A Flying Affair Read Online Free Page A

“To Iris, the best sister in the world. I’m going to miss you terribly. Here’s to the perfect wedding day and a lifetime of love.” A lump filled Mittie’s throat.
    Iris chewed on her bottom lip, her eyes misting, as she whispered, “Thank you.”
    Caroline wiggled in her seat. “I have a sister toast, too.” She stood and lifted her glass, drawing smiles from around the table. “Nell and Quentin, sitting in a tree. K-I-S-S-I-N-G. First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes Nell pushing a baby carriage.”
    Nell’s eyes grew round, her face flushed. “Caroline! Where did you hear that?”
    “School, girls teasing, but I’m not teasing—not even a tiny bit. I heard you and Mama talking.” She giggled and pronounced, “Nell’s going to have a baby!”
    Aunt Evangeline placed a firm hand on her young daughter’s arm. “First of all, young lady, you don’t eavesdrop on conversations. And you also don’t go blabbering things you know nothing about.”
    All eyes were on Nell, who now looked green instead of just pale. She glared at her little sister. “Mama’s right, Caroline.” To the rest of the guests, she shrugged. “I’m sorry; I didn’t want to say anything until after Iris’ wedding. This is her big day, and we have worlds of time to talk about the baby.”
    Questions came from around the table in a flurry about when the baby would come and if they were hoping for a boy or a girl.
    Nell sighed. “We think January, and I’m hoping for a boy.” She gave Caroline a narrow-eyed look. “Boys aren’t so nosy and wouldn’t be blabbering.”
    Caroline tucked her chin to her chest. “I’m sorry. I thought it would make you happy.” Tears filled her eyes. “I always wanted a baby brother or sister…”
    Nell rose and went to Caroline and hugged her. “I know; I always did, too, and then when you were born, no one was happier than me.” She kissed her cheek and then thanked her aunt for the lunch. “I am feeling a little peaked and think maybe I should go.” She turned to Iris. “Don’t worry. I’ll have everything ready for your trousseau. For now, I just need a bit of rest.”
    The party lost some of its glow with Nell gone, but Mittie was grateful that her mother didn’t say anything about her sister Evangeline becoming a grandmother before her. Under normal circumstances, the competition between the two of them might have surfaced, and really, there was no harm done. If anything, it was another reason to celebrate.
    When the chatter resumed, Grandmother leaned over and whispered to Mittie, “Your father called and told me about Buck Lamberson.”
    Mittie wanted to spit. Just the mention of his name coiled like a snake in her belly. “Rotten timing with the wedding.” It was the best she could muster.
    “I’m sure the operation won’t be cheap and is perhaps necessary, but it gives me pause. I think he planned his visit with a touch of malice in mind—coming on the eve of Iris’ wedding and knowing that finances might be somewhat stretched right now.”
    Mittie kept her voice low. “And that Mother has spared no expense, you mean.”
    “I just thought his request untimely—that’s all.”
    “Dobbs deserves the best, to be able to walk normally. And if there was anything at all that I could do to repay Daddy, I would. There’s not a day goes by that I don’t wish the accident hadn’t happened.”
    “No one blames you. Certainly not your dad. It wasn’t even your fault.”
    The familiar panic swelled in Mittie’s chest. No, her grandmother and father didn’t blame her for the incident with Dobbs. But Dobbs did, and so did his parents. A broken leg that left him a cripple was a big price for Dobbs to pay.
    Mittie’s lunch soured in her stomach.

Chapter 3
    Mittie dreamed she was flying. Clouds above, rolling hills below. Soaring on an air thermal with the wind eating at her cheeks, her right hand numb from gripping the stick. Above her, a clap of thunder shook