CLEAN ROMANCE: Finding Peace (Christian Romance, Inspirational Romance, Second Chance Romance) (New Adult Contemporary Romance/Clean and Wholesome) by Grace Warren Page A
the truck opening the passenger door for her. She hesitated. “Nash, you have to talk to me. Why did you kiss me?” He stood by the open door for a full minute before he opened his mouth. “I thought it was time we had that moment over with. Are you getting in?” It was Lucy’s turn to stand silent for a minute. “I think I’ll walk.” She needed to calm down. “Lilly, don’t be like that.” “I’m Lucy.” Nash blushed a deep red that filled his cheeks and traveled down his neck. He didn’t say a word, closed the door and walked to the driver’s side. Lucy stood there in silence and watched the truck drive away.
SIX
The smell of bacon and waffles wafted up the stairs and seeped under the door to Lucy’s room. She had no appetite. Her mind was heavy and her heart felt hollow. She had lain awake all night hashing out how she was going to afford to return to New York. She knew she could stay with a few of her friends for a short time, but she’d need to get couple of jobs and try to find an apartment or a roommate situation. After the kids were outside and Nash was sure to be out in the back pastures she would pack her belongings and contact her bank to see if she could draw on an overdraft for a short amount of time. Looking out her window she could see Olivia dashing off to care for Jasper. Galen and Rufus were not far behind. She would miss them and already felt the sorrow in the pit of her stomach. The truck was gone and when she opened her door she could hear the clanking of dishes as Van cleaned up after the morning meal. Venturing out, she walked on tip toe down the hallway, past Olivia’s room and beyond Galen’s room. Nash’s bedroom door had been closed. In the spare room at the opposite end of the hallway Lucy moved to the computer that set on an old roll top desk. She logged into her bank account and sent out a request. Then she tapped out the website address for the train station. Lucy sat there and starred at the screen. The schedule showed the first available train, without overnight layovers, taking the most direct route back to New York was not available for another five days. Lucy sighed and researched plane tickets, her budget could not afford it. She sat there and considered talking to Nash, telling him this was a mistake and if he could lend her the money she would return it as soon as she could. This would be difficult, but she felt she had no option. Her email flashed one new message. Her bank had refused her. She leaned back in the desk chair and cursed into the empty room. Walking out of the room she saw the picture for the first time, just inside the door off to the right was a built in shelf, a silver frame sat below eye level. She hadn’t noticed it before, but with the sun glinting off the glass she took note. Nash stood in front of the house holding a small blue bundle, a vision of pride. Olivia clung to his leg, a brand new golden retriever puppy at her feet. Standing on his opposite side stood a petite woman with golden hair. She was the same height as Lucy with blue eyes as well. The bundle must be Galen. They were happy. How long did they have from that moment in time before their lives had been devastated. Lucy’s heart was being strangled in her chest, Nash was in pain. How could he not be? He had lost his love, the mother of his children. Lucy was an intruder in her home, learning to take over her duties with her children. She had been selfish, thinking of only herself and her situation. She needed to find Nash and apologize. “Vanessa,” She called as she ran down the stairs. “Vanessa.” She appeared from the kitchen, the usual apron tied at her waist. “For Pete’s sake, what is it? Lucy jumped from the last step and wrapped her arms around Vanessa. “Van, I’m sorry.” She smiled and ran from the house leaving Vanessa standing there stunned and silent. The distance between the house and the back pasture was much shorter when taken at a