Longing Read Online Free Page A

but her brothers didn’t know how serious things had gotten between them. Yesterday Ricky even asked if Cody might stop by for dessert after Thanksgiving dinner. Bailey needed more time before her family could know how thoroughly her heart had moved on.
    Their mom was thankful Bailey lived with an older couple who loved God, and that she’d made a smooth transition to her life in New York City, and her dad was thankful the Indianapolis Colts were winning on the efforts of Matt Keagan, the quarterback whose faith was legendary in the NFL.
    “Didn’t you use that one last year?” BJ squinted teasing eyes at their dad.
    “Nope. No I did not.” He shook his head, trying to look serious. “Last year I was thankful for twenty-five years of marriage to your most wonderful mother.” He nodded in her direction. “Isn’t that right?”
    “Definitely.” She tilted her head, enjoying the moment. “I can vouch for that.”
    “Okay, then.” Their dad tossed his hands in the air and smirked in BJ’s direction. “Can I get a round of tens on that answer?”
    BJ still didn’t look convinced, but he gave their dad a ten for his answer, and everyone else followed suit.
    It was Brandon’s turn to share, and he took a deep breath. “Wow … so many things I could say.” He hesitated and Bailey quickly realized he wasn’t at a loss for words. Rather he was caught up in the scene, moved by his many emotions. Seeing the confident Brandon Paul this vulnerable — the way she’d seen him only a few times — always made Bailey care for him twice as much. He found control before the moment could feel awkward. “All right.” He was still struggling, but his focus was back. “I could say so much. But here you go. I’m thankful to be part of your family this Thanksgiving, and,” he raised his brow at Bailey’s mom, “I’m thankful for the best turkey I’ve ever eaten.”
    A ripple of laughter came from around the table. “Brandon, come on.” Ricky leaned around Bailey and met Brandon’s eyes. “That sounded like a movie script. You’re making the rest of us look bad.”
    “Just being real …” Brandon chuckled and the sound relieved the emotion from a moment earlier. “You guys make it easy.”
    Ricky thought about that for a long moment. “You have a point.” He sat back and lifted one shoulder. “Go ahead then, I guess.”
    Bailey and her family laughed. “No one does the grateful game crazier than us.” Bailey turned to Brandon. “Are you done?”
    His emotions were fully in control now, and Brandon waited for his own laughter to subside. “Just one more thing.” He looked at Bailey. “I’m thankful for Bailey, that God has used her to show me what real love is.”
    Bailey’s heart melted, and she held her breath. From around the table she caught the looks from her brothers and even her dad. Only her mom didn’t seem surprised by the intensity of Brandon’s answer. If her dad and brothers hadn’t known how serious things were between her and Brandon, they knew now.
    Her mom seemed to sense the mixed feelings in the room. “Brandon … we’re very happy for you and Bailey.” She reached across the table and covered Brandon’s hand with her own. “And we’re glad you could be with us today.”
    “Thanks.” If Brandon knew the ambivalence Bailey’s brothers probably felt, he didn’t let on. “Your kindness … it isn’t something I take for granted.”
    Ricky grinned at Brandon. “I think I speak for everyone when I say officially that answer was a ten.” He pointed at the others.
    “Yes?”
    “Absolutely!” Connor took the lead. “Brandon loves our sister. That’s at least a ten!”
    “At least!” Justin clinked his glass against Connor’s, and as he did a small wave of lemon water sloshed onto his plate.
    Everyone laughed once more as the mood lightened, and the others flashed tens in Brandon’s direction. If they felt a sadness in Brandon’s declaration, if they missed Cody