Free Always You (A Magnolia Falls Novel) by Ruth Roberts Page A

here.” She left the room closing the doors behind her. A loud thump sounded as something hit the door from the other side. She smiled. Looks like Liz had many uses for that book of Shakespeare sonnets.

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    CHAPTER SEVEN
     
    Zack watched his sister in amazement as she packed for a month and lectured him at the same time. She walked around the room gathering different items, matching them up to make sure they looked good enough for TV. He didn’t understand why she bothered. They would be covered up by her chef’s coat. When he mentioned that, she just glared at him and continued on her rant. He really didn’t want to hear what she was saying, but every time he tried to leave she would pull him back in.
    “This is your second chance, so don’t blow it this time. I could never understand why you didn’t date her in high school. Diana was always perfect for you, but being the bull-headed male, you couldn’t see it.”
    “I saw it. She was your best friend. I didn’t want a relationship between Diana and me to come between you two,” he said.
    “Oh no, you don’t. You will not use me as an excuse.” She threw the article of clothing she had in her hand at his head. Zack was so glad it was a t-shirt and not an undergarment. She had been known to throw plenty of those at him when they were kids. “You were too scared she would turn you down. Then, when you finally got the nerve up to ask her to prom, you blew it. You should have known better than to get within twenty feet of Liz back then.”
    Zack rolled his eyes. “That was not my fault. Besides, it was years ago. Ancient history. If Diana was really interested back then, she would have given me a chance to explain.”
    “Don’t be a dolt. You know she adored you, but you also know how Liz made her feel. Still does, actually.”
    “Liz has changed. She doesn’t treat Diana the way she did when they were kids.” Zack couldn’t believe he was defending Liz. But in her defense, she had made an effort the last few years to endear herself to the town.
    “Liz is a perfect sweetheart, now . But she doesn’t have to do anything except stand to make Diana feel inferior.”
    “Why would Diana feel inferior? Liz might be a supermodel, but she’s never held a candle to Diana.”
    “Maybe you should tell Diana that. You are the only person who can make her believe it.” Jillian sat down next to Zack and blew out a breath. “I am going to miss Cassidy so much. Please take good care of my baby while I’m gone.”
    Zack wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close to his side. “I will protect her with my life. Nothing will happen to her on my watch.”
    “Thanks, little brother. I’ve never spent a whole month away from her.” She wiped a stray tear that escaped her eye.
    “I know. But the time will fly, and you will be back home with her before you know it. With the money to open your very own cupcake shop.”
    “I know you’re right. Doesn’t make it any easier.” She stood and continued folding clothes and adding it to her suitcase. “Since you and Diana will be playing mommy and daddy to Cassidy and Jessica it’s a perfect time for you to bond.”
    Zack stood up and walked to the window. “I can’t get involved with her.”
    “Why not?”
    Zack smiled. He could almost see his sister stomping her foot.
    “Because of Hannah. I could never give her the love she deserved, and if I get involved with Diana, I know I will love her far more than I did Hannah. It’s not fair.”
    “That’s ridiculous. You made Hannah feel loved. She adored you and felt cherished by you. I know she would want you to move on and find love again. She would want you to be happy.”
    He shook his head. “You’re right. Hannah was the sweetest person I’ve ever met. She would want me to find happiness, which makes it so much worse. I tried to love her, but I just couldn’t, not the way she deserved. My heart has always belonged to