Free Words From The Heart (Spring-Summer Romance Book 2) by Alex Greenville Page A

hurricane.”
    Audrey smiled. He could.
    “Which reminds me, your father wanted to ask … and maybe he already has. But we were thinking that Jeff and August could stay the night.”
    No sooner had her mom introduced the topic, then Bennett entered the room. His expression was hard to judge. Had her father grilled him for some reason? That’d be like him. But she wasn’t a child who needed “dear ol’ dad” to defend her. As if Bennett was some kind of threat.
    “Daddy!” Jeff transferred himself to Bennett, who scooped him from the ground.
    “What’s this about camping in the living room?” he asked. He sounded upbeat.
    “Can I? Please? Me an’ Dale an’ August made us a tent.”
    “A tent?” Audrey looked through the doorway into the living room where a tattered quilt had been stretched between the couch and coffee table.
    “It’ll be fun,” her dad said.
    Audrey stared at him. She’d seen him many ways over the years. He was tough in business, loving to her mom, a stern disciplinarian when she was younger, but a softie with his grandson … and apparently Jeff, as well. She had no doubt he wanted time with the boys. It was any hidden motive that bothered her.
    “I told him I didn’t want to intrude,” Bennett said, “but he insists.”
    “Then I don’t see why it’s a problem. We’ll pick them up in the morning, and if you have any problems with August …”
    Her mom laughed, light. “The only problem with that boy will be hunger, and I have the snacks you sent. He’ll be fine.”
    “I know,” Audrey continued. “He’s not much trouble, but if he is, call us, no matter what time it is.”
    June squirmed, making an angry squeak, and Audrey headed for the door, her breasts tingling.
    “We’ll let you know before we come,” she said. She fitted June into her car seat, hefting it in one hand.
    The rocking motion of the car, once they got under way, sent the baby off to sleep.
    “What did Dad say to you?” Audrey asked when they neared home.
    Bennett looked at her in the rearview mirror. “That he remembered what I’d done and still hated it, but he saw the man I’d become when talking to Jeff.”
    That was quite a compliment coming from him.
    “And his daughter is the ‘apple of his eye’,” Bennett continued, “and you’ve had enough grief without anyone adding to it.” He shrugged. His gaze returned to the road. “It was a warning, and I totally understand it. I replied that I needed you for more than feeding June. I can’t raise these children alone. He then said, when you told them what you were going to do, it was so sudden and unplanned that he admits he exploded. But he knows now he has to trust that the girl he’s raised can make good decisions.”
    Bennett’s gaze returned to hers, and she read in it all the things he hadn’t said. He needed her for more than feeding June; he needed her for himself. Had her father known that’s what he meant? Maybe or maybe not. Clearly, Bennett wanted her to hear it though.
    That thought worked two ways. She needed him as well. He made her feel worthwhile again, because of the children, but also because she saw not every man was like Cale. How did two people with so much baggage move on from here? She heard the answer in her head, but was unsure of its exact meaning.
    By taking a huge leap.

CHAPTER 7
     
    Audrey toted June upstairs, not looking behind her. Taking a seat in the nursery rocker, she unbuttoned her blouse, loosened her bra, and nestled June against her chest. The baby rooted for a moment, then latched on, and the familiar rush of fluid, stung beneath Audrey’s skin.
    Moments later, incredibly content, she reclined, one finger in June’s tight grasp.
    Her mom had been right on day one. June wasn’t hers, but she wouldn’t trade these moments for anything. To give life meant everything.
    “You’re greedy tonight,” she said, cupping the baby’s downy head. “Maybe you’ll sleep past four for once. You