Free Song of the Meadowlark (Intertwined Book 1) by Sherri Wilson Johnson

her toward compromising her values.
    “My pleasure. Let me have your bag.” Rex took her bag from her. “Do you have any more luggage?”
    “Yes, just one small suitcase.”
    “Okay, let’s go get it. Then we can be on our way. Cook will be holding breakfast for us.”
    Cora smiled at Rex and followed him to the baggage claim then out to the truck. His friendliness kept her eyes glued to him.
    It took almost an hour to get back to the ranch with traffic, but Cora didn't mind. The time passed while they shared their tastes in music, movies, literature, and food. Rex's stories of the ranch happenings while she was gone balanced out her dreary events from South Carolina. It was like they were old friends.
    The decision to come back to the ranch had been a good one. Tomorrow held promise.
    When they arrived home, R.L., Pearl, and Susie greeted them on the porch. Cora breathed a sigh, glad to be back. Then the front door open and someone stepped out from the doorway. Cora's eyes landed on the shoes first then moved upward. Veronica stood in the doorway, hands on her hips, dressed like she’d walked out of a fashion magazine.
    “Hello, Cora. I see you’ve found your way back to the ranch.” She sized Cora up, her translucent eyes reducing her to nothing more than a peasant.
    “Hello, Veronica.” Cora’s elation changed to dejection, as if someone had punched her in the stomach. “Yes, I’m back.” She smiled curtly.
    Rex’s neck stiffened, and he moved away from Cora, creating obvious space between them. He didn’t even offer to help her with her bags. Like a direction shift of a spring wind, he went to Veronica and took her into the house.
    Cora’s mouth gaped as she stood beside Susie, her hand on top of the child’s head, watching the two lovers. Why had he changed so around Veronica? Maybe he was trying to have both of them. Maybe he only wanted Cora for conversation and companionship, and he wanted Veronica for the most obvious of reasons.
    “Cora? How was your trip?” R.L. came down from the porch steps to help with her bags and frowned in Rex’s direction.
    Susie skipped behind her grandpa’s heels.
    “It was as expected.” She crossed her arms across her chest, giving herself a squeeze. “I’m glad it’s over. Now, finally, I can start my life over.” Bending down, Cora opened her arms to receive Susie and to give her a doll she’d purchased in South Carolina. This child would be the lifesaver she needed. Susie hugged Cora’s neck so tightly she could hardly breathe, but she loved it. A hot breeze blew across them. An airplane flew overhead, and Susie pointed at it, eyes widening in wonder.
    “Come inside for breakfast. You must be hungry,” Pearl said.
    “Yes, I am, and tired.” Then she turned to Susie, who held her hand as they walked into the house. “How about we take a nap after breakfast?”
    “No way!” Susie shook her head dramatically, and everyone laughed.
    “We’ll see about that.” Cora grinned at the child.

 
* * *
    Two days later, on Sunday, Cora’s rest reservoir still measured below empty. She’d been unable to pull herself away from Susie on Friday after her return, and Saturday had been almost as bad. She needed a bit of time to herself, so she stayed home from church. Pearl and R.L. took Susie into town for church and for lunch at Ms. Lottie’s.
    Cora stayed in bed and rested until her stomach wouldn’t let her wait any longer. Then she put on her robe and went downstairs.
    Jimmy cleaned up the breakfast dishes as Cora entered the kitchen. “Good morning, Cora.”
    “Morning, Jimmy.” Cora sat at the breakfast table, gazing out the bay window at the ranch. The early morning sun beamed on to the porch.
    “How are you feeling?” Jimmy turned to study her.
    “I’m getting back to normal. After the kidnapping and the loss of my husband, I’m definitely ready for life to be boring for a while.” She laughed.
    “I sure hope life calms down for you. Can I