Mountain Song Read Online Free Page A

than that,” Andy said, making minor adjustments to Bea’s
pillow and linens. Bea batted his hands away.
    “Keep your hands to
yourself,” she admonished—and then winked at him.
    Feisty or not, though,
her grandmother was 78 years old, flat on her back, the neckline of her handmade
batik nightgown barely visible under the white hospital sheets. For the first
time in her life, Claudia had to admit that Bea might be in over her head. Away
from her log cabin with its wind chimes and sun catchers and crystals and looms
and watercolors, Bea seemed to have shrunk and weakened, her hair whiter and
thinner than Claudia remembered, a few more wrinkles etched into her skin.
    There was no way
around it: she was going to have to act as Bea’s advocate. She would be the
care-giver, and Bea would be her responsibility—a complete flip of the
roles they’d held since Claudia had been an infant nestled in Bea’s lap. It
practically broke her heart, but Claudia intended to do whatever was necessary
to ensure Bea’s well-being, even if it meant taking on Andy Woods.
    “Good night, Queen
Bea,” Andy murmured, taking Bea’s hand.
    Claudia backed out of
the way and watched as Bea clutched Andy’s hand in hers, then brought it to her
cheek for a fleeting kiss before she released him. And once again she felt the
little surge of jealousy. That touch, so small and yet somehow so intimate,
shared between two people who couldn’t be more different, but who had somehow
forged something wonderful between them. A touch that spoke volumes of their
friendship, devotion, love...
    How long had it been
since Claudia had felt anyone’s reassuring touch? Yes, she saw her father all
the time, but at work they interacted as colleagues, working side by side. The
company was doing better than it ever had, and the work never seemed to be finished.
Claudia knew her father loved her, and sometimes he remembered to show it,
taking her out to lunch and ordering for both of them, so that for a few
precious hours she could feel like a little girl again.
    Most of the time,
though, she felt as though the world was on her shoulders. At least there was
that one tender embrace at the end of every day to get her through.
    “So, you’ll make some
time for our discussion soon?”
    Andy was inches away,
staring at her expectantly, his expression neutral. She had to pay attention,
resist the fatigue that was threatening to overtake her.
    “Yes. I’m here for a
couple of days, at least. I can’t stay too long. I’m afraid this wasn’t the
best possible timing for me, work-wise.”
    “You’re working?”
    The surprise in Andy’s
eyes seemed to be genuine, but Claudia bristled nonetheless. “Of course I’m
working. What did you think I would be doing, hanging out at Dad’s estate
riding ponies and eating bon-bons?”
    “I only meant—”
    “As a matter of fact I
have a great job, one that I happen to be very good at, where I can use my
training and education.”
    “Good for you.” Andy
stepped back, edging toward the door. “Forgive me if that came out wrong. I
know you’re capable, Claudia. I’m glad you’re putting all that talent to good
use.”
    “No...I’m sorry,”
Claudia said, aware too late that she’d come out with both barrels. “I didn’t
mean to get so defensive. The truth is...well, I’m working for Dad, and
sometimes people just assume—”
    “—that Jack gave
you the job to keep you busy,” Bea piped up. “Well, let’s admit it, that’s just
what he did, honey. But you showed him, didn’t you, sugar? Andrew, this girl’s
turned that place around, got things moving like they haven’t since my own
father started the company. Do you know, she’s one of Canfield Inc.’s best
designers? Sales of her line have been simply soaring—”
    “Oh, Bea, that’s
enough. I design uniforms, not Seventh Avenue couture.” Claudia felt a blush
warm her face and wished she’d never opened her mouth. “Andy, don’t let us