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

shoulder. “You’re beautiful.” Her eyes snap up to mine, and she smiles.
    “You have to say that because you love me.” She stares into my eyes, our reflection in the mirror showing how well we look together, and her eyebrows suddenly crease, her eyes gleaming with a questioning look. “Why do you love me so much, Bo? I’m nothing but trouble.”
    My heart once again breaks for this girl I love. “Because. Deep down, you have a heart of gold. You are the sweetest person I know, beautiful inside and out and because I fell in love with you when you were an innocent girl, one who knew no wrong in the world, one that captured my heart, not ever letting go.” She turns in my arms, her mouth pressing against mine in an instant and right then, right now, the girl I love is in my arms, the one that stole my heart so long ago. Our mouths move together when she finally breaks free, and I lean my forehead against hers. “Come. Let’s go say goodbye to your wonderful mom and begin your life again. Your mom will be so proud of you. Start over fresh, start over with your new family for support. Let me love you and protect you. I’ve given my heart to you.”
    She looks up and smiles. “If only I could forget the past, but I’ll try. I wish I could tell you….” She shakes her head as her smile grows. “Never mind. No more sadness today. Let’s go celebrate Mom’s life.” She takes my hand and I follow eagerly.

    ♥    ♥    ♥    ♥

    I’m not even nervous as I stand looking at my mom. She’s beautiful. She almost looks like she’s just sleeping, but my heart knows better. Leaning over I place a kiss on her cheek, a tear drops on her face and I leave it, hoping she’ll take a small piece of me with her. I know she’s already gone though. I turn around, walking to the front row and not looking up at the small crowd of people in the church. My mom made a lot of friends while working at the restaurant so the small church is rather full. I sit down beside Bo, his arm moving around my shoulder quickly, but again, I don’t look up. I only stare at my clasped hands in my lap, afraid that if I look around I will begin sobbing uncontrollably. The minister stands at the podium, speaking loving words of the only person who’s ever truly mattered to me, ever given me the love that I didn’t deserve and the one person I could always count on to be there for me, no matter all the wrongs that I did in my young life. She always told me my life would turn around, someday, that I would become something that I could be proud of. God, I hope she’s right. All the guilt I’ve felt for so many years overwhelms me until I hear the minister’s voice breaking me free from my thoughts. “So, I ask you to join me in celebrating the wonderful and caring life of Celia Reece, beloved mother and loving friend to all who met her.” Everyone stands and Bo takes one of my hands, helping me to rise and then the tears flow endlessly down my face as I watch the minister bless my mom over her casket. I numbly sit back down with the rest of my row, Jade squeezing my shoulder, Bo and Knox sitting down silently and my eyes shift past Knox to see Pearl had made it after all.
    Once the crowd is gone, Knox rises and stands before me and I look up at his serene face. “We’ll just give you a moment alone. We’ll be in the lobby when you’re ready.” I can only nod as he leans down and places a kiss on my cheek. Jade leans over and does the same and then I look up to see Pearl standing in Knox’s place. She leans down and hugs me, my arms not moving to hug her back as I can’t seem to move.
    “I’m so sorry, honey. Know that I love you and I am here for you. Celia was a great woman and I’ll miss her.” I nod slightly then her arms leave me.
    Bo’s voice whispers in my ear, “Do you want me to stay, Peaches? I will if you’d like me to.” My eyes move to his gorgeous and concerned face, and I simply shake my head. “Ok,