Ray of Light by Shelley Shepard Gray Read Free Book Online Page A

kicked her feet out a bit, liking the way the sun heated her ankles. Liking all of it.
    Until she spied her mother-in-law looking at her across the way. “Uh-oh,” she murmured before realizing that she had spoken out loud.
    Roman turned to her in concern. “What’s wrong?”
    â€œIt’s nothing wrong, but things might be a little uncomfortable,” she whispered. “That’s my mother-in-law, and I’m afraid she’s going to be mighty surprised to see me with you.”
    â€œJust tell me what you want me to say.”
    â€œYou can say whatever you want . . . just don’t be surprised if she peppers you with questions.”
    The moment Regina spied her grandmother, she stood up and ran to her, chattering all about the beach and Pop-Tarts and Roman and the ice cream.
    As Marlene listened to her, her expression became more and more concerned.
    With a sinking feeling, Amanda stayed where she was. If she was going to have to explain herself in front of all of Pinecraft, she preferred to do it from where she was. She was determined to stand her ground, even if she was, well, sitting.
    When Regina finally took a breath, Marlene took Regina’s free hand and walked over to them. “Hello, Amanda. You said you were going to stay at the haus today. And that Regina was going to be with a friend.”
    â€œSome of our plans changed, though we do still hope to see Lindy later today. Um, Marlene, please meet Roman Keim. Roman, this is Marlene Yoder. My mother-in-law.”
    Roman was already standing up. “Nice to meet you.”
    Cool blue eyes looked him over before nodding, and then deliberately ignoring him. “Amanda, what in the world is going on?”
    â€œWe’re eating ice cream.”
    â€œThat is not what I meant.” Her lips pursed, then she continued. “Why don’t you and Regina come with me to lunch?”
    â€œ Danke , but no. As you can see, we’re eating ice cream,” she protested lightly. “Plus, we have other things planned.”
    â€œWe do?” Regina asked. “What are we doing?”
    â€œWe have a play date with Lindy, of course.”
    As she’d hoped, the news brought a bright smile to her daughter’s face. “I like Lindy.”
    â€œAnd she likes you, dear.” Turning to her mother-in-law, she said, “It was nice to see you, Marlene, but I’m afraid we’re going to continue with our plans.”
    â€œPlans.”
    â€œ Jah . We’re going to be fairly busy the rest of the day,” she said firmly. Getting to her feet, she said, “Roman, let’s go ahead and take that walk to the park you told me about.”
    Luckily, he nodded, like he had any idea what she was talking about. “Whatever you want is fine with me. It’s a great walk.” Bending slightly, he smiled at her daughter. “Regina, are you ready?”
    â€œUh-huh.”
    Amanda liked how he called her daughter over. Even more, she liked how Regina answered with a happy smile. For a moment, they looked like a family. And though it hurt to think that she could be in a family without Wesley, it didn’t hurt quite as badly as she had thought it would.
    â€œAmanda, I will call you this afternoon. We’ll talk then.”
    â€œIf I’m home, I guess we will. Good day, Marlene.”
    Roman blinked, then reached for Regina’s hand. “Let’s go to the park.”
    â€œYay!” Regina exclaimed, just as if they did this all the time.
    Amanda found herself smiling, too, as they walked down the boardwalk, the three of them a little unit. It felt nice. Almost perfect.
    All she had to do was not think about how much she’d just upset her mother-in-law.
    And how for just for a moment, she hadn’t cared.

Chapter Six
    â€œViola, another letter came for you today,” Nancy called out when Viola entered the staff room at Daybreak to have lunch. “I put it