Free The Bridal Swap by Karen Kirst Page B

too, had loved ones who didn’t know Christ and didn’t care to know Him. It was tough. And he was sorry for himself. In his longing for a family of his own, he’d neglected to discover the important things about his future bride. As hurtful as it was, he was beginning to think Francesca had done him a favor.
    “Me, too. I hold on to hope, however, that one day they will change their minds.”
    “I’ll pray for that.”
    “Thanks, Josh. That means a lot.”
    In her eyes he saw sadness and something more, an emotion he himself struggled with. Loneliness. But how could she be lonely?
    Kate was the member of a prominent, influential New York City family. Certainly she mingled with other socialites her age. Francesca had written in detail about the grand gatherings they attended each week.
    Another thought struck him with the full force of a sledgehammer. Not only was Kate lovely and sweeter than pecan pie, she was the eligible daughter of oil magnate Patrick Morgan. Single men must be lining up to court her. The image soured his stomach.
    He hadn’t asked if she had a steady beau, and he didn’t plan to. He was not interested in Kate’s love life.
    Pushing away from the railing, he moved toward her. “Are you joining us for lunch?”
    His mother and aunt had planned a picnic.
    “Yes, I’m just going inside to choose a couple of books for Megan.”
    When he drew near, she stepped aside to let him pass. He didn’t. He inhaled her citrusy scent. “Romance is her favorite.”
    Her long lashes swept down to hide her eyes. “I remember.”
    “And what is yours?”
    “I prefer science and nature books.”
    “You surprise me, Kate.”
    “Why?” Her gaze shot to his. “Because socialites as a rule must only be interested in the latest fashions? Learning cross-stitch and backgammon?”
    “Exactly,” he drawled. “For if you women exercise your vast intelligence, you’ll soon realize you have no need for men.”
    Kate burst out laughing. The musical sound warmed him straight through to his soul.
    “You have a nice laugh,” he said softly.
    She blushed and looked away. He could’ve kicked himself. Why had he said that out loud?
    “Well, I’d better change and get the wagon ready.”
    He did move on then, before he said something else best left unsaid.
    It was a perfect afternoon for a picnic, a flawless autumn day with startling blue skies and sunshine that soothed the soul. Perched on the patterned quilt spread out across the grass, Kate was content to listen to the conversation flowing around her.
    Megan and Nicole sat on her left and directly across were Nathan and Josh. While she and the girls sat primly with their skirts arranged just so, the men had removed their boots and stretched out their large frames so that they were half sitting, half lying on the quilt. Josh was nearest to her, his pant-clad leg an inch or so from her taupe linen skirt.
    Kate felt the weight of his every glance as if it were a physical touch.
    His classical features put her in mind of the marble statues in the estate gardens—Roman soldiers of noble beauty and strength. His skin wouldn’t be cold to the touch, of course, but certainly as smooth. His trim mustache and goatee gave him a dangerous air, and it wasn’t difficult to picture him as a fierce warrior, a leader among men.
    The sunlight made the tips of his hair shine liquid gold. No doubt its texture was that of the finest silk… Enough . Like every other upstanding, morally upright man, he was out of reach. Him especially. To daydream about her sister’s former fiancé was utterly unacceptable.
    Wrenching her gaze away, she scanned the lush, green fields sloping gently to the stream and the trees along the bank. On distant hills stood row upon row of corn. Black shapes were some farmer’s cattle grazing. The landscape’s verdant beauty imprinted itself on her mind and settled deep in her soul. Never before had she been so affected by her surroundings.
    As Josh had