Free What the Heart Knows by Margaret Daley Page B

sister opened the door, the sounds of giggling and splashing drifted in, inviting Kathleen to join the fun. “Can I take anything out for you?”
    â€œNope. Everything else is on the patio table.”
    The second Kathleen stepped outside she felt Jared’s gaze on her. His smile of greeting shot through her and curled her toes. The laugh lines that fanned out from the corners of his eyes spoke of a man who enjoyed smiling. The intensity in his gaze also underscored a man who could be very determined in what he wanted. Kathleen tore her regard from him and surveyed the commotion in the backyard. Every kid was in the pool except Mark who sat in a chair at the far end of the patio listening to CDs with his headphones on. His face glistened with sweat, but he remained clothed in the heavy black sweatshirt and black cutoff jeans.
    â€œIt’s nice to see you, Kathleen,” Jared said, approaching her, water dripping off his dark brown hair and running down his chest. He took a towel and dried himself. “Would you believe I haven’t been in the pool? This is from all the splashing and carrying on.”
    Kathleen watched a water fight among Terry, Hannah and Chad, Laura’s youngest. “They are a bit enthusiastic.”
    â€œA bit?” Jared quirked one brow. “I wish I had a tenth of their energy.”
    â€œI know what you mean. The things I could accomplish if I did.”
    â€œFrom what I’ve seen, you’ve accomplished quite a bit in a short time. Anyone who can have their house straight and in order in two weeks is amazing. I’m impressed. And on top of that you’ve taken my daughter under your wing.” Jared looked her right in the eye and said, “You were heaven sent. An answer to my prayers.”
    The intensity in his regard snared her, holding her captive. Vaguely she heard the children in the pool, her sister and brother-in-law Brad talking, but none of it mattered.
    Someone behind her cleared his throat then coughed, breaking the connection between her and Jared. She glanced over her shoulder and saw Brad grinning.
    â€œSorry. Something went down the wrong way,” her brother-in-law said. “I’m gonna put the hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill. I’m taking orders now.”
    â€œA hamburger,” Kathleen and Jared said at the same time.
    Kathleen laughed. “I guess great minds think alike.”
    â€œDo you need any help?” Jared asked, tossing his towel onto the chaise lounge nearby. He retrieved a T-shirt and slipped it over his head.
    â€œNo, I think I can manage. You two enjoy yourselves.” Still grinning as though he knew something no one else knew, Brad strode to the pool and asked each child what they wanted to eat.
    Now not only was her sister matchmaking, but itappeared that her brother-in-law was in on it, too. Later she would have to have a word with both of them. She didn’t need that kind of help.
    â€œThat leaves us to watch the children.” Jared took a seat on the end of the chaise lounge.
    Kathleen sat in the glider, her gaze trained on the pool and the five children splashing and yelling.
    â€œMark doesn’t want to swim?”
    â€œNo.”
    â€œI guess he didn’t realize that Aaron and Shane were going to be here.”
    â€œI don’t think that would have made a difference. He told me he didn’t like to swim anymore.”
    â€œDid he ever tell you who he was talking to in the woods?”
    â€œHe refused to discuss it with me. When I brought it up, he stomped from the room. Do you think someone is harassing him? Someone in the youth group?”
    Jared leaned forward, resting his elbows on his thighs and lacing his fingers loosely together. “I hope not. I want to think no one in the group would, but he was quite upset that day. It’s obvious something happened.”
    â€œKids can be intolerant of someone different and you have to admit that Mark