When Love Happens by Darcy Burke Read Free Book Online

silent a moment, then shook herself. “Can I get you something to eat? I was just making some oatmeal.”
    Sean couldn’t think of anything he wanted less. Memories of his grandmother’s gruel haunted him still. “Maybe just some toast?”
    “That’s scarcely a breakfast,” Emily scoffed with a smile. “We have eggs, bacon, sausage, anything you want.I’m sorry Kyle isn’t here to cook it for you. He’s staying at Hayden’s house while Hayden’s in France at his internship.” She went back to prepping her oatmeal with her back to Sean.
    He cupped his mug, enjoying the soothing heat and scent of his coffee. He’d learned enough about the Archers last night to keep up: Hayden was at a yearlong internship making wine in Bordeaux; Kyle had returned fromself-inflicted exile to take over for Hayden at Archer and was now with Maggie, who was a landscape architect and groundskeeper at The Alex; Sara had become engaged to Dylan, who was general contractor of Alex’s renovation project; Derek and Chloe had gotten married and were house hunting; and Liam and Evan were missing in action. Just keeping track of everyone made his head spin. He couldn’timagine what it must have been like growing up in such a large family. It was as foreign to him as LA had been when he’d first moved there.
    “Oh,” Emily said, turning. “We also have cereal. Rob loves cereal. The pantry’s over there.” She pointed back toward the hallway.
    Sean set his mug down on the granite island and went in search of the pantry. Like the garage apartment, it was well stocked,and he had no trouble finding at least half a dozen things he’d like to eat. In the end, he returned to the kitchen with a loaf of wheat bread for toast and a box of raisin cereal.
    Emily insisted on making his toast, reminding him quite pleasantly of his own mother. Then they sat together at the island and enjoyed their breakfast.
    “Tori isn’t an early riser, I take it?” Sean glanced at the clockand saw that it was nine.
    Emily’s answering look held a note of curiosity, as if she expected him to know that. He didn’t, despite the fact that they were—or had been—lovers. Every single night they’d spent together had been extraordinary, but he had no idea what she was like in a day-to-day setting. The realization gnawed at his gut and made him feel a bit hollow.
    “Oh yes, but I’m sure she’sout for a run,” Emily said. “She used to go only one weekend morning, but more and more she runs just about every day. I worry about her—she’s too thin.”
    He’d noticed that too; he guessed she’d lost about ten pounds since he’d seen her last. She looked lean and fit, but he missed her curvier backside.
    “Is she depressed?” Sean wished he could take the question back as soon as it was out of hismouth. He knew Alex had been depressed, that it had led to his suicide. He also knew that none of the Archers had realized the severity of his mental condition. That much Tori had shared in the weeks after his death.
    Emily’s eyes had widened briefly, but she covered it quickly. “Probably. I was, and sometimes it’s still very hard. But I’ve learned to accept that it isn’t my fault, nor is it Alex’sfault. It’s a tragedy, and tragedy doesn’t usually make sense.” She exhaled and pushed her nearly empty bowl of oatmeal away. “As soon as I realized that, I was better able to remember the joy of Alex. I’ll celebrate him and love him for the rest of my life.”
    Sean couldn’t help but feel inspired by her wisdom. “Your children are very lucky to have you.”
    Her lips relaxed into the smile he wascoming to know. “Probably, but I’m luckier. I won’t lie, though; it’s tough being a mom. Your own mother has probably told you that.”
    “All the time. Although I’m not sure she’s in the same league as you. She had only me to deal with. Granted, I could be a handful.”
    “I find that hard to believe. You’re a perfectly delightful