Read Online Wish Upon a Wedding by Luann McLane - Free Book Online Page A

pad?”
    â€œI suppose so . . .” She looked up at the floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace that dominated the great room. “Well, I’d heard that you have a nice place, but nice doesn’t begin to describe your home, Easton. Your cabin is spectacular.”
    Easton felt a measure of pride. “It’s taken me a few years to get it just the way I wanted.” He grinned. “When I had to close the hardware store in town I decided that I wanted to move up here. I’m pretty handy with a hammer.”
    Carrie Ann gave a low whistle as she walked slowly around the room. “I’ll say.”
    â€œThanks.” He walked over and helped her out of her coat. The light floral scent of her perfume filled his head and he took longer than needed to do the simple task. He wanted to brush her hair to the side, put hismouth on the graceful nape of her neck and taste her skin, but he walked over to the closet and hung her coat next to his instead. He wanted to kiss her more than he wanted to breathe but he told himself to take it slow. “Would you like the fifty-cent tour?”
    She nodded. “Yes, please.”
    â€œHow about a drink first? I have beer, wine, or bourbon. Maybe some rum. Sweet tea? Or water.”
    â€œI’ll take a water.”
    â€œReally?” He was picturing cocktails by the fireplace and mood music. Bottled water ruined that image.
    â€œNo . . .” Her laughter seemed to light up the room. “This place is so pretty I think I need to walk around with a long-stemmed wineglass.”
    â€œRed or white?” He pointed to a wine rack to the left of a bar in the far corner of the room.
    â€œYou continue to surprise me. I usually drink Merlot because red wine is better for you. But I’m in the mood for Chardonnay, if you have it.”
    â€œI have a bottle chilling in the fridge.”
    â€œDo you drink wine?” she asked casually, but he had to wonder if she speculated that the wine was for female visitors.
    â€œI enjoy a glass of Merlot now and then when I’m grilling steaks. My sister Carla likes Chardonnay, and so does Zoe, so I keep it on hand.”
    â€œIt’s nice that you’re all close.”
    â€œFamily is important. How’s your mama doin’?”
    â€œMama loves the warm weather in Naples, Florida. She’s got a whole slew of friends. I talk to her most every day. Her social life is way fuller than mine, let me tell you.”
    â€œGood, good. Haven’t seen your sisters, Ava or Ella, in a while. How they doin’? Still in Lexington?”
    â€œBoth still happily married and really busy bein’ soccer moms. I go up to watch the kids play but I don’t get all of the rules. The offsides thing still has me baffled.” She smiled but then a shadow passed over her featuresmaking Easton want to pull her in for a hug closely followed by a kiss. She must miss all of them dearly. “And I’m the crazy aunt that every niece and nephew needs. The one who brings a puppy for Christmas.”
    â€œYou did that?”
    â€œNaw.” Carrie Ann laughed. “Just gerbils, but you would have thought I brought man-eating monsters into the house. I was banned from giving pets for presents.”
    Easton tossed his head back and laughed.
    â€œYeah, party poopers! Just little old gerbils, I mean come on. But I really miss them. I should go for a visit soon,” she said. Easton sensed that there was more to it than she was letting on.
    â€œWe tend to hibernate in the winter. I’m sure you’ll get to see them before too long. Or better yet, head south to see your mom. Put your toes in the sand.” He understood. His parents finally split up for good right after Carla graduated from high school, but he still understood the value of family. He had close friends. He was financially secure. But something seemed missing lately.
    â€œOh, I bet Carla is having fun