Free Heart of Texas Vol. 3 by Debbie Macomber Page A

that way, at least not with him. The time they’d been apart, he’d done nothing but think of her. Thoughts of Dovie had tormented him day and night, until he was sure he’d lost his mind.
    â€œDo that again,” he said, savoring these moments in bed.
    â€œDo what?” came her muffled question.
    â€œGiggle.”
    â€œThat’s a silly thing to ask.” But she did.
    Frank loved the sound of it. He had to smile every time he heard her giggle. Or laugh. Or just heard her, period.
    Dovie reappeared a minute later in a royal-blue dress that buttoned up the front and belted at the waist. She braced one hand on the bed post as she slipped into her pumps.
    â€œI’m going to do something with my hair and then I’m heading for church.”
    â€œNo hug?”
    One outraged glance answered the question. Frank laughed.
    â€œI’m driving out to see Savannah, Laredo and the baby after church,” she said.
    â€œDo you mind if I tag along?” he asked.
    Apparently his question caught her by surprise because she abruptly stopped brushing her hair and met his gaze. Her eyes softened. “You want to see the baby?”
    Frank nodded. “That surprises you?”
    â€œYes. Do you like babies?”
    â€œActually I’m quite fond of children.” It was his one regret in life. He’d give anything to have met Dovie as a young man and had children with her. She would have been a wonderful mother, just as she was a fabulous wife. “I would have liked kids of my own,” he confessed with a hint of sadness.
    She continued to stare at him and he noticed a sheen in her eyes—as though she was about to weep.
    â€œDovie?” he asked gently. “What’s wrong?”
    â€œOh, damn,” she said, sniffling. “I’m going to ruin my makeup and I don’t have time to fuss with it now.”
    Frank climbed out of bed and reached for his robe. “What is it, Dovie?” he asked again.
    â€œI always wanted children,” she whispered. “So badly.”
    â€œI assumed you and Marvin decided not to have a family,” he said. They’d never discussed the subject, and it seemed strange to be doing so now.
    â€œWe couldn’t have children,” Dovie said. “Marvin…had the mumps as a teenager. I never complained, but…”
    â€œCouldn’t you have adopted?”
    â€œMarvin wouldn’t hear of it. I asked him to reconsider many times, and he refused. As much as I wanted to be a mother, I couldn’t bring a child into our home when my husband felt the way he did.”
    â€œI’m so sorry, Dovie.”
    She attempted a smile. “It was a long time ago. I don’t even know why I’m crying. But when you said how much you regretted not having children, I realized…why I love you so much.”
    The hug he’d been longing to collect all morning was now given with spontaneity. Frank held her tight and closed his eyes.
    â€œPerhaps Savannah and Laredo will allow us to be substitute grandparents for Laura Rose,” he whispered.
    â€œI was thinking the same thing,” Dovie said. She cradled his face and smiled, her eyes bright with unshed tears. “I love you, Frank Hennessey.”
    â€œI wish we’d met years ago,” he said, voicing his earlier thoughts.
    â€œWe met at exactly the right time,” she told him. “Any sooner and I would’ve been married.”
    â€œAny later, and you might’ve been with that judge you met on the cruise. The Canadian guy.”
    â€œPerhaps,” she admitted, but skeptically. She dabbed at her eyes. “Frank, I really must rush. You know how compulsive I am about being on time.”
    Frank checked his watch and knew if he hurried, he’d have time to dress and join her.
    â€œI’ll go with you,” he said.
    â€œAny reason?” she asked.
    â€œSeveral reasons—but if I take the time to list