For Better or Worse by Jennifer Johnson Read Free Book Online Page A

door. “Hey, handsome.”
    “And there’s my beautiful, soon-to-be wife.” Harold wrapped his arms around Kelly and kissed her softly on the lips.
    She closed her eyes and allowed his warmth to soothe her. Any hint of frustration slipped out of her mind at the tenderness of his touch. He released her, and she opened her eyes. “I needed that.”
    Mischief shadowed his gaze. “Well, you need never ask. I’m always available.”
    She smiled as she led him into the den. “Harold’s here.”
    As her family greeted him, Kelly set the table that was meant to seat eight, but they were going to squeeze in ten.
A problem I’m thankful to have
.
    With so many at the table, Kelly decided to leave part of the food on the counter and place the dishes she felt sure the family would eat seconds of on the table. Once everyone had filled their plates to overflowing, Kelly’s dad said grace and the group began to eat.
    Several conversations filled the room at one time and Kelly nearly burst into tears of thanksgiving yet again. They had so much to be thankful to God for. Her parents were healthy. Just a little over a year before, Cam and Sadie had married and were wonderful parents to Ellie. Her daughters were healthy, and God had given her the most wonderful man in the world to love for the rest of her life. Tears pooled in her eyes and she wiped them away with her napkin.
    “This green bean casserole is awesome,” Harold said. He took another bite. “I’m not usually a green bean fan, but this stuff is good. Who made it?”
    Zoey jumped out of her seat. She slammed her napkin on to the table. “Is that a joke?” She peered Kelly. “Did you tell him to say that?” She looked back at Harold. “You are not my father!” She stomped down the hall and slammed of her door.
    “What did I say?” Harold looked around the table, and Kelly felt an overwhelming sadness for the man she loved. He didn’t deserve all the problems he’d be getting when he married Kelly.
    “I’m sorry, Harold.” Kelly shook her head as the tears pooled in her eyes anew. She could hear Cam explaining that Tim had always complimented Zoey’s green bean casserole, but Kelly couldn’t take anymore. She excused herself and walked into the bathroom. If she loved Harold, she wouldn’t force him to endure all this.

    Harold sat on the couch in the den watching the Thanksgiving football game. Cam and his dad took turns rooting on their team and jeering at the referees. He could hear the girls in the living room playing board games. Normally, he would sit back and enjoy the game, but to his knowledge, Zoey still hadn’t come out of her room.
    He knew Kelly checked on her. Sadie went back there and talked with her for a long while as well, but the teen still hadn’t rejoined the family.
    Part of him wanted to tell her to stop all this nonsense and enjoy time with the family, that he would be a good stepfather to her. The other part of him understood her completely. It was the part that remembered being fifteen when his dad brought home the woman who would replace his mom who’d died only a few months before.
For years, I struggled with accepting that woman. But she was so patient with me
. Harold had lost both of them within months of each other only five years ago.
It’s funny how I miss her every bit as much as I miss Dad
.
    Cam’s growl at the ref snapped Harold out of his reverie. He took a long swig of his soft drink. Just sitting there, not really watching the game, but worrying over Zoey was getting the best of him. He pushed up from the couch. “Be back in a sec, guys.”
    Kelly’s dad just kinda shooed him out, and Cam didn’t even look up. Harold walked through the kitchen and down the hall toward Zoey’s room. He hesitated a moment. What would he say to her?
I’ll figure it out if she lets me come in
.
    He knocked, expecting her to growl or yell for him to go away. Instead, a small voice answered. “Come on in.”
    He opened the door.