Finding the Way Back (Book 1 in the Forgiving Hearts Trilogy) Read Online Free

on the second floor with the orthopedic guys.”
    “How much longer will you be in Charleston?”
    “I hope that question means you want to see more of me.”
    A chuckle escaped Laurel. “Juliet totally missed the boat with you.”
    He took his eyes off the road for a minute. “I’m sorry – I can’t seem to stop saying stupid things. Believe me, I’m not usually like this.”
    “Oh, I like you this way.” She stopped in horror. “What I mean is, you’re not saying stupid things.”
    “That’s a relief. I don’t know what’s wrong with me tonight.” He drew the car to a halt outside Juliet’s house. “It looks like everyone has gone to bed.”
    “If I’m lucky, I can get upstairs and into my room before Juliet comes looking for me. She’ll want a detailed account of everything that happened.”
    A small smile played around Colton’s mouth. “In that case, let’s give you something to tell her.” Before she could ask him what he meant, he leaned across the console and kissed her cheek.
    As he drew back, Laurel grinned. “Dr. Samuels, I don’t kiss on the first date.”
    “I don’t, either, but it’s okay; our first date is tomorrow.” He got out and walked her to the door. As they stood in the dim glow of the porch light, he took her hand in a light clasp. “I was serious about dinner tomorrow night, but if you wake up in the morning and find the magic of this evening was the effects of good food and a moonlit ocean, let me know.”
    “I will. See you later, Colton.”
    She slipped into the silent house with a last, quick glance at his face. Just as the door closed, the light in the hallway switched on and Juliet appeared.
    “Do you know what time it is?” her friend demanded. “I’ve been texting you for an hour.”
    “I silenced my phone during the rehearsal.”
    Juliet tightened the belt of her robe. “I figured that out; where have you been?”
    “We took a walk on a pier; I’m not sure where it was.”
    “Did he bore you to death talking about hips and knees?”
    Laurel started up the stairs. “Shouldn’t you be in bed? You’re getting married tomorrow.”
    Juliet followed her into the guestroom and closed the door. “What happened to your hair? If I didn’t know better, I’d think you had a make-out session in the car.”
    “Make-out session? We’re not teenagers, Juliet.”
    “Stop stalling and tell me what happened.”
    Slipping off her sandals, Laurel sat down on the bed. “We just talked; what else would two strangers do?”
    Juliet dropped down beside her. “You have that look on your face.”
    A faint smile tugged at Laurel’s lips. “What look is that?”
    “The one that says you’ve been kissed.”
    “I couldn’t have. You told me I wouldn’t have to worry about that.”
    “How could Colton have failed me like this? I had you and Phillip married by Christmas.”
    Laurel laid her hand on Juliet’s arm. “Let’s be serious for a minute. What don’t you like about Colton?”
    Juliet played with the belt of her robe. “It’s not that I don’t like him; he’s so independent. He doesn’t seem to need anyone.”
    “Maybe he doesn’t. Is that a bad thing?”
    She shrugged. “I guess not. So, what’s the plan? Did he get your number?”
    “He did better than that. He wants to take me to dinner tomorrow night. Can you arrange to leave on time? I don’t want to rush my meal.”
    Juliet slapped her playfully on the leg. “That must have been some kiss.”
    Laurel only laughed. “Go to bed, Juliet; you’ve got a big day tomorrow.”
    * * * *
    Laurel watched with mixed feelings as Juliet and Jacob made their way down the aisle to the back of the church. Her friend had taken the first step along a new and exciting path, but it was one that led her away from Laurel. Their relationship would be forever changed.
    Her eyes drifted to Colton, waiting just a few feet away. Why did tuxedos make men look so much taller and more handsome? She smiled faintly