The Witches of Snyder Farms (The Wicked Garden Series) Read Online Free Page A

bullshit with Ame—not that pulling macho bullshit was his style. Be he couldn’t just back down, either. He needed Ame’s respect, and he was going to have to earn it.
    “I don’t want to control you, Ame, and I think you know that, so why don’t we just cut the crap. I came here because I love your mother. That’s something you and I have in common: We both love your mother. Let’s try to remember that, because we’re not going to be able to do her any good—we’re not going to be able to help her heal the parts that are broken—if we’re fighting with each other.
    “And here’s something else you should know: I love you, too.” Ame’s defiant stare was replaced with a look of surprise. “I’ve loved you since your mother put my hand on her belly and let me feel you kick. I will never forget that moment.
    “I’m not trying to buy your love. Hell, even if you never love me, I will always love you—for your mom’s sake, and your own. But, before you reject me and my money, you might want to consider the fact that multiple years of college tuition—and we’re talking up to and including postgraduate degrees—wouldn’t even put a dent in my trust fund.”
    A slow smile spread over Ame’s face. She cursed herself internally for showing even the slightest hint of surrender, but her father had never— ever —talked to her as kindly and as honestly as this relative stranger just had. She steeled herself.
    “ Don’t you worry about college. I’m going to get a full-ride volleyball scholarship.”
    Eli deflated slightly, and Ame was surprised to discove r how bad that made her feel. “But if you really want to give me something, give my mother back to me—whole, healthy, happy. Give me back my little brother. Even though he’s a huge pain in my ass, my mom shouldn’t have to live without her son. If you want to give me something, give me a home that I’m psyched to come back to every night after busting my ass all day long.”
    Eli smiled broadly. “Do you realize everything you wished for was for your mother, with the exception of a happy home?”
    “What’s your point?”
    Eli shook his head. He just couldn’t get over this girl.
    “What do you want besides a happy home , Ame-with-an-E.  Aren’t you tired of driving Marcus’ old farm truck? Wouldn’t you like a new car? What do you want me to give you ?”
    “If you want to buy a car, buy one for my mom. She’s barely left Snyder Farms since we came here. She needs to be mobile again.”
    “You haven’t answered my question. What can I give you ?”
    She thought about it for a moment. He was hoping she would come up with something really grand that he could have delivered within a day.
    “Give me your time, give me your honesty , and give me something that will help me grow into the woman I want to become.”
    Eli was speechless, and almost moved to tears. His heartstrings were plucking the most beautiful song. He wished his father could meet this child.
    “I can give you all of that. I promise,” he whispered hoarsely, struggling to push out the words without letting go of a sob. “Now, how about something crazy? Anything your heart desires.”
    “ Anything?”
    “Anything.”
    “I want to meet Graham Duncan.”
    Eli choked on a cough. It’s like she’s reading my mind. “Another Duncan fan. Good grief! You know meeting him is close to impossible right?”
    “You look like a guy who can pull off the impossible, Eli-with-an-I.” Ame gave him a skeptical glance. “I’m just kidding, obviously.”
    Eli tried not to laugh. “Oh, no, no, no. I promise you right now that I will give you everything you have asked for.” He gave her a little bow.
    Ame rewarded him with an ironic smile and a slow clap. “Fabulous. Now, if you will excuse me I’ve got go to another volleyball tournament that my mom won’t be at, possibly stop by the fabric store for material to make my prom dress, and then I work until seven, after which