A Wedding In the Family by Kathryn Alexander Read Free Book Online

know was that Adam was wondering the same thing. Only he suspected that earning her trust now would require more truth from him than he was ready to reveal. And what did the Lord require from him so early in this relationship? Honesty, he knew, but in how large a dose at a time?
    Soon they arrived and parked in the gravel alongside her parents’ car. Judging from the vehicles already there, it was a good turnout, as usual. Adam helped Angela unload the items she had brought, as well as the case of soda he had placed in her van. Before long, the kids were engaged in a softball game and it was time for Adam to meet Angela’s parents.
    “Mom. Dad. This is Adam Dalton,” Angela introduced her date. She had advised them earlier of this impending meeting.
    Smiles from Grace and Ed Granston did little to ease the tension of the moment. No man would easily receive the approval of this older couple where their daughter was concerned. Angela was no kid, but she would always be their child. Exactly who was this Adam Dalton who threatened their daughter’s freedomand peace of mind in the wake of her unhappy marriage? They both prayed Angela would find a loving man and marry again someday—but the right man.
    “Hello, Adam.” Grace spoke first, but Ed did extend a hand in an almost friendly fashion. “It’s nice to meet you.”
    “It’s good to meet both of you, Mr. and Mrs. Granston.”
    “The name’s Ed and this is Grace,” Angela’s father answered in a somewhat gruff voice. “Let’s find a seat around here somewhere.”
    They unfolded the lawn chairs they had brought with them and, after greeting and speaking with some of their friends from church, settled into a comfortable place to watch the kids play ball. And to talk. Adam hadn’t needed to meet anyone’s parents like this since—he couldn’t even remember the last time. Unless, maybe with Patty…But that had been years ago.
    So the long day began with introductions and discussion about everything from Ed’s real estate business to Adam’s log home that his brother had helped him build last year.
    “I didn’t know you were good with carpentry work,” Angela stated. “How did you get started with that?”
    “When I was a teacher, I spent part of my summers helping my brother with his home-remodeling business. I’ve even been on a few missionary trips to South America to help build churches and parsonages for the nationals there.”
    Ed’s face lit up on that comment. “I’ve been on a couple of those trips myself, Adam,” he began. And Angela and Grace shared a secret smile and both leaned back in their chairs. Once Ed started reliving his travels, it would be a while before he stopped. Fortunately, Adam could relate to many of the stories and seemed to enjoy the lengthy conversation.
    “Mom!” Heather called when, nearly an hour later, she ran over to where Angela sat. “We need another player. The other team has two grown-ups on it, and we’re getting pounded out there. Could Adam play?”
    “What? You mean you don’t want me? ” Angela asked.
    “Get real, Mom. You know you can’t pitch.” She looked over at Adam, who had already stood up to join her. “Can you? “
    “Yep, let’s go,” he replied. “Excuse us, we’ll be back after we win this game.”
    Angela watched them cut across the playing field. She saw Adam touch Heather’s shoulder and then point her in the direction of first base.
    “I like him, Angela,” Grace stated quietly and with a confirming smile. “Very much.”
    Ed cleared his throat roughly. “I have to agree with your mother. I like him, too, but it will take you a while to really get to know him. Probably a year or two.”
    Angela looked over at her father instantly. “A year—” She stopped speaking when he laughed affectionately at her surprised expression.
    “I wouldn’t want you to rush into anything,” he added before squeezing her arm lightly, “but maybe a year or two would be asking a