The Reluctant Bride Read Online Free Page A

mule.”
    â€œMules are usually booked six months in advance. Unless you grow wings, we’re all hiking.” Karinne’s well-worn hiking boots were in the car trunk.
    â€œCupid’s wings are the only wings we’ll be seeing,” Anita teased. “What with your wedding and all.” She paused. “I wonder why your father hasn’t remarried after all this time.”
    â€œDad can’t get remarried! He’s…” Widowed? Still married?
    â€œWhat?” Anita asked.
    â€œToo old,” she quickly substituted.
    â€œI didn’t think you’d mind if he did.”
    â€œIf the circumstances were right, I wouldn’t,” Karinne replied. “Let’s please get through one wedding at a time, okay?”
    â€œYou shouldn’t make it sound like a chore. This is your future we’re talking about.”
    Karinne exhaled. “You’re right. I’m nervous, that’s all.”
    â€œLet me be the nervous one. I just got fired and I have to find a new job. Wish me luck.”
    â€œGood luck,” Karinne said sincerely, trying hard to hide her envy.
    I can’t believe it. I’m jealous of Anita—even though she lost her job. She gets to be with her husband.
    â€œYou really mean it?” Anita asked. “You might be losing a roommate.”
    Karinne nodded. “Of course.”
    â€œWouldn’t it be great if you could work in the Grand Canyon area yourself?”
    â€œThere aren’t any jobs for sports photographers and I don’t want to freelance doing nature pictures. Too much competition and not enough money. There’s no sense wishing for the impossible.”
    Even if she wanted things to be different.
    Grand Canyon Village parking area
    L EANING AGAINST his car, Max eagerly watched the incoming traffic for Karinne. He and Cory had taken a single vehicle to meet the women. Lodging vacancies were scarce and traffic was heavy, despite the overcast sky and “sometimes-yes, sometimes-no” sun. The Grand Canyon was open all year, and according to the visitor count, one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world. Thousandsswarmed to see one of nature’s true great wonders. The temperatures inside the canyon desert were warm year-round, even when desert tundra winter cold enveloped the land at rim level. But summertime in Arizona was peak season for tourists and locals alike to experience the rainbow of colors the Colorado River had etched through rocks a mile high. The South Rim parking lots overflowed with trolling cars and frustrated drivers. The Hunter brothers fortunately had employee parking passes.
    â€œI want to visit with Karinne, too,” Cory reminded his brother. “Try not to hog her too much.”
    â€œCan’t promise anything,” Max said with a grin. “Besides, I expect you and Anita to be holed up in your tents getting reacquainted. Like Karinne and I will.”
    â€œThat should be them,” Cory said.
    â€œWhere?” Max asked, excited about seeing his lover and fiancée for the first time in months.
    Cory jerked his chin toward the arrivals area. Two women climbed out of a parked vehicle, but Max only had eyes for Karinne. He’d recognize her anywhere, and his pulse quickened at the sight. She traveled light—no camera slung over her shoulder—and was clad in a worn pair of denims and her gray sweatshirt. The blond hair he remembered from childhood had long ago deepened to a darker blond, although her green eyes remained the same. Bare toes peeped out from casual summer sandals, and the sweatshirt didn’t hide the curves beneath. But his eyes lingered on her face.
    He didn’t call out her name. He enjoyed anticipating her beautiful smile of recognition. When she finally caught his gaze, that smile always rewarded him.
    â€œMax!” Karinne shouted. The four gathered together. Max hugged Karinne, loving the feel of her