Read Online The Rancher's Wife by April Arrington - Free Book Online

room they’d first shared on the night of their wedding, dodging each other’s eyes with tight smiles and stiff limbs as they’d prepared for bed. Her guilt and his anger at her betrayal had made it difficult to enjoy the occasion.
    Amy’s leg quivered at the brush of Logan’s thigh under the table. She slid to the side, lifting her cold glass of sweet tea and taking a deep swallow. The liquid coated her throat and forced its way past the lump lodged there. A chill swept through her, raising goose bumps on her arms.
    There was no way she’d be able to sleep in that bed. Not with all the memories filling that room. And not with Logan’s familiar scent of soap and pine lingering on the sheets.
    She put the glass down with trembling fingers and picked a loose strand of hair off her neck, tucking it back into the topknot that had almost fallen loose.
    â€œHere, baby girl.”
    Pop stretched across the table and tipped the large pitcher of tea toward her glass.
    â€œNo, thanks, Pop. I’ve got plenty.”
    â€œSaving room for the sweet stuff at the end, huh?” he asked, setting the pitcher down.
    Amy nodded, trying for a small smile.
    â€œShe gwanna eat le cookies wif us.” Kayden’s mouth gaped around a lump of potatoes.
    â€œEw.” Traci wrinkled her nose. “Swallow your food first, squirt.”
    Dominic chuckled, wiping Kayden’s mouth with a napkin. “Use your manners, buddy.”
    Jayden snickered at his brother.
    â€œYou, too, Jayden,” Cissy said, plucking a bit of turkey from his lap and putting it on the edge of his plate.
    They all laughed and some of Amy’s tension eased. She took a bite of green bean casserole.
    â€œNothing quite like a full house.” Pop sat back in his chair and sighed with satisfaction. “Sure is nice having all of you kids back home at the same time.”
    Betty murmured an assent, casting a wistful look at Amy. “It’s wonderful. I’m so grateful to have you back for a few weeks. I just wish it was longer. Will you be able to visit again this summer?”
    The painful throb returned behind Amy’s eyes. She’d have a new job by then. There was no chance of her being able to take time off work again that soon after moving to Michigan and hope to make a good impression. She shrugged with stiff shoulders.
    â€œI don’t think so, Mama. I’d hate to take up a room during the busy season. You told me yourself Raintree is always full now. Especially around the holidays.” Amy gestured toward the closed door leading to the public dining room. “There’s a crowd out there.”
    â€œYeah, but those are guests.” Pop smiled, eyes warming. “You’re family. We always have room for family.”
    Betty squeezed Amy’s arm. “And your seat’s been empty for far too long.” She smiled at Logan. “We’re all so happy you’ve come home.”
    â€œThat we are,” Logan added in a low voice, his warm palm smoothing over her back.
    Amy’s face heated. She straightened, the cup tilting in her hand and ice clinking in the empty glass.
    â€œSwitch gears,” Dominic said, propping the mouth of a wine bottle on the edge of her glass and sloshing red liquid into it.
    â€œNo, thanks. I’m good.” Amy nudged the bottle away.
    The red stream splashed against the ivory tablecloth. The formal one with the fancy cutwork and scalloped lace edges. Betty’s favorite.
    Amy gasped and dabbed at the rapidly spreading stain with her napkin. “Oh, I’m so sorry, Mama.”
    Betty tsked, shaking her head and stilling Amy’s hand. “Don’t trouble yourself. We’ve got more where that came from.”
    â€œYou sure you don’t want a glass of wine?” Dominic asked, concern clouding his features. “You had a long trip down here. It’ll help you relax a bit.”
    Amy pressed harder at the