Nina's Got a Secret Read Online Free

right now.”
    â€œWe’ve been together ever since.”
    â€œWell, since you put it like that, I can understand. I don’t know how you’re going to deal with the fact that you’re not truly in love with him, but I guess you can work around that. The man has definitely got your back.”
    â€œI know he does. That’s why I’m comfortable marrying him. I may not love him now, but eventually I’ll learn to love him.”
    â€œIt’s not just him you’re going to have to learn to love; you’re going to have to love his daughter. Doesn’t she have autism?”
    â€œYeah,” Nina replied and then turned back around and started brushing her hair again.
    â€œHow old is she?”
    â€œShe’s eight years old. She and Precious are roughly the same age. I know that’s going to be tough. It’s hard enough trying to deal with Precious and all of her moods and bad habits. I’m going to need some help playing mama to an eight-year-old child with autism.”
    â€œHow long has he had custody of . . . what’s her name again?”
    â€œHer name is Christine, but he calls her Chrissy. He’s been raising her on his own since his first wife died eight years ago. Did I tell you she died on the same day that Flip died?”
    â€œNo, you didn’t tell me that. That’s eerie.”
    â€œTell me about it. Anyway, lately, it’s been hard for him to do it by himself since his career is booming.”
    â€œDo what by himself?”
    â€œRaise Chrissy! He’s been struggling to care for her the way she needs to be cared for. He has so many high-profile and demanding clients now, he’s having a difficult time giving her the attention she needs; especially since he’s been spending so much time in the South and here in Louisiana. Larry told me that we’re going to get a live-in nanny when we move to California. Hopefully, that will make the situation more bearable.”
    â€œWell, girlfriend, I guess I have a better understanding of what your thoughts are now that you’ve broken it down for me. I still don’t think you should go through with this, but I support your decision.”
    â€œThanks, Val. I need your support. You are the only family I have.”
    Unbeknownst to Nina and Val, a set of ears was pressed against the door listening to their conversation. The ears belonged to Barbara, and needless to say, she was not pleased with what she’d just heard.
    Since their parents died a few years earlier, Barbara took her role as older sibling more serious. She did everything she could to protect and support Larry. She babysat Chrissy, cleaned Larry’s house, and washed his clothes. She was a widow with no kids; therefore, her younger brother and niece became the center of her universe.
    Barbara nearly twisted her ankle as she ran to tell Larry the truth about his soon-to-be wife. This was the proof she needed to convince her brother to call the wedding off.
    â€œLarry, we need to talk,” she shouted as she burst through his dressing room door.
    â€œWhat’s going on, sis? Why aren’t you helping Nina get ready?”
    â€œThat’s what we need to talk about,” Barbara replied, struggling to catch her breath.
    Terry came back into the room. “Man, those people seem to be getting a little restless. Are you ready?”
    â€œTerry, could you give my brother and me a few minutes alone?”
    Terry quickly picked up on the consternation in Barbara’s voice. He turned and left the room immediately.
    â€œWhat’s wrong?”
    â€œLarry, you can’t marry this woman. I’ve felt this way since youfirst announced your engagement to her, but now I’m convinced.”
    â€œWhere is this coming from? I thought you were happy for me.”
    â€œLarry, you are my little brother, my only brother. I can’t stand by and watch you make the biggest mistake