Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 68033 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 340(@200wpm)___ 272(@250wpm)___ 227(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68033 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 340(@200wpm)___ 272(@250wpm)___ 227(@300wpm)
“No problem.” Jo grinned and gave a subtle shake of her head. “That Meredith is something else.”
Meredith and Jo had actually become friends through the process. The incongruity of that friendship made Kerris smile.
Jo plunged into the silence Kerris wasn’t sure how to fill.
“It’s the first Christmas without Aunt Kris. Can’t believe she’s been gone almost a year now.” Jo looked around the brightly decorated room. “It’s been tough.”
“I’m sure. I miss her, and I can only imagine how hard it’s been for the family.”
Jo’s hair had grown out of the sharp bob she typically maintained. As regal as ever, she looked even more like Kristeene with the softer hairstyle. Kerris hoped Jo would discover as much of Kristeene’s likeness inside as she wore on her lovely face and tall, lithe body.
“Daddy and I don’t even want to be in the house for Christmas.” Jo twisted a ring on her middle finger that Kerris recognized as one Kristeene had often worn. “Thanksgiving was…well, it just wasn’t the same. I think we’re going to Kenya for Christmas with Walsh and Uncle Martin.”
“Your Uncle Martin is going to Kenya for Christmas?” Kerris didn’t even try to hide her surprise.
“If you can believe it, he and Walsh have been globetrotting together.” Jo shook her head, a wry smile tweaking her full mouth. “They’ve spent the last few months in Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong. It’s probably the most time they’ve spent together in…well, ever. And somehow Walsh convinced Uncle Martin to spend Christmas with him at our Kenyan orphanage.”
“That’s great.” Kerris shifted on the stool she’d been glued to for the last hour. “I like Mr. Bennett.”
“You are definitely in the minority.” Jo hesitated before pulling up one of the small red chairs the kids had been sitting in. “What exactly did you like about him?”
“That he brought Walsh home when no one else could.” Kerris braced herself for the judgment she anticipated in Jo’s eyes.
Jo looked back at her, the easy smile disappearing.
“Have you spoken to Walsh?” Jo toyed with a small pot of glitter, her tone neutral.
“No, not at all.” Kerris rose to straighten her paints and crafts materials, afraid of where this could take them.
“What about Cam?”
Kerris’s movements slowed until she stood completely still. She studied her hands, poised over the craft debris, noting the paler band of skin where her wedding ring had rested.
“No, not at all.” Kerris’s voice pitched low, diving with her heart at the thought of her last conversation with Cam. “Have you?”
“We talk every couple of weeks. He’s doing well. Loves Paris. Loves the Sorbonne.”
“He deserves this shot.” Kerris forced herself to move again, swiping a pile of glitter into her cupped palm and then into the trash. “He’s a brilliant artist.”
“Always has been. I’m sorry things didn’t work out for you two.”
Kerris raised frank eyes to Jo’s face. “Are you really?”
“Of course.” Jo sat up straighter in her little chair. “Why would you think differently?”
“It’s no secret you resented me, Jo. I know you felt like I tore up Walsh and Cam’s friendship.”
“You did.” Not a muscle in Jo’s face even twitched when she said it. Her face was as certain as her voice.
“Yeah, I did.” Kerris settled back onto the stool, forcing herself to face Jo like she was facing her mistakes. “You don’t have to condemn me. I feel guilty enough on my own.”
“Cam was crazy about you, Kerris.” Jo chewed a corner of her bottom lip. “Did you ever love him? Or was it always Walsh?”
“Those are two separate issues, Jo, believe it or not.” Kerris pulled out the elastic holding her hair back from her face, dropping her head until the hair hid her expression before looking back up. “Yes, I did love Cam. And, yes, in some ways, it was always Walsh. I loved Cam, just not the way he deserved to be loved. Not as a wife should love her husband, and it was unfair of me to use him the way I did.”
“Use him?” Jo pulled her fine brows together. “What do you mean?”
“It’s a long story. Maybe once I’ve figured it all out myself, I’ll tell you about it.”
“And Walsh? Are you sorting things out with him, too?”
Kerris stared back at Walsh’s cousin, unsure of how to answer.
“My divorce isn’t even final. I’m not thinking of romance with anyone. And you?” Kerris hoped to divert the conversation away from the sordid little triangle that had been her relationship with Walsh and Cam. “Are you seeing anyone?”
“Me? No, I’ve been too busy. Aunt Kris left a huge hole in the foundation leadership, and I’ve had to step in and assume some of her responsibilities.”
“That’s wonderful, Jo. Kristeene would be so proud.”
Jo nodded, glancing down at her lap before looking back up, her face less guarded than Kerris was used to seeing it.