Ray of Light by Shelley Shepard Gray Page B

leeway so that he could race around exuberantly. He’d run to the waves, then dart back out and shake vigorously, spraying water everywhere, like a wayward sprinkler.
    Then, next thing she knew, the dog was back in the waves, dipping its nose in, darting here and there, barking happily.
    He was a furry, soggy, noisy mess.
    And Roman looked as if he was enjoying every minute of its company.
    She was mesmerized by the dog playing in the water and by Roman’s lack of concern about getting wet or sandy. Suddenly, she ached to be so carefree, so unbound by rules of propriety, or by responsibility. She yearned to be completely happy—exuberant. If only for a moment.
    She realized with a start that it didn’t matter if her conscience told her to be more careful with her heart—she simply wanted to be happy.
    As Roman stopped almost directly in front of her, Amanda also realized she’d become attracted to Roman Keim. Why else would her heart have started beating a little bit faster . . . just because he was around?
    In fact, she was so mesmerized . . . she was struck silent. Fancy that.
    When the dog barked again, then darted after a crab, Roman laughed. Standing there watching, Amanda chuckled, too.
    Roman looked her way, paused, and raised a hand.
    Without thinking, she called out, “You’ve got yourself quite a dog there!”
    â€œYou don’t know the half of it!” he called back with a grin, then got yanked as the shaggy dog practically galloped into an approaching wave.
    â€œWatch out!” Amanda cried out with a laugh.
    And managed to wake Regina up from her nap.
    â€œMomma?” she asked as she sleepily sat up. “Who are you yelling at? And is that a dog barking?”
    â€œI was yelling at Roman. He’s walking a dog. Well, it’s kind of walking him.”
    Scrambling to her feet, Regina walked to the open door and peered out to where Amanda was looking, then gazed at the pair in wonder.
    â€œMomma, how did he get a dog? Where did it come from?”
    â€œI have no idea.” As the dog scampered back into the water, then shook himself, making the coarse-looking golden fur stand on end, Amanda said, “But it sure looks like a happy dog, doesn’t it?”
    â€œUh-huh.” With wide eyes, she added, “Mamm, do you think we could go see it?”
    â€œIf you want.”
    Her hand on the gate, Regina asked, “Do you think Roman will let me pet it?”
    â€œIt’s all wet. Do you want to?”
    â€œUh-huh.”
    â€œWell, it doesn’t hurt to ask if we can,” Amanda said as she smoothed back her hair and shook out her teal dress. “Are you ready to go see them now? Would you rather have a snack first?”
    But that was a silly question, of course. Because no sooner had she half offered the invitation than had Regina clicked open the gate and trotted toward Roman, her bright pink dress flying up around her ankles. “Roman! Roman, hi! It’s me, Regina!”
    Amanda was so shocked, she almost called out to Regina to come right back. But the scene that unfolded before her rendered her almost speechless.
    There was her quiet Regina running to Roman, a big, bright smile on her face.
    And there was Roman turning to her and greeting her with a broad grin.
    And then, to Amanda’s surprise, Regina held out her hand for Roman to take. Roman took it easily, then looked for Amanda. When he spied her, that warm gaze was like something out of a silly daydream. It was heated and earnest, sweet and sincere.
    All directed at her.
    It took everything Amanda had not to sigh. Instead, she forced herself to walk toward Roman and Regina and that rambunctious golden dog as sedately as she could.
    After all, it wasn’t as if anything could ever happen between the two of them. He was a farmer from Ohio. And she?
    She was Wesley’s widow.

Chapter Seven
    For two days Marie had stewed about her conversation