Free What the Heart Wants by Kelli McCracken Page A

“But I’m still kicking your ass.”
     
     
    * * *
     
     
    The smell of honeysuckle floated in the breeze. Its sweet aroma rushed through Heaven’s nose, tingling her senses as goose bumps intruded upon her skin. Weary eyes fixed on the dancing limbs of a willow tree in front of the church.
    The weeping willow, along with the honeysuckle, pulled at her, setting her on fire.
    Memories were wrapped up in those elegant trees.
    It wasn’t old memories of her and her sisters swinging on the limbs like Tarzan’s children. The scene playing in her mind was of well-defined arms reaching out for her, strong hands gripping her hips, pulling her into a hard chest. Even the cooing of mourning doves didn’t disperse the magic building between them. His dark hair blowing around his face as dark eyes gazed down into hers.
    Had he hypnotized her? Taken away all rhyme and reason? Maybe even removed the cartilage from her knees because she was finding it difficult to stand.
    Chattering voices buzzed through the air, flooding her ears, but her mind could hear the deep voice that sang to her heart.
    Tell me your name. Please.
    She wanted to tell him. Wanted to hear her name on his lips. If only she could control her dreams and say the things she wanted to say. But her subconscious was as cooperative as a saddled mustang.
    Warm fingers gently clasped Heaven’s elbow.
    “Hev?” Hope’s voice tickled her ear as she turned toward her. “Are you okay?”
    Busted.
    Heaven snapped out of the trance she was in and met her sister’s eyes. “Did you say something?”
    Hope’s brow furrowed. She finished shutting the car door and then placed her palm on Heaven’s forehead. “Are you sure you’re not coming down with something?”
    “Would you quit that?” Heaven demanded as she batted Hope’s hand away and stepped backwards. She hated when Hope mothered her. Would her sister ever stop treating her like a fragile flower? Sure, she’d had a few hard knocks. That was part of life. She wasn’t a china doll that needed protecting anymore. “There is nothing wrong with me. I’m fine.”
    “You don’t seem fine.” Hope’s voice filled with tension, but escaped her lips in a hushed tone. Her eyes searched Heaven’s face, making her squirm.
    “First, you faint at the dress shop. Now you’re going off to la-la land.”
    Heaven opened her mouth to speak, but noticed Faith at the corner of the church, gawking at them. When their eyes met, Faith stuck her nose in the air and shook her head.
    “Yo, Brooke! Where’s the Hotel California? Hev needs to check in. She’s checking out of reality.”
    “Ignore her,” Hope begged.
    “She’s so stupid,” Heaven grumbled. Her curls tossed about her shoulders as her head twisted from side to side. “That song isn’t even about a mental hospital.” She cast her eyes back to Hope.
    “I didn’t just pass out at the boutique. You know what happens when my blood sugar drops. We hadn’t eaten since the flight. And I wasn’t in la-la land. I was looking at that tree.”
    Hope’s eyes followed the length of Heaven’s outstretched arm until her eyes drifted in the same direction.
    “What’s so unusual about a willow tree?” Hope smiled. “It is your favorite tree.”
    “Thanks, Captain Obvious,” Heaven retorted.
    The crease between Hope’s eyes deepened.
    “Watch it!” Hope replied as she folded her arms and tapped her open-toe shoe against the asphalt parking lot. “Faith’s snark is rubbing off on you.”
    Heaven winced at the thought. Being compared to Faith was as enjoyable as rolling in honey and facing a nest of hornets.
    “Sorry. I don’t mean to be grouchy. I have a lot on my mind.”
    Hope cocked her head to the side. “Like?”
    She couldn’t tell her. Maybe after the wedding. But not now. Chelsea came first.
    “It’s the dream, again. Isn’t it? The mystery guy?”
    Just like Hope to figure it out. Darn it.
    Bass pounding through the speakers of a passing car