February Waltz (Rhythm of the Heart Book 3) Read Online Free

Route 44 drink in both hands, her nails leaving crescent shaped indents in the foam cup.
    “Hey,” he started. “It's okay.”
    “Yeah.” She smiled tightly. “It's fine. I want to go lay down.”
    “Let's get in there.” He opened his door and came around to her side, offering her a hand as she climbed out.
    Zoe gripped his hand tightly as they walked up to the door, the pressure of her fingers around his own growing with each step.
    “Look at me.”
    Her dark eyes met his in the dim glow of the porch light. “Yeah?”
    “It's okay.”
    “He died in there.”
    “But he's not there anymore. You said yourself he's happy. It's okay to keep going, Zoe. He would want you to.”
    She closed her eyes and nodded. “You're right.”
    The front door came open and Grams stood illuminated in the doorway. “Hey, baby. Get yourself in here. I made some food. I figured you'd be hungry.”
    “I had Sonic,” she whispered. “But I'm still hungry.”
    “Then let's get you in bed and I'll get you a plate.” Grams took her by the hand and pulled her inside.
    “Okay, but you don't have to wait on me, Grams.”
    “Hush your pretty face. Get in bed and let's keep your baby in there as long as we can, okay?” Calvin followed behind them and watched from the doorway as Zoe sat on the edge of the bed and kicked off her shoes. She shifted on her side and lay on the pillow.
    “We could get cable set up in here, probably, couldn't we, Grams? Maybe it would give her something to do.”
    Grams nodded. “Sure could. I'll call the cable company tomorrow. But for now, you rest, missy.” She shuffled past Calvin and back into the kitchen.
    “Babe, I'll be back. I'm going to go talk to Grams for a while, okay?”
    Zoe nodded. “Sure. Can I have my Kindle?”
    “Of course. Let me go get the bag.” He hurried through the house and back out to the car, snagging the black bag in one hand and running back inside. Once he was back in the small bedroom he unzipped it and handed her the e-reader. “Here you go.”
    “Thanks. I'll just read.”
    “Okay.” He pulled the door most of the way closed and walked back down the hallway to the kitchen where Grams puttered around warming up a plate of ham and macaroni and cheese.
    “Hey, Calvin. Sit down here. You look like you have a load on your shoulders you need to lay down. What's up, honey?” She pointed at the yellowed chair with a smile.
    “Yeah, I do, Grams.” He pulled the chair out and sat. Pops came in a few seconds later and sat down in a chair across from him.
    “Hey, son, what's on your mind?”
    “I don't have to go back to Afghanistan. My unit is being called back. I'll be heading to Fort Carson on the first. Then I'll start out-processing, and I'll be home in a couple of months.” He leaned back in the chair and ran a hand over his head.
    “So what's the problem, son?” Pops reached for the refrigerator and opened it, finding a beer inside. “You want one?”
    “No thanks, Pops. I just hate to leave her, period.”
    “She can't travel.”
    “No, I know that. And I know you guys will take good care of her, but I feel like I should be the one taking care of you, not vice versa, you know?” Calvin groaned and rubbed his eyes.
    “It's what family does, son. We take care of each other.”
    “Yeah, I know, Grams. I just feel bad.”
    “Well,” she smiled. “Don't feel bad. We'll work your tail end off when you get home. The house needs some fixing up. Plus I expect you to be raising the baby up in the church.”
    Calvin chuckled. “I'll do anything you want, Grams. You know that.”
    “I do, boy. You're a good one. You make us proud. Lay your burden down and enjoy your time home. I know it's easier said than done with everything that has happened, but we gotta find the good in each day. Today the good was Zoe coming home and the baby being all right for a little longer.”
    “You're right, Grams. What does the funeral home say?”
    Pops took a drink of his beer.