Anyplace But Here (Oklahoma Lovers Series Book 5) by Callie Hutton Read Free Book Online Page A

you ready?”
    “Yes, I am.” It took all of her control to keep from bouncing up and down on the seat. Instead, she smoothed out her skirt, crossed her hands demurely on her lap, and looked around at the scenery they passed by. The dark green leaves on the trees indicating the end of summer, provided them with shade, and when mixed with the breeze from their movement, made for a pleasant ride.
    “Where are we going?”
    Hunter slowed down for a horse and carriage in front of them before turning to her. “There is a place outside of town that my sister, Ellie, told me about. It’s not exactly a park, but it’s unclaimed land with trees and a small lake. She and her husband, Max, have been there for picnics several times.”
    “Tell me about Ellie. And Max.”
    He returned his attention to the road. “They have quite a story, although I wasn’t around when this all happened. It was near Christmas last year. Ellie is a high school teacher and Max was the new principal. From what I understand,” he stopped to chuckle, “Max was introducing Ellie to several men in the hopes she would marry one of them and leave her teaching position.”
    “I guess they didn’t get along?”
    “From what I’ve been told, sparks would fly every day at the high school.”
    “Oh, dear. So how did they end up married to each other?”
    “Apparently, it came to Max’s attention that no one he introduced to Ellie was ‘good enough’ for her.” He turned to her once more. “They got married back in January and expect their first baby in October.”
    “What a wonderful story!” Indeed the tale had almost brought tears to her eyes. To have someone who held you in such high regard that no one else would do . . .
    She gazed at the passing scenery, thinking about her pathetic life. Who was she fooling in going about with Hunter? She wasn’t stupid; she knew he was attracted to her in the way a man showed interest in a woman. No matter how hard she tried to excuse her actions, in her heart she knew she was being very unfair to him. Depression overwhelmed her at the mess of her life.
    Hunter reached over and laid his hand on hers. “What’s the matter, honey? You look so sad all of a sudden.”
    She brushed a few tears away and smiled. “Nothing. I’m just touched by your sister’s story.”
    “I’ll have Tori invite you for dinner one Sunday when the entire family gathers. That way you can see for yourself they’re all not as wonderful as you might think.”
    Within minutes Hunter braked in front of a spot that could only be described as a slice of heaven. The sun peeked through the leaves, covering the ground with a dappled pattern. Wildflowers grew over the area, and the sunlight on the pond sparkled like bits of diamonds.
    They strolled hand in hand until they found a nice quiet spot under an oak tree near the pond. Once the blanket was spread out they relaxed against the tree, still holding hands. They shared an apple, the sweet crunchiness in her mouth adding to the perfection of the day.
    Hunter tossed his apple core toward the pond. “I have a surprise for you.”
    Emily’s heart jumped. A good surprise or a bad one? Had Hunter been asking questions about her?
    “What?” She hated the uneasy sound of her voice.
    He winked. “I’ll be right back.” He rose and walked to the blanket, then pulled up the edge. Underneath was a brown bag that he withdrew and handed to her, a shy smile on his face. “For you, Miss Cabot.”
    Taking the package from his hand, her heart contracted as she watched him. Her face flushed and she laughed when she opened the bag. A sketch pad and several well-sharpened pencils filled the space. “How did you know?”
    Sitting back down alongside her, he said, “A few times you’ve mentioned you like to draw and since I’ve never seen you do it, I thought you might need supplies.”
    “Yes. I do like to draw, and you are right, I have no supplies.” She hugged the pad to her chest.