Read Online Sweet Carolina Morning by Susan Schild - Free Book Online

about the legislators and their shenanigans, Linny wandered over to look at the family photographs that lined the walls and froze. Almost all the photos on one wall were of Vera and Jack: the achingly handsome young couple walking down the aisle in their wedding finery, holding hands and looking triumphant. Next, a tired-looking but ethereal Vera in a hospital bed, nuzzling a newborn Neal, with Jack looking on, bursting with pride. In the next frame, Jack, Vera, and toothless toddler Neal were building a sand castle at the beach and, finally, a photo of Vera and Ceecee in tennis whites beaming at the camera, each holding up an arm of a giant silver trophy. A cold knot formed in her stomach.
    When Rush excused himself to go to the “little boy’s room,” Linny turned to Jack and just pointed to the photographs.
    He winced, strode over, and put a hand on her shoulder, his voice hoarse with feeling. “Mama holds on to the past, Linny. I’ll get her to take these down.” He tried to pull her into his arms, but she stood unyielding, pushing him away.
    Linny put a finger to her temple, feeling the stab of what could be a doozy of a headache coming on. She inclined her head toward the photos. “We can talk about this later,” she said stiffly and made a decision. Gazing at him steadily, she said, “Let’s not tell them about the engagement yet.”
    Jack rubbed the bridge of his nose and was quiet for a long moment. “If that’s what you want,” he said doubtfully as he peered at her to get a read on her mood.
    Linny tried to hide how hurt she felt. “That’s what I want.”
    Jack nodded glumly, shoving his hands into his pockets.
    * * *
    The first few minutes of the truck ride home passed in tense silence. Jack drummed his fingers on the steering wheel and turned to her. “Are you mad?”
    â€œYeah,” Linny admitted, refusing to look at him. “But I’m confused, too. Do you and your parents really talk to one another? Why didn’t you tell them more about us? And what’s the story with your mother’s attachment to Vera?”
    Jack rubbed his chin and grimaced. “You see what Mama’s like. It’s like trying to talk with a fire hose trained on you. I just tell her the highlights.”
    Linny’s voice quivered. “Aren’t I a highlight?”
    â€œAw, Lin. You know you are. You’re my world,” he said, his voice gruff and thick. “I guess I just wanted them to get to know you before we told them the news, and she does have this bond with Vera. . . .”
    She exhaled loudly. “I’ll say.” A thought rushed to her, and she rubbed her forehead with her fingers, trying to still the throbbing. “I take it the Suttons are Vera’s parents?”
    Jack nodded and explained, “Mama and Macy Sutton were best friends for most all their lives. They were in each other’s weddings and had long ago cooked up the idea that Vera and I would marry.”
    Linny fiddled with a button on her coat as she pieced it together. “And your mama still thinks Vera was the perfect daughter-in-law.” She shot a nervous glance at Jack, knowing she was poking a sore spot, but she had to ask. “Do your parents know she ended the marriage, and that she began dating Chaz suspiciously soon after she left you?”
    He was silent for a long moment, then said tersely, “They don’t know and won’t, if I can help it.” The muscle in his jaw muscle worked as he admitted, “I just told Mama and Daddy we’d grown apart.”
    â€œThat’s only a half truth, though.” Linny tried to tamp down her exasperation.
    In a flinty voice, he said, “I don’t want Neal to ever know the details and think badly of his mother.” He shot her a glance. “I played my part in things falling apart.”
    â€œYou told me you didn’t listen very well,” Linny