Harlequin Romantic Suspense April 2021 by Karen Whiddon (interesting books to read for teens TXT) 📕

“We’d planned to spend the night,” Micha replied. “Beyond that, I’m not sure.”

“I’m glad. That’s a start.” Beth got up slowly, relief shining in her eyes.

Carly’s heart went out to her. If Micha wanted to stay a couple of days, she’d be willing.

Once they arrived back at the farm, Beth informed them she would be making something special for supper, including dessert, so she asked them to please save their appetites. She showed them the room she’d given them to use, asking if they wanted to stay together or in separate rooms.

Micha tugged Carly close. “What do you think?” he asked, only half teasing.

“If you’re okay with it, Beth,” Carly replied. “Together. We’ve actually been living that way at my place for a little while.”

“I don’t mind.” Smiling, Beth turned to go. “We’ll probably be eating at six. Why don’t you two rest up a little and then join me in the kitchen?”

Once she’d left, closing the door behind her, both Carly and Micha dropped down on the bed and sat, legs dangling off the side.

“I haven’t heard anyone call dinner supper outside of a television show,” Carly mused. “I like it.”

“We’re country folks,” Micha said. He looked around. “This used to be my bedroom growing up,” he. “It’s been painted and fixed up, but that actually looks like my bed and old dresser.”

Unable to resist, Carly wiggled her eyebrows. “I bet you never slept with a girl in it. Or have you?”

He laughed. “No. This will be the first time.”

“And the last,” she pointed out. “We’d better make it matter.”

Hauling her up against him, Micha kissed her. “Oh, we will. I can promise you that.”

By the time he released her, she couldn’t stop smiling. “I’m so glad we came,” she said, resting her head against his shoulder.

“Me, too.” He tucked a wayward strand of her hair behind her ear. “Before we go back home, I’d really like you to meet my dad.”

Carly nodded. “I’d like that, too.”

He hesitated, his expression serious. “I’m thinking of talking to my mom about them both moving to Chicago after they sell the farm. I think it’d be better for everyone if they lived closer to us.”

“I agree.” Heart full, Carly nodded. “And I’d really love for them to meet my family, too.” One large, blended family.

“Me, too.” Micha kissed her again, another slow and sensuous promise of what the night would hold later.

From her spot on the floor, Bridget woofed, wagging her tail.

“See, even our dog agrees,” Micha said, smiling broadly.

Our dog. Carly liked that.

“Come on.” Micha pulled her up to her feet. “Let’s go see if there’s anything we can help with in the kitchen.”

“You go.” She shooed him with her hands. “I want to freshen up a bit. I’ll be out there shortly.”

He kissed her again, a quick one this time, and left. Once the door had closed behind him, Carly dropped back onto the end of the bed. Bridget got up and nudged her with her nose so Carly would pet her.

Stroking her dog’s silky fur, Carly exhaled, reflecting on how much her life had changed in such a short time. The love of her life had come back to her, she’d gained a dog and now would be adding in-laws to her family. Maybe even, someday, she and Micha would have children. The thought made her smile.

The only thing that could make her life complete would be for her father’s and uncle’s killer to be caught and brought to justice.

After washing her face and brushing her hair, Carly headed toward the kitchen with Bridget padding along at her side.

She’d barely reached the end of the hallway when the scent of something heavenly reached her. “Lasagna?” she guessed, stepping into the kitchen.

Beth grinned. “Yes. My specialty from an old family recipe. When Micha was younger, he requested I make it for every birthday.”

“That and your amazing cheesecake,” Micha added, looking hopeful. “I don’t suppose you happened to make one of those, too?”

Instead of answering with words, Beth simply went to the refrigerator and opened it. She held up a beautiful cheesecake decorated with cherries on top.

“Of course!” Micha laughed. “Thank you so much, Mom. I seriously used to daydream about your lasagna and cheesecake.”

After closing the refrigerator, Beth turned to face him. Her eyes had filled with tears. “I almost lost you twice. Once at Brian’s funeral and then again when the army told me you were killed. Naturally, I’m going to make your favorite foods for you.”

Pushing to his feet, Micha hugged her. “I love you, Mom.”

She hugged him back. “I love you, too.” Holding out her other arm, she met Carly’s gaze. “Get over here, Carly. I want a group hug with my daughter-in-law-to-be.”

Touched, Carly joined in. To her surprise, she even teared up a little.

“Sit, sit.” Beth motioned toward the table. “Lasagna takes time to cook. I’ve made salad that we can eat beforehand if you’re hungry.”

“We can wait,” Micha said. “Sit with us, Mom. Carly and I want to talk to you about considering a move closer to Chicago.”

Stunned, Beth pulled out a chair and dropped into it. She looked from Micha to Carly. “Are you serious?”

“Yes. At least think about it, why don’t you? Since you’re selling the farm and planning to move, anyway, why not live closer to us?”

“Plus, the Chicago area has a lot of top-notch doctors,” Carly added. “I work at one of the hospitals there, so I can help you with referrals. I know how difficult finding a good doctor can be.”

After looking from one to the other, Beth covered her face with her hands, crying now in earnest. “I’d love that,” she finally said, smiling through her tears. “And I’m sure your father would, too. I’ll talk to him about it, when he’s able to understand.”

Micha nodded. He reached into his pocket and put a small, highly polished carving on the table. “I made this for you,” he said.

Beth sniffed, reaching for it. When she picked it up, she began