A Family Kind of Wedding by Lisa Jackson Read Free Book Online Page B

said as she passed by him for the thirtieth time. He gestured toward her anxious pacing. “You know, if you’re not careful you’re gonna wear a patch right through the floor.”
    He smiled, but it seemed guarded somehow, and she wondered about him. From the minute he’d blown into town he’d been a mystery, a man without a past—a tall, lanky Texan with a sexy drawl and, seemingly, no ties. She’d fantasized that he’d held some deep, dark secret that she, as the local reporter with her ear to the ground, would uncover. Instead, he’d dropped a bomb that threw her life into unexpected and unwanted turmoil.
    Luke studied her over the top of his magazine. “Can I get you something? A cup of coffee?”
    â€œThe last thing I need is caffeine.”
    â€œDecaf then.”
    â€œOr maybe a tranquillizer.” She knew she was overreacting, but she was a jumble of nerves today.
    His grin widened a bit, and the crow’s-feet around his eyes deepened. “This is probably the place to get one.
    â€œI was kidding.”
    â€œI know.” He slapped his magazine closed. “I think we should call a tow company for your car.”
    â€œOh…good idea, but I need to be here.”
    â€œAs soon as Josh is released.” He snapped his magazine open again and turned his attention back to the article he’d been perusing. Katie sat down, but couldn’t endure the inactivity. Seconds later she was pacing again, her brain pounding with the problem of how she was going to tell Josh that his father was dead. She wanted to ask Luke what had happened to Dave, but thought she had better wait until they were alone, and she felt more in control.
    Within twenty minutes Josh was wheeled back into the room. He was wearing a brace on his leg, and a woman doctor with short brown hair, wide eyes and round glasses approached. “Are you Josh’s mom?”
    â€œYes. Katie. Katie Kinkaid.”
    â€œDr. Thatcher.” The doctor extended her hand and shook Katie’s. “I think Josh here is going to live a while longer,” she teased. “Nothing appears to be broken, but I’m going to send his X rays to a specialist for a second opinion, just in case. What I see is a pretty severe sprain. He’ll need to lie down and elevate his foot for a couple of days. The ankle should be iced, to begin with. I’ve prescribed some mild painkillers that he can take for the first forty-eight hours or so, and I’d like to see him use crutches until the swelling goes down.”
    Katie listened and nodded but wondered how in the world she was going to keep an active ten-year-old off his feet. Short of strapping him to the bed, she didn’t have many options.
    With Luke’s help, Josh hobbled to the truck, and they drove straight to the pharmacy where they picked up Josh’s prescription and rented crutches five minutes before the place closed for the night.
    By the time they pulled into the driveway of her little bungalow, night had fallen and the streetlights gave off an eerie blue glow. Crickets chirped softly, and from a house down the street music wafted—some piece of jazz that seemed to float on the breeze. Blue, lying on the back stoop, growled his disapproval of the newcomer as Katie unlocked the door and Luke helped Josh up the steps.
    â€œHush!” Katie said sharply, and the old dog gave off one last indignant snarl. “Don’t mind him, he’s getting old and grouchy,” she said, but fondly patted Blue’s head. She snapped on the porch light, and the aging dog tagged after them as they entered the kitchen.
    Once Josh was in his room and lying on his bed, Katie propped his leg on pillows, then rinsed a washcloth with water in the bathroom. “I guess you’ll have to use this to clean up,” she said as she handed him the wet cloth and eyed his cramped room. “You know, Josh, if you agree to keep up with