Meant to Be (RightMatch.com Trilogy) by Kathryn Shay Read Free Book Online

issue.” This from Spence, who wore a sappy grin a lot these days. “It’ll give me practice with car seats.”
    “And I can help,” little Hope said. “Please come, Uncle Cole.”
    What the hell? He didn’t want to be alone, not really, because his thoughts would turn dark as soon as he left his family. “No, that’s okay. Mrs. Olsen took her to her granddaughter’s birthday party today. They’re probably still there.” He smiled at the group. “Besides, I could use some alone time with my nieces and nephews. You four can ride out with me.”
    The kids cheered, his mom grinned and his dad gave him an approving look. Thank God for these people in his life. He’d concentrate on that.
    Twenty minutes later, they arrived at the pizza shop where Rick used to take Joe, Spence and Cole years ago. On the drive down, he’d enjoyed hearing about his nephew’s baseball accolades, two of his nieces’ dance careers and little Kaelyn’s new art classes. When they entered the restaurant, Cole felt the special memories of this place encompass him. It almost helped him forget Beth liked it here, too.
    Until they took their seats at a table for eleven. Situated between Kara and Hope, Cole was going to question Kara about her ankle when his gaze strayed to a corner booth.
    In it was Beth Montgomery.
    o0o
    Ava lifted her almost empty wine glass to salute her mother. “I’m glad we do this every year, Mom. I wish Rob could have been with us.”
    Beth nodded. Her son was a pilot of a privately owned plane and didn’t have control over his schedule. But he was usually able to get away for the anniversary of their father’s death. Not this year, though he’d come to the lake earlier in the week. “I know. Has he ever missed spending the day with us?”
    “Not that I remember.” Ava glanced around. “We used to run around this place until the pizza came. Dad would get embarrassed, but you always took it in stride.” She patted her stomach. “And the pizza’s still as good.”
    Are you kidding? I love that place. I always took my kids there when they were younger.
    Yeah, it’s a favorite of my family’s too. See, Beth baby, this was meant to be.
    Chiding herself for letting thoughts of Cole intrude on her alone time with Ava—Beth’s granddaughter Mariel was with her father—she couldn’t seem to help recalling things about him. She’d drawn the line at copping out on Ava, though, just because this place would remind him of her. Beth wasn’t going to let him control her actions.
    “You’re thinking about him, aren’t you Mom?” Ava’s voice turned brittle as she set down her glass. Her daughter resembled her in many ways: she had the same auburn hair which she wore short, the same hazel eyes. But unlike Beth, who was often able to hide her mood, Ava’s emotions were as vivid as a neon sign.
    “Yes, I am, honey.” She glanced around at the darkened interior, the red-clothed tables and the wine-bottle centerpieces. “Cole likes this place, too.”
    “Mom, you’ve got to get over him.”
    “I know. This whole thing has thrown me to the wind. I’m a mess.”
    Usually Beth wasn’t so honest with Ava, though they were close in many ways. But her daughter had become very protective of her since Peter died, and Beth didn’t want to give her cause for worry. Today, however, Beth was beyond camouflaging her state of mind. For seven days running, she had indeed been a wreck.
    Ava leaned over and clasped her hands. “Mom, we talked this out. You were right to stop the relationship dead in its tracks. He’s too young for you.”
    The stark statement made her lean back. “Well, I’m not ancient.”
    “Of course you’re not. But you were right about all the things you told him: competing with women my age, spending time with your friends and his. What about babies? You figured it all out, not me.”
    “But you agree.”
    “Wholeheartedly. I’d feel the same way if I was in your position.”
    Why was it