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

life. The mountain air will do you so much good.” He was pressing harder than he meant to, but she’d be better able to decide about her future after a few weeks away from the stress of work. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t push you. It’s really between you and your father.”
    She smiled ruefully. “Yes, but you heard him. A whole month of doing exactly as my mother asks?” She shook her head. “That’s bound to only dissolve into more of our legendary arguments, even if I’m bound and determined to see through my part of the bargain.”
    His mouth slanted in a grin. “I remember those.”
    â€œI’m sure you do. Mama was mortified I didn’t keep our disagreements private. But you and your aunt and uncle were always practically family.”
    â€œYour mother might insist you attend a few dances and dinner parties, but is that really so terrible? Think of all the benefits a summer at Birchwood would bring. There’s swimming and boating, and tennis and—”
    Katherine lifted her palm. “You’re right, of course. But I’m afraid I’d feel idle and restless.”
    â€œI understand. I thrive on work too.”
    â€œStill, I’m seriously considering Papa’s offer.”
    Andrew nodded as they dropped onto a stone bench. “Did you help with the business while Charles was alive?”
    â€œNo, not really. He didn’t want me to have anything to do with the company. And actually, he wasn’t very interested either. He was gone a lot. Most of the time, in fact.”
    â€œOn business?”
    She shrugged. “Charles never said where he was going or what he was doing. I assume he went off to find more markets for our fruit, but he never explained. After the first few years we practically led separate lives.”
    â€œI’m sorry.” His heart clutched. Ever since the surprising elopement, he’d worried Charles would eventually desert Katherine, at least emotionally. Charles never stuck with anything for long in college either. Always discontent, he quickly tired of his studies and his friends and moved on to new interests. But how shameful to leave Katherine nearly alone in the countryside of rural Florida.
    He glanced toward the groves. The limbs hung so heavy with tiny oranges they reminded him of Chinese lanterns. Even though he’d never been involved with agriculture, he was fascinated with the neatly rowed trees and new fruit. He understood why Katherine loved this place. Even if it was ungodly hot and humid, it was a blessing to be so far removed from the hustle and bustle of New York. At least for a time.
    â€œWhat kept you occupied while Charles was gone—on business?” Andrew suspected something besides business had lured Charles away from Buena Vista and his wife.
    Katherine winced at the way he said on business , and Andrew regretted not taking more care with his tone.
    â€œAt first I decorated the house and retrimmed my hats. Then I visited neighbors, though we only have a few. I ordered books from New York. I read several classics during that time. Eventually, out of sheer desperation, I developed an interest in growing and selling our citrus fruit. Learning about the business from my manager, Mr. Herne, gave me a real sense of accomplishment. And it helped to prepare me for taking over after Charles’s death.” She hesitated and looked away before she continued in a softer voice. “I was so busy my loneliness faded away. Or maybe I grew too numb to care.”
    Andrew grimaced at the pain she’d endured. Katherine looked so vulnerable with her sad eyes and quivering lower lip. He wanted to pull her close and erase all the sorrow that came from being married to Charles. But he knew better than to act on his impulse. Katherine had only let down her guard for a moment.
    â€œYou must have been unhappy. Why didn’t you go home to your family?” he asked