The Glenmore's: Caught by Susan Horsnell Read Free Book Online Page B

Justine and Millie down to the ground. Justine began to shake but Josh patted her arm as he tucked it in at his elbow. With a lady on each arm; Josh proudly walked to the door.
    The closer they got the more Justine trembled. It seemed like the whole of Gold Springs and Cedar Ridge were there. “God please let it be okay” she prayed under her breath.
    Josh took her coat and bonnet and before she turned around she straightened her dress and took a deep breath. Ginny saw Justine arrive and left her family to go straight to her.
    “Justine darling, I’m so glad you decided to come. Please come and meet my family” Virginia winked at Millie and Josh, took Justine’s arm and led her to the other side of the hall. Justine could feel the eyes on her and hear the whispers but she kept her head high and, despite being terrified, she smiled at several people as they passed. “You look absolutely gorgeous darlin” Virginia whispered.
    “Jenny, this is Mason’s granddaughter, Justine” Jenny was standing beside George and each held one of the babies.
    “I’m so pleased to meet ya Justine. I’m so sorry about Mason and I’m hopin’ we can be friends. This is Lucy” she held the baby up where Justine could see her cute little face. She then pointed to George. “This handsome man is my husband George and the other cutie is Linda, Lucy’s twin sister”
    Justine shook their hands. “Your babies are gorgeous Jenny”
    “I’m Laura and this mountain of a man is my husband Nick” Laura threw herself at Justine and hugged her tight.
    Nick laughed when Laura stepped back, “Don’t be afraid, my wife greets everyone she meets like that. She is very affectionate if ya haven’t already noticed” Justine laughed and shook Nick’s hand.
    “I’m Rebecca and this gorgeous man is my husband James. That little boy running around over there is our adorable son, Caleb”
    “I’m Jenny, Rebecca’s and Laura’s best friend, Kate. This handsome dude here is my husband Max. We own some land that Nick bought off yer granddaddy and we live there with Nick and Laura”
    “Wow, there are so many of ya; thank ya for bein’ so welcomin’, I sure hope we get to be friends too”
    Virginia stepped forward again. “Justine ya know Ben and this is my husband Joe” Ben scowled and walked away.
    “Hi Justine” Joseph took her hands into his. “It’s good to meet the young gal I heard put Ben in his place”
    Justine blushed bright red and looked down at her feet.
    “How about gettin’ this gal a cold drink?” Virginia asked.
    “I’m going over there now Ginny; Laura would like one too” Nick volunteered.”
    “Thanks Nick; Cider please” Justine asked as Laura hooked her arm into hers.
    “I’m so glad ya came Justine”
    “I am too now. I was so scared Laura. I haven’t had an easy time of it for the past two years”
    “I know, mama told me but Justine we all have our scars”
    “Maybe but yours aren’t on display”
    “No, but they hurt just the same if ya let ‘em”
    “Thanks Laura” Justine squeezed her arm.
    ********
    Nick returned with their drinks and they talked while they waited for the music to begin and the dancing to start.
    “When are your babes due?” Justine asked.
    “Rebecca and Kate are first in May then mine’s due in July”
    “Ginny’s house will be very full then when ya all get together” Justine laughed.
    “Sure will be but mama will love it”
    Justine noticed Ben on the other side of the hall where he stood talking with three beautiful girls. Her heart sank when she saw him with them but she didn’t know why.
    “Don’t ya agree Justine?” Nick asked.
    “Sorry Nick, I was lost in my thoughts” Justine admitted.
    “Lost in my brother more like it” Laura said as she followed the line of Justine’s eyes. Justine blushed.
    The music began and couples began moving onto the dance floor. “Never mind we’ll talk more later; if ya don’t mind I’d like to dance with my