Just Between Friends Read Online Free Page B

Miranda getting married?”  She arched a brow.
     
         Steven laughed.  “She’s not so little anymore, big sister.  We’re nearly the same age, you know.”
     
         “I know, but it just seems like yesterday, you, Miranda and Alec were all running around playing together. Miranda with her long braids flying, and you and Alec, little scrawny kids, and you, with all those freckles.  Where did they disappear to, by the way?”
     
         “I haven’t had freckles since I was ten years old.  You just never noticed anything once Michael came along,” he chuckled.
     
         She smiled as she recollected those days. “I guess that’s true, but you know how it is, when you fall in love.”
     
         “Yes,” he agreed, “I sure do.  It seems all I ever think about is Miranda.  I do believe I’ve been in love with her all my life.  I can’t imagine my life without her in it.”
     
         “And what does Alec have to say about all this?”  Sam questioned.  “It’s always been plain to see that he’s been in love with her too.”
     
         He nodded.  “I have to admit that has been a problem for us.  Since he found out, neither Miranda nor I have seen him.  He’s purposely staying away.”
     
         “Well, he’ll come around in time,” Sam encouraged.
     
         “I sure hope so.  It’s hard to lose your best friend.”
     
         “I can imagine.” Then lightly tapping him on the arm, ordered, “Come on little brother.  Let’s go in the house. There’s something Michael and I want to talk with everyone about.”
     
         Steven gave her a concerned gaze, “Must be awfully important for you guys to make such a long trip.  I know you said it’s because you missed us, but it has to be more than that.”
     
         Sam smiled, and with a gleam in her eyes, she just said, “Little brother, you worry too much.”
     
         Steven laughed, and declared, “Brothers are supposed to worry about their sisters, it’s our job.”
     
         “Oh, come on,” she demanded, as she slapped his arm once more. “Michael and I will explain everything inside.”
     
                                               ***
     
         When everyone had gathered in the parlor, Samantha took her place beside her husband.  They were a striking couple, Steven thought.  Samantha, who was very petite, with pale skin and long, strawberry-blonde hair, was a contrast to her husband Michael, who was well over six-feet tall and had dark, wavy locks.  Just looking at them, it was plain to see they were as much in love now, as they had been the day they married, over two years ago.  Steven hoped it would always be that way for them.  He also hoped he and Miranda would have such a happy marriage.
     
         He was standing next to his father when Michael began to speak, “We have an announcement to make everyone.”
     
         Samantha interrupted, for she wanted to be the one to tell her family.  Her eyes were sparkling, and she seemed so jittery.  Her face glowed, and the smile that radiated on it seemed to speak for her, before she even opened her mouth.  “We just couldn’t wait any longer to tell you.  We’re going to have a baby.”
     
         Amelia Reynolds, who had been sitting quietly on the sofa, hands folded, fearing what her daughter’s news was going to be, squealed as she suddenly jumped to her feet.  Wisps of sandy-colored hair had pulled free from the bun she wore on the back of her head, and her green-eyes sparkled.  She ran to her first-born, took her in her arms and proclaimed, with tears streaming down her face, “Oh Samantha, Michael, I’m so happy!”
     
         Arthur Reynolds, a stately man, who had patches of light-brown facial hair grown on the sides of his face, extending from the hairline to below the ears, and had an unbearded chin, wasn’t far behind his wife.