“I had so much fun at that wedding.”
A detail-oriented person like her would love the challenge of putting on a society wedding within the limited resources of Hoker, Kentucky. “You didn’t disdain Dan’s hall.”
“Mr. Fellows is a sweetheart, and he was so helpful while I got things set up.”
“The place is small and not up to your standards.”
Insulted, her brows pinched together. “You really believe that?”
“No denying it’s small and dated. My ass got pinched on those cracked plastic chairs.”
“Poor baby,” she said without an ounce of sympathy.
“Hey, I like the hall just fine; it’s definitely good enough for Hoker, but you can’t deny that everything about the place is ancient.”
“News flash, Kam: I am now a part of Hoker. Bought the house and everything.”
Could she be any sweeter?“Yes, you did.” And somewhere along the way, she’d taken residence in his heart. “I thought you had high standards like your aunt and uncle, but you were great with Dan and his staff. You charmed Ed and Ted, too.”
“I love their diner. I look forward to eating there again.” She glanced down at herself. “When I’m more mobile.”
That reminded him that he hadn’t yet told her about them hiring a few of the kids, as she’d suggested. He’d get to that soon.
“You wrapped your car around a tree and your primary concern was about a stray dog.”
“I was so afraid I’d hit her. That would have made everything so much worse.”
Worse than broken ribs, a jammed shoulder, cuts and bruises? To Glory, yes. Kam touched her face, a face he found incredibly beautiful whether she was fully polished with her makeup applied and her hair styled, or as she was now, tired, concerned, with greenish bruising and puckered stitches. “When I told you about Kirby, I knew you would be concerned for him because that’s the type of woman you are—the type who cares with her whole heart.”
Optimism widened her eyes. “I do?”
How could she not know? “You’re so caring it scares me sometimes.” Forestalling more questions, he put his forehead to hers. “Not since I was a kid, fresh at Addie’s, have I been this unsettled. Back then, I’d sometimes cry myself to sleep.”
“Oh, Kam.” She kissed the bridge of his nose, then his mouth. “Thank God you had Addie.”
“Yeah.” He’d certainly been blessed with some amazing women in his life. “She’d come into the room and just sit quietly with me. I’d curse her, tell her I hated her, but she said she loved me, anyway. She didn’t ask questions or pressure me, either. She’d just say that I was home now and I’d always be safe and loved.” Remembering filled him with warmth, both embarrassment at the pain in the ass he’d once been and gratitude over the love he’d received. “Addie promised me that it’d get better—and it did. I realized I wouldn’t have dared to cry to my mom or dad. It would have infuriated them, because Mom thought I deserved it, that she was trying to better me, and Dad would have seen it as a weakness.” Thinking about it usually put a vise on his windpipe.
Not this time. Not with Glory. “For different reasons, theyboth thought I was no good. That’s when I knew Addie was different, that she’d given me a chance, and I should take it.”
Without her moving, without her revealing a frown, he felt Glory’s intent sharpen, like the air right before a lightning strike. Keeping his gaze fixed on hers, he anticipated her reaction. One thing was certain: She never disappointed him.
Anger lowered her voice and stiffened her usually soft lips. “They were ignorant and cruel, and they didn’t deserve you.”
That summed it up nicely. “No?”
“Don’t you dare let them influence you, not in any way. Know that you’re a good man. Anincredibleman.” She clutched at his hand, her eyes desperately convincing as she whispered, “Know it in your heart and in your head, because youare.”
Evidently, she believed it, so did he really have to go out of his way to prove it to her? Maybe not. “I’ve never shared that, Glory. Not with anyone. Even as a kid, it shamed me.” Now, so many years later, it still left him prickly with unease.
“You can tell me anything. I’ll always keep your secrets safe.”
Love was there in her eyes, and in the earnest way she spoke. It was another reason to love her.
Lightening things a little, he promised, “I don’t cry myself to sleep anymore, just so you know. That ended after only a few months, thank God.”
Subdued, she didn’t share in his humor.
Right. Best to get on with it.“The thing is, the memories, the need to be better... that’s still there—except I don’t think about it as much when I’m with you.”
