Hometown Proposal Read Online Free Page B

“I’ll have to introduce you to our future son-in-law, Lukas. He would’ve been here tonight, but he had to attend some kind of management meeting at the medical devices plant he runs.”
    Seth’s heart nearly stopped as a bite of cake went down wrong. Was Elise engaged? He’d never considered the possibility that she might have found a new love since returninghome. Having to watch her with someone else would be a cruel turn of events.
    â€œI’m sure Lukas will try to recruit you for the church softball team,” Juliane said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
    As Seth looked at Juliane, he noticed the sparkling diamond ring on her left hand. Lukas must be Juliane’s fiancé. A cautious relief settled around his heart. Seth checked Elise’s left hand. No ring, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t dating someone. He was every kind of fool for thinking he could waltz into town and find his way into her heart again with no obstacles.
    â€œI’m sure Seth isn’t interested in being on the church softball team.” Elise didn’t even look at him as she made the statement.
    â€œBut I would. Sounds like fun.” Seth waited for Elise’s reaction, but none came.
    â€œI’ve got a great idea.” Ray snapped his fingers. “There’s a men’s prayer breakfast before church tomorrow. Would you like to go with me? Since you’re new in town, the gathering would be a good opportunity to meet Lukas and a bunch of the other guys.”
    â€œDad, you’re being a little pushy, aren’t you?” Elise’s gaze darted between Seth and her father.
    â€œReally, Elise, your dad’s right. I’d like to meet some folks from the community.” Seth didn’t miss the surprise in Elise’s eyes. Was she remembering the old Seth—the one who had no use for God or religion?
    â€œGreat. I can pick you up at the hotel,” Ray said.
    Seth glanced at Olivia. “Like I said before, I’d like to join you, but I can’t take Olivia to the men’s prayer breakfast.”
    Barbara looked expectantly at Seth. “Oh…this could be my first chance to babysit. I can watch Olivia while you go to the breakfast.”
    Seth hesitated again. Even though Olivia seemed comfortable with Barbara, he wasn’t sure how Olivia would act for a lengthy time with someone she didn’t know very well. Her sitters in Pittsburgh had always been his mother or his aunt Susan. But he had to face the fact that he’d have to rely on a lot of new people here to help him with his child. Having Barbara watch Olivia was probably a good start.
    â€œWhat do you say, Olivia? Would you like to visit with Mrs. Keller in the morning while Daddy goes to a meeting?”
    Olivia shrugged her little shoulders. “’Kay.”
    Seth recognized her uncertainty and tried to reassure her. “You’ll have a good time.”
    Barbara smiled at Olivia. “Do you like pancakes?”
    Olivia nodded.
    â€œGood. You and I can make pancakes for breakfast. Would you like that?”
    Olivia nodded again.
    Barbara turned her attention to Seth. “You can bring her out here in the morning before you go to the breakfast.”
    â€œThe breakfast starts at eight o’clock at my cousin’s café. Do you remember the one on Main Street where we had lunch with Nathan?” Ray asked. “I do.”
    â€œThen we’ll see you there. I know you’ll enjoy meeting the other men.”
    Barbara motioned toward the little girl. “When you come in the morning, you can leave Olivia’s car seat with me, and I’ll bring her when I come to church. They have an excellent class for two- and three-year-olds, if you think she’ll go.”
    â€œWe can wait and see on that one,” Seth replied.
    Olivia clamored into Seth’s lap and laid her little head on his chest. He glanced down. Seth’s heart