Lanterns and Lace by DiAnn Mills Read Free Book Online Page B

strange chill through her, and she instantly turned her attention to the cemetery. Perplexed, she wondered what it was about the man that caused her to feel so unsure of herself.
    “I’m glad we came this morning before it gets too warm,” Grant said, shading his eyes from the bright sun. “Rebecca and I are used to the climbing temperatures, but I’m sure you feel differently.”
    “I won’t ever become accustomed to this heat.” She wished she’d brought a fan.
    He chuckled. “While studying medicine in Boston, I couldn’t tolerate the cold. The other students constantly teased me about it—and my Southern drawl. But by the time I graduated, I’d settled in just fine to the cooler climate.”
    “I don’t imagine I’ll be here long enough to accomplish that.” She glanced down at Rebecca and quickly back at him. A twinge of guilt laced her words. This was becoming much too difficult.
    Grant pointed to the right of them. “Over there is Jessica’s grave.”
    Jenny’s attention followed his gesture. She felt strangely solemn, uncertain, and afraid of her emotions. Over the years, she’d built a wall between herself and Jessica. Apathy seemed the safest, most secure stand, especially when she saw how her older sister’s open rebellion affected their parents. She didn’t hate Jessica, but she didn’t think she loved her either. Most of her sentiments were based on utter contempt for her sister’s behavior. She honestly didn’t know what she felt anymore. Certainly nothing in the past had prepared her for this moment.
    “Would you like to visit her grave by yourself, or would you like us to accompany you?” Grant’s voice sounded tender and soothing, as though he sensed her turmoil.
    “I’d like for you and Rebecca to go with me.” His startling sea green eyes searched her face and unnerved her. “Oh my, I didn’t bring flowers. And I saw Rebecca with a rose.”
    “We can bring them another time.”
    “Flowers for Mama?” Rebecca tugged on Grant’s pant leg.
    “Yes, sweetheart. Miss Jenny is your mama’s sister.” He glanced up at Jenny. “What would you like Rebecca to call you?”
    Jenny’s heart raced. “Is Aunt Jenny appropriate?”
    “I think it’s perfect.” He turned his attention back to his daughter. “Would you like to show Aunt Jenny your mama’s resting place?”
    The title of “Aunt Jenny” brought all the uncertainty to the surface. Jenny wrestled with the awkwardness of the moment and believed she’d won. Mother and Father would be proud of her control. Rebecca ran toward a secluded spot. In her eagerness, she tripped and fell headfirst into a clump of grass. Before Grant could rescue her, she jumped up, brushed herself off, and hurried in the direction again.
    “Becca fine,” she called to them, inciting a hearty laugh from Grant and a genuine smile from Jenny.
    They strolled on slowly, and for that bit more of precious time, Jenny inwardly thanked him. “What was it like in the beginning with a tiny baby and your practice?”
    “The hardest thing I’d ever attempted. The first night of feeding Rebecca every three hours opened my eyes to motherhood. Two ladies in town with new babies were a pure blessing, but I insisted on doing my part.” He laughed. “I can be real stubborn, so it took a few sleepless nights to convince me I needed help. Actually, it took two weeks before I knocked on my mother’s door. Even then, it was because of something she’d done instead of what Rebecca needed.”
    “What did she do?”
    “She’d stopped by my home and stolen the mountains of soiled clothes. I was angrier than a riled up hornet.”
    “Where does she live?”
    He pointed back from where they came. “At the parsonage. She’s married to the reverend. After my initial cry for help, it was easier to call on my sister and sister-in-law for advice. Mind you, my medical practice continued on.”
    Jenny tried to form a mental picture of an exhausted Grant carrying a