A Path Toward Love by Cara Lynn James Read Free Book Online

for a few weeks.”
    Papa met her gaze with his usual intensity. “Perhaps you need a visit home to remember all you left behind, and all that still awaits you.” He studied her for a long moment. “What if we came to an agreement?”
    Katherine frowned. “What kind of an agreement?”
    â€œI’ll lend you the money to make modest improvements and bring in the fall harvest—which, if you’re right, should increase the value of the property—in exchange for one month of your time at home following whatever social agenda your mother has planned.”
    Andrew shifted uncomfortably in his chair, and Katherine’s eyes flicked in his direction, then back to her father.
    â€œBut mind, you must not tell her about this arrangement, Katherine. She’d be madder than a wet hen if she discovered I gave you a loan.”
    â€œThat’s very generous of you, Papa,” Katherine said, pausing. His steady gaze indicated he expected an answer, now. But she wouldn’t jump at the arrangement until she thought through all its ramifications. A shrewd businessman, Papa never made deals that didn’t serve his own ends. Or in this case, Mama’s.
    â€œI’d certainly appreciate a loan and a short vacation at Birchwood. But please, Papa, let me mull this over before I accept. All right?”
    â€œWhy do you hesitate, my dear? I’m offering you exactly what you want.” His face showed frustration mingled with hope.
    She nodded. “Yes, I know. But I don’t want to make an impulsive decision.” As I normally do , hung suspended in the air. She glanced at Andrew, hoping to gauge his response, but he kept his expression carefully neutral.
    Papa flashed her a wry smile. “Of course.” He and Mama had always accused her of acting first and thinking later. Well, for once she’d take her time and hopefully not make a mistake she’d later regret.

    â€œMay I join you for your walk?” Andrew asked as Katherine headed across the terrace after dinner.
    The temperature had dropped a few degrees and a warm breeze blew across the rolling hills. But the heat still hung heavy over the land like a soggy wool blanket. He hoped Mr. Wainwright would decide to head north before they both melted like scoops of vanilla ice cream. The humidity sapped his boss’s strength and shortened his normally even temper. Andrew couldn’t imagine how Katherine kept her energy level so high and her disposition so sweet. Maybe after all these years she’d adjusted.
    Yet how could she resist her father’s invitation to vacation at Camp Birchwood where thick stands of trees shaded the land and the lake glistened with refreshing waters? The green, rolling hills of central Florida had a beauty of their own, but the humidity nearly suffocated him. And the bugs were even worse. If he lived here, he’d have to escape every summer.
    â€œHave you given any more thought to coming home with your father and me?” Andrew asked in a mild voice. He didn’t want to raise her ire, but he’d prayed she’d see reason and decide to return.
    Katherine sighed. “That’s all I can think about. I need Papa’s loan to keep the business running, but I feel it’s my responsibility to stay here to see that everything goes smoothly.”
    He admired her dedication and tenacity. No one, not even her beloved father, would easily manipulate her. Andrew swallowed hard as they strolled through the garden of colorful crepe myrtle trees, bougainvillea, and hibiscus. Her silky hair shone in the last golden rays of daylight, and her sculptured profile became even prettier in the descending shadows. He hadn’t realized until now how very much he wanted her to return to New York to spend the rest of the summer at Camp Birchwood with her family. And with him.
    â€œKatherine, come home for a month. A little rest and relaxation will give you a new lease on