Garth said something about
how God doesnt judge the way
people do. God looks at the heart.
Link touched Annies cheek lightly, wanting to find a way to erase her doubts. Anyone who looks at your heart sees how much you love that little girl. Dont ever doubt that.
Her cheek moved against his fingers as she smiled. He felt the tension begin to drain out of her.
Then I guess wed better pray that the social worker looks with Gods eyes. And that God doesnt care that I burned a quiche.
The attempt at humor relieved him, and he realized hed been holding his breath. One part of his mind looked at himself, amazed. When had he ever worked so hard just to ease someone elses hurt?
This wasnt just someone else, he thought. This was Annie.
MARTA PERRY
has written everything from Sunday school curriculums to travel articles to magazine stories in twenty years of writing, but she feels shes found her writing home in the stories she writes for Love Inspired.
Marta lives in rural Pennsylvania, but she and her husband spend part of each year at their second home in South Carolina. When shes not writing, shes probably visiting her children and her beautiful grandchildren, traveling or relaxing with a good book. She loves hearing from readers and will be glad to send a signed bookplate on request. She can be reached c/o Steeple Hill Books, 233 Broadway, New York, NY 10279, or visit her on the Web at www.martaperry.com.
Always in Her Heart
Marta Perry
www.millsandboon.co.uk
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Man looks on the outward appearance,
but the Lord looks at the heart.
1 Samuel 16:7
This story is dedicated with great affection to
Carol and Bill. Old friends are the best.
And, as always, to Brian.
Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Epilogue
Letter to Reader
Chapter One
Marry you? Annie Gideon stared, incredulous, at Link Morgans determined face. Why would I marry you? I dont even like you.
The annoyed expression Link so often wore when he looked at her intensified. Maybe youd better figure out a way, Annie. Because if you dont, were both going to lose what we value most.
The headache that had been throbbing since the double funeral the day before clutched at her temples. Why on earth are you saying something so preposterous now? And why here?
Link gave a quick glance around the living room of her sisters house, as if reminding himself that the delicate French Provincial furniture was as charming as Becca had been. Then he zeroed in on Annie.
Her heart gave a rebellious thump. Everything about Link, from his piercing dark eyes to his square jaw to his confident stride, proclaimed that here was a man who knew what he wanted and would do whatever it took to get it. She, of all people, knew just how accurate that impression was.
Hed exchanged the dark suit hed worn at the funeral for gray pants and a black sweater that still gave an aura of mourning. But mourning or not, he was clearly back to business.
Sorry. I know this is a bad time. His deep voice softened slightly. But time is just what we dont have. The fact that Davis and Becca died without making a will has put both of us between a rock and a hard place.
The pastel room swam before her eyes, and the scent of the lilies shed brought from the funeral cloyed. She forced back a wave of sorrow. If she didnt control it, grief for her sister would submerge every other instinct. Shed be no good to anyone, especially Marcy.
The thought of her twenty-month-old niece, napping unaware in the upstairs nursery, strengthened her. She frowned at the man whod been Daviss partner and best friend.
I dont see whats so complicated about it. Doesnt Marcy automatically inherit everything?
Exactly. Links straight, even features might have been chiseled from stone. Thats the problem. The baby inherits this house, whatever property Davis owned and Daviss thirty percent of the firm.
Light dawned. He was worried about the construction company he and Davis had shared.
I cant imagine that will make any difference to the way you run the company. Marcys certainly not going to interfere.
Contempt probably sounded in her voice. Links best friend and her sister were dead, victims of a wet road and a missing guardrail, and apparently all Link could think about was his business.
You dont get it, do you. A strand of dark hair fell on his forehead, accentuating his lowered brows. What do you imagine is going to happen now to all this? His gesture seemed to take in the gracious house that had been in the Conrad family for generations, the construction company, even the sleeping child upstairs.
She turned away from that intimidating stare, trying to get her bearings in a world that was suddenly alien. The wide front windows of Beccas home overlooked the town square with its flower beds and gazebo, surrounded by early-twentieth-century shops. She caught a glimpse of blue lake through the trees. Lakeview was a delightful Finger Lakes village, but it had been her sisters place. She didnt belong here.
I dont know about the property, she said finally. I guess Daviss lawyer will have to figure that out. If I have to stay until things are settled, I will. Then Ill take Marcy back to Boston with me.
They wont let you.
For an instant her mind refused to process the words. Then she spun to face him, the room seeming to spin with her. What are you talking about? Who wont let me?
Little Marcy inherits everything. He spaced the words out as if he spoke to someone who didnt have a grasp of the English language. Whoever controls her controls her inheritance. If you think Daviss cousins will let you walk away with Conrad property, youd better think again. Frank and Julia are the only Conrad relatives left, except for an elderly uncle.
She told herself he was crazy, because she couldnt face the possibility that he was right. Frank and Julia Lester dont want to be bothered with a baby. Even though they lived nearby, the Lesters have never shown any interest in Marcy. In fact, Becca had said the Lesters bluntly proclaimed they wouldnt have a family because children might interfere with their social life.
Maybe not. A bitter smile touched Links mouth and then vanished. But now that Marcys inherited, I suspect the Lesters are going to discover that theyve always adored her and want her to live with them.
She pressed her hand hard against the oval marble-topped table. They cant have her. They dont love her. Im Marcys closest living relative. With Daviss parents deceased and my mothers illness, there isnt anyone else. Naturally Ill take responsibility for her.
