Read Online Summer in Good Hope (A Good Hope Novel Book 2) by Cindy Kirk - Free Book Online

two nights before the wedding hadn’t been enough to dull anyone’s senses. But it appeared she needed to say it again, and keep saying it, until Ami accepted it as fact.
    “Nothing is between Max and me, other than neighborly friendliness.” Dismissing the kiss they’d shared as a simple momentary lapse, Prim kept her tone easy and conversational. “I meant what I said. I’m not going to date until the boys are out of high school.”
    Ami was so busy checking her bag, pulling out one umbrella then another before dropping them back into the cavernous depths that Prim wondered if her sister was listening. Then Ami looked up. “I thought you were joking.”
    “You knew I was serious, am serious,” Prim quickly corrected.
    From their position on the massive porch, she and Ami waved to a couple of Cherries members hurrying past. One of them was Max’s mother, Vanessa Eden.
    Rain had been forecast, but the clear, brilliantly blue sky mocked that prediction. There was, however, a slight mist in the air from the bay, and Prim felt her hair expanding by the second.
    “Shouldn’t we get going?” Prim attempted to smooth the frizz with the palm of her hand. “I don’t want to be late.”
    “Once we take a step into the inner sanctum”—Ami’s voice lowered to a spooky whisper—“we must remain silent. Or risk Eliza’s wrath.”
    The cackling sound that burst from Ami’s throat was a mix between a squawking chicken and a deranged madman.
    Prim shook her head, unable to keep from smiling. “You’re crazy. You know that, don’t you?”
    “That’s the word.” Ami wagged a finger. “I believe crazy was what Fin dubbed your twelve-year no-dating plan.”
    “I believe her actual words were, ‘Primrose, have you lost your mind?’” While Prim had laughed along with her other sisters, she’d wished they’d been more supportive of her decision.
    “We want you to be happy.” Ami spoke softly, as if she’d read her mind. “That’s a long stretch of time to be alone.”
    “I have the boys.”
    “It’s not the same.”
    Prim couldn’t argue that point. Having children in the house wasn’t the same as having a husband by your side when you needed a shoulder to cry on or wanted to celebrate a success. “You can be alone even when you’re married.”
    “Was it that bad?” Sympathy filled Ami’s voice.
    Prim hesitated, then realized she was tired of covering for Rory, tired of lying—especially to her own family—about her marriage. “I wouldn’t call it bad , but my marriage was different than I imagined it would be when I spoke my vows. Different than what I watched Mom and Dad share. Different from the way I see it is with you and Beck.”
    She glanced away, not needing to see the pity in her sister’s eyes to know it was there. “I knew Rory had CF when I married him. I just didn’t realize how much his passion to live every moment, to experience every adventure, would impact our life together, and the lives of our sons.”
    She stopped, realizing even now she was making excuses for his self-centered behavior.
    “I’m angry at him, Am.” Prim’s voice shook with emotion. Because they were sisters—and close—she didn’t need to add that underneath the hot, molten anger flowed a river of sadness.
    “I’m sorry, Prim.”
    “I made my choice.” Taking a deep breath, Prim pulled out her phone and glanced at the time. “We really should get going. I don’t want to walk in late.”
    Prim made it all the way down the steps before Ami caught up with her.
    “Just remember, not all marriages are like what you had with Rory.” Ami kept her voice low. “With the right person, it can be amazing. Max is a wonderful guy.”
    “I’m happy for you and Beck.” Prim willed her sister to see that truth in her eyes. “But I’m content with my life just the way it is.”
    “We’ll talk more about this later.” The determined note in her sister’s voice made it a statement, not a