Love Me Always by Marie Higgins Read Free Book Online

are swimming with tears.”
    Her hands shook as she clutched them against her stomach. “When I was a child, my parents called me Cat.”
    His gaze swept over her once more. “Right now, you look like a Kitty.”
    She smiled.
    Nick’s heart melted again from the tenderness of her expression, and he had to mentally shake himself out of the stupor. “You had better wash away those tears and get some rest before tonight’s activities.”
    Her smile faded and she nodded.
    “I’m truly sorry you are so frightened. I can tell you don’t wish to marry.” He shrugged. “I thought all girls your age wanted to marry.”
    “Don’t get me wrong. I do wish to marry in the eyes of God and one day start a family, but my fear of the unknown has robbed me of my happiness.”
    “I remember your grandfather was a Pastor.”
    “Yes. He was a great man.” She managed a small smile. “He taught me to love the Lord.”
    “Do you not believe this is what the Lord wants for you?”
    She sniffed and wiped the moisture under her eyes. “No, I don’t.”
    Nick’s chest tightened even more. If only he could tell her how much he felt the same agony as she. He’d felt as if God had abandoned him and ignored his prayers. “I do understand, Kitty. I wish I could help, but I cannot. You have no reason to be afraid of my uncle. He’s a good man. He took in his brother’s sons to care for us. Grant is gentle and kind. Just let him know your worries, and he will understand.”
    “Thank you.”
    He winked, smiled, then left her room and hurried down the stairs. Taking deep breaths, he willed the fluttering sensations in his chest to leave as he hurried into the drawing room. Gregg and Ian were absent, but his uncle sat in his high-backed leather chair by the fireplace, his attention turned to the low burning flames. Nick took a step toward the older man and the floor creaked. Grant’s head turned Nick’s way.
    “Catherine is settled in her room,” Nick informed. “She seemed very pleased with everything. It appears you have changed a lot of the furniture and redecorated a bit.”
    “Indeed. I didn’t think she would appreciate getting your aunt’s second-hand furniture.”
    “No, probably not.”
    “So, nephew? What do you think of Catherine now that you know her better?”
    Nick arched an eyebrow. “Who says I know her better?”
    “Well, you did spend time with her on the trip, did you not?”
    Nick walked to the small table and poured him some tea. He gulped the contents back. As the liquid slid down his throat, he squeezed his eyes close. Indeed, he got to know her better, which made things worse.
    He shrugged. “She was in the coach, I was on my horse. We may have visited briefly during our meals, but that was all.”
    “True, but since I know my nephew, I know you kept a close eye on her, trying to discover her faults. Am I correct?”
    Nick chuckled and walked closer to the fire. “Yes. I watched her to see if she had any faults, but regretfully I report she has none. Gregg and Ian found her charming and irresistible. They are the two who got to know her well, and I’m certain they will praise her highly.”
    Grant laughed. “They already have. So if you didn’t find any faults with her, why do you still disapprove?”
    Nick blew out an aggravated breath and turned toward his uncle. “Because she’s only nineteen, and because...you are dying.” He hated to be blunt, but he had no other choice. He needed to make his relative see how insane it was for him to marry.
    Grant nodded as his gaze left Nick and rested on the small fire. “Yes, I’m dying, but do I have to be miserable until that day arrives? Catherine will make me happy. She already has. Can’t you see how happy I am?”
    “Yes, but I think it’s rather selfish of you not to think about her needs. She’ll be miserable if she’s forced to remain home and take care of a dying husband. I think she would rather attend balls and tea parties and