Naturally. Something that might have been amusement threaded Links deep voice. Annie is the responsible one. You always took care of Becca, didnt you?
I always tried. Memory pricked her. Just as you always tried to protect Davis, even when he didnt need protecting.
A grimace marred Links features. I wondered how long it would take you to bring that up. Its been eight years, Annie. Cant you forget?
No. She shot the word back before she considered, but it was true. She could never forget the summer she and Becca had met Davis and Link, because that was when shed tumbled head-over-heels into first love.
He seemed to consider that abrupt negative for a moment. Why? Davis and Becca forgave me. Why cant you?
I have forgiven you. Forgiveness for a wrong done to her was easy. Forgiveness for a wrong done to the little sister shed always protected wasnt. Still, she tried to live each day as a Christian, and that mandated forgiveness.
You can forgive. His voice went soft. But you cant forget.
When Links bass voice went down to that low rumble, it had a deleterious effect on her morale. She shook her head, trying to shake off the feeling.
None of that matters now. Whats important is Marcy. Becca would expect me to take care of the baby if something happened to her. Pain clutched her heart at the words. None of them had anticipated the accident.
I dont suppose you have that in writing.
No.
I didnt think so. Link rubbed the back of his neck as if he had a headache, too. Thats what makes it so chancy. You might believe Becca wanted you to take care of Marcy, and I might believe Davis would want me to run the company for his daughter, but neither of us can prove it. That makes us vulnerable.
To the Lesters, I suppose. She still couldnt believe that. Frank has been around helping with the arrangements. He hasnt given a hint hes thinking any such thing.
You dont know Frank as well as I do
Link caught her hand in a quick, impatient movement. The warmth of his fingers startled her. She hadnt known how cold she was until he touched her.
He smiles and smiles, but all the while hes looking for a weakness.
She pulled her hand away. She didnt know about Frank, but showing any weakness to Link could only be bad for her.
Why did you let Frank buy into the company, if you feel that way about him?
We needed some investors a couple of years ago in order to get a loan for the lakeside project. He shot her a questioning look. You know about the project, dont you?
Not much. Just that you and Davis are building homes along the east side of the lake. Becca had mentioned the project briefly, but shed been much more engrossed in Marcys new tooth than in business.
The project is a gamble for a company the size of Conrad and Morgan, so Davis thought we should form a limited corporation. Frank wanted in, and Davis wouldnt turn down his cousin. Now Frank wants all of it.
You cant know that.
I know. His mouth set grimly, sending a little tremor down her spine. Ive given this a lot of thought, Annie. Youre Marcys closest relative, but youre an unmarried career woman. I was Daviss best friend and partner, but Im not a blood relative. Separately, our claim to Marcy is weak, but if we were married
We cant get married just like that. She rushed the words, needing to deny that this thing could possibly be real. The thought of losing Marcy sent a chill to her very soul.
Please, Father. This cant be happening, can it?
Were not talking about romance here, Annie. Im telling you, marriage is the only way. He glanced at his watch. We can apply for a license today and
No! She folded her arms tightly, hoping her voice projected strength and conviction. I wont let you rush me into something like this. First, I dont believe youre right about the Lesters. Julias always made it clear she doesnt want a child. And second, even if you are, I wont jump into marriage until Ive explored every other option.
All the details in a row, in other words. He clipped off the words as if he disliked them, his eyes narrowing. You really are the perfect accountant, arent you.
Theres nothing wrong with paying attention to detail.
There is if it keeps you from getting what you want.
I suppose you think its better to charge right at what you want, no matter who gets hurt. Maybe that defined the difference between them. The past blurred into the present. I wont do things that way, not when Marcys future is at stake.
Fine. Link swung away from her, exasperation in every line of his tall, strong figure. You think, and figure, and debate. He tossed the words over his shoulder at her. If you end up by losing Marcy, maybe youll remember I gave you fair warning.
He stalked out of the room, and she heard the front door slam behind him.
Annie sank into the nearest chair, fists clenching on its brocade arms. Shed certainly come out of that encounter the worse for wear. Links quick mental leaps had always outrun her need to unravel any knotty problem step by careful step.
She closed her eyes, shutting out Beccas pastel living room. Eight years ago, she and Becca had been college students, and Becca had talked her into working at the shore instead of taking the internship shed been offered.
You dont want to spend the summer in a stuffy old bank. Beccas face had lit with anticipation. Well find great jobs at the beach. Think of the gorgeous guys well meet.
Becca always had managed to meet gorgeous guys everywhere, and they both knew their parents wouldnt allow Becca to go unless Annie went to take care of her. But shed said yes, because she couldnt bear to see Beccas disappointment if she hadnt.
The jobs hadnt been wonderful, but they had met Davis and Link, college roommates whod had the same idea as Becca. Davis, fair and smiling, had taken one look at Becca and been a goner. His tall, dark-haired friend hadnt had Daviss looks and polish, but hed made Annies heart do something shed never felt it do before. Shed always been careful, never falling in and out of love the way Becca did. Then Link reached right past her guard and touched her heart.
Everything had been perfectuntil Link decided his friend was getting too serious about Becca. In an instant hed turned into someone Annie didnt knowgrim, determined, implacable. If hed bothered to explain what he had against Becca