Love Comes Blindly (book 5) (The Fielding Brothers Saga) by Marie Higgins Page A

Madeline could see, nobody had tried to break them out as she’d had overheard.
    She spent her time in the kitchen, making any excuse not to see—or be seen—by Gregg. The other nuns who took over caring for him delivered Madeline his messages. He wanted to talk to her. Right now, she couldn’t do it. Just thinking about confronting him with the truth made her stomach roll with dread.
    Once the lunch hour was over, she hurried to her bedroom and changed her clothes. Today was a special day for her, and for the past three years she’d spent it at her daughter’s grave. Even though it hurt to remember the heart-breaking day Vivian died, Madeline also knew this was God’s way of helping her deal with this emotion.
    As she squeezed the old gown over her curves, she was reminded once again how childbirth had changed her form. No longer was she the slender girl, but now held a woman’s figure. Although the bodice and hips fit snugly, she still managed to look her best. Before leaving, she gathered an assortment of flowers to take to Vivian’s grave.
    Leaving the Abbey, she crept around back, hoping nobody—especially Gregg—would notice. Call her a coward, but she just couldn’t bring herself to tell him the truth.
    Large trees canopied the walkway from the Abbey toward the cemetery, and stillness hung in the air. She clutched the flowers to her chest and quickened her step. As she reached the gate, her name was called from behind. With a jerk, she snapped around. Gregg stood at the end of the path waving.
    Her heart plummeted. Could he see her this far away? Then again, she’d heard his sight was getting better. But she couldn’t let him reach her. Not until after she’d visited Vivian’s grave.
    Madeline whipped around and swung open the gate. Lifting her gown above her ankles, she sprinted across the yard. Ahead was an abandoned cottage looked after by the Sisters. She’d be safe and Gregg wouldn’t know to look for her there.
    Once she was inside with the door closed, tears filled her eyes. Telling him was essential…just not now.
    Within minutes the door opened. Gregg peered inside, squinting. “I know you’re here.”
    Her heart stopped. Could he see her? The room wasn’t lit very well, the sunlight blocked by the dingy curtains. Perhaps he didn’t have his full sight back.
    “Please, Gregg. Leave me alone.” She placed the flowers on the small chair and turned toward the bed, hiding her face.
    “Mary, I can see better now. Why have you been hiding from me?” He shut the door and stood behind her, placing his hands on her shoulders.
    “Gregg, you must go. Please.” She circled her arms around her middle.
    He clamped his hands on her shoulders, trying to move her around, but she wouldn’t let him. She couldn’t let him.
    “Are you still put out at me for kissing you?”
    “Oh, Gregg.” Tears welled in her eyes and she covered her face. “Believe me, I don’t wish you to see me.”
    Finally, he was able to turn her around and pull her against his chest. He kissed the top of her head.
    “How can you say that? You were the first person I wanted to look at this morning when the doctor examined my eyes. You are the last one I want to see before going to bed. You are the only one that matters.”
    “Gregg, if you want to continue our friendship, you will allow me this one wish.”
    “I need to see you.” He kissed her head again. She kept her hands covering her eyes, leaving her nose and mouth exposed. “Mary? Are you afraid that if I see your beautiful face, I will fall hopelessly in love with you?”
    Although her mood wasn’t humorous, his statement made her chuckle. “Actually, I know you will do the exact opposite. In fact, I’m quite certain you will hate me.”
    “How can I hate you? I’m half in love with you already. I’ve been feeling this way even before my eyesight returned.”
    She groaned. “Please, just trust me.”
    He pulled her closer. His hot breath fanned her face.