Free Pinky Promise (Riverbend Romance 2) by Valerie Comer Page B

paused, her back to him and her hand on the doorknob.
    “I’ve gotten so wrapped up creating a safe place for Sophie that I’ve messed up everywhere else.” He rounded the desk and stopped. He choked on his words. “I’m sorry. Can you forgive me?”
    Kelly turned slowly, her eyes searching his. “I want to.” She bit her lip.
    “But…?”
    Moisture pooled in her blue eyes. “I have to forgive you, don’t I? Otherwise I’m doing what I just accused you of. Keeping you at a distance to protect myself. To protect Elena.” A tear trickled down her cheek. So vulnerable. He’d caused that pain.
    “Kelly.” He crossed the space between them in a heartbeat and wiped away the tear with his thumb. “I’m so sorry. I’ve been miserable, but to know how much pain I’ve caused you breaks my heart. Can we try again?”
    Her lips trembled. “What about Sophie?”
    He touched her lips with his fingers. Cradled her face in his hands. “I’ll talk to her. I’ll be an example to her. Today.”
    Kelly took one step closer and slid her arms around his waist.  
    Ian clutched her to him. Would she look up at him again? Would he kiss her if she did? Too soon. Not until this turmoil was solved. He rested his cheek against her hair. “Thank you, Kelly. Thanks for caring enough to confront me.” He gave a slight squeeze and stepped back, releasing her.
    She searched his face. “Is this a bad time to tell you I had an ulterior motive? Well, maybe not ulterior, but a reason that pushed me to talk to you now instead of later?”
    He kept his hands firmly at his sides, no matter how much they itched to touch her again. “What’s that?”
    “Are you still going to Calgary this weekend?”
    He nodded as his heart leaped. Did she want to go, too? It was too early to introduce her to his parents. Or maybe not.
    “My grandmother is in a nursing home in Castlebrook. I think I told you my mom has been over there most of the past few months to spend time with her.” She watched him. “Grandma is failing quickly, and my mom really needs me to be there. Both Elena and me. But I have no car.”
    “Do you need a ride? We’re leaving shortly after work tomorrow. I have plenty of room for you, and, as you know, it’s not out of the way.”
    “Will it be okay with Sophie?”
    “I’ll make it be okay. It’s time for her to face what her hurt is doing to Elena. To you.” He closed the gap once again, grasped both Kelly’s hands, and brushed his lips across her forehead. “Thank you for perspective. For a second chance. I’ve been praying for a way through this.”

Chapter 11

    Sophie poked her toe at the edge of the patio behind Kelly’s house. “I’m sorry I was mean to you.”
    “I’m sorry I said that about breaking a promise.” Elena watched Sophie, who didn’t look up. “I missed playing with you.”
    “Me, too.” Sophie peeked up. “I like Gracie, but she’s not my twin.”
    Kelly dared breathe. Dared to meet Ian’s gaze from where he stood behind Sophie, both hands on her shoulders. Kelly crouched. “Can I get a hug, Sophie? I’ve missed you, too.”
    Sophie nodded and shuffled forward a few steps.
    Kelly encased the little girl in her arms and snuggled her until she felt the small body relax. She kissed Sophie’s forehead and reached for Elena. Cuddling both girls, she looked up.
    “Is there room for one more?” Ian’s face wore a look of longing. “I could use a hug.”
    Elena nodded and launched at him. He caught her and swung her up then reached for Kelly and Sophie. A moment later they stood, arms holding each other up.
    Like a family. Was this what God had for them? Kelly could only hope and pray.
    “Time to start driving,” said Ian. “Do you girls want to talk or watch a movie?”
    Elena leaned over to look in his eyes. “Is it a princess movie?”
    He grinned at her. “Is there any other kind?” He released both girls to the patio. “Let me buckle in your booster seat so you two can