Return to Me by Robin Lee Hatcher Read Free Book Online Page B

aside to let Jonathan and Roxy pass, then stepped outside, picked up the duffel bag, and carried it into the house. By the time he reached the entrance to the living room, father and daughter were seated on the leather sofa. Wyatt stopped, unsure whether to stay or go.
    “Would you like Fortuna to fix you something to eat?”
    At her father’s low question, Roxy shook her head. “No thanks, Dad. I’m not hungry.”
    Wyatt found that hard to believe. She looked anorexic, like one of those half-starved models one saw in ads.
    She glanced toward him, and again those haunted eyes tore at him. “Hello, Wyatt.” Her voice was soft, uncertain.
    “Hey, Roxy.” He set the duffel on the floor and entered the room. What else should he say? You look good. That would be a lie. How was Nashville? From the look of her, that wasn’t the right question.
    She gave him a weak smile. “I didn’t expect to find you here.” “I . . . had something to tell your father.” He raked the fingers
    of his left hand through his hair. “Maybe I’d better go. I imagine you two have lots to talk about.”
    “Yes.” Her voice quivered. “Lots.”
    She reminded him of a crippled bird, dragging a wing on the ground, fragile and half dead. A lump formed in his throat.
    Jonathan must have thought much the same thing. He stood, drawing his daughter from the sofa with him. “Whatever needs to be said can wait until morning. You’re exhausted, my dear. You need sleep.”
    Tears filled her eyes again. “And a bath.” She brushed stray wisps of hair from her face. “After two days on the bus, I could use a bath.”
    “I’ll bet Fortuna’s upstairs right now, putting clean sheets on your bed.” Jonathan guided Roxy toward the hallway and the curv- ing staircase that led to the second floor of the house. Over her head, he looked at Wyatt and mouthed, Wait for me.
    He answered with a discreet nod as he held the duffel bag toward Jonathan.
    A few moments later, alone in the living room, Wyatt walked to the windows overlooking the city and stared outside.
    Roxy was back. The wandering daughter had come home. Her father was overcome with joy, his prayers answered. And Wyatt? There was a time when he wanted nothing more than her return. When he wanted to marry Roxy, to build a life with her.
    But now . . .
    Everything was different. Now he was engaged to Roxy’s sister.
    He released a long breath.
    How would Elena react to the news?

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    Six

    Roxy sank into the hot water, the surface covered with several inches of bubbles, the smell of lavender rising with the steam to tease her nostrils. She closed her eyes and allowed herself a moment to enjoy the luxurious sensations.
    It was so long since anything felt this good.
    She recalled the love she saw in her father’s eyes and marveled at it. He didn’t turn her away. He didn’t scold her. He didn’t say, “I told you so.” He didn’t look at her with disgust. He didn’t do any of the things Roxy feared he might.
    I’m home. It’s going to be okay now. I’m home.
    A soft rap on the door was followed by Fortuna’s voice. “May I come in, Miss Roxy? I have some things for you.”
    “Yes. Come in.”
    The housekeeper entered, carrying a plush terrycloth robe and a white cotton nightgown over one arm. “I put your clothes into the wash, but they will not be dry before you go to bed. So I brought you one of my nightgowns. It will be too big, but it is only for one night.”
    “Thanks, Fortuna.”
    The older woman smiled in her direction. “It is good to have you home. We have missed you.”
    Her throat tightened.
    “Your father, he never stopped praying for this night.” Fortuna hung the nightgown on a wall hook, then draped the robe on a stool near the sunken bathtub. “Your sister, she prayed too.”
    Roxy drew in a deep breath. “How is Elena?” “She is well and happy.”
    “Is she married?”
    “No, but she is engaged. She—” Fortuna