Read Online Tracie Peterson - [Land of Shining Water 02] by The Quarryman's Bride - Free Book Online Page B

heart . . . that might help, as well.”
    Emmalyne’s short laugh sounded harsh to her own ears. “If I could have done that, it would already be accomplished. Father makes life quite unpleasant for all of us.”
    Dr. Williams frowned. “I am very sorry to hear that. Perhaps your father is unable to deal with his own guilt and grief. Perhaps his anger is the only way he knows to face it.”
    Emmalyne didn’t want to hear anything that would reasonably explain her father’s attitude toward them. She found it much easier to simply consider him a heartless tyrant. “I don’t think it would be possible to ever know for sure, and even less possible for him to change.”
    “The Bible says all things are possible with God.”
    She took a deep breath and finally nodded. “Indeed. And for the most part, I have always believed that.”
    “But not when it comes to your father?”
    Emmalyne picked up the wicker clothes basket and shrugged. “I suppose a person has to be willing first.” She decided enough had been said about the subject. “Would you care to have a cup of tea before you go?”
    The doctor smiled. “I would very much enjoy that, but I’m sorry I can’t this time. I’m expected back in town. Dr. Schultz has some business matters for me to attend to.”
    “Maybe another time.”
    “I would hope so,” he said. “It’s not often I get to enjoy the company of such a lovely young woman.”
    “I’m not that young.” She gave a brief chuckle. “Not young at all.”
    “You cannot be that old, either.”
    “I’m twenty and eight.”
    “And I’m thirty-three. We’re both still quite young.”
    She looked at him oddly. “Most people would say otherwise.”
    “And they’d be wrong,” he declared. “I firmly believe that age is all about the mind and the heart. If the mind sets out to think in youthful ways and the heart feels young and carefree, it could beat inside an eighty-year-old, and that person would still be young.”
    Emmalyne frowned and let out a heavy sigh. “Then I’m even older than my years. My heart feels neither young nor carefree.”
    Dr. Williams reached out and placed his hand over hers. Emmalyne gripped the basket beneath his hold.
    “Perhaps you’re in need of a doctor’s attention,” he said with a smile.
    Emmalyne shook her head. “The cost would be too great.” She broke away. She had nearly reached the back door of the house when the doctor took hold of her arm.
    “I’m sorry if I offended you.”
    She turned and locked her gaze with his. Emmalyne felt sorry for him. He looked so confused—so worried. “I apologize,” she finally said. “I’m afraid the duress of all that has happened and all that is required of me has made me testy. Please forgive me.”
    “There’s nothing to forgive,” he said, his smile returning.
    “Good.” She squared her shoulders. “Then if you’ll excuse me, I need to see to supper. My father and brother will soon return from a hard day’s work at the quarry and need to be fed.” She went inside without another word.

    Jason stared after the feisty redhead for several moments after she’d disappeared into the house. He wasn’t sure why his comments had upset her so much, but it was clear they had. Perhaps she was simply tired and overworked. But he really had a feeling the problem went much deeper.
    He returned to the front yard, climbed into the buggy, and took up the reins. This was a most curious situation, he thought. He’d finally found an intriguing, witty, and intelligent young woman, and she appeared uninterested in his attention.
    “Well, as I said, all things are possible with God, Miss Knox.” He glanced at the house once more, then snapped the reins with a shrug and a smile. Maybe it was time to focus on what God had in mind, rather than what Emmalyne Knox did not.

Chapter 7

    “I cannae believe you’re really here!” Morna MacLachlan exclaimed, embracing her eldest.
    Tavin felt her warmth and breathed