Betrayal Read Online Free Page B

and makeup. I plan to teach them how to use the pottery wheel this visit,” Kate said.
    â€œEmily will love that. She’s always had a keen interest in your work,” Don said. “Sara, on the other hand, I’d be careful. She’s going through somewhat of a clumsy stage right now. Make sure nothing valuable is in her path.”
    â€œAre you talking about me, Daddy?” Sara whined from the doorway. “You know I hate it when you do that.” Sara trudged across the kitchen and plopped down on her father’s lap. Kate thought she was too big for that but kept the thought to herself.
    â€œAre we having breakfast?” Sara asked of no one.
    â€œI’m making blueberry pancakes and bacon. How’s that?” Kate announced.
    â€œGoody! I love pancakes. Can I have six extra-big ones and six pieces of bacon? And make the bacon very crisp the way Mommy does,” Sara said matter-of-factly.
    Don added with a smile, “Debbie burns the bacon.”
    Sara crossed her arms over her hefty middle. “She does not! I like it that way. She cooks anything I want just the way I want it, too!” Sara glared at Kate as if daring her to contradict her.
    â€œWell, then if you want your bacon well-done, that’s exactly how I’ll make it.” Kate winked at Don and Alex. “Sara, why don’t you run upstairs and see if Emily wants to have breakfast with the rest of us.”
    â€œDo I have to? I hate her. She’s such a bit—, I mean brat. She won’t let me look at her diary anymore. Mommy says it’s ’cause she’s hiding something.”
    â€œSara, don’t call your sister names, and you should be ashamed for snooping. You’re old enough to value Emily’s privacy, and so is your mother. Now run upstairs and tell Emily it’s time for breakfast,” Don ordered. “And leave your mother alone. She’ll want to sleep in, I’m sure.”
    Reluctantly, Sara slid off her father’s lap and headed for the stairs. Once she was out of earshot, Don spoke in low tones. “We’ve been having some problems with Sara. I think she’s jealous of Emily, being older and all. Emily does get to do a lot more than Sara. If she gives you any problems, don’t let her have dessert. That’s the worst punishment she gets.”
    Alex and Kate looked at each other. Kate spoke first. “I doubt we’ll have trouble with her. She’s always been so sweet. Twelve is a tough age. Not a little girl, but not a young woman either.”
    â€œWell, let’s just hope she doesn’t act up. I’ve had enough of her tantrums,” Don said.
    Kate placed a hand on Don’s shoulder. “She’ll be fine. You and Debbie enjoy the cruise and let us enjoy the girls. This might be the last time they’ll want to spend their spring break with us. They’re growing up so fast.”
    Half an hour later, full of pancakes and bacon, Alex excused himself to tend the kennels.
    â€œI thought you hired someone to help out,” Don stated.
    â€œGertie. She’s the best thing that ever happened to me. Well, except for Kate.” Alex winked at Kate as she filled the dishwasher. “Her brother, Reece Wilkes, has been my attorney for the past eight years. He’s very well-known around Asheville. He recommended her one day when he came for a visit. Little did I know she’d worked for Kate’s parents years ago. Gertie never had any kids of her own, so she’s devoted her life to the care of animals. I don’t know how I ever ran the kennel without her.”
    â€œApparently you’ve managed to make a living playing with dogs,” Don said flatly.
    Kate closed the door to the dishwasher a bit too hard. She turned around to face Don. “And has done a damned good job.” Don was always quick to make snide comments about Alex’s chosen profession. Her mother and father had once