Second Chances by Kathy Ivan Read Free Book Online Page A

the tree.  They got it back unscathed this year."  She chuckled softly before continuing. 
    "I got some news today—really big news and I wanted to share with you both.  I haven’t even told Ryan yet, I came straight here.  The thing is, well. . ."  Her voice trailed off to a whisper.
    "We’re going to have a baby.  Yeah, I know, it hasn’t fully sunk in yet, doesn’t seem real but the doctor confirmed it.  Something so big, this stupendous I needed to share with the ones I love—who know how much this means to me and Ryan.  A baby."  Rose couldn’t contain the grin that spread across her face at the words, their full weight sinking deep.  "We’re having a baby!" 
    Sunlight peeked from behind the clouds overhead, lighting up the damp grass all around her.  The droplets of water coating the blades of grass made the entire area look like a field of diamonds, refractions of color exploding around her.  Blues, reds, and yellows sparkled and twirled about and the joyousness of the scene added to her joy.  A sense of tranquility and joy enveloped her and deep in her soul she knew Terry and Sharon shared in her happiness. 
    "We love you and miss you both so much.  There’s a place in our hearts that will always belong to you.  I promise I’ll come by again soon.  Maybe I can get Ryan to come with me."  A brief moment of sadness tugged at her heart as the knife twisted deep in her gut, knowing the words helped her but she heard the false ring in them.  Ryan hadn’t been back to visit his brother’s grave since the funeral, his refusal vehement, no changing his mind. 
    She stood, brushing off the back of her jeans.  Pulling her strap of her purse onto her shoulder and clutching her keys in her hand, she looked down once more at the stone marker.
    "Bye, guys.  Love you bunches." 
    With those final words she headed home, picturing in her mind how to share the news with her husband.  She decided to wait—tell him at the lodge.  It would make the perfect Christmas present, closing a chapter on the past and beginning a new one, one with hope for the future. 
     

Chapter Nine
     
    A week later, Quin stood just beyond the lodge’s entryway doors, out of direct sight and watched the couple climb from the limousine stopped at the entry to Destiny’s Desire Lodge.  Good.   They’re here.    Rubbing his palms against his pant leg, he frowned at the sign of discomposure.  He’d done this a thousand times and likely would a thousand more.  Yet each time was different, each couple unique.
    This particular couple strode through the lobby, the swish of the automated doors closing with a whispered hush behind them.  He watched the man catch the woman’s hand in his, bring it to his lips and brush a soft kiss against her knuckles with a tender smile. 
    Quin sauntered across the carpeted floor toward the reception desk as though he owned the place.  Which he did.  Careful not to interrupt the man and woman checking into their suite; the honeymoon suite reserved especially for them.   When they finished signing in and were handed their key card, he stepped forward.
    "Mr. and Mrs. Jackson?" he asked, although he already knew the answer.  "I’m Quinton Chase, the owner of Destiny’s Desire Lodge.  Welcome."
    "Thanks, Mr. Chance."  Ryan’s voice was warm but cautious.  "I’m . . . we’re still not exactly sure why we’re here.  My friend, who made all the arrangements, was a little vague about everything." 
    "You’re speaking of Mr. Stone, I assume?  Indeed, he and I communicated about your stay.  Let me assure you, everything has been taken care of.  Anything you need, anything at all, don’t hesitate to let me or my staff know." 
    Quin looked across the lobby, pretending something caught his attention.  "If you’ll excuse me, again, enjoy you stay."
    Walking away, he felt their stare like a physical touch, questioning and yet accepting of the situation.  He sensed the