Kathryn was standing there on the patio, hearing the music of the party inside the home of her parents. She walked further out into the rose garden to escape the noise. Taking a deep breath she inhaled the scent of roses and looked up. The night sky was blanketed with stars so bright it appeared she could almost reach up and touch them. In the distance she could hear the barking of a neighbor’s dog. Walking over to a bench she sat down, removed her shoes and rubbed her aching feet. She will never get used to wearing high heels. Her long flowing royal blue evening gown was quite modest, yet draped over one shoulder giving it an elegant look, but at this moment she was wishing she had remembered her shawl for the evening air had a slight chill to it. Replacing her shoes she sighed and stood to go, almost bumping into something hard. As she stepped back to get a look at who she bumped in to her hands flew to her mouth.
“Jonathan, I thought you were in the Caribbean islands?”
“I flew back to be here tonight. After all how could I stay away from the most beautiful woman on her birthday?”
“You say the sweetest things.” She commented as she gave him a hug.
Jonathan has always been in love with Kathryn since high school. Only he kept it a secret of how he felt about her. He felt he could never be in the same league as she is, with her influential rich family. Yet they developed a beautiful friendship. At least the differences hadn’t stopped their friendship. Now as she was celebrating her twenty third birthday, he plans to let her know how he has always felt about her. While he was away all he could do was think about Kathryn. He spent many sleepless nights praying and feeling a strong emotion of needing to tell her. That was the reason for coming back from his missionary work so soon. Looking at her now in the moon light, he was wondering if she possibly could be feeling the same way.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” She asked with a smile.
“Oh I know you have another surprise for me, right?”
He smiled and hugged her, “Well you could say that.”
Her smile fading she looks deeper into his eyes. “I really have missed you. A half a year is such a long time.” Her smile returning as she continued, “I am just so glad you are home. This really makes my birthday even better.” She gave him another hug. “So what’s my other surprise?”
He laughed and kissed her forehead.
“In due time sweet Kathryn, in due time.”
“How long are you staying before heading back?” His expression got serious and she thought she saw something in his eyes, but what? She didn’t know.
“That will all depend on…” He was about to say (you) but stopped his words.
“Depends on what?” she persisted.
His eyes got darker as he leaned forward cupping her face with his hands and whispered as his lips touched hers,
“You.” The kiss was gentle and she responded.
To Be Continued
(Love Inspired and Steeple Hill are trademarks of the publisher. This edition published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A. For more romance information surf to: http://www.eharlequin.com)
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