Forgiven (Touched Series #2) by Vicki Green Read Free Book Online Page A

your name on it.” Beats go by as he just looks at me. Here we go.
    “Um, Dad. I’m not sure what I want to do yet. I was kind of thinking about helping out at the restaurant, help get it up and running and see where that leads.” My eyes close as I wait for the unleashing that’s about to ensue. Silence. This could go two ways, and I’m thinking it will not be the ‘good’ way.
    I open my eyes when he clears his throat and look at him, my heart beating fast with what’s about to hit. “Actually, that’s a really great idea.” What? “I’m sure Stormy would appreciate that and with me designing and contracting the renovation, if you could help get the PR work going and figures working, it would help out a lot. Thanks, son.” Wow, didn’t see that coming. I’m in shock.
    “Stormy would appreciate what?” We all turn our heads when she walks into the room. Her smile huge as she fixes herself a plate of food and grabs orange juice from the fridge. She looks radiant today, her cleavage protruding from the half white tank top that ends barely under her breasts, and her legs looking extremely long in her short, blue jean shorts. I lick my lips as I scour her body. Mom kicks me under the table, and I shake my head coming out of my trance.
    “Uh, was just thinking about helping get your restaurant up and running. Do you mind?” My eyes widen in hope for her answer. She turns, her smile overwhelming me and winks. Bringing her plate and juice over to the table, she sits down next to me, the smile still glowing on her beautiful face.
    “I’d love that actually,” she says leaning over with her chin resting on her hand, elbow on the table.
    “You know Knox will be working over there, overseeing the contractor and crews and I’ll help out too. But first…. We need to get ready for today,” Mom speaks up as she butters a piece of toast. I watch as Stormy sits back in her chair, her face morphing from a glowing smile to one of grief.
    “Way to ruin the mood, Mom,” I grumble as I take a bite of my eggs. Moving my eyes to Stormy, I see her lightly push her plate away, her eyes down, and I’m sure her appetite is gone. “Hey,” she looks at me when I take her chin in my hand and lift her face, “eat. You’ll need your strength today. Celia would want you to be strong and wouldn’t want you to be sad and not eat. Do it for her.” Her smile is small, but I will take whatever I can get.
    Mom reaches across me, placing her hand on Stormy’s with concern and worry on her face. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. I didn’t mean to ruin your happiness but we only have about an hour before we need to leave.” Stormy looks over at Mom and sighs.
    “I know. I guess I just want to get it over with but at the same time, I’m not ready to say goodbye.” I see wetness in her eyes and my heart breaks for her.
    “Oh, honey. Just remember, you’re not really saying goodbye, you’re saying until later. You will see each other again. It just won’t be for a long time but know she’s in your mind, heart and soul, so she’s really not too far away.”
    I place my arm around Stormy’s shoulder, and she leans into me, a tear rolling down her face. “Thank you, Jade. I’ll be fine. I just need a little time to come to terms with losing her but in the end, I know she’ll always be with me,” she says brushing the tear away.
    Not long after, we all disperse to our rooms to get ready for the service. Once I’ve changed into my suit I step out into the hallway and look across into Stormy’s room. She’s just standing there, gorgeous in her black dress with black high heels, staring into the full length mirror. Quietly walking into her room, I bring my arms around her waist, her beautiful eyes look at mine in the mirror, and she sighs. “I never wore dresses very often. Mom always loved me in them, but I was such a tomboy.” She sighs again and smooths out the front of her dress, staring at it.
    I lay my chin on her