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

as he came closer and drew her arm through his.
    “That went well,” he whispered.
    “I think so, too.”
    “Would it be in poor taste to admit I’m terribly hungry?”
    “Not at all. Only the bride and groom can live on love. The rest of us need food. I was afraid my stomach was going to start growling right in the middle of the ceremony.”
    They took their places in the receiving line forming in the vestibule of the church. Laurel listened to Colton as he exchanged greetings with the guests. Either he knew more people than he’d let on or he was one of the friendliest men she’d ever run across. His behavior indicated an interest in others that would undoubtedly endear him to his future patients and was genuine enough to impress her.
    When the line began to thin, he spoke again, “Can I give you a ride to the reception?”
    “You sure can. I was hoping to get another chance to ride in your car.”
    He laughed softly. “The salesman told me the car was a girl-magnet, but I didn’t believe him until now.”
    Laurel thought about telling him he was gorgeous enough to be a girl-magnet without the car. Instead she said, “The photographer just came in; it looks like a round of pictures is coming next.”
    “This is the part I don’t like. After a while, my smile seems permanently fixed on my face.”
    “It’s a good thing you’ve got a nice smile.”
    At that point, their conversation ended as they were urged back into the sanctuary. As she stood where she was told and smiled for the camera, Laurel found her attention wandering. She was acutely aware of Colton’s presence. Over and above everything else going on, she easily picked out his voice.
    “You haven’t been able to tear yourself away from her. I’m glad you got married; maybe now you’ll actually return a few of my calls.”
    “Are you saying you’d have done anything different?” countered Jacob.
    There was a long pause. Laurel slowly turned to look in Colton’s direction. He was staring right at her. “No, I probably wouldn’t,” he answered.
    In the midst of the laughter that followed this admission, someone tugged on the back of her dress. “Laurel, you can look at Colton later,” Juliet uttered in a loud whisper. “Right now, I’d like to get these pictures taken.” Jerking her head around, Laurel mumbled an apology. Juliet chuckled. “You’ve got it bad, don’t you?”
    “I’m not even going to answer that.”
    Once their part of the picture-taking session was done, Colton gravitated to her side with a speed Laurel couldn’t help but be pleased about.
    “I’m glad that’s over. Let’s go outside.” As he held the door open for her, he said, “I love this weather. Usually by April it’s already in the eighties.”
    “I know; but so far, this spring has been great. The woods behind my parents’ house are covered with wisteria and honeysuckle.”
    “Wisteria is the vine with the clusters of light purple flowers, right?”
    She nodded. “It’s my favorite flower; it’s lovely to look at and smells heavenly.”
    “I could say the same about you,” he said in a voice only she could hear.
    There was no stopping the blush that rose in her cheeks. “Thank you,” she said quietly.
    He touched her cheek with one finger. “Should I keep those comments to myself?”
    Before she could respond, Juliet and Jacob burst through the door of the church. Everyone dispersed to find their cars and head to the country club for the reception.
    * * * *
    Laurel slid out of her bridesmaid’s dress and frowned in the direction of the faded jeans and t-shirt hanging over the padded chair. Why hadn’t she brought something else? Because she hadn’t planned on having a date. She’d packed comfortable clothes for the drive home.
    With a shrug, she put on the outfit that was looking worse by the minute and then walked over to the mirror. Her makeup needed no touch-up, but her elaborate hairdo didn’t go with what she had on. She