Read Online Wish on the Moon by Karen Rose Smith - Free Book Online Page A

should be expressed and
shared. He'd found denying his feelings or keeping them to himself
was safer.
    Six weeks and she'd be gone. That would be
best for everybody. Wouldn't it?
     
     

CHAPTER FOUR
     
    Mitch stared at Laura as they stood by her
father's bedside that evening. He was sure she was going to crumble
in front of his eyes. She was as white as chalk, her gray eyes huge
as she stroked her father's hand. Mitch could read the love and
fear in her eyes. No matter what had happened in the past, at this
moment she obviously cared about Ray a great deal. His heart went
out to her because he felt the same helplessness she did.
    He cupped her elbow and murmured, "Our time's
up. He'll look better in the morning."
    When she looked at Mitch, her eyes were
blank, as if she hadn't understood.
    "Let's go," he said gently.
    She leaned over her father, kissed his cheek,
then let Mitch lead her out. He guided her toward two chairs in the
hall as he concentrated on the practical rather than the compassion
for her creeping around his heart. "Do you need to sit down?"
    She nodded. "My knees are a little wobbly."
As she sank onto the orange vinyl chair, her gold triangle earrings
swung. "He was so pale. And all the tubes...I guess it shocked me.
I thought I'd be able to handle it."
    She was so damned up front with what she
felt. No excuses. No apologies. How did she do it? Before he
reconsidered, he took her hand.
    Although she looked surprised, she didn't
pull away. Instead she asked, "You're not looking forward to the
next six weeks of my being here, are you?"
    No, he wasn't. She disturbed his world too
much. Just the twist of her smile could make his pulse leap. It was
crazy! He was feeling crazy because he wanted to hold her in his
arms again like this morning. Ridiculous thought.
    Evasiveness was his best bet. "The next six
weeks will be difficult for Ray. We talked about rehabilitation
before his surgery. He doesn't want to use the hospital's program.
When he's ready, a nurse will come to the house three times a week.
He wants to get a treadmill, bicycle and weights and use the
basement as an exercise room."
    Mitch believed Ray's recuperation depended on
Laura's involvement and her understanding of what heart surgery
entailed. "Exercise is necessary to his recovery. He can be in
better shape than he ever was. I have some literature if you want
to read it."
    "I'd better." She bit her lower lip. "This is
new to me. There's so much more involved than just the surgery.
It's good you already talked about this with him."
    "You know your father. He doesn't like
surprises. He wanted everything planned out." That sad look was on
her face again. But a moment later, it was gone and he thought he'd
imagined it. When their gazes locked, he felt a connection with her
that was totally irrational.
    Maybe she thought so too because she pulled
her hand from under his and stood. "I need fresh air. Let's go for
a walk." Five minutes later they were outside. The hospital was
spread out. And they had several exits to choose from. Mitch guided
Laura out a back exit.
    The fall-fragrant breeze wove around them as
leaves crackled under their feet. Mitch inhaled, taking in the
scent of wood smoke emanating from the circle of houses across from
the hospital. They walked briskly in the lighted areas, up and down
hills, along sidewalks, down macadam paths.
    Suddenly Laura stopped and looked up at the
stars. She took in a deep breath and let it out on a sigh. "Isn't
this wonderful?"
    "What?"
    She waved at the stars and the moon. "The
sky. I don't get a chance to do this often."
    "Walk at night?"
    "Um hm. After Mandy goes to bed, I usually
have a million things to do."
    The moonlight turned Laura's hair into a
golden halo as the nipping breeze tousled it. Her gray eyes
sparkled with silver lights showing her enthusiasm and joy in life.
Any minute he expected her to twirl in a circle like a little girl
and let her poncho fly out around her. How long had it been