But the look Gretchen gave her was all concern.
    “From your appearance, I’d have to say to trust your gut. What do you think is right, Kate?” Gretchen was cautious and Kate could feel the tension, making the hair at the back of her neck stand at end.
    “I’m not sure.”
    “Sort of bad timing on that one, sis.”
    “I realize. And I can’t honestly say when I will feel okay about it.” She hoped Gretchen would give her a sympathetic look, something to ease her pain. She wasn’t that lucky. Her sister paced back and forth, wringing her hands, and then, as though she’d forgotten to do it sooner, pumped some hand cream into her palm and began rubbing her fingers together. She brought the lemony cook’s moisturizer over and squirted a generous dollop into Kate’s palm.
    As the two sisters looked down, working the cream into their skin, Gretchen whispered, “How long have you felt this way?”
    “I think for a while. But it really hit me on the plane up here. I felt like I was breaking out of jail, Gretchen.”
    “On the plane. Why would it raise its ugly head on the plane?”
    Kate hoped she wouldn’t have to reveal any of her trip or her conversation with Tyler, but she did feel guilty. And it must have shown in her eyes, because Gretchen immediately seized on it.
    “Who is he, Kate?”

Chapter 8
    ‡
    Kate,
    I hope you don’t mind if I just jump into the letter-writing thing. Thought maybe if I got this right off to you, I’d have a chance to read yours, too, before I go. No pressure, though. I know you have family things you are doing and I don’t mean to intrude on that time.
    I was just sitting here thinking about how meeting you happened so easily, it was like we’d known each other for a long time, and we picked up right where we’d left off. That never happens to me. Even before I joined the Teams, I was a pretty private person. Actually, I think I’m just naturally shy.
    So it’s pretty funny how much I want to know everything about you. Hope that doesn’t make you nervous. I’m not meaning to be inappropriate, but I’m curious. What do you see as your