Constance: Bride of Florida (American Mail-Order Bride 27) by Patricia Pacjac Carroll Read Free Book Online

she told you about your twin. There was no reason I could see for that baby to die. Your mother was heartbroken, but she put her grief aside to care for you. She loves you. Be kind to her.”
    “Yes, sir.” Confusion unloosed in his mind. Had he been unkind to her? To his father and brothers? Had he unknowingly been mourning the loss of his twin all these years? Because of his loss, is that why he wouldn’t allow anyone to be close to his heart? Evan Jr., a poor babe that was never spoken about. Where was he?
    Doc cleared his throat and motioned to him. “Walk me outside, will you?”
    Drake nodded and went to the hall closet, grabbed his coat, and the doctor’s.
    Doc went to his Father. “Evan, if it’s agreeable to you, I’ll send Kimberly to watch over Martha. She’s a good woman and a good cook, too.”
    Father nodded. “Is it alright if I sit with her?”
    Doc patted him on the arm. “By all means, and take that Bible and read it to her. Start in the Psalms. It’s comforting.”
    Father grabbed the huge book and went inside Mother’s room.
    The doctor took his coat and put it on. “Follow me, Drake.”
    Drake obeyed. Outside, he wished he’d brought a warmer jacket. Florida could be warm in the fall, but storms could drop the temperature.
    Doc stopped at a house a few blocks from his. “The caretaker lives here. I’ll be just a minute.”
    When he came out, an attractive woman followed him. Doc gestured to him. “Drake Ferris, this is Kimberly Agnew. She’s agreed to tend to your mother.”
    Drake gave her a slight bow. “Pleased to meet you. And thank you for agreeing to look after my mother.” Petite, blond, and blue-eyed, she was a rather beautiful woman.
    “I’ll take good care of her. You needn’t worry. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” She held out her hand.
    He took it, surprised at her warmth. “Thank you.”
    She paused, gently pulled her hand from his, and smiled. “I better go.” She stared at him for a moment, then turned and walked toward his home.
    “Should I walk with her?”
    Doc shook his head. “No, that’s not why I asked you along. Follow me.”
    With a last look at Kimberly, Drake turned to Doc and followed.
    Soon they turned into the cemetery. Drake wanted to run. He hated the old place. Didn’t even like walking by it. He avoided even the idea of death.
    “Your grandfather and grandmother by your father’s side are buried here. As you know, your mother’s family is buried in Georgia.”
    “Why are we going here?” Drake hated the childish way he whined as if he were a mere boy.
    “You’ll see.” Doc strode along the rows of graves until he came to a section that was fenced off. A cement ball and wagon guarded the entryway.
    Dread rose inside him.
    Doc pushed open the gate and held it for him. “I thought it was time you saw where your twin brother was buried. Always felt it was wrong to keep that from you.” He walked down a narrow path, knelt, and brushed away leaves and grass from the headstone.
    Drake stood beside him.
    Doc pulled a match from his pocket and struck it on the side of the headstone. Light burst from the flame and he read, Evan Ferris Jr. Beloved son of Evan and Martha Ferris.
    Drake took a step back and bumped into another headstone. His brother, long ago dead and cold in the grave. So close until birth, yet, there was no mention of his name. No mention that he’d lost a brother. No mention that he should care.
    The doc stood. “Drake, I didn’t bring you here to make you feel sad. Thought you needed to know and see about your brother. Twins form a lasting bond. I’ve watched you growing up. You’ve always been apart from your family. I think this is why. Say goodbye to Evan Jr. and then live your life. Become a part of your family and find a good woman to marry her.”
    Minutes later, Drake was vaguely aware that the doctor had left him. Standing in the cold night, he gazed at the clouds as they scudded over the moon. He knelt and