Breathless (Meadowlarks) Read Online Free Page A

over his chest, proudly.
    “So I've heard.” I smile d and let my mind wander. Thinking of Alex in a cowboy hat, jeans and boots.
    Oh, baby... this might just be good.
    “Alex, I was thinking that I would like to take the kids to Maine. To visit my parents.”
    He frown ed. “When?”
    “Well, I was thinking this weekend.” I look ed at him, my eyes sending quiet requests for agreement. “I miss them.”
    That was all it took.
    One point, Riley.
    “Want me to come?”
    “Well, it's kind of last-minute. Blaine probably has plans for you two this weekend.”
    He scratched his head as he thought about it. “Yeah, he does. Are you sure you'll be okay with both the kids?”
    “I'll be fine. Isaac will be there to help me.” I smiled and reached for his hand, taking it and holding it against my cheek.
    While Alex was showering, I opened the laptop and checked the travel sites for the best flight deals. I could get all three of us to Maine and back this weekend for under fifteen hundred dollars. Unfortunately there will be two stops, as usual, but I was sure we would manage. I booked the tickets and smiled with excitement. I cannot wait to see my mom and dad.
    Addison drove me and the kids to the airport, and told me to give both of her parents a hug when I saw them. Which I most definitely would do, since Scarlett was their grandchild too.
    Isaac took my hand as we walked into our gate. We found our seats and got ready to head back to the East Coast.
    “Grammie! Papa!” Isaac shout ed across the busy terminal at my parents who were standing there waiting, and actually holding a sign with all three of our names written on it.
    That's my dad for you, he is funny like that.
    “Excuse me, young man! Just who do you think you are?” My mother exclaimed when Isaac threw his arms around her. “You're not my grandson. My Isaac is at least a foot shorter than you are.”
    “Grammie!” Isaac stomped his foot. “It's me!”
    She laugh ed and hugged him tightly. “I've missed you so much!”
    My dad took Scarlett from my arms and held her up in the air, flying her like a chubby little air plane. “Look at the little tumbleweed that's blown in, Gram!”
    Mom cover ed her mouth and started to cry at the sight of Scarlett. “Clive! Give me my baby!”
    I look ed around, because I was positive they were making a scene, but thankfully it was so busy in there that no one took notice to my very loud family.
    “Riley, my baby girl. We're so happy you're here.” My dad hug ged me and kissed my cheek. “It's been too long.”
    “I know, daddy.”
    It felt odd being back in my old house. Nothing had changed. They still had it decorated with a nautical theme, which as so unusual for Maine, right? Ha.
    Blues and creams and whites everywhere; my bedroom was still the same too, as was Isaac's. My mother converted her “craft room” into a bedroom for Scarlett. It looked like a fairy-tale forest, and when I stood in the doorway I had to fumble around to find my jaw that had fallen on to the plush carpet.
    A giant tree was painted on the wall. Its roots curled around the edge of the trim, and down to the carpet. The trunk broke off into thick branches which spread across the vast space, and flourished up to the ceiling with big green leaves. Little fairies were delicately painted, by my dad's hand, I was sure, in the tree and flying all around it. Little balls of yellow light detailed on their wings, and upon closer inspection he had also painted them little houses hidden amongst the leaves.
    “Dad, this is just... wow.” I marveled at his masterpiece and he stood there, looking around and smiling, as he was very proud of his work.
    “Papa, are you gonna paint my room next?” Isaac jumped at my dad's side, holding his arm in his hands.
    “Sure, buddy. What are you in to now? Dinosaurs still?”
    Isaac thought about it for a minute. “No, not any more. Now I like dirt bikes and four-wheelers!”
    I can thank Blaine and Alex